A review by oxfordcommas91
The Martian by Andy Weir

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

After reading and thoroughly enjoying Project Hail Mary, I was curious to read Weir's other work. I had somehow escaped the Martian craze back when it first came out and was made into a movie, but recently have been getting into sci-fi and felt like I should continue to dip my toe in with another of Weir's novels.
First, the audiobook is great. The fast paced, quick narration style and Wil Wheaton's narration made this a win for listening to on a long car ride. It keeps your attention and it's hard to "put down" because one chapter just flows into the next and there's constant action.
Martian and Project Hail Mary are similar in many ways, including the fact that it feels easy to confuse the two protagonists. While I don't mind when authors have a "type" it does make me wonder if Weir can only write the snarky/sarcastic, big ego, middle aged dude type. Despite that, it does work - Weir is talented and brings you right into the seat of the action every time.
This book flew by and I wish there was more of this epic adventure!
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