DOMINIC LARSON ’27
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 26 September 2025
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) spoiler-free review
Thrilling high stakes. Dense yet thoroughly intriguing and understandable science. A heartwarming, unlikely friendship. Project Hail Mary is a masterclass in science fiction storytelling.
Project Hail Mary begins with our main protagonist waking up from a deep sleep. He does not know where he is or why he is there, nor does he even know his own name. He quickly discovers his name is Ryland Grace, and he is on a spacecraft somewhere far away from Earth. Throughout the novel, Grace slowly remembers bits and pieces of his past, which are revealed to the reader through chapter-long flashbacks to his life before somehow ending up in space. He learns that the reason he is there is of such importance that the fate of the entire human race hangs in the balance, and he may be their last hope. In every chapter, many questions are raised and many are answered. As a result, the mystery unfolds at a natural pace, with twists and turns around every corner. The novel also masterfully employs the cliffhanger formula, in which every chapter ends with a thrilling revelation that makes it nearly impossible to put down until the very last page.
The main scenario that poses such a huge threat to humanity is among the most thrilling conflicts I have ever experienced in any story. It is breathtakingly huge in scale, yet feels deeply grounded in reality thanks to truly ingenious writing from Weir. Unlike many high-concept sci-fi stories where events are unexplained and reality is suspended, Project Hail Mary is written in such a way that every scenario, no matter how fantastical, is thoroughly explained and therefore is entirely believable. This is achieved through extensive, science-based explanations for every mystery, which never become tedious and are instead electrifying and baffling every single time.
Around a quarter of the way through the story, Grace meets Rocky, the secondary protagonist. The two must learn how to communicate and coexist with one another, which proves highly difficult due to many complications. Regardless, they quickly form an unlikely friendship, which raises the overall stakes even higher, since we grow to love both characters, and either of them dying means the other would be left alone. The friendship between Grace and Rocky is the driving force of the entire back half of the novel. It is evident that neither character could possibly accomplish the impossible tasks that are required of them without the support of the other. Every single aspect of their friendship is heartwarming and constantly puts a smile on my face. Not to mention, Rocky is hands down my favorite character in any book, TV, or movie in recent memory. Everything about his personality is lovable and quirky in all the best ways.
It is extremely difficult to write a proper review for Project Hail Mary without going in depth about the engaging science, huge reveals, and baffling twists and turns, but I tried my best in hopes that you can experience this masterpiece for yourself in full. The novel is phenomenal anyway you read it, but I highly suggest the Audible audiobook, narrated with perfection by Ray Porter. This book, more than any other I have experienced, has elements that are elevated by the strong audiobook narration.
Also, Project Hail Mary has been made into a motion picture starring Ryan Gosling, which will be released theatrically on March 20. Overall, Project Hail Mary is the closest thing to perfect sci-fi storytelling that I have ever seen or can even imagine. In fact, I am willing to say that storytelling in general does not get better than this. Every element is expertly crafted with deep care and thoughtfulness, resulting in an awe-inspiring and exhilarating thrill ride from start to finish.
Final score: 5/5 (a must-read) ★
