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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
This book series should have never been a series and Metro 2035, much like its predecessor Metro 2034, proves that. But while Metro 2034 was devoid of the character that Metro 2033 had, Metro 2035 is also missing that but is also missing a key component in novel making - characters. Utter disappointment and bad end to a trilogy that should exist as much as Fifty Shades should
So what's so bad? What isn't. Our main character, Artyom, is pretty much as 2D as protagonists go. I mean the only real thing he has going for him is a raging hard-on for the outside world. Being stuck with this dude fo 530 pages might not be so bad if he weren't the only freaking pseudo-character (because c'mon, you know he isn't a real character) this book has. We get Homer who doesn't do anything for like 490 pages, Sasha from the last book comes back just to be absolutely fucking ruined, then have a hilariously painful love story-esque thing with Artyom and then get, again, horrendously ruined as a character. Hunter doesn't even fucking show up. Other than that we get a pretty bland plot that drags on forever until we get a semi-ok ending where everyone is controlled (Wow, didn't expect the puppet cliche ending). Seriously this book pretty much did the coma ending version of ending, but it didn't end there. It just refuses to end and has us follow Artyom's boring ass for another 80 pages after its pseudo ending happened. The dialogue in through is frightening because it sounds like it was written by a ten-year-old. I guess that's so it's more realistic but that doesn't really do any favours for this already badly thought out book that has almost no redeeming qualities. Oh but wait, it has meaning you say, well maybe it does. Is digging through 500 pages of this worth the trouble? No. The cover is nice tho.
A grim dystopian read, that puts the harsh light of the written word on all the low things man can be, Metro 2035 is the ended I expected from this series, and it is good for it.
Style
I have not read as much Eastern European or Russian literature as I should have so far in my life. If it is anything like I will have to read more of it. With some very obvious hints to Dante’s Inferno, the first half of this gripping read flows like a dramatic retelling of the classic story of a journey through the layers of hell. It is expertly done, and perfect for the setting of the novel.
The characterisation, and the dialogue are superb. The chance in perspective seen on occasion are refreshing, and really help change up the pacing.
The style overall of Metro 2035 is grim and depressive. The hopelessness of the story is matched perfectly by how well the writer pulls you along, offer glimmers of hope and a better world. These are a shame, and lead to an only darker, grimes, and sad truth behind them.
Metro 2035 is a intense and grim read, but one oh so well written.
Story
Artium, saviour of the Metro, rode off into the sun at the end of the last novel to find life does not end there.
He believes there is more to the world then the darkness and tunnels, and have isolated himself from all who love him in his obsession.
When a traveller called Homer comes to his station however, telling of a place where they live above the surface, Artium’s belief is rekindled.
So he sets off, travelling the whole berth and dark depth of the Metro trying to find out more of this fabled promised land. His journey takes him to the darkest grimmest parts of the Metro, where all the horrors of man are lain before his eyes and of us the reader.
The truth behind his home is revealed, and it bring him to breaking point. I will tell no more less to spoil. Not even if Artuim finds his hope and salvation. Trust me, the grim read is worth it.
Final Thoughts
As grim and dark as you can imagine, Metro 2035 is a must read. A fantastic entry into Russian literature.
