There are no prequels, sequels, companion novels, novellas, or connected storylines required before or after it. Read The Martian, then decide whether you want to watch the film adaptation or move on to another Andy Weir novel.
Quick Reading Order
- The Martian by Andy Weir
| Order type | Reading order | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Publication order | 1. The Martian | The complete order |
| Chronological story order | 1. The Martian | No earlier or later novels in the story |
| Beginner order | 1. The Martian | Start here with no background reading |
| Story Before Screen order | 1. Read The Martian 2. Watch The Martian |
The novel came first; the movie adapts the same story |
That is the entire Martian reading order. There are no alternate timelines, crossover characters, or side books to track down.
Is The Martian Part of a Larger Series?
No. The Martian is a complete story on its own.
Andy Weir has also written Artemis and Project Hail Mary, and those books are sometimes grouped with The Martian because they are all science-fiction novels by the same author. They are not part of the same fictional series, though. Neither book continues Mark Watney’s story or provides background needed for The Martian.
Read them afterward only if their premises appeal to you:
- Choose Project Hail Mary for another standalone, science-heavy survival adventure.
- Choose Artemis for a different standalone setting and cast.
Readers who want a long, connected space-fiction saga should skip the idea of treating these novels as one series. They are separate entry points.
Best Place to Start
Start with The Martian. There is no alternate starting book.
The novel follows an astronaut dealing with an extreme survival crisis far from Earth. Its story combines technical improvisation, isolation, long-distance teamwork, high stakes, and dry humor. You do not need a background in engineering, astronomy, or space exploration to follow what is happening. The scientific problems are tied directly to the character’s immediate situation, so the explanations serve the story rather than interrupting it.
It is a good fit for readers who enjoy:
- Space survival stories
- Problem-solving plots built around “How will they get out of this?”
- High-stakes stories with humor
- Fast-moving standalone science fiction
- Books that are easy to discuss after reading
- Comparing a novel with its film adaptation
Because The Martian is self-contained, you can finish the book without committing to a larger franchise.
Book-by-Book Guide
1. The Martian
The Martian is the only novel in its story.
The book centers on an astronaut stranded in a hostile environment and forced to solve one practical problem after another. The tension comes from limited resources, changing circumstances, and the challenge of staying alive long enough for help to matter.
Its appeal is not only the survival premise. The novel also makes room for humor and for the people working from a distance to help. That balance keeps the story from becoming a purely technical exercise.
Read The Martian if you want a complete science-fiction novel with a clear premise and no series homework. Skip it only if you are specifically looking for a multi-book story that continues across several novels.
Should You Read or Listen?
Either format works because there is only one book to keep up with. The choice comes down to how you usually spend your reading time.
Choose print or Kindle if you like pausing over the scientific reasoning, rereading a sequence of events, or keeping track of the logistical details. Reading on the page can be especially useful for readers who enjoy following each step of the character’s problem-solving.
Choose the audiobook if most of your book time happens during commutes, walks, workouts, chores, or long drives. The story moves through setbacks, plans, and new complications in a way that suits shorter listening sessions.
| Your priority | Better format |
|---|---|
| Following scientific explanations closely | Print or Kindle |
| Rereading a detail or passage | Print or Kindle |
| Reading in short breaks | Kindle or print |
| Commuting, exercising, or doing chores | Audiobook |
| Taking notes for a book club | Print or Kindle |
| Moving between listening sessions during the day | Audiobook |
| Reading before watching the movie | Any format |
If narration style matters to you, a brief audiobook preview can help you decide before starting.
Where the Movie Fits
The Martian has a film adaptation based on the same standalone story. There is no television series or multi-film franchise to watch first.
For a Story Before Screen experience, read or listen to the novel before watching the movie. The book gives you the original version of the story, including its internal perspective, scientific explanations, and novel-length pacing. The film then works as an adaptation rather than a required continuation.
A simple order is:
- Read or listen to The Martian.
- Watch The Martian movie.
If you have already seen the movie, the novel is still an easy place to begin. You do not need to remember other films or books, and the story stands on its own in either format.
What to Read After The Martian
There is no second Martian novel. Once you finish, you can stop with a complete story.
If you want more Andy Weir, choose another standalone based on the kind of premise you want next rather than following a series order:
- Project Hail Mary offers another science-centered survival story.
- Artemis takes place in a different setting with different characters.
Neither book is a sequel or prequel to The Martian.
FAQ
Is The Martian a book series?
No. The Martian is a standalone novel with no required sequel, prequel, or companion book.
What is the correct order for The Martian books?
The complete order is:
- The Martian
Publication order, chronological order, and beginner order are the same.
Are Project Hail Mary and Artemis part of The Martian series?
No. They are standalone science-fiction novels by Andy Weir, not sequels or prequels to The Martian.
Should I read The Martian before watching the movie?
Read the book first if you want to experience the original story before seeing the adaptation. The movie can also be enjoyed on its own, but it does not lead into another Martian book.
Is The Martian good for audiobook listeners?
It can suit listeners who enjoy survival stories during commutes, workouts, or household tasks. Readers who want to linger over the scientific details may prefer print or Kindle.
Do I need to understand hard science to enjoy The Martian?
No. The novel uses scientific problem-solving, but the story is built around survival, ingenuity, humor, and momentum rather than requiring technical knowledge from the reader.