116 pages • 3 hours read
Project Hail Mary
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Book Brief
476
Novel • Fiction
Space • Near Future
2021
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
In Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, junior high school science teacher Dr. Ryland Grace awakens aboard an interstellar spaceship with no memory and gradually recalls being part of a mission to the Tau Ceti system to save humanity from an alien life form causing solar dimming. As he works on the mission, he forms a friendship with an extraterrestrial named Rocky as they collaborate to stop the cosmic threat affecting both their worlds. Characters face morally complex decisions and extreme survival challenges.
Adventurous
Exciting
Inspirational
Suspenseful
Informative
Reviews & Readership
783,295 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary has received acclaim for its engaging science-driven plot and compelling protagonist. Critics praise the meticulous research and creative problem-solving scenes, yet some find the technical jargon overwhelming. The camaraderie between characters is a standout feature, though a few feel certain parts are overly complex and drag the pacing.
Who Should Read Project Hail Mary?
Ideal for fans of science fiction with a love for problem-solving, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir appeals to readers who enjoyed The Martian and The Expanse. Its blend of hard science, humor, and high-stakes adventure will captivate those who appreciate meticulously crafted, technology-driven narratives.
783,295 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rocky
Rocky
An Eridian extraterrestrial and the sole survivor aboard the Blip-A in *Project Hail Mary*, Rocky becomes Grace’s scientific partner and best friend. Resembling a Labrador-sized spider, Rocky is a genius engineer who shares Grace's love for discovery and science.
Eva Stratt
Eva Stratt
The decisive and authoritarian leader of Project Hail Mary in *Project Hail Mary*, Stratt is focused on saving humanity. She and Grace often clash but share the same goals, with Stratt emphasizing rationality and authority over ethical dilemmas.
Yáo Li-Jie
Yáo Li-Jie
The disciplined commander of the Hail Mary in *Project Hail Mary*, Yáo is a Chinese astronaut driven by honor and responsibility for his crew. He insists on full consent from crew members, showcasing strong character that Grace admires.
Olesya Ilyukhina
Olesya Ilyukhina
A Russian engineer on the Hail Mary in *Project Hail Mary*, Ilyukhina is known for her humor and competence. She provides comic relief but is also dedicated and deeply affected by the loss of her colleagues.
Dr. Lokken, Dmitri Komorov, Dr. Lamai, Robert Redell, Steve Hatch, and François Leclerc
Dr. Lokken, Dmitri Komorov, Dr. Lamai, Robert Redell, Steve Hatch, and François Leclerc
These scientists in *Project Hail Mary* highlight themes of international cooperation and scientific specialties. They each represent different moral stances: risk mitigation, recklessness, reduction of suffering, profit motivation, shattered values, and optimism.
Martin DuBois and Dr. Annie Shapiro
Martin DuBois and Dr. Annie Shapiro
Originally the science specialists for Project Hail Mary in *Project Hail Mary*, DuBois, and Shapiro are united in their dedication to humanity. Despite different personalities, they form a close bond, exemplifying resilience in the face of danger.
476
Novel • Fiction
Space • Near Future
2021
Adult
16+ years
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