Fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, known for his intricate worldbuilding and the sprawling Cosmere universe, recently shared his enthusiasm for science fiction, singling out Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary as his “favorite science fiction novel of recent years.” The declaration came during a livestream of gameplay from Halo 2, a game Sanderson was playing on March 20, 2026, as reported by multiple sources.
Sanderson’s praise isn’t a recent development. He’s been a vocal advocate for Weir’s work for some time, even creating a full video review outside of his usual Goodreads-only policy. This enthusiasm arrives as anticipation builds for the movie adaptation of Project Hail Mary, but Sanderson’s appreciation predates the Hollywood attention. He highlighted the novel alongside other authors he recommends, including Brent Weeks, Fonda Lee, and Terry Pratchett, offering reading suggestions to fans awaiting the release of his next book, The Fires of December.
What sets Project Hail Mary apart, according to Sanderson, is its optimistic tone and compelling narrative. In a genre often characterized by dystopian settings and grim narratives, Weir’s novel stands out for its focus on curiosity and problem-solving. Sanderson noted the book’s structural strengths, specifically praising its employ of the “white room” trope – a narrative device where a protagonist awakens with amnesia and must reconstruct their situation – as a particularly effective element.
“I really like The Martian. I like [Weir’s novel] Artemis. And I like this better than either of those,” Sanderson stated, as reported by Polygon. “This is more a Brandon book than… I mean I love, The Martian, but who doesn’t love The Martian? This one has a little bit more science fiction to it. This one has a bit of a more complex narrative and a bit of a more compelling, complex character. And yet it has all the stuff I loved in The Martian.”
Sanderson’s appreciation stems from a shared approach to worldbuilding. He builds intricate magic systems grounded in scientific principles, whereas Weir applies rigorous scientific accuracy to his storytelling, creating what Sanderson describes as a synthesis of modern science fiction. He believes Weir demonstrates that optimism can be a powerful and compelling force in narrative, a refreshing contrast to the prevailing trends in the genre.
The author’s support extends beyond simply recommending books. Sanderson has actively championed other writers, investing in the publishing ecosystem and supporting authors as an editor and publisher, demonstrating a commitment to uplifting the science fiction and fantasy community.
Interestingly, the admiration doesn’t appear to be entirely mutual. Andy Weir, a self-described devotee of “hard” science fiction, tends to recommend classic works like Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot and Robert A. Heinlein’s The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress when asked for recommendations, according to reports.
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Cosmere or simply looking for a compelling science fiction read, Sanderson and Weir’s respective recommendations offer a wealth of options. As fans anticipate the release of the Project Hail Mary movie, Sanderson’s continued praise ensures the novel remains firmly in the spotlight.
What comes next for both authors remains to be seen. Sanderson is focused on The Fires of December, while Weir continues to explore the possibilities of science-driven storytelling. The intersection of their influences and the ongoing conversation about the future of science fiction promises to be a fascinating space to watch.
What are your thoughts on Project Hail Mary? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
