Metro 2033 started off very strong, and over the course of its 460 pages gradually lost all of its steam. I can't help being a bit disappointed in this novel, although it succeeded in certain parts; especially in ambiance and atmosphere, it also feels very aimless with a distant lack of gripping plot, character intrigue and really just anything to keep it well paced. I shouldn't be having to read more lore about small settlements that don't have any importantance only 30 pages from the end of the story.

Another thing to note is the very poor translation, which I can't take away points for since it's not the original authors fault, but I'd like to highlight it anyway. The translation of my edition (Natasha Randall) has quite evidently been a bit slack with her work, there's typos, spelling errors, duplicated words and other obvious mishaps in sentences multiple times in the book. I shouldn't be able to tell a translation is poor when I don't even know the original language.

In the end despite my complaints I'm still giving Metro 2033 a positive rating. The setting, the tone and the atmosphere the novel illicits are all top notch, it's claustrophobic and dirty. The mysteries that occur and are spoken of in hushed tongues are my favourite segments of this book, anytime something unexplainable happens in the decrepit and dank railway tunnels i was always hooked.

So In short: Great atmosphere, a unique setting, and an enticing amount of curious goings-on to draw you in.
But also a poor translation, Aimless plot,not enough character depth and an overindulgence in lore dumping.