Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Taylor
Project Hail Mary is a unique science fiction novel about a man who wakes up in a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. If you loved it as much as I did, here are some more books like Project Hail Mary you might enjoy!
*I received a gifted copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Project Hail Mary Synopsis
Andy Weir is back with another wild ride set in space! This time, the survival of Earth rests on the shoulders of one man who wakes up alone in a spaceship. Unfortunately, that man can’t even remember his own name – he just knows it’s up to him to save humanity from an intergalactic threat.
Personally, I loved the characters, I loved the adventure, and yes, I loved the science (and there is a fair amount of it!). Andy Weir’s signature silly sense of humor shines through here, too. I think this story can appeal to all readers – even those who haven’t read much science fiction.
Who wrote Project Hail Mary?
The author of Project Hail Mary is Andy Weir. He’s a bestselling science fiction author, also known for his breakout novel The Martian (which was adapted into a movie starring Matt Damon). He’s also written other novels and short stories, including Artemis and The Egg.
Andy Weir has won a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction (for Project Hail Mary), and has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel.
Books to Read If You Liked Project Hail Mary
I put together a list of books like Project Hail Mary, if you’re looking for more books in that vein to enjoy.
First, I’d like to preface this list by saying there is no book exactly like Project Hail Mary. It’s a very unique book with specific elements, some of which can be found in other stories – but they will still differ in some ways, too.
Weir has a signature voice that’s quite unique, and the best place to find that in another book would be in his other novels.
But, I have done my best to share some recommendations below that are at least similar in some way, whether they share a similar character dynamic or setting, or just have a similar vibe. And now, on to the list!
The Martian by Andy Weir
Genre: Science Fiction
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Synopsis: An astronaut is stranded alone on Mars, and everyone on Earth thinks he’s dead. His supplies are quickly dwindling, but that’s not the worst of his problems. Can he figure out a way to survive, despite the odds?
Project Hail Mary is different than The Martian in many ways, but also has the same vibe and sense of humor. If you loved Project Hail Mary (like I did), you’ll likely love this one too!
The Long Way to A Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (Wayfarers Series)
Genre: Science Fiction/Space Opera
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Synopsis: The first book in the Wayfarers series centers around a rag tag crew traveling aboard an aging spaceship. They’re determined to pull off the job of a lifetime – if they can survive it.
Not only is the setting reminiscent of Project Hail Mary (much of this story takes place on a spaceship), but there are also some similar character relationships.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (The Illuminae Files)
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
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Synopsis: A teenage girl and her ex-boyfriend are forced together to fight back after their planet is invaded. But soon, their problems begin to grow: their spaceship’s AI might be turning against them, and a quickly-mutating plague has broken out.
(This book is written in epistolary format, with interviews, news clippings, emails, illustrations, and more.)
Fans of Project Hail Mary will enjoy this exciting series, which also has high stakes, humor, and lots of fun – all set in space. (I know I did!)
Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
Genre: Short Stories/Science Fiction
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Synopsis: This short story collection features speculative fiction ranging from the origin of the Tower of Babel to the human perception of alien language. In fact, one of the stories in this collection was adapted into the movie Arrival, starring Amy Adams.
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel (Themis Files series)
Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery
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Synopsis: As a little girl, Rose Franklin fell into a crater, unearthing a giant metal hand of unknown origin. Seventeen years later, Rose is the leading physicist of a research team dedicated to unlocking the mysteries of the metal hand – and they’re about to make a breakthrough.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery/Thriller
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Synopsis: Jason Dessen is walking home one day when he’s suddenly knocked out, and wakes up on a gurney surrounded by strangers. Impossibly, everything he knows about his life has changed – his wife and son no longer exist as he knew them.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells (The Murderbot Diaries)
Genre: Science Fiction
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Synopsis: A self-aware android (that has learned not to trust humans) is assigned to protect a team of scientists studying a distant planet. But nearby, danger strikes – and the android must work with the scientists to figure out what’s going on.
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
Genre: Science Fiction
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Synopsis: Desperate for a job, Jamie Gray is hired by a secretive “animal rights” organization. But he’s about to find out that the animals he’ll be helping to protect (giant, dinosaur-like creatures named Kaiju) don’t exist on Earth – at least not our version of Earth.
We Are Legion by Dennis E. Taylor (Bobiverse Series)
Genre: Science Fiction
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Synopsis: Bob Johansson wakes up a century after his death, when his consciousness is uploaded into a space probe that’s set to search the universe for habitable planets. He’s forced to comply. Not only is he up against other countries initiating their own desperate searches, but even more dangers lurk beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Genre: Science Fiction
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Synopsis: In the year 2044, a virtual reality called the OASIS has all but replaced actual reality – because the world is in rough shape. Wade Watts has devoted his life to finding and solving a ‘game’ of Easter eggs and puzzles hidden by the creator of the OASIS, which promises massive riches to whoever can complete it. But when Wade finds the first clue, it sets into motion events that he never could have anticipated.
(This is such a fun read – definitely one of my favorites!)
Will there be a Project Hail Mary movie adaptation?
Yes! Phil Lord and Chris Miller will direct the Project Hail Mary adaptation starring Ryan Gosling. The film is attached to Amazon MGM Studios and is set to release on March 20th, 2026.
It’s also been filmed for Imax, so get ready for an amazing experience if you’re able to see it in theaters!
If you’re a fan of Andy Weir like I am, you’re sure to enjoy these books like Project Hail Mary. 🙂 Happy reading!
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Love this post!! I completely agree!! I loved the science, the humor, the plot, absolutely excellent. I read a lot and finding a book that’s a real banger is awesome!!. (I totally agree with you on Ready Player One- that’s another diamond!) I’ve been reading a ton of the usual blah blah and trying to find something else that slaps…YAY! Can’t wait to check Illuminae per your suggestion.
YESS! It’s so exciting to find a book that totally draws you in. 🙂 I can’t wait for the PHM movie – I hope they do the book justice. Hope you enjoy Illuminae!
Should include Usuper of the Sun by Housuke Nojiri.
Thanks for the rec – I’ll have to check it out!
Two other books that grabbed my attention were Upgrade(by Crouch) and Replay(by Grimwood).
Love Blake Crouch’s books. I’ll have to check out the other one – thanks for the rec!