[ryandvm]

I read The Martian and loved it. It has a utilitarian sort of prose that won't amaze you but also doesn't get in the way. It's a plausible story with relatable characters. Perfect hard sci-fi in my opinion.

I also enjoyed Project Hail Mary, but I think the sci-fi carries it. The dialogue gets pretty tropey, but I was geeking out so I didn't let it bother me.