If you enjoy reading novels by Andy Weir then you might also like the following authors:
Blake Crouch is an author who creates fast-paced stories with mind-bending twists. One of his standout books is “Dark Matter.” It tells the story of Jason Dessen, a college physics professor who gets knocked unconscious and wakes up in a reality that isn’t his own.
His wife isn’t his wife, and his son was never born. Jason discovers he’s trapped in a multiverse, moving between worlds where every decision creates a new version of his life. The book dives into the possibilities of science and how choices shape who we are.
It’s a wild ride that keeps you hooked from the very first page.
Michael Crichton was a writer who had a knack for combining science and imagination to create thrilling stories. One of his standout books, “The Andromeda Strain,” is about a deadly microorganism brought back to Earth by a satellite.
The story follows a group of scientists as they try to contain the outbreak before it spreads. The book dives into the dangers of scientific experiments going wrong and keeps readers hooked with its sense of urgency and unexpected twists.
Fans of Andy Weir’s problem-solving characters and science-driven plots might enjoy this one.
Ernest Cline writes stories that bring together technology, pop culture, and adventure. His book “Ready Player One” is about Wade Watts, a teenager in a grim future who spends most of his time in a virtual reality universe called the OASIS.
The creator of the OASIS dies and leaves behind a challenge—a massive treasure hunt hidden within the game. Wade dives into this quest, competing against others who will do anything to win. It’s packed with video game references, '80s nostalgia, and high-stakes action.
If you enjoy books where resourceful characters use their knowledge to tackle impossible odds, this might hit the spot.
John Scalzi writes science fiction with sharp humor and imaginative twists. His book “Old Man’s War” kicks off in a future where people can trade their old bodies for the chance to fight in a galactic war.
The story follows John Perry, a widower who joins the army on his 75th birthday and finds himself part of a high-tech conflict that’s full of surprises. The blend of action, clever dialogue, and futuristic concepts makes it a fun and fast-paced read.
If you like Andy Weir’s focus on science and wit, Scalzi’s style might be a good fit.
Hugh Howey is a science fiction writer known for creating stories set in fascinating, self-contained worlds. One of his best-known books, “Wool,” takes place in a massive underground silo where people have lived for generations, following strict rules to survive.
The outside world is deadly, or so they’re told. The story focuses on Juliette, a mechanic who starts uncovering secrets about the silo’s past. The deeper she looks, the more the tightly controlled life inside begins to unravel.
It’s a story about survival, control, and the human drive to know the truth.
Kim Stanley Robinson is known for his science fiction stories that explore big ideas with a focus on realism and humanity. One of his standout books, “Red Mars,” kicks off a series about the colonization and terraforming of Mars.
The story follows a group of scientists and engineers who establish the first human settlement on the planet. It paints a vivid picture of the challenges they face, from political clashes to survival in a completely unearthly environment.
Robinson’s attention to detail makes the technology and science behind the colonization feel real. At the same time, the personal struggles of the characters keep the story emotionally grounded.
If you enjoyed Andy Weir’s focus on realistic science in “The Martian,” this might be a natural next read.
Becky Chambers writes heartfelt and character-driven science fiction that focuses on people and relationships rather than flashy technology. Her book, “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet,” follows the crew of a spaceship called the Wayfarer.
They take on a dangerous job that involves creating a hyperspace tunnel to a distant planet. The crew is a mix of humans and aliens, each with their own quirks and pasts, and the story centers on how they bond and face challenges together.
It’s not about big battles or saving the universe—it’s about connection and finding a place where you belong. If you like stories that look at the human (and alien) side of space travel, this one is worth checking out.
Alastair Reynolds writes science fiction with a focus on deep space, future technology, and humanity’s place in the universe. One of his books, “Revelation Space,” is set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the stars but hasn’t quite escaped its messy past.
The story follows Dan Sylveste, an archaeologist trying to uncover the secrets of an extinct alien race, while a mercenary crew approaches him with mysterious motives.
The book mixes hard science with big mysteries, drawing readers into a world where ancient discoveries could reshape everything humanity understands about itself and the cosmos.
Daniel Suarez writes fast-paced, tech-driven stories that explore the near future. One of his books, “Daemon,” starts with the death of a legendary game developer, but his creation lives on—a program that begins to execute plans on its own.
The book dives into how technology can reshape society, with a self-sustaining system that manipulates people and events in shocking ways. It’s full of moments where the implications of advanced AI feel chillingly real.
Fans of Andy Weir might enjoy the grounded realism and clever problem-solving woven into the story.
Peter F. Hamilton writes science fiction with a heavy focus on world-building and exciting, twist-filled plots. One of his best-known books, “Pandora’s Star,” kicks off a story where humanity has mastered interstellar travel and colonized distant worlds.
The story takes a turn when astronomers see a distant star suddenly vanish, sparking an investigation that uncovers an ancient, deadly threat.
The book is full of advanced tech, alien civilizations, and questions about the survival of humanity—all told through the perspectives of richly developed characters. Fans of Andy Weir’s inventive storytelling may find Hamilton’s work an exciting and immersive read.
Robin Sloan writes stories that blend modern technology with a sense of curiosity about the world. His book, “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore,” follows Clay, a man who takes a job at a strange bookstore in San Francisco.
The store hardly gets any customers, and those who do come aren’t looking to buy, but to exchange old, mysterious volumes. Clay starts to uncover secrets about the store, the books, and a secret society connected to it.
The story mixes old books, cryptic puzzles, and tech-savvy problem-solving in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
Neal Stephenson writes stories that mix science, technology, and adventure in a way that feels grounded and imaginative. His book, “Snow Crash,” takes place in a future where a virtual reality world called the Metaverse is as real and important as the physical one.
The story follows Hiro, a hacker and swordsman, as he uncovers a mysterious virus that threatens both realms.
The book dives into ideas about language, power, and how technology shapes society, all while delivering a fast-paced narrative filled with fascinating gadgets and sharp characters.
If you enjoy books with detailed worlds and clever problem-solving, this could be a great one to try.
Arthur C. Clarke is known for creating stories where science and technology shape humanity’s future in surprising ways. One of his classic books, “Rendezvous with Rama,” begins with the discovery of a massive cylindrical spaceship entering the solar system.
Earth sends a team to investigate, and the crew explores the vessel’s empty, eerie interior. As they unravel its secrets, questions about its origins and purpose keep the tension high.
Clarke focuses on human curiosity and ingenuity, crafting a story that pulls you into the mysteries of space. Readers who enjoy the focus on problem-solving, like in Andy Weir’s books, might find this a fascinating read.
Cixin Liu is a science fiction writer from China, known for crafting imaginative stories rooted in hard science. His book “The Three-Body Problem” begins during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, where a secret military project makes contact with an alien civilization.
The story jumps between Earth and a distant planet locked in chaos when its three suns create unpredictable seasons. The aliens see Earth as a lifeline and plan an invasion, while humanity wrestles with what to do about it.
The book dives deep into physics and humanity’s future, creating a tension-filled tale that’s both thought-provoking and powerful. If you enjoy Andy Weir’s focus on science and problem-solving, Liu might be a perfect fit.
Ted Chiang is an author known for writing thought-provoking science fiction that digs into technology, human nature, and the unexpected outcomes of progress.
One of his standout books is “Stories of Your Life and Others,” a collection of short stories that explore fascinating ideas. In the story “Story of Your Life,” a linguist is tasked with communicating with aliens who experience time differently than humans do.
The process of unraveling their language reveals how deeply our perception of time shapes our lives. Chiang’s work often blends science with emotional depth, creating stories that leave you thinking for days.
If you liked Andy Weir’s focus on science and ingenuity in storytelling, you might enjoy how Chiang builds worlds with a different, but equally fascinating, touch.