5 Perfect Sci-Fi Books to Read If You Love Project Hail Mary

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Early reviews show that Project Hail Mary is shaping up to be a major hit in 2026, and a critically acclaimed film. Starring Ryan Gosling, this sci-fi story centers on scientist Ryland Grace, who undertakes a seemingly impossible mission to save the sun. During his journey, he encounters an alien with the same goal – to save their own planet. Despite dealing with complex scientific concepts, the film is surprisingly heartwarming and is already a fan favorite. It’s based on the popular novel by Andy Weir, and the movie is introducing the story to a whole new group of readers.

Fans of both the book and movie Project Hail Mary are eager for more, and while a direct sequel isn’t planned, there are still plenty of ways to explore similar sci-fi stories. We’ve previously recommended some comics for fans, and now we’re sharing five excellent sci-fi novels – including another fantastic book by the same author, Andy Weir.

5) We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

In the first book of the Bobiverse series, We Are Legion (We Are Bob), Bob Johansson’s life takes an unexpected turn. Just after selling his company and looking forward to retirement, he dies in an accident. However, that’s not the end for Bob. He wakes up a century later as a digital copy of himself, owned by the government and with limited rights. He’s been uploaded into a computer system designed to run the AI for probes searching for a new home planet. Now, Bob must decide whether to cooperate and risk becoming a target for rivals, or refuse and be permanently deactivated.

As a big fan of hard sci-fi, I absolutely loved We Are Legion (We Are Bob), especially after enjoying Project Hail Mary. If you finished Hail Mary and were craving something similar – a really compelling, high-stakes sci-fi problem – this is it. But it’s not just the plot, the way it’s written feels very familiar, which is a huge plus for me. The narrator, Bob, is hilarious – dry, sarcastic, but always grounded in science. Honestly, it’s just a really fun and engaging read from start to finish.

4) Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

Mickey Barnes is a colonist on a dangerous mission to settle the ice planet Niflheim. He agreed to take on the riskiest jobs, knowing he was considered ‘expendable’ – meaning when he died, a clone with most of his memories would instantly replace him. But this cloning process is draining vital resources, and Mickey keeps dying. To make matters worse, the system is now creating two clones at once, which is a serious problem.

While Mickey7 served as the inspiration for the movie Mickey 17, readers who enjoyed Project Hail Mary will likely appreciate it for its thrilling survival story, the feeling of being utterly alone in space, and the focus on clever problem-solving. Though the way the story is told differs, it shares similar themes and a comparable atmosphere with Project Hail Mary. It’s also a humorous book, but with a dry, witty style.

3) Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

Some might say Sea of Tranquility is more speculative fiction than true science fiction, but I disagree. In fact, its departure from traditional sci-fi makes it a great pick for readers who enjoyed Project Hail Mary but don’t necessarily identify as sci-fi enthusiasts.

This novel weaves together the stories of four characters across different eras: an outcast in 1912 Canada, a detective traveling through time in a future moon colony, a novelist touring during a pandemic in 2203, and a woman investigating her friend’s disappearance in 2020. These seemingly separate narratives are linked by a strange occurrence, and the connections between them are truly unexpected. The book is beautifully written and explores thought-provoking themes of reality, time, memory, and the possibility that our world isn’t what it seems. While it doesn’t rely on complex scientific explanations, it’s a captivating story full of surprises.

2) The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve

In the novel The Memory Collectors, four residents of Ventura, California participate in a program called Aeon Expeditions that allows them to briefly revisit a moment from their past. But when their one-hour observation periods run long, they find themselves stuck in the past. They soon realize their lives are connected by a single night on a remote highway, and their individual tragedies are surprisingly intertwined.

Both The Memory Collectors and Project Hail Mary heavily feature the importance of memory. In Project Hail Mary, the main character wakes up with no memory and has to piece things together, while The Memory Collectors revolves around characters dealing with incomplete or lost memories as they try to solve a puzzle. The story also highlights an unlikely friendship between characters who find themselves stuck in the past. It’s a suspenseful and ultimately rewarding read.

1) The Martian by Andy Weir

If you loved Project Hail Mary, you might enjoy another book by Andy Weir called The Martian, if you haven’t read it yet. It’s about astronaut Mark Watney, who becomes stranded on Mars after a huge storm. His crew believes he’s dead and leaves without him, but he actually survives. Once NASA discovers he’s alive, they launch a massive rescue mission to bring him home.

If you enjoyed Project Hail Mary, you’ll likely love The Martian. Both books feature a similar storytelling style, focus on problem-solving through science, and explore the feeling of being alone in space. Plus, The Martian was adapted into a fantastic movie, giving you another way to experience the story!

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2026-03-29 03:11