I loved this book - not even that much because of the plot but because of how it was written. This is Russian language at its best - clearly written, sophisticated, not simplistic but also without intellectual excesses. This is what I call a well-written book - a rare thing in the world where Dontsova & Co rule.The ending was weird but gives you much to think about. I guess I would be more disappointed if the author chose a standard ending of the Hollywood type but he did not and I'm very thankful for that.I liked Metro 2033 a lot but this book was, although less gripping, much better - it was "tastier" in style, in the choice of words, in the overall atmosphere.