Ml’a friend ZH should be the most annoying character I have ever read in a novel ... more>>

Spoiler

imagine going through an apocalypse where everywhere there is food shortage. This guy in the whole novel is just thinking about how to get more food from his friends I.e. The ML and FL, and the rarer the food the better, I mean he will stay in their house for days and when he is not there he will bags of snacks including meat to take it with him and Ju throw tantrum all the time, doesn't use his brain, we as the readers know that the protagonist has space but he doesn't how can he be so inconsiderate and take so many supplies from them when he has tons of his own and the FL is pregnant with twins. All the other friends stay within their limit but this guy will go straight to their house after work and stay there for the food. I hate characters like this you are in an apocalypse you have zero survival sense and in the slightest of inconvenience you will call the ML to help you out. Even when they just had their kids this guy went to live with them for the food and just took any snacks he saw in their house and demanded more. Never thought About reciprocating

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Apocalypse and survival are in the background, an easy life in the apocalypse being the protagonists of the story, but rich background characters in the overall world.

This is basically if rich people are given the chance to go back in time, and basically it goes about as you'd expect. I thought I'd give it a chance since I enjoyed "The Reborn Otaku's Code of Practice for the Apocalypse", but it's pretty stark difference just based on how much money the MC/ML have at the start. You basically stop relating to... more>> the protagonists as soon as they start shoveling food, supplies, millions of dollars in oil, machinery into their magical space.

Speaking of space, I really disliked how the storage space just conveniently materialized as soon as they went 'ah, it'd be so nice to have a space storage space like the novels' and a few chapters later, bam! That basically took down any sort of difficulty the two would have, lol. Translator said that it'll be touched on near the end, but it's a pity I have to wait for translation pace to binge it to see, or face the dreaded MTL.

Romance-wise, it's a bit tame rather than passionate but it's there. As someone who no longer really enjoys romance for romance's sake and needs plot, friendship (or more spice like enemies to lovers), and chemistry to even want to read it, there was no build-up at all. They're just in love, and the apocalypse-prep is just filled with lovey-dovey low-anxiety preparation like they're preparing for their honeymoon. 9_9 I feel like it'd be a more engaging read if they went from friends to romantic partners, but it could be to someone else's taste if they just want the romance out of the gate.

Anyway, since it's 1100+ chapters, I will have to put it down since I prefer to read everything in one go, especially since I find it lukewarm right now. <<less

Introduction:

"Farming for Survival in the Apocalypse" takes a unique approach to the apocalypse genre, seamlessly blending slice-of-life romance with a slow-burn apocalypse. The novel follows Bi Qiao'an, who is reborn with the knowledge of the impending disaster, as she navigates her second chance alongside Shen Yanming, a complex and devoted male lead who breaks free from the typical CEO trope.

Unique Story Elements:

• • Gradual Apocalypse: Unlike many stories in the genre that feature sudden zombie outbreaks or immediate destruction, this novel presents a series of creeping disasters that force characters to adapt and strategize.

• • Meticulous Preparation: Readers witness the protagonists' meticulous planning and resource acquisition, setting them apart from other survivors. They may not be traditional heroes, but their determination to survive based on their own moral precepts is compelling.

• • Realistic Morality: The author brilliantly portrays a realistic and logical approach to the ethical dilemmas that arise as living becomes harder in an apocalyptic setting. The characters grapple with the challenges of maintaining order and morality when societal structures crumble, showcasing their complexity and depth.

• • Compelling World-Building: The author crafts a believable world with a well-functioning government struggling to navigate the crisis, a rarity in apocalyptic novels. The novel emphasizes the importance of unity in the face of a tumultuous apocalypse, rather than focusing on characters building their own isolated bases.

Characters:

• • Bi Qiao'an: Breaking free from the "vengeful rebirth" trope, Qiao'an is practical, protective, and relatable. She has matured beyond her years, and her past memories affect the majority of her decisions in the future. Her rationale is subtle and intriguing, slowly revealed throughout the story. Her measured approach to past wrongs might not appeal to all readers, but it exemplifies her persona as a person guided by her own moral compass. As the story progresses, her character grows and deepens, from a young lady to a married woman to a mother.

• • Shen Yanming: A complex and supportive partner, Shen Yanming defies the typical cold CEO stereotype. Deemed the "dream boyfriend" even in the story, he might seem flawless. Handsome, smart, wealthy as hell and he pops up and say he loves you out of the blue? What woman wouldn't (be scared?) love it? Of course, Qiao'an ate him up. As the story progressed, his complexity will be shown in subtle ways. As the older of the couple, he guides Qiao'an as they navigate the tumultuous disasters, but their relationship remains an equal partnership. Yanming is Qiao'an's rock, and she is his lifeline. The moment his calm facade cracks during their separation is particularly moving.

• • Side Characters: The remarkably well-developed side characters add depth to the story, reflecting the complexities of humanity under duress. Each character plays a crucial role, driving the narrative forward and offering moments of respite from the tension. As I said, the author likes to uses cliche character tropes at first glance and twists them, surprising readers as the story explores their complexities.

Themes and Writing Style:

The novel's brilliance lies in its meticulous attention to prepper details and the couple's utilization of their magical space. The focus on well-thought-out survival strategies and believable character reactions sets it apart from other apocalypse novels. While the slice-of-life pacing might be slow for some readers, those who enjoy methodical, detailed narratives will appreciate the buildup and find the story increasingly thrilling as disasters strike.

Their magical space is one of the best spatial dimensions in apocalyptic novels I've read, with a backstory and a twist later in the story.

The author masterfully explores the many facets of humanity through a diverse cast of characters, immersing readers in a world that feels both familiar and unsettling.

Personal Opinion:

Reading this novel felt like being inside a safe haven, watching the world descend into pandemonium by the window from the security of my own home. The lead characters, with their meticulous preparation and unwavering resilience, serve as a bulwark against the crumbling world, keeping me grounded and invested in their journey.

This unique reading experience, combined with the author's deft handling of complex themes and character development, makes it an unforgettable and thought-provoking novel. It's a story that lingers long after the final page, inviting reflection on the nature of humanity, the strength of relationships, and the indomitable spirit of survival in the face of unimaginable adversity.

I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy character-driven stories, detailed world-building, and a fresh take on the apocalypse genre. Those seeking fast-paced action or a more traditional zombie apocalypse may find the novel's pacing and focus on preparation less appealing. However, for readers willing to immerse themselves in a meticulously crafted world and explore the complexities of human nature in the face of disaster, this is an absolute must-read.

Addressing Some Issues:

No novel is perfect, and there will be illogical points. However, I give my wholehearted respect to the author for attempting to address these issues later in the story.

The sudden appearance of illogical fantastical elements (this is tagged under fantasy, btw...) might raise questions, such as how the characters could have missed them in their previous life. Rest assured, this will be answered near the end of the story, as it is one of the main factors contributing to the apocalypse and the reason behind the main characters' golden fingers.

Some readers may find the novel's pacing slow, with barely any development even after a hundred chapters.

I salute those who put in the effort to read this far, and they are entitled to their opinion. This is a "niche" apocalypse story, and its unique premise can either attract or deter readers. As someone who has devoured numerous "hoarding in an apocalypse" novels during a six-month craving, I can confidently say that this one topped my list due to its exceptional world and character development.

Binge-reading this novel is recommended to fully enjoy it. The author's pacing is well-executed with the slice-of-life, making the slow creep of the apocalypse feel like a mounting pressure with each progressing chapter.

As for the drama, it takes its sweet time, but it's satisfying when it arrives. The author's karma knife is sharp, and they wield it with precision, ensuring that characters face the consequences of their actions. This adds another layer of realism and depth to the story, making it a truly immersive and engaging read.

Slice of life. Very slice of life, too much so.
Practically, apart from the beginning where they talk about their previous life, nothing really difficult ever happens to the two protagonists.
They already set off into their new life with every possible favorable condition, without making any effort; and where there might be a bit of difficulty... Magic!
Literally, magic. so out of the blue they discover that they have the classic, very classic "dimensional space" and "dimensional cultivation field" contained within the ML family heirloom rings; obviously they discover it by accident, out of the blue (ah, obviously up until that moment there had been no clue, not even in the previous life, of the existence of possible magic in this world and even the apocalypse is offered to us as something relatively natural and explainable with logic, so... really, out of the blue for plot convenience).
Ah, both of them have gone back in time and take it as a fact... but we have never seen them talk to each other about it, be surprised that they went back in time, tell each other about how they died in the first life... none of that. Not even the slightest trauma or desire for revenge, nothing.

Ah, honorable mention for the ML: he is a perfect and divine being, beautiful, very intelligent, capable of doing anything and very much in love with the FL since he was in middle school and she was still wearing diapers (and already here a bit of anxiety comes naturally to me, but at least he waited until she finished college before having his child wife).
As nice as a rectoscopy, and as credible as an email that promises you will become very rich, handsome and muscular in just 10 days if you just click on the link in the description and fill out a very simple questionnaire.

Ah, another gem that can make you understand the level of seriousness of this story: the MCs decide to go and collect supplies in the country of Europe.
Yes, you read it right: in this novel Europe is not a continent, but a single country.
And there they buy two thousand tons of coal, because Europe is renowned for being the first producer of coal in the world (spoiler: it's not. it's China, but the two protagonists prefer to take supplies from other countries and let the others die). I believe that the author doesn't even have in mind how many two thousand tons are and has written a random figure, among other things treating the purchase and sale of such a quantity as one would do with a box of potatoes from the farmer, and not something that - at least - you have to prove legally with invoices and documents. Nah, all it takes is a "tip" and the ML gets everything he wants, even a mobile home built and furnished in less than three weeks.
Okay.

And I really think she confused Australia with Austria, but she could also have put names at random because they sounded good to her.
I felt embarrassed while reading, I admit it.

If you really like slice of life (and I mean really like it), this is for you.

This author really needs to hit a word and chapter count and is stretching the plot as far as it can go.

There's no revenge, no real drama, nothing. I got whole paragraphs describing how they went to each country to collect supplies In. Detail. There's no character development. The two MCs just sit back and watch as people make the same mistakes they did in their past life while thinking I feel bad we... more>> can't tell you blah blah, but you won't believe me anyways so cest la vie.

It's not really sweet either? They fall in love really fast and are sweet to each other occasionally but it gets lost in the mundane details of everything else. I was just waiting for something to happen and nothing ever did. They're happy now and will continue to be; the conflicts are so minor and resolved so easily and honestly barely involve the MCs.

Read it if you need words (there are so many in this), don't if you can find something better. <<less