Disappointing. Unintentionally read the sequel before the original, but I was still able to read this ok, though there are probably quite a few important points about some of this world and the main characters I missed.

I love the overall concept, but there was an overwhelming lack of strong female characters. I felt that the one and only female character was just tacked in for an under-developed and forced romantic side plot and was only there to help the strong, manly protagonist reach his goal. There was even a 'makeover' scene so she could look more appealing, ugh.
adventurous challenging dark tense

Review following, just quickly updating my books right now.

Not a review but just a note on this book, it doesn't follow Artyom as you'd expect. The third book does go back to our main character.
Don't skip the book because of it though! It still includes characters relevant to the later book, and is a good book in and of itself.

Nie za bardzo.. oprócz Saszy żaden bohater mnie nie ruszył, a ona też niespecjalnie. Miałam nadzieje, że Gluchowski pójdzie w kompletnie innym kierunku, że historia Artema będzie kontynuowana - jeśli nie to po co był „wybrańcem” nie rozumiem.. zakończenie ... szkoda słów. 2 gwiazdki i to tylko z sentymentu do uniwersum.
dark sad medium-paced
dark slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This was a shitty animu rewrite, albino protagonist included.