Book Review

Book Review – Project Hail Mary

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Projecy Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Rating: 5/5

This is one of my all time favourite books. The blurb doesn’t give much away so I had no idea what was in store and boy did it not disappoint! It was just so well thought out. I imagine some people might find the science a bit too much, but to me it’s what makes the book so great! It is imaginative and creative, however everything is explained well and in layman(ish) terms so nothing seemed too unrealistic or farfetched.

Plot
I was absolutely hooked from the start. When Ryland wakes up and with no memories, there was so much mystery it was hard to put the book down. I love how the story unfolded and the way Ryland used science and logic to figure things out about himself, where he was and his current situation. The story was told from 2 timelines, Ryland’s current POV and his memories. Normally there is a timeline that is way more exciting, however I felt that there was a good balance as the flashbacks gave context and there wasn’t too much to distract from the main timeline. 

Once the mysteriousness of Ryland’s mission wears off, I’m drawn in for a different reason. The unexpected friendship that forms is funny, sweet and heartwarming, one that will stay with me for a long time! I’m normally a fast reader but I had to slow down and savour their moments. These are some of my favourites:

Click here to see spoilers
  • Ryland’s realisation that they were the only survivors on their ship and that they finally weren’t alone, they now had each other.
  • When Ryland overslept and was late which made Rocky annoyed. That made me smile and laugh.
  • Rocky had asked Ryland to watch him sleep because it’s part of their culture, Ryland figured it was most likely due to being in an vulnerable state when they “sleep” as they can’t just wake up earlier. I was impressed that there was an actual explanation for this.
  • I was so heart broken when they parted ways, I didn’t even care about the fate of their planets anymore! I was even more devastated when Ryland found out that the astrophage was not actually contained and that Rocky would be in major trouble. I felt like I could breathe again when they reunited and remained together.

Characters

The main characters are so likeable I was rooting for them and I was so touched by their bond. I was more concerned about their wellbeing and upset when they got hurt vs when their mission was in jeopardy, thank god Ryland had his priorities in order! The twist was unexpected and caught me off guard. I had mixed feelings for Ryland because after all he had been through in the mission I felt there was some injustice for him. However, it did show the contrast of the person he was on earth and the person he had become – someone brave and who had found his purpose, it did create a solid and satisfying ending.  

Click here to see spoilers

Where do I begin with Rocky! When it comes to scifi and aliens, imagination can run wild and with little to no explanation about them. However there was so much world building around Rocky and his alien race it seemed plausible and even realistic. Rocky is such an endearing character you can’t help but to fall in love with him. So much so that I was ready to stop reading the book when I thought he had died. I would’ve been ok if Ryland had sacrificed earth to save his best friend.

I’m normally more of a romance or psychological thriller fan, however the theme of friendship was the absolute highlight, this book made me want to laugh and cry multiple times. Excuse me while I suffer from the empty feeling after finishing a epic book.

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