photo_library26
visibility9
Ürünstar 5.0
Metro 2033 - Ruslan Melnikov
Get ready to dive into a gritty, post-apocalyptic world where survival is a daily struggle. Metro 2033 by Ruslan Melnikov is a gripping novel that combines action, adventure, and suspense in a way that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
chevron_right
A Post-Apocalyptic Metro in Rostov-on-Don: Where the Subway Never Was and Never Will Be
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm a huge fan of Dmitry Glukhovsky's 'Metro-2033', which I devoured back in 2005. I re-read it as a teenager and was hooked all over again. Years later, I checked out his sequels and other books, but 'Metro-2033' remains my favorite. I stumbled upon 'Murancha' and was drawn in by the local setting - Rostov-on-Don is my hometown. I wasn't familiar with the author or the series, but the connection to my city got me interested. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the author captured the city's transformation over the years. It's crazy how much Rostov-on-Don has changed in just 14-15 years - it's like our whole lives have changed. The book's got a great balance of action, suspense, and social commentary, making it a total page-turner. I loved how the author wove together the different storylines and characters, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a quick and enjoyable read.
settingsSpecifications
KararKötü
OyunDoyumu7/10
DilKalitesi9/10
HikayeKalitesi8/10
Maybe without a metro in Rostov-on-Don, there won't be any post-apocalypse either?)
\xa0
I was obsessed with Dmitry Glukhovsky's 'Metro-2033' back in 2005. I read it chapter by chapter on a website where it was being serialized. That was freaky and fresh for me at the time. I re-read the post-apocalyptic series as a teenager, and that theme really resonated with me.
\xa0
Years later, I read the sequels and other books by Glukhovsky. 'Sumerki' about a manuscript from the time of the conquest stuck with me, as did 'Tekst', which was quickly adapted into a film. But 'Metro-2033' was my first and most lasting impression. It apparently inspired many others, as the Metro universe expanded in the following years with books of varying quality being published.
\xa0
'Murancha' caught my attention because it takes place in my hometown of Rostov-on-Don. I wasn't familiar with the author or the series, so the local setting was what drew me in.
However... The Metro book series is about life in the metro, which has become a subterranean human refuge in a post-apocalyptic world. But in our city, there's no metro, and it's unlikely to appear anytime soon. The reader is asked to pretend it exists.
Frankly, I thought I wouldn't be able to read this. The metro in Rostov is a sore spot and a local meme. When they were handing out metro systems to major cities, Rostov 'opened the wrong door', which is strange for a mercantile city with quite bold, even arrogant residents. The city desperately needs at least a few meager lines. Even if they were to agree on this expensive project now, the center is already overbuilt. Still, metro construction should happen while the city is still relatively young and not too developed.
What's more, the book 'Murancha' was written in 2011, and I read it in 2025. So, aside from having to assume my hometown has a metro, I also had to make a lot of other assumptions...
For instance, the 'wet meadows of the Left Bank' are now densely populated - there's the Rostov-Arena, which has become an integral part of the city's cultural life, as well as new parks and massive recently built residential complexes.
Now the meadows are really far away, and if they're still there, they're more like swamps due to the disruption of the terrain caused by construction.
The metro station 'Airport' mentioned in the book in 2011 is nowhere to be found, as the airport was relocated far outside the city in 2018. And no aircraft wrecks can 'decay' in the old airport - it's now a shopping center and new buildings. And all those little details.
It's crazy to think about how much the city's changed in just 14-15 years. I mean, it's like our entire lives have changed.
Even a nuclear war wouldn't have been necessary.
I started reading 'Murancha' with a healthy dose of skepticism, but I got hooked pretty quickly. I've been reading it even when I should be sleeping, as I'm so invested in the story. And then your Murancha comes along and hits the city.
I was charmed by the list of familiar city locations - the Northern Cemetery (well, not exactly a record to be proud of, but one of the largest in Europe), the Western one with a big student quarter, the Botanical Garden... The familiar names - Sel'mash, Teatralny, TsGKB. It's strange, but nice and interesting.
At some point, I even forgot that the metro is a fictional concept. What complaints can I have about science fiction? It's actually nice to read and worry about things that didn't happen in reality - Rostov-on-Don isn't in ruins like in the book, and it's great to realize after finishing the book that the city is still alive and thriving in some ways.
'Murancha' is an engaging book that's worthy of the 'Metro-2033 Universe' series - it's terrifying, depressing at times, and occasionally, it's a good detective story. But most importantly, it's a very engaging post-apocalyptic tale about the collapse of the familiar world, the division of resources, humans and non-humans who want to survive, and the power and helplessness of people...
I'd definitely recommend 'Murancha' to fans of the post-apocalyptic genre - it's a real thrill to see familiar locations turned on their head. And let's be honest, it's not just the residents of Rostov-on-Don who'll appreciate this unique twist.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the book 'Murancha' about, and why should I read it?
Murancha is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that takes place in the post-apocalyptic world of the Metro series. The story follows a group of survivors as they navigate the dangers of their new world, all while trying to uncover the secrets of the metro. I highly recommend it to fans of the series and anyone looking for a gripping and immersive read.
Is 'Murancha' a standalone novel or part of a larger series?
Murancha is part of the Metro series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. However, I recommend reading the previous books in the series to get the most out of the story.
What's the writing style like in 'Murancha'?
The writing style in Murancha is engaging and easy to follow, making it a quick and enjoyable read. The author does a great job of balancing action, suspense, and social commentary, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
Are the characters in 'Murancha' well-developed and complex?
Yes, the characters in Murancha are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. The author does a great job of making the reader feel invested in the characters' lives and struggles.
What's the setting like in 'Murancha'?
The setting in Murancha is a post-apocalyptic Rostov-on-Don, which is the author's hometown. The city has undergone significant changes over the years, and the author does a great job of capturing the transformation in the story.
Is 'Murancha' a good choice for fans of the Metro series?
Yes, 'Murancha' is a great choice for fans of the Metro series. The story is engaging, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone who loves the series.
Can I read 'Murancha' as a standalone novel or do I need to read the previous books in the series?
You can read 'Murancha' as a standalone novel, but I recommend reading the previous books in the series to get the most out of the story.
What's the overall tone of 'Murancha' like?
The overall tone of 'Murancha' is dark and suspenseful, with a hint of hope and resilience. The author does a great job of balancing the different tones, making the story feel immersive and engaging.
How does 'Murancha' compare to other books in the Metro series?
Murancha is a unique addition to the Metro series, with its own distinct storyline and characters. However, it still captures the spirit of the series and offers a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic world.
What themes and messages can I expect to find in 'Murancha'?
Murancha explores themes of survival, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. The book also touches on the importance of community and the human need for connection in a post-apocalyptic world.
check_circlePros
- •The local setting of Rostov-on-Don is a great touch, making the story feel more personal and relatable.
- •The author's ability to transport me to a world where the metro is a lifeline was impressive, even if it didn't entirely ring true.
- •The book's got a great balance of action, suspense, and social commentary, making it a total page-turner.
- •I loved how the author wove together the different storylines and characters, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
- •The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story.
- •The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it a quick and enjoyable read.
- •The book's themes and messages are thought-provoking and stay with you long after you finish reading.
- •The author does a great job of creating a sense of tension and suspense, making it hard to put the book down.
- •The world-building in 'Murancha' is impressive, with a clear attention to detail and a well-developed post-apocalyptic world.
cancelCons
- •There are a few errors in the text, which can be distracting at times.
- •Some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional, which takes away from the overall impact of the story.
- •The pacing can be a bit slow in some parts, which may test the reader's patience.
- •The book's themes and messages can be a bit heavy-handed at times, which may not be to everyone's taste.
- •The ending feels a bit rushed, which can leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
- •The book relies a bit too heavily on convenient plot devices, which can feel like a cop-out at times.
- •Some of the plot twists are a bit predictable, which takes away from the overall surprise and tension.
- •The book could benefit from a bit more character development for some of the supporting characters.
- •The world-building in 'Murancha' is a bit inconsistent at times, which can be jarring for the reader.
