The Martian by Andy Weir

May 20th, 2015 Kimberly Review 97 Comments

20th May
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian
by Andy Weir
Narrator: R.C. Bray
Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 5 cups

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive - and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills - and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit - he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?"

outofthisworld EPIC Audiobook 2015 FAV

OMG! The Martian by Andy Weir narrated by R. C. Bray was epic. From the first chapter to the nail-biting conclusion I was completely spellbound. Weir and Bray had me laughing aloud, and holding my breath.

Five reasons that you seriously MUST add The Martian to your audio collection

  • Andy Weir takes a seriously scary situation and allows the reader to become completely enamored by the protagonist and utterly fascinated by his experience and those of his teammates and those of personnel at NASA. The story, characters, and narration were simply brilliant creating that book high I chase.
  • Told from the perspective of Mark Watney the Martian grabs the reader. Watney is an astronaut for NASA. He and a crew were collecting samples on MARS when a dust storm causes them to do an emergency evacuation. During the process, Watney is injured and presumed dead. His captain in an effort to save the rest of the crew leaves his body on MARS. Only Watney is not dead and the tale that unfolds is incredible. As the story progresses we get narratives from key NASA members, media and Watney’s crew further drawing us into the suspense. Will Watney be saved or will he die alone on MARS?
  • Weir is a masterful writer from his descriptions of MARS, the equipment involved and character depth I was in awe. Watney is a biologist, but the man is a freakin’ MacGyver in his ability to be quick thinking and work with the limited equipment and food available to him. Weir brought him to life, elevated him to hero and yet kept him humorous and humble.
  • R.C. Bray narrates and he reminds me a little of MacLeod Andrews, he added such depth to the characters through tone and pitch. I loved his interpretation of Watney and the humor was spot on. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face. We meet a large cast, despite the fact that most of the novel is with Watney Bray gave them all unique voices as he expressed their fears and excitement.
  • Martian was riveting and while I do not intend to board a ship to MARS anytime soon, Bray’s story has increased my interest. Despite all of the technical jargon, he allowed the story to flow and in my opinion, even none science fiction readers will enjoy this. The Martian is the type of book I would feel comfortable buying for everyone on Christmas list. I have no doubt it will be among my top ten audio listens for 2015.

Buy it. I don’t care If you read or listen as I did..but don’t miss out on The Martian.

Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

Related Posts

97 Responses to “The Martian by Andy Weir”

  1. Heather B

    I loved this book! I thought it was perfect for audio, too. The movie trainer looks great; my book club already had plans to go see it when it comes out.

  2. Jennifer

    After so many of my blogging buddies raving about this book on audio I grabbed it myself. It will be my next listen.

  3. Kimberlybuggie

    Kimba! I’m so glad you loved this book too! I loved the audiobook so much, I think the reader was so perfect for it. I laughed out loud in the car all the way to work. It was so well done. I can’t wait for the film to come out, though I’m a bit curious how they’re going to do it. I really loved the audiobook so much but a lot of it is in Mark’s diaries and in his head so it’ll be interesting to see how they change it for film. 🙂

  4. Michelle

    YAY!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! This was one of my favorite books this year, and I’m so excited for the movie.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I did Michelle, it just rocked on audio and the movie is going to be awesome

  5. Teddyree

    I picked this one up on audio after seeing Kathryn @ Book Date’s review but I still haven’t listened to it. After reading your glowing review I’m convinced it needs to be next up 🙂

  6. Christina T

    I have had this book checked out from the library for a few months now and still haven’t picked it up! I’m glad to find out that you loved it. Maybe I should put my name on the holds list for the audio version so I can listen to it on the long commute to work instead.

  7. Lark

    This has been on my TBR list since Christmas. I haven’t heard a single bad thing about the book, but your review makes me want to read it right now. But darn it all, there’s a waiting list at the library!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, enjoy it when you come up on the list at the library. It is such a good read/listen

  9. Jennifer Bielman

    I love getting immersed with a character and experience their scary adventure together. MARS!!! Never read a book like this before.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah Mars..and Mark was so cool and hilarious.

  10. Cyn

    I’ve been wanting to read this just because of the cover, haha. Glad to hear this was pretty epic! I’v actually started listening to more audiobooks now (since I walk to and from work), so I’m happy to see the narration on this is amazing. Might need to pick this up soon! Thanks for the great review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was fun and the narration really made it for me

  11. benish

    This sounds like a realistic yet fun read! I’ve seen many positive reviews about it, I might give it a go over the weekend. Lovely review 🙂

  12. Deborah

    I’ve heard great things about this book so I really must grab a copy!

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  13. Liz

    Wow, this really sounds exciting and terrifying!! Definitely going on my list!

  15. Faye

    I read this not too long ago and LOOOOOVED it! It was such a unique sci-fi with an amazing narrator that really made me laugh. It was a bit too technical sometimes, and I sometimes skipped the mumbo-jumbo, but the overall plot and everything was good. I’m just glad he got home safely in the end!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think the mumbo jumbo worked better on audio then, but omg so happy to hear the book gave you the same high!

  16. Keionda

    I’m adding this to Goodreads!:) I’m usually nervous to step out of my romance genre but you have convinced me to give this one a try.:)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      To me this is a good one to step out of your comfort zone with

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Cool Sophia, I will be anxious to see if the book gives off the same high the audio did.

  19. Melissa (Books and Things)

    As much as I like sci-fi I probably wouldn’t have given this one a second look before your review. Oh and I know some people I need to recommend this one! I wonder if they will do audio? Oh nice!

  20. Kathryn

    I loved this one too on audiobook, I see a lot of readers putting it on their “not to read” lists and I would have too except I needed a science fiction book set in space. So happy I listened to this one and will be lining up to see the movie. Hope they do a great job with it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Don’t you think this would cross over easily and non-science fiction fans would enjoy it? I kind of felt it had enough humor and suspense without over your head jargon.

      • Kathryn

        Totally, they just have to give it ago. I loved the humor and his perseverance above all.

  21. Ramona

    I have to read this! I didn’t know about it, but wow! What a story, right? I can’t wait to get my hands on it 🙂 Thank you for recommending it, Kimba!

  22. Sophia

    That cover just looks downright cool. But it sounds too much like 172 Hours on the Moon… :/

    Glad you loved this one, Kimba! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      No familiar with it, but loved this one all the same

  23. Heidi

    I read a review for this on Hot Listens awhile back, and I grabbed an audiobook copy. I have it ready to go after I finish my audio of 8th grave. I can’t wait! So excited.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      No worries I will have something different to tickle your fancy tomorrow..LOL

  26. Stormi

    A part of me really wants to try this but there is that part of me who is not a huge Science Fiction fan that doesn’t want too..but I keep seeing all these great reviews and it sounds interesting but I just don’t know..lol.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a genre bender Stormi..and not heavy in jargon.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Right…I thought I would like it and loved it hard

  28. Cynthia

    Oh I keep going back and forth about whether I want to read this one or not. I have heard some parts can get a bit dry with the science of it. But your review makes me really want to give it a try.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think the audio translated better because I couldn’t get enough

  29. Paul (Audiobook Reviewer)

    There is a reason this made it to the Audies 2 years in a row, first time for that I think. Loved every second of it. I hope the movie staring Matt Damon as Mark Watney does the book some justice.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So excited for the movie and heck yes to being in the Audies two years running.

  30. Rosa

    I love survival stories. so, this book seems like a perfect read for me. Thanks for sharing!

  31. Sarah

    I have heard so much buzz about The Martian. I really want to read it one day! I’m even more interested in the humor because really when I think about sci-fi and accidentally stranded in space scenarios… where does humor enter into that?! I so need to find out. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Mark Watney he is hilarious in an impossibly scary scenario.

  32. Tracy Terry

    Whilst not generally a fan of this genre for some reason this appeals to me …. just not as an audiobook which, unlike tree-books, I tend to get bored with very quickly.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is perfect on audio and honestly I couldn’t stop listening

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This is a good book for stepping out of your comfort zone Ali

  34. Jaina

    Just finished this one this morning – The Martian is a great read. Found it to be a really easy read, very entertaining and funny. Mark’s a fantastic protagonist to follow.

    (PS – you’ve written Mark Whitney instead of Watney in your post…!)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thank you..I hate when I do something like that, but at least I was consistent..LOL fixed:)

  35. Donna C

    I am not a reader of sci-fi, but you can count me in for The Martian fan club! Such a great book!

  36. Nick

    That cover itself is enough to freak me out, Kim! This sounds like it was a huge addictive success. I need to go look this one up since you LOVED it so much.
    Wonderful review, Kim!

  37. Mary

    I don’t really know why I hesitate to pick up books like this, especially since I really am a SciFi/Fantasy fan but I think I need to reconsider, especially with this story! I love when you read a really masterfully crafted story by a talented writer (of course, it makes me feel inadequate as a writer but it’s all good).

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was a fun one, and suspenseful as well Mary. I really felt like i was on Mars with Mark

  38. Grace

    I have been going back and forth on this one but you may have sold me. I also just got my audible credit today so it was good timing : )

  39. Sarah's Book Shelves

    I read this one, but loved it as well. I bet Watney was hilarious on audio! How did the science sections translate to audio? That would make me nervous…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It actually translated well Sarah and I never felt like it was too heavy or overdone.

  40. Red Iza

    Yessssss, you joined the club, I’m so happy (and relieved) that you loved it too !!!

  41. Melanie Simmons

    I so loved this too. I’m so glad that BookaholicCat found it and insisted that I listen to it. I never would’ve picked this up on my own. The narrator is perfect and really pulls me into the story. I can’t wait to revisit. I’m making DH listen on our summer roadtrip. Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo this would be perfect for a family vacation road trip listen!

  42. Pat

    I’ve been curious about The Martian. Thanks for sharing your great review. I’m glad you loved it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Pat. I love when my experience is over the top 🙂

  43. Lindy

    Space exploration fascinates me. Based on your review, The Martian has piqued my interest. The fact that the author was able to give “masterful descriptions,” is something that I would love in a story like this, where I can visualize the setting, and everything taking place. Awesome Review Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was fun, intense and totally cool. I have always been fascinated by space exploration.

  44. Meredith

    This review had me biting my nails and sitting on the edge of my seat! I’m not a big science person, but my interest in space and NASA has increased over the years. I think it would be extraordinary to some day go up into space. However, when that becomes a reality I don’t see myself being the first to jump in line for a ride.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      lol, nope I will watch and follow from down here..LOL

  45. Lorna

    I have gone back and forth with this one. I did download the sample from Amazon and it was interesting, but it didn’t grab me immediately. Maybe it would be more interesting if I listened instead? I don’t know. I know everyone loves it. Thanks for sharing.

    • Lorna

      Thought I would let you know-I did get it on audio but it will probably be a bit before I can get to it. Thanks for the recommendation!

      • kimbacaffeinate

        Oh so cool, the audio rocked I think you made a good decision.

  47. Christy

    I’m at 82% right now and totally loving it! I can’t believe how much I’ve been laughing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Me too, I giggled. This was just made for audio