I listened to the audiobook from Audible (GBP £8 ~ US $10) and would definitely say it was worth it.
However, I understand the differences between the Martian and PHM can be divisive, but I loved it.
Only one from your list I have read is Piranesi, but I just had to say I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of the genre so it was admittedly right up my street.
Some titles from my 'Short' TBR list include
The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler after really enjoying The Mountain in the Sea.
The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (#3 in the Long Earth Series).
In terms of waiting I only have a couple
Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss... But by now I should probably reread the first two once it is actually out.
The Martian Contingency by Mary Robinette Kowal (#4 in the Lady Astronaut series).
Edit: removing a spoiler that didn't get redacted properly.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Ray Porter, so maybe he delivered it in a way that meant I didn't notice it. But I did notice a similar vibe in Artemis (also audio, but narrated by someone else, cant recall who).
Edit: a typo and to add it was Rosario Dawson that narrated Artemis
I really enjoyed Heaven's River, but I also enjoy a slice of life book, and really liked all the world building with the otter world, I can definitely see where you are coming from though.
One cup, two sugars, no ass.
Necessary