Few post-apocalyptic stories can get as much visibility as Metro series. First starting as published text online, Dmitri Gluhosvski’s Metro 2033 has expanded into series of sequels with multiple translations and video games series. But lets have a look at where it started and dive into Metro 2033 book review!
The story
It is year 2033 and civilization is in ruins. The world was destroyed in hail of nuclear warheads years ago, including Russia. But humanity still exists in deep and complex metro tunnels of Moscow. The ones that were (un)lucky enough to be located in metro tunnels when bombs fell survived, and slowly built a pocket of humanity deep underground. Humanity is managing somehow, with most brave scavenging the outside world, bringing whatever they can salvage to be bartered for need in metro stations, independent areas with their own cultures and leaders. But surface presents many dangers, involving powerful mutants which are evolved in heavy radiation in the rubbles of city.
Resident of VDNH, Artyom, is suddenly captured in series of events when he is asked to deliver a important message to the heart of Metro. Among his journey Artyom confronts many dangers and wonders in the dark of Moscow metro tunnels.
In the dark
The overall atmosphere of Metro 2033 is very claustrophobic and dark. In the depths of Metro there is little room for dreams or future. Today is important and where you get fresh water to drink and air to breathe. The stations (at least some of them) present pockets of humanity whereas tunnels connecting stations are whole different game. The tunnels are dark and lonely places where dangers can be lurking in the dark metro walls.
Which makes the world of Metro 2033 even more interesting is that the complex metro network is based on true locations of Moscow metro. The level of stations differ: Some factions are in war with each other, trying to foster their ideology over each other. Some station are better off with fragile peaceful life. Other stations are lost to mutants and rats or even sealed off from the remaining stations. In the tunnels of metro only danger is permanent.
The conclusion
Metro 2033 was an really interesting read. Despite it’s age, Metro 2033 gave a fresh take on post-apocalyptic books, with a new (and somewhat realistic) view of survivors living in dark metro tunnels of Moscow away from radiated wastelands. Cultures are born and torn down. Allies are made and lost.
Metro series is nowadays a whole franchise. Metro book series has sequels Metro 2034 and Metro 2035. There is also video games Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, Metro: Redux and Metro: Exodus. So if you are interested in stepping inside Metro’s dark and gruelling world, you are going in for a quite a time.
If you liked Metro 2033 book review, remember to check our Bookvault for more post-apocalyptic book reviews! You can also follow us in Facebook or Instagram.
