15 Books Like Project Hail Mary
Embark on a cosmic journey through the pages of gripping science fiction novels akin to “Project Hail Mary.” Whether you’re captivated by tales of space exploration, extraterrestrial encounters, or thrilling adventures across the universe, this curated list offers a diverse array of books that will ignite your imagination and keep you enthralled from start to finish.
From classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, these novels promise to transport you to distant galaxies, unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, and evoke the same sense of wonder and awe that made “Project Hail Mary” an unforgettable read.
So, buckle up and prepare for an exhilarating literary odyssey beyond the stars!
Books Like Project Hail Mary
The Martian by Andy Weir
“The Martian” follows the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars after his team presumes him dead and leaves the planet amid a storm. Alone, with limited supplies, Watney must rely on his ingenuity and scientific knowledge to survive until a rescue mission can be launched.
The book is celebrated for its attention to scientific accuracy, wit, and the compelling narrative of human resilience and resourcefulness in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Major Similarities:
Both “The Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” are written by Andy Weir and share a deep commitment to scientific realism and accuracy. They feature protagonists who use their scientific knowledge and ingenuity to solve complex problems in order to survive.
The themes of isolation and the struggle for survival against the odds are central to both stories, making them appealing to fans of science-driven narratives and survival stories.
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
“Seveneves” begins with the Earth in crisis after the moon explodes, eventually leading to the certain destruction of the planet. Humanity’s response is to send a group of people to orbit in an effort to preserve human life and rebuild civilization over thousands of years.
The book spans epic timescales, exploring themes of survival, the rebirth of civilization, and the human capacity for adaptation and resilience.
Major Similarities:
Like “Project Hail Mary,” “Seveneves” is a science fiction novel that deals with a global, existential threat to humanity, requiring a bold and innovative scientific mission to ensure survival.
Both novels are heavily grounded in scientific detail and explore the logistics and challenges of space travel. The emphasis on human ingenuity, cooperation, and the struggle for survival in the face of cosmic dangers aligns them closely in theme and tone.
Artemis by Andy Weir
“Artemis” is set in the not-too-distant future in the first and only city on the moon. The story follows Jazz Bashara, a small-time smuggler trying to make a big score with a dangerous heist that quickly spirals out of control.
This novel combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and heist narratives, showcasing Weir’s signature attention to scientific detail and a strong, resourceful protagonist navigating the complexities of life on the lunar frontier.
Major Similarities:
“Artemis” shares with “Project Hail Mary” the author’s hallmark of grounding speculative fiction in real scientific principles and possibilities. Both novels feature protagonists who are skilled in science and engineering, using their knowledge to navigate and manipulate their environments.
While “Artemis” focuses more on lunar colonization and the societal aspects of living in space, it similarly captures the spirit of adventure and problem-solving found in “Project Hail Mary.”
The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey
The Expanse series begins with “Leviathan Wakes,” introducing readers to a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, but is on the brink of interplanetary conflict.
The series blends elements of detective fiction, political thriller, and science fiction, telling a complex story of intrigue, innovation, and survival as mysterious and dangerous forces threaten human existence across the solar system and beyond.
Major Similarities:
While “Project Hail Mary” is a standalone novel, and The Expanse series spans multiple books, both share a richly detailed vision of humanity’s future in space, including the technological and social challenges of space travel and colonization.
The emphasis on a looming existential threat to humanity, the use of hard science to drive the plot, and the exploration of human ingenuity and resilience in the face of cosmic dangers are key similarities between them.
2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson
“2312” is a visionary exploration of humanity’s future, set in a time when the solar system is fully colonized. The novel follows Swan Er Hong, an artist and former space designer, as she becomes involved in a complex conspiracy that threatens the delicate balance of the terraformed worlds of the solar system.
The book combines speculative science, art, and politics to paint a compelling vision of the future.
Major Similarities:
Both “2312” and “Project Hail Mary” share a foundation in hard science fiction, with a strong emphasis on the potential for human colonization of the solar system and beyond.
They delve into the scientific, technological, and ethical challenges that accompany such endeavors. The themes of innovation, survival, and the broader implications of scientific discovery on human society are central to both narratives, offering a thought-provoking look at the future of humanity in space.
Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson
“Aurora” tells the story of a generational starship on a mission to colonize a distant planet, focusing on the struggles of its inhabitants as they approach their destination and deal with the unforeseen challenges of their new home.
The novel explores themes of ecological sustainability, the limitations of human engineering, and the complex relationship between humans and their environment, all set against the backdrop of a meticulously researched interstellar voyage.
Major Similarities:
“Aurora” and “Project Hail Mary” both delve into the challenges and ethical considerations of space exploration and colonization. They share a commitment to scientific accuracy and plausibility, with a particular focus on the physical and psychological challenges of long-duration space travel.
Both novels grapple with the theme of survival in hostile environments and the innovative solutions required to overcome them.
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
“The Space Between Worlds” presents a universe where multiverse travel is possible, but with a catch: you can only visit a world where your counterpart is already dead.
The story centers on Cara, who has a unique talent for traversing worlds due to the high mortality rates of her counterparts, making her valuable to the corporation that controls this technology. Themes of identity, privilege, and survival intertwine in a narrative that explores the complexities of parallel universes and the consequences of choices made in alternate realities.
Major Similarities:
While “The Space Between Worlds” leans more into the speculative and philosophical aspects of science fiction compared to the hard science focus of “Project Hail Mary,” both novels engage deeply with themes of survival, exploration, and the human capacity to adapt and overcome extreme circumstances.
The emphasis on scientific ingenuity and the exploration of new frontiers in space or the multiverse provides a thematic bridge between the two works.
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
“Children of Time” is an epic science fiction novel that spans millennia, focusing on the evolution of intelligent life on a terraformed planet and the remnants of humanity seeking a new home.
The novel explores themes of evolution, intelligence, and what it means to be human, presenting a unique perspective on civilization and the potential for different forms of life to develop advanced societies.
Major Similarities:
Like “Project Hail Mary,” “Children of Time” is grounded in scientific exploration and the potential for human and non-human intelligence. Both novels explore the idea of humanity facing existential threats and the need for innovative solutions to ensure survival.
The emphasis on scientific discovery, the challenge of communication with alien species, and the exploration of new worlds are key similarities.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
“Dark Matter” is a thrilling exploration of the road not taken, focusing on Jason Dessen, a physics professor who is kidnapped and wakes up in a world where his life has unfolded differently.
The novel is a blend of science fiction, suspense, and a deep dive into quantum mechanics and the multiverse theory, as Jason must navigate a labyrinth of lives he could have lived to find his way back to his own family and world.
Major Similarities:
Both “Dark Matter” and “Project Hail Mary” incorporate hard science into their narratives, with a strong emphasis on speculative scientific concepts—quantum mechanics and astrobiology, respectively. They share themes of isolation, the determination to return home, and the use of scientific reasoning to solve complex problems. The personal journey of the protagonist, coupled with high stakes and the exploration of profound scientific ideas, resonates in both stories.
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
“The Calculating Stars” is an alternate history novel that imagines a 1950s Earth facing imminent disaster, leading to an accelerated space program as humanity’s last hope for survival.
The story follows Elma York, a mathematician and pilot, as she battles personal and societal challenges to become one of the first astronauts. The novel explores themes of sexism, racism, and environmental crisis, alongside the drive for space exploration.
Major Similarities:
“The Calculating Stars” and “Project Hail Mary” both feature protagonists who use their scientific expertise to address a global threat, with a strong emphasis on space exploration as a means of saving humanity.
While “The Calculating Stars” focuses more on the social challenges of its time, both novels explore the theme of overcoming adversity through innovation and collaboration. The detailed attention to the science of space travel and the depiction of humanity’s resilience in the face of existential threats link the two works together.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
“An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” follows April May, a young woman who stumbles upon a mysterious robot in New York City and becomes an overnight celebrity.
The story evolves into a complex narrative about fame, social media, and humanity’s response to the unknown, as more robots appear around the world. The novel blends science fiction with a keen observation of contemporary society and the impact of technology on human relationships and perception.
Major Similarities:
While “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” and “Project Hail Mary” differ in their approach to science fiction—with Green’s work focusing more on social commentary and the effects of technology—their narratives are propelled by the human response to extraterrestrial mysteries.
Both books delve into themes of global cooperation (or the lack thereof) in the face of a potential alien threat and explore the role of individual initiative in addressing challenges that have broad implications for humanity.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
“The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” is a character-driven science fiction novel that follows the crew of the Wayfarer, a tunneling ship tasked with creating wormholes through space.
The story is notable for its exploration of diverse cultures, species, and relationships, presenting a hopeful vision of the future where empathy and understanding are central to interstellar interaction. Chambers crafts a narrative that emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the universe.
Major Similarities:
Both “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” and “Project Hail Mary” share an optimistic view of space exploration and the potential for interspecies cooperation.
While Chambers’ novel focuses more on character development and social dynamics within a diverse crew, both stories highlight the importance of empathy, innovation, and teamwork in overcoming daunting challenges. The exploration of new worlds and cultures in both books provides a rich backdrop for their respective narratives.
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
“Red Mars” is the first book in Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars Trilogy, which chronicles the colonization and terraforming of Mars from the perspectives of a large ensemble cast.
The novel combines hard science fiction with deep ecological and sociopolitical themes, exploring the logistical, ethical, and environmental challenges of making Mars habitable for humans. Robinson’s detailed world-building and exploration of human dynamics make the Mars Trilogy a cornerstone of science fiction literature.
Major Similarities:
Like “Project Hail Mary,” “Red Mars” is grounded in rigorous scientific detail and the realistic portrayal of space exploration. Both novels tackle the theme of humanity’s survival and adaptation in extraterrestrial environments, focusing on the ingenuity and resilience required to overcome unprecedented challenges.
The emphasis on collaborative efforts to address global-scale problems and the potential for scientific breakthroughs to shape human destiny are central themes in both works.
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel
“Sleeping Giants” is the first book in the Themis Files trilogy, which begins with the discovery of a giant metal hand buried in the earth, leading to revelations about an ancient civilization and the potential for humanity to access advanced technology.
Told through a series of interviews, journal entries, and other documents, the narrative explores the global political, scientific, and social implications of such a discovery, as well as the personal stories of those involved in unraveling the mystery.
Major Similarities:
Both “Sleeping Giants” and “Project Hail Mary” revolve around the theme of human interaction with alien technology and the quest to understand its purpose and origins. While Neuvel’s work delves into the political and social ramifications of the discovery, both novels share a fascination with the unknown and the role of science in unlocking new frontiers.
The investigative and problem-solving aspects of the narratives, along with a sense of wonder and the potential for humanity’s advancement, link these stories closely.
Cibola Burn by James S.A. Corey
“Cibola Burn” is the fourth book in The Expanse series, focusing on the challenges of colonizing new worlds beyond the alien gate network discovered in earlier volumes. The novel delves into the conflicts between settlers, corporations, and governments vying for control and resources on a new planet, against the backdrop of alien technology that could change the fate of humanity.
The story combines elements of space opera, detective fiction, and hard science fiction to explore the complexities of human and alien interactions.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Project Hail Mary,” “Cibola Burn” addresses themes of exploration, colonization, and the human capacity to adapt to new environments. Both novels feature a mix of scientific exploration, the potential for conflict over resources, and the challenges of understanding and integrating alien technology.
The emphasis on a small group of individuals facing high-stakes challenges in an alien setting, along with the broader implications for humanity, creates a thematic resonance between the two books.
