Project Hail Mary Review - Brandon Sanderson
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- How I review books.
Feel free to check out my Goodreads reviews (www.goodreads....! I hope you find them to be helpful, though I do want to make you aware that I approach book reviews differently than many you might find.
I maintain the page for two reasons. First, to have a list of books I have enjoyed to which I can point readers who ask me for book recommendations. Second, to give some examples of different types of writing, and make some notes on them for writing students.
Because of these goals, you will find only favorable reviews there. In fact, as I’m only posting on there books that I liked, I will rate everything at an even five-star level. A famous author once said to me early in my career, “Don’t worry. If your book works for me, I’ll talk about it. If it doesn’t, I just won’t say anything.”
That has always stuck with me as being the best way for another writer to approach reviews. The last thing that authors need is to feel that someone prominent in the field is gunning for them. This doesn’t mean I think each of these books is going to be a match for every reader who comes here; I suggest reading the reviews themselves, and focusing less on the star rating.
I also won’t focus much on summaries of the books. I’m not a professional reviewer, and my objective is not to tell you what the book is about. Instead, I’ll talk about what I liked in it, avoiding spoilers for the most part. Every review will have a section talking about what I think the writer does particularly well, and highlight things that I think writing students should study when reading the book, to learn techniques they might apply to their own fiction.
At the end of the review, I’ll give a shorter “overview style” recommendation, explaining the types of readers I think will like the story. Included in this will be a brief content warning, if one applies. For this, assume that I’m not going to mention anything that is below a mild PG-13 level rating. Common swear words, action-adventure style violence, and mild sensuality won’t merit a mention here. Not because of a moral judgment in any direction, but because again, the point of this page is not to be a specific review resource-but instead to suggest books I’ve liked, and to talk about writing.
Finally, I will mention any ties I have to the author, or biases I might have in suggesting the book, just to be clear and on the record about such things.
I hope you find something there you enjoy!
As Rocky would put it: "this book was good! Good good good!"
Rocky would give it a thumbs up. Hopefully a thumb... :)
*Jazz Hands*
Happy happy happy!!!
FIST MY BUMP ....
Yeah fist me!
If you start making skits I’ll need to start looking for a new job. 😂 great video!
Go back to writing, Daniel. Stop procrastinating!
@@hondasamer5920 I feel called out.
One Piece has a place for you, your friend is already on that trip :D
@@DanielGreeneReviews Daniel finish the breach of peace sequel I’m waiting very very very very very very pariently
@@donovanturner4148 dude be patient
Brandon saw Daniel Greene trying to be an author and decided to start reviewing books on yt lol
😂😂😂
Brandon coming for Daniel's yt space😂
Lol or he is the most productive author in a generation and thought hmm. Instead of spending a bunch of time writing this, my youtube is taking off, maybe I can shave 3 hours into 20 minutes........
If you think Brandon is doing something because Daniel the best thing I do is review things does them. You should go back there and watch another wheel of time video.
@@Playsitloud1 maybe it's just me, but your comment is incomprehensible.
@@thallakai it's just you but I can explain it for you.
Brandon explained at the begging of the video he usually does book reviews on his good reads. He is doing it here now because his youtube following is getting large and he can measure the reach as well as cut the time down on how long it takes to produce the review. He specifically states that it is a less produced review. The thought that Daniel greene even crossed Brandon's mind here is silly. Which was likely the point but still needs to be called out.
Next he'll drop reading vlogs, skits, tier-lists, weekly wrap-ups, book-tags, dnf-tags -- and he will be truly unstoppable. A force of sheer, unremorseful power.
The “forbidden Man Carrying Thing watch order” is next
Better start looking for a new job bud.....(I’ll still support you though 😘)
He'll start making skits with bits of your video's, instead of you making them with his lectures
Hey man who carries things
Hello man carrying thing *farts and dies*
Who had "Brandon becomes booktuber and upcoming fortnite streamer" for 200 bucks?
lol. not many people probably and not me certainly
Make it 200 V-Bucks
The ending was far better than what I had in mind. It's just perfect and sweet. Like a warm hug. Andy Weir has his own brand of sci-fi. Very hard to put down once you dive in a couple of paragraphs. He always starts strong and ends stronger. For all his fascinating sci-fi ideas, he is above all else, a fantastic story teller.
Amaze. Fist my bump!
I really appreciate how concious Sanderson is of his own influence. He only wants to give some positive attention and That is amazing
Yeah exactly, if he didn't like a book and have it a negative review, a fan might put too much stock in his opinion and miss out on a book that they might actually enjoy a lot. Another way of looking at it is that authors should want people to read as many books as possible because then they're more likely to read that author's works.
I appreciate that Brandon is conscious of his influence and is careful not to criticize other authors. A lot of people might put others down to make themselves seem higher.
I'd argue that actually sucks a little - not being able to express your discontentment with a story because of the ensuing problems that might arise from your influence.
It doesn’t suck much when you know you’re avoiding ruining or disparaging other authors’ livelihoods. He can share his negative opinion on books with his friends and family, just not on a public or online platform where it can instantly affect an author’s life.
@@OKstormg97 Fair from that perspective.
@@forsenfan69 He criticizes occasionally, it's just constructive usually. He also doesn't review books he didn't enjoy iirc. He's just a really positive person too.
I finished this book two minutes ago and I’m in TEARS it was so heartfelt and just amazing
Literally still a little misty eyed right now 😢
Likewise, I'm so happy I found it.
Me too, I loved every page. I’m still wondering how grace lived out his life… what ever happened to earth?! So many questions, but a fantastic book non the less
Amaze.
Can someone please recommend a book like this?!?! I need more of this happiness loveliness sweetness in my life please can't imagine reading anything else
Loving this slow transition into the world of booktube. He’s gonna start making skits next with Daniel Greene and Man Carrying Things.
That would be so awesome!
But that was him in Man's videos - he got his son to respect him (heartwarming). I mean, I know it "appeared" like Man interrupted his course and annoyed Brandon, but can you realize they planned that all out together?
@@MagusMarquillin Nice
If Man Carrying Thing and Brando colab for a skit I will die happy
This needs to happen.
First kelsier In fortnite and now a book review . Damn , today was full of surprises
What? Kelsier in fortnite???
@@gerardohoppe887 Kelsier in Fortnite. Complete with mist cloak, hemalurgic spike back bling, and obsidian dagger pick axe. They even got the scars on his arms.
WHAT?!?!
@@PacketWrangler making me want to play that game again after 2 years lol
@@TileBitan ikr!
Absolutely huge Second on this book from me. The audiobook in particular is a phenomenal experience. Andy Weir outdid himself. This is a book that grabs you, keeps you engaged, and takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Incredible how much he fit into a 16 hour listen.
The audio book was so good!
I am a bit fed up with the dark and grim stuff myself, so having some fun and optimistic books that are great to read is just what I want right now. However, what is far more important: Brandon rocking another Bebop shirt like an absolute champ!
Can you recommend more books like this?? I loved this so much I can't imagine reading any other kind of book right now!
"You shouldn't be coming to me for an in-depth look at a book."
-- the guy behind Writing Excuses
Legend
Who also teaches a college course on creative writing
Literally just finished this novel and am currently sobbing. Such a beautiful story
I haven’t read Artemis, but the way Andy uses scientific problems for suspense is amazing. This book was wildly suspenseful. The relationship between Rocky and Grace makes me so happy. Optimistic is a good way to describe it. It put some faith back in humanity for me.
I hope you have read it now, or listened to the audiobook.
Yep it's verified, Brandon is a proper booktuber now.
Brandon is turning into a booktuber and I love it. If this recommendation takes me out of my reading slump, I thank Brandon greatly, especially since it’s his wonderful roller coaster of a mistborn trilogy that put me in this slump to begin with
Brandon Sanderson + Cowboy Bebop Shirt + Book Review = a good day on RUclips.
Serious "Three Body Problem" and Bobiverse vibes from this book - I loved it!! Totally agree that it's like The Martian with a little more Brandon. Loved the characters, the story, the mystery. A bit less of "what's gonna kill me this week?" than The Martian, but that same problem-solving crisis-fixing optimism.
I definitely encourage anyone who liked Project Hail Mary to check out Three Body Problem and the Bobiverse books - so good! Thanks for your review Brandon.
If this gave you Three Body Problem vibes, then I definitely need to read this. The Dark Forest (TBP book 2) is my pick for the best sci-fi book I've ever read.
@@sirgog sirgog...nicely put. DARK forest is def in my top 5 all time. For Hail Mary, I didnt get those vibes, but I did get Contact and Left Hand of Darkness vibes
Since I finished Stormlight Archive not too long ago, a recommendation from my favorite author is very welcome.
I'm reading Oathbringer
@@cybersketcher1130 keep on, friend, the series gets better and better with each book.
I assume you've read it, but if you haven't read The Wheel of Time!
@@milospollonia1121 I finished book 2 so far.
@@milospollonia1121 Actually, I didn't. I tend to hesitate when it comes to diving into something huge. I have problems remembering all the details which creates a feeling that I'm missing out on too much when reading further. Maybe after reading so much Sanderson (not a native speaker and I didn't read that much before him, he's partially a reason my grammar got better, not to mention how much easier it got to read huge texts at all) it will be easier for me, but I still fear the scope is a bit too much for. I'm sure I will get to it some day, though.
Friday, May 28 2021
I admire the way Brandon treads on dangerous territory by navigating around the land-mines and just offering his positive feedback.
Humility is a discipline!
Spoiler:
"You save me and you save Arid!"
This and the very end made me very happy, really wholesome. I hope the movie really nails the friendship between the two main characters. Ray Porter nailed it in his audiobook.
It was very optimistic and fun to read, I really loved it. Things have been so bad lately, I hope there is more feel good reads like this.
Ah, that part made me tear up for a second time. ''You here!''
Sounds incredibly goofy to say referencing a fiction novel… but it made me proud to be human.
Brandon the reviewer yes please. And picking this book today.
Brandon has begun speaking the Booktuber oaths.
Thanks for the recommendation Brandon! Loved the book! It's always a treat to find another authors work that engages me as much as yours does.
Cool shirt! I’m reading project Hail Mary now and enjoying it. I like it even more than the Martian so far.
Didn’t think I could love you as an author any harder and then you wore cowboy bebop, AND mentioned Harrison Bergeron... awesome stuff. Thank you for the review.
I LOVED Project Hail Mary. I got the audiobook and Ray Porter, as always, did a great job narrating! Did not even realize you had done a blurb for it until after I was finished. Great book. I would love to see a follow-up but I know that he has only done one-offs so far. I would say more but don't want to give any spoilers.
Just finished Project Hail Mary today. Weir is my absolute favourite leaky earth blob! Also, just found your books and channel, Brandon, and so far am loving your writing. (edit: googled reading order instead of asking) cheers!
Brandon is doing book reviews! How awesome is that. Looking forward to author takes on other books.
I actually hope you do more of these! Like I don't need more books on my to read book list, but I still love to hear, especially an author's take on all books!
Really didn't expect the mistborn in fortnite, well done!
I was surprised to see this! The book was awesome. I listened to it about 2 weeks ago. Super dope, just about the best science fiction I have read.
I appreciate Mr. Sanderson giving out positive recommendations and content reviews as well! It's nice to see an industry author giving this kind of spotlight to other works!
You should absolutely do more reviews like this. Because I've come to this channel through your excellent educational videos on writing I don't check your websites, but only RUclips.
I’m digging the Cowboy Bebop shirt
FYI I love the stance of only reviewing things that you really like. It feels like a very positive way to produce anything.
Brandon slowly being like a full-on booktuber and bookreviewer is a nice surprise! Keep ‘em coming, Mr. Sanderson! 💪🏼
You did a great Job reviewing the book without giving any spoilers. I agree with the assessment.
Right before I consumed this book I had listened to Sanderson's lectures on Character development. It was interesting to analyze the development arch in "Hail Mary" with more informed eyes.
As a freelance writer and aspiring novelist, it's really cool to see an established, highly capable and successful author say he only recommends books he likes, and that he's not going to tear down other authors. Cheers.
I'm in a long waiting list to read this on my library's Libby app, but this makes me so excited to get my hands on it!
Just recommended this book to my niece. Not because of this review, but because I'm terrible at selling a book to someone so hopefully she will watch this and take away the same points I did. Thank you, Brandon!
More of theeese!!! I am always so curious what books you are reading and loving!
Thank you Brandon to put subtitles in your videos.
English is not my first language and sometimes you speak faster than you write and it get difficult to understand. *laughts*
Sanderson speaks pretty clearly, so the automatic subtitles are almost always accurate. You could try those.
@@starsun6363 Yes, he does. To be sincere I think I discoverd this tool by accicendent right now. hahah
My favorite fantasy author reviewing my favorite sci-fi author, while wearing a shirt of my favorite anime. My heart can't take it.
I'd love if Brandon did breakdowns of what he thought was done well from a writing craft prospective. I could understand putting it on Patreaon because it would be a good amount of extra work for him and his team.
I read it thanks to Brando's recommendation and I love every second of it. My best book so far in 2021.
Just finished this book with a tear in my eye💚🇬🇧🌱 such a fantastic journey...joy joy joy
This is fantastic Brandon! Keep these coming as you read stuff and enjoy it!
Really appreciate him adding a content rating, most book reviews leave that out.
I gotta say I love that Brandon mentioned the content rating of the book. Not enough book reviewers do that. There are some things that I'm not comfortable with and It would be nice to know that before starting a book. They really should have film style ratings in books.
Just finished Project Hail Mary which I picked up because of this video. Fantastic. Good to know Brandon Sanderson is not the only author creating his own soundtracks for his books. Good on ya Andy Weir. Hail to Singers! Attuning the song of Amaze...
I agree so much on the hopefulness and problem solving. And the mum thing haha. Its just a great story and I'm sure it'll be a good movie too - I just like that more people will enjoy this tale and I love the overall fable
one of my favorite authors recommending another favorite author 💕
Agree on optomistic...there was a bit of soft ball crisis that were resolved with "oh duh of course " and then a simple solution. Overall a great read. Nice review.
I'm only halfway through but so far it's the best fanciful science fiction I've read! Thanks for the review, we enjoy them coming from you!
Yes I had so many twist in my head of where the stories was going, all of which were negative. Never would I have predicted the ending with the classroom. Such a unique and genuine happy ending.
I've just finished listening to the audiobook and really, can't add anything to this review.
It is awesome.
I’m about to finish this book tonight and I LOVED IT! Ya’ll need to read it.
I will happily watch any book reviews you choose to do! I’d love hearing more about books you’ve enjoyed.
Brandon, congratulations on having Final Empire featured on Fortnite... Time to develop the game!
Duuuuuude... Brandon thanks so much for recommending this. I love your books. Loved the Martian and like you said this one is even better.
I have just finished this and AMAZE!!!! I cried so much.
yes. it is sad in a way.
So this is incredibly exciting because I LOVE Andy Weir and his book 'The Martian' is one of my all time favorite books. I will definitely be checking out this 'Hail Mary' book but I can't lie and say that I'm not super excited that one of my favorite authors (Brandon Sanderson) loves another one of my favorite authors(Andy Weir)! 🥰
A surprise to be sure - but a welcome one
I'm so excited to read this book! I bought it the week it came out and it is on my dresser just waiting for me to finish another series I'm almost done with... But YAY! I'm so so excited for it.
That’s it, the transition has started
Love the use of vulcans star for spoiler free reasons in this book
It's a good way to excite a trekie
Please do more book reviews when you find a gem like this one
I really enjoyed this book as well. I liked how it wasn't a typical, "aliens bad, humans good" story.
I freaking adored this book, and I freaking adore you, so this is great
Recently listened to the audiobook and it was my first Andy Weir novel. Loved it so much. Still need to read The Martian, and I'll get to it one day once I finish up Mistborn lol. Currently working through that on audible and it is fantastic.
Loved The Martian and Artemis, so definitely gonna check this out.
Second good review of this book that I've gotten so far. I'll have to check it out. Also, dig the Bebop shirt, professor!
I agree with Brandon's review 100% -- this is an easy recommendation for those who enjoyed The Martian, and I think that Project Hail Mary is actually a class above Andy Weir's previous work. Like The Martian, it deals with dire situations yet is firmly in the vein of optimistic science fiction: it's about overcoming seemingly insurmountable hurdles through ingenuity.
I'm glad Brandon kept it brief and light on specifics -- I went into the book knowing nothing apart from the fact that it was by Andy Weir and I liked The Martian and his previous short stories, and I feel like that definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the opening chapters as the story is slowly revealed.
That said, I think there are some more specific themes that the book dealt that while not exactly "spoilers," might take away from the sense of mystery in those opening chapters, yet that I feel are specifically worth noting:
.
.
.
Project Hail Mary is great hard science fiction, but at its core I think it's fundamentally a story about people cooperating across cultural and linguistic boundaries, and Andy Weir approaches it in a way that I seldom see in modern science fiction. I love the way that the themes of people from different backgrounds meeting and learning to work together is woven into the science fiction worldbuilding -- this isn't just a book about people who speak different languages and have different backgrounds; it's also a book about the differences between scientists and engineers. More specifically, it's about how those differences can lead to different blindspots, and how we can overcome those blindspots by working together -- and that, more than anything else, is what gives the book a tremendous feeling of optimism.
I just finished reading this book, and I absolutely loved it. Now ... time to go submerge myself in THE RHYTHM OF WAR. :-)
Much appreciate this review. Look forward in reading the book
I agree, I've read a lot of sci-fi and it's a superb book. Maybe it's not super groundbreaking if you've read a lof of sci-fi but it takes so many common sci-fi building blocks and spins it into a fun and engaging character driven narrative which I think almost anyone can enjoy. Andy Weir is quickly becoming the master of "accessible and fun hard sci-fi". And nothing wrong with that! Upon reflection I think maybe, perhaps, project Hail Mary is a hard sci-fi book with the soul of fantasy novel. Weir writes as much about the human spirit as he writes about technology, and the technology is borderline magic anyway.
More book reviews!!! Book reviews from my favourite author! nerdtastic!!!!
Your Cowboy Bebop shirt is amazingggg Brandon!!
I love Becky Chambers for optimistic sci-fi, though I think she's more soft science fiction. I'll definitely be checking this out!
This was the most entertaining audiobook I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Just awesome!! As for great non-fiction I was able to listen to American Prometheus: The Triumph & Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the weeks leading up to seeing Nolan’s Oppenheimer this past weekend. The film of course blew me away and the book from Kai Bird & Marty Sherwin is fantastic. Now I’ll wait patiently for the Project Hail Mary that is in the works…
I wish the steelheart series had more content, loved all your superhero work Brandon!!
its so hard to understand what youre saying (im not native english) but i think i love that its helping me to get better at the language
I listen to audio books at work because my job makes it easy. I’m on my third listen to this book. Fantastic.
CONGRATS ON THE KELSIER SKIN IN FORTNITE!! That's so sick that that was done I couldn't believe it when I first saw it lol
You put how I feel about this book into words like I just can't. You should be a writer! Haha.
Well this got me excited. I *loved* The Martian, and giggled my way through it. Love that this book seems to have less bad language, but sounds like it still has the uplifting humour. Hooray! Thanks for the review.
I really loved how the character's vocab was explained by their past. He's a Jr. High science teacher. Of course he's going to hurt himself and say something like "goshdang it." He's a pro at self-censorship.
Brandon reviewing books? This is amazing!
Just finished the audio book. Amazing
The phrasing where he actually drops the F bomb I’d argue is the only way to accurately express what’s happening. Same with the early f bomb by a “background character”. Sometimes that word is the only thing to accurately express some of these emotions 🤣
It was already on my to buy books on audible; this just bumped it to the top of the list.
I finally realize the joy of being early. Hi Brandon! Big Fan!
Cool, I just picked this one up last week, had a free book credit available and I remembered enjoying The Martian quite a bit. Glad to hear it's a good read
Wow that Harrison Bergernon shoutout triggered some deep memories.
Most productive author and now booktuber?? Let's gooo!
Yes! Finally book reviews!
That t-shirt is freaking AWESOME
I would love to see the Sando review Peter F. Hamilton, as PFH is basically the big long epic writer for the science fiction that Robert Jordan, and now Brandon Sanderson, is for fantasy. Plus, PFH is probably the most optimistic, yet realistic, writer I've ever read. He really has hope for human nature and our future, but he knows how real people work and how they can hold it back, too. It's part of why reading a PFH book always makes me happy.