Ryland Grace used to be renown scientist, but ended up becoming a teacher. One day there is a sample from Venus that shows life form and Ryland is approached by a lady named Stratt. Stratt asks Ryland to examine the samples and Ryland names them Astrophage, which is being found on the sun and is causing problems that will leave the earth in famine and in an ice age in approximately 30 years. Fast forward a few years later and Ryland finds himself on the Hail Mary. He can’t remember who he is, where he is, and what he is supposed to do. He does notices his travel companions have died and he is the only one to survive. Ryland realizes he is the only guy who can save Earth. This is told in flashbacks and present time for Ryland.
This book has a lot of science and math in it and it is really interesting, but at times it does feel like overkill. I do like all the experiments Ryland does. I really, really loved Rocky and just loved the interactions between Rocky and Ryland. The flashbacks were interesting and the twist that we get is just crazy. I really recommend picking this book up, it lives up to the hype.