Can’t wait to find similar books like Project Hail Mary?
If you like Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary, you seem to enjoy realistic science fiction peppered with far-out problem-solving characters with a dash of humor. Here is a selection of books like Project Hail Mary—each offering breathtakingly brilliant sci-fi ridden with engaging scientific challenges and a good dose of wonder regarding mankind’s place in the cosmos.
The Martian by Andy Weir
It is difficult to find a more suitable comparison for Project Hail Mary than Andy Weir’s breakout hit. Follow the journey of astronaut Mark Watney, who tackles life-threatening challenges on the surface of Mars using nothing but his wits, scientific know-how, and an unwavering sense of humor.
Artemis by Andy Weir
Yearning for more of Weir’s signature brand of science, humor, and high-stakes survival? Get a taste of Artemis, which is set in the first city on the moon. The main character, Jazz Bashara, keeps her wits about her and deals with problems in a no-nonsense way, very much in the spirit of Ryland Grace in Project Hail Mary.
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
With the Moon broken apart, humanity must collect itself in order to save civilization. Seveneves explores topics such as celestial mechanics, futuristic technologies, and the indomitable spirit of human invention—all of which will appeal to fans of Project Hail Mary for the scientific depth and tension it provides.
Contact by Carl Sagan
Like other classics in the first-contact genre, Sagan’s novel balances hard science with a quest for a philosophy of humanity’s place in the universe. The cosmic optimism found in Sagan’s Contact will appeal to those who have reveled in the cooperative potential exhibited in Project Hail Mary.
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Interested in an epic, Darwinian tale where you will ponder humanity’s future? In Children of Time, a terraforming project goes terribly awry, resulting in advanced societies of spiders. High-stakes science and very inventive world-building make this a great choice for devotees of Weir.
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
This alternate-history novel tells the story of Elma York, a pilot and mathematician, struggling for women’s place in the exploration of space. Like Project Hail Mary, it draws overwhelming attention to scientific challenges, working hand-in-hand with team spirit to motivate the reader to accept and inspire optimism/nurture hope for the future of humanity in the cosmos.
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
In this adult sci-fi debut, Paolini provides interstellar exploration, first-contact stakes, and one protagonist forced to face alien technology. Those who love the lone scientist-in-space vibe of Project Hail Mary will certainly find much to appreciate in here.
Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson
This generation ship tale demonstrates the intricacy of deep-space travel and the unforeseen challenges colonists may face. Kim Stanley Robinson’s intuition for realistic science and moral dilemmas too well fits into that spirit of Andy Weir’s writing.
A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Chambers made her debut looser and softer than in her take on space travel; Light on dire survival threats and heavy on character-driven warmth, multicultural encounters, and a real sense of wonder, you might love this, if you adored the more emergent camaraderie in Project Hail Mary.
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor
Bob Johansson, whose concentration is up on the tech-pulse, wakes up in latter-day AI form, hence is all by himself to explore galaxies and replicate himself for interstellar missions. Full of cleverness and pluck and thus tons of fun for fans of Weir’s wry problem-solvers.
Delta-v by Daniel Suarez
A band of private explorers is hired to mine an asteroid it is a risky business with stakes going as far as life and death issues. Suarez emphasizes real-world science and corporate power dynamics, making this an intense and thought-provoking thriller for all those in search of Project Hail Mary-like books.
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
Father Emilio Sandoz joins a Jesuit mission making first contact with an alien civilization. However, The Sparrow, with more philosophical and ethical queries, reveals the very human complexities of first contact and cooperation seldom seen in the works of Andy Weir.
Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
An alien unidentified object enters the Solar System and leads to an exploration mission. Clarke’s trademark attention to real science and dazzling ideas should appeal to those particularly interested in the expeditions around Project Hail Mary.
Blindsight by Peter Watts
A first-contact mission bumping into an alien intelligence that says something about humanity’s notions of consciousness. Blindsight rests on a more cerebral angle concerning the theme of cosmic encounter if you enjoy deep scientific inquiry tempered with existential dread.
The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield
A real-life astronaut, Chris Hadfield, presents this thriller, set on a secret NASA mission during the Cold War era. While it is not a hard science fiction novel, the intricacies of the space environment, and research that went into it, will certainly appeal to those readers enamored with the realistic depiction of technology in Project Hail Mary.
Embassytown by China Miéville
Set in a distant world where human beings coexist with alien species, the novel tries to explore the coordinates of language and communication. It has a first-contact dynamic and the power of cooperation, like Project Hail Mary.
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
A timeless classic of military sci-fi, The Forever War tells of soldiers fighting across light-years—and centuries—of time dilation. The intellectual puzzle of just surviving in space and the pressure from advanced technologies may entice fans of Project Hail Mary.
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
Join elderly people in their consciousness transference into bioengineered bodies to fight interstellar battles. Funny and packed with action, Scalzi’s novel stands out for this fusion of comedy and humanity—hallmarks of Weir’s great penmanship.
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
The first part of the Mars Trilogy, Red Mars describes the colonization of the Red Planet, with an incredible level of detail. Those readers who loved the scientific realism of Project Hail Mary will perhaps also enjoy Robinson’s thorough approach to space tech and terraforming concerns.
The Explorer by James Smythe
A doomed space expedition serves as the stage for one intense psychological drama, forcing the crew to analyze the definition of ‘reality.’ By raising what-ifs about starvation and isolation, Smythe’s novel echoes the high suspense of Weir’s cosmic alternatives.
Conclusion – Books like Project Hail Mary
If you’re looking for books like Project Hail Mary, these 20 novels have the perfect blend of scientific curiosity, human brilliance, and cosmic woefulness. From by Andy Weir to modern classics of first contact and hard sci-fi, each recommendation will add a fresh aspect to what it takes to face the unknown-and survive. Enter any of the aforementioned amazing tales, and you’ll be set up for your next interstellar journey!
Don’t Forget to also checkout my book Project Mind River.
Tech leaders warned AI is an existential threat to humanity, but not in the way you’ve heard until now.