If you’ve already finished Project Hail Mary and are currently staring at the stars wondering where all the witty, science-saving-the-day energy went, you aren’t alone. With the Project Hail Mary movie now in theaters as of March 20, 2026, the world is obsessed with Ryland Grace and Rocky.
But what do you read while you wait for your next space-fix? Here are the best hard sci-fi and “competence porn” books to bridge the gap.
1. The Martian – Andy Weir
If you haven’t read Weir’s debut, start here. It’s the gold standard for “the hero uses math to survive.” It lacks the “buddy comedy” of Rocky and Ryland, but replaces it with pure, unadulterated snark and survivalism.
- Best for: Readers who want more of Weir’s specific voice.
- Shop: [Check price on Amazon]
2. The Mercy of Gods – James S.A. Corey (2024)
From the creators of The Expanse, this is “Project Hail Mary” if it were a high-stakes political thriller. It follows a group of scientists kidnapped by a hive-mind alien empire. They have to use their biological knowledge to survive a Darwinian contest against other alien species.
- Best for: Fans who liked the “alien biology” aspect of PHM.
- Shop: [Check price on Amazon]
3. Starter Villain – John Scalzi (2023)
If you loved the humor and the “average guy in an insane situation” vibe of Ryland Grace, this is for you. A substitute teacher inherits his uncle’s supervillain business—complete with a volcano lair and hyper-intelligent talking cats.
- Best for: Readers who prioritize the humor and fast-paced dialogue.
- Shop: [Check price on Amazon]
4. Children of Memory – Adrian Tchaikovsky
This is the third in the Children of Time series, but Tchaikovsky is the master of “non-human perspectives.” If the best part of PHM for you was learning how an alien thinks and communicates, this series is your new obsession.
- Best for: Deep-dives into alien evolution and linguistics.
- Shop: [Check price on Amazon]
Check out my review of Project Hail Mary HERE
Should you read the book or see the movie first? Read up on the debate HERE!
Don’t Forget the Freebies
Remember, you can listen to the Project Hail Mary audiobook (which is widely considered the best way to experience Rocky’s voice) for free with an [Audible Free Trial].
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links.
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