If you’re one of the many thousands of fans waiting for a new Andy Weir book, you’ll be frustrated to learn that the acclaimed author of sci-fi novels “The Martian,” “Artemis,” and “Project Hail Mary” doesn’t currently have a next release on the horizon.
However, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a new Andy Weir release out sooner rather than later!
As we wait for Weir’s next novel, we’ve hand-picked 10 science fiction books to fill that Weir-shaped void…
1. “Seveneves” by Neal Stephenson
Neal Stephenson’s “Seveneves” opens with the moon blowing up, setting off a cataclysmic chain of events that threaten human existence. Stephenson, much like Weir, excels in weaving complex scientific principles into the fabric of his narrative. This tale of survival, spanning thousands of years, explores humanity’s resilience and ingenuity in the face of utter annihilation. Fans of Weir will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the hopeful message about mankind’s ability to adapt and survive.
2. “The Expanse Series” by James S.A. Corey
Beginning with “Leviathan Wakes,” this series offers a sprawling epic that combines the political intrigue of space opera with the gritty realism of hard science fiction. Corey’s universe, where humanity has colonized the solar system but remains fractured and conflicted, mirrors the meticulous world-building and scientific accuracy that fans of Weir admire. The dynamic between the crew of the Rocinante echoes the camaraderie found in “Project Hail Mary,” making this series a compelling read for Weir enthusiasts.
3. “The Calculating Stars” by Mary Robinette Kowal
In “The Calculating Stars,” Kowal presents an alternate history where a meteorite strike in 1952 accelerates the space race. The story focuses on Elma York, a pilot and mathematician who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Kowal, like Weir, highlights the importance of science and technology in overcoming challenges, making this novel (and its sequels) an engaging read for those who appreciate Weir’s emphasis on scientific problem-solving and strong, intelligent characters.
4. “Artemis” by Andy Weir
While awaiting Weir’s next book, revisiting his own “Artemis” might be the perfect interlude. Set in the first and only city on the moon, the novel follows Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara, a small-time smuggler dreaming of a big score. Fans will recognize Weir’s signature blend of humor, science, and a compelling lead character who uses her wits and technical skills to navigate through life-threatening challenges.
5. “The Martian Chronicles” by Ray Bradbury
Bradbury’s classic collection of interconnected stories explores human colonization of Mars, delving into themes of loneliness, the clash of civilizations, and the unyielding push for exploration. Though written with a more poetic license than Weir’s work, “The Martian Chronicles” captures a similar spirit of adventure and the complexities of human nature in the vastness of space.
6. “Children of Time” by Adrian Tchaikovsky
This novel’s unique take on evolution, terraforming, and first contact with alien species will intrigue fans of Andy Weir’s science-heavy storytelling. Tchaikovsky crafts a narrative that spans millennia, focusing on the development of an empire of spiders uplifted by human technology on a terraformed planet. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of civilization, intelligence, and survival.
7. “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” by Hank Green
Hank Green’s debut novel blends contemporary science fiction with social commentary, focusing on April May, a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity after discovering a mysterious alien artifact. Green’s exploration of fame, social media, and humanity’s response to the unknown shares Weir’s knack for integrating current societal issues with speculative science fiction elements.
8. “Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi
Scalzi’s military science fiction novel, the first in a series, introduces readers to a future where elderly Earth citizens are recruited to fight in a galactic war, promising them restored youth. Scalzi, like Weir, combines humor, action, and scientific speculation to explore themes of survival, identity, and the human condition in the cosmos.
9. “Dark Matter” by Blake Crouch
In “Dark Matter,” Crouch delves into the mind-bending possibilities of quantum mechanics and parallel universes through the story of Jason Dessen, a physicist kidnapped into an alternate version of his life. Fans of Weir’s engrossing narratives and scientific rigor will find “Dark Matter” a thrilling exploration of the paths not taken and the essence of identity.
10. “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers
Chambers’ debut novel offers a character-driven journey aboard the Wayfarer, a ship tunnelling through space to a distant planet. While lighter on the hard science aspect, the novel’s focus on character development, diversity, and moral questions within the framework of space exploration presents a heartwarming narrative that fans of Weir’s more personable and humorous writing will enjoy.