Released: 12th June 2015
Genre: Dystopian, Sci-Fi, Horror
Dmitry Glukhovsky is one of the most widely respected writers in Russia with the Metro series being his most popular creation. The trilogy comes to an end with Metro 2035, another gruelling dive into the post-apocalypse.
Taking place two years after the Metro 2033, we pick up with Artyom who continues to live the barest of existence alongside 50,000 others who live in the underground tunnels. Wracked with guilt over the destruction of the dark ones, the protagonist is despondent in the early going; that is until he discovers the possibility of life existing beyond the ruins of Moscow. With the old writer Homer and his comrades at his side, Artyom sets out on another journey to find a new home and unravel the truth behind the controlling factions.
We’re taken on another harrowing ride both above and below ground with the author’s detailed descriptions once again setting the tone brilliantly. Those who appreciate the grim atmosphere and unrelenting misery of the series will find many more grisly and visceral sights. Journeying through a vulgar brothel and witnessing the absolute depravity of the fascists will really make your skin crawl. The latter is especially brutal with mutated humans toiling away in the mines at one point. On the other side of the coin, we have a more personal tale; Artyom’s status in the Metro clashes with Homer’s idealistic storytelling and the wider machinations of politics. This side of the franchise is still on top form as we see many interactions between Hanza, the Reds and other players before major revelations emerge.
If anything, the book’s only weakness is its wider breadth. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and not all of them are well-rounded. Artyom’s fading relationship with Anya comes in pieces as the book goes on and Homer takes a backseat for some time after a narrow escape from one faction. It’s tricky to tie up so many threads while maintaining a more personable story, but the ultimate outcome is still very satisfying.
Recommended?
YES: Metro 2035 is a solemn closing chapter to the series. It merges the bleak undertones of the original with the more reflective style of the second while always keeping the characters (and by extension the reader) pointing towards the hope of a better future. Some of the cast are more developed than others and some threads are left unresolved but the book remains very gripping.
Metro 2035 served as loose inspiration for the video game Metro Exodus, developed by 4A Games and released in 2019.