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.

If you think the ML is a "a little pushy", or an overall green flag, please re-evaluate the relationships you have with the men in your life for your own sake.

In ch163, the FL is "jokingly" upset about not letting the ML kiss/sleep with her after he interrupts her video with PDA and almost doxxes them online.

MTL of the ML's response:

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Spoiler

"You have the heart to leave me without satisfying me. Who knows, one day I might make the same mistake that all men make?" Shen Yanming said in Bi Qiaoan's ear with a sly smile.

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Ah, yeah, an appropriate response to your beloved wife being upset that you PDA'd/marked your territory so hard you almost got her doxxed on her anonymous social media account—joking about cheating on her if she won't have s*x with you.

Okay. How sweet.

The very next chapter, 164, when he wants to get her pregnant:

Spoiler

Shen Yanming hummed nonchalantly, with a thought constantly turning over in his mind: if he poked a hole in the small umbrella, would Bi Qiaoan cut him when she found out?

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Another sweet moment wherein the ML extensively ponders the idea of cond*m sabotage, aka literal s*xual assault (sometimes also considered r*pe).

This happens because some old doctor suggested for them to have a kid, and (genius, easily-influenced ex-CEO that he is) he wants a baby right now even though the FL doesn't. He doesn't go through with it, because he finally thinks about her crying and being upset, but we, the readers, are clearly told that this is otherwise definitely something he wants to do.

Let me make it clear: I don't think fictional characters have to be moral or good or the least bit wholesome. (I actually quite love villains.) What perplexes me is that some readers think this ML is sweet and perfect and only a "little pushy" when we are literally told what he's thinking. Yes, he's very good to the FL in other ways. Yes, he simultaneously thinks extensively about sexually assaulting her and jokes about cheating on her. Yes, the story tries to portray him as the perfect man for the FL.

The question is, why should you believe the story? Can't you judge for yourself? Please have some standards.

(The 3rd returnee, Zhang Chenjun, has a guard lusting after her and really wanting s*x (and apparently a relationship, but the s*x is mentioned first). With no prior intimate contact, simply after following her around for a few months, he tongue-kisses a "suspect" candy out of her mouth and thinks "it's time for her to accept [him]!" in 167. Afterwards, she views him as a reasonable and good man, because this is definitely the type of thing a reasonable, good, trained government bodyguard should be doing out of the blue.)

As for the FL's alleged maturity, she gets more immature after they're married and does a lot of 'sajiao' behaviour. It's tiresome. Crying cutely when you need to take bitter medicine is only cute when you're under ten years old.

This is an overbearing CEO/spoiling-pet novel set in a disaster-type apocalypse. Ultimately, thus far, it's a story about two selfish, rich cowards living a good life in the end times. They have plenty of reasonable justifications for their behaviour that they toss about, of course, but when it comes down to it, it's selfish cowardice.

But I think the selfish cowardice is appropriate. To expect everyone to act selflessly in an apocalyptic setting, particularly with their past lives, is unrealistic. Humans are selfish.

My main problems with the novel are:

1) all the recurring male love interests (ML and 3rd returnee's BG, probably) are libido-driven, overbearing/presumptuous, and often do/say things because they don't consider how their romantic targets will feel and prioritise their needs.

2) despite their sometimes remarkably off behaviour, the 'good' female characters (FL, 3rd returnee) generally see no wrongs in their men (or nothing that might last over a day/won't be used as 'romance' fodder).

3) the novel tells you the male characters have all these good traits, but often don't show some of them/what's shown is inconsistent. It seems to expect you, the reader, to take it at face value and accept that yes, yes, this is the type of man that is a good man. Yes, the novel tells you they're good, so they must be good! Yes, the novel says it's sweet love, so it's sweet love. Yes, they have so many good traits, and their little thoughts are just normal little thoughts! Yes, they are outstanding and independent sigma chads. Yes, pulling pigtails is sooo romantic.

4) all of the above just doesn't add up, because the FL & ML aren't heroes anyway—they're more average, self-serving passersby civilians so far. Why do you have to convince me the ML is so perfect and good? He doesn't have to be perfect and good! It's unnecessary and tiresome.

Consequently, so far, it seems really genuine about all of that and therefore fails to achieve the appeal of being read as a story told from the opinions of biased narrators/character POVs. Even the overarching novel itself reinforces its sincerity too much, and that sincerity is just disingenuous.

And finally,

5) the FL sajiaos way too hard. God, this personality type is physically painful.

I'll update if I ever finish, but I don't think I can take 1000+ chapters of sajiao behaviour. It's obnoxious. <<less

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

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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Not sure how I feel about this novel. I think it's written quite well. It's more like a slice of life type apocalyptic novel. MC and ML are both reborn at a time before the apocalypse on earth happened. They start to prepare for the apocalypse and buy supplies and whatever they could need so they will be prepared.

Luckily ML is very rich. He decides to sell his shares in a company he is CEO of and spend a lot of money buying everything he can think of. The couple... more>> travel all over the world to buy stuff, partially because they don't want their own country to miss the food and things they buy and because they think what they do won't be noticed as much this way.

While ML is buying and preparing stuff, by accident he spills a drop of blood on a ring that has been in the family for centuries. He finds out it is a space ring. It belomgs to a couples ring, so he asks MC to drop blood on her ring as well (his mother had given it to her in the last) and she also gets a space. The rings are connected, but on MC's part they can grow plants and ML's space is purely used to store stuff.

This is not an apocalypse with zombies, or where communications and airplane flights cease to existetc, but an apocalypse where circumstances on earth slowly get worse and disasters keep happening one after the other. The couple try their best to not be noticed and live a normal life as much as possible.

A 3rd person is reborn later as well. She convinces her father to buy supplies in advance as well, but they are way more obvious, so the government notices and questions them. She tells them she had a dream about an apocalypse. Like MC and ML, she died a few years after apocalypse started.

So because of her warning the government starts to prepare for the apocalypse what didn't happen in their previous lives. Several things that didn't happen in their precious life start to happen in their 2nd life. The novel explains it as something happening because of changes in the way humanity handled things.

MC is a bit of a goody 2 shoes. Not in the way that she wants to help everyone she meets, but she does often have emotional problems with the things happening around them trying her best to help humanity in her way. For example she starts making short Weibo tiktok like films about how to prepare and store food, etc. She doesn't try to get revenge on the ones responsible for her death in her previous life. She just ignores them and tries to have a good life with ML.

ML seems like the cold hearted CEO type at the start, but when he joins MC he just starts spoiling MC and taking good care of her. He makes jokes with his friends and takes a normal office job as a normal employee. He does stop MC regularly from warning others to keep a low profile.

MC and ML don't have special powers besides having a space.

Spoiler

MC and ML do get soms space related powers later where he can teleport. Towards the end the couple also get some superpowers thanks to an energy drink the government invents. This drink will also extend life expectancy. ML will get a fire power and MC gets a plant power. Their 2 children will get their own powers as well.

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The translators mention at one point that the author deliberately gave other countries a name similar to real names, but later real names of countries were used. Don't know if author changed that or if translators did that. I think the author changed some things, because MTL also talks about Chinese people, Japan, etc. The country MC and ML live in is called Qinghua throughout the novel.

The government of Qinghua is pretty perfect. They start preparing for the apocalypse in advance because of the dream of 1 person after a few things from her dream come true and do their best to help their people. They are always the first to come with solutions for problems that arise and have to help the rest of the world each time with these problems.

They never experiment on humans unless they volunteer.

It's a bit too perfect. With some things it might be credible because there is some help and info from a 3rd reincarnator and ML. But with the first disaster which is a 6 months lasting rain which can improve the health of people if they let it fall on them between 12 and 2 am at night, the credibility drops. The government has their researchers investigate the rain and an intern who is asked to take samples of the rain at set times doesn't do her job and just adds normal water in the samples. The government was told by the 3rd reincarnator that the rain would cause plants to grow abundantly. When after several months they question the researcher because they found nothing, the head researcher did his own tests. This came out quite differently. The intern was fired and the people in the country were asked to stand in the rain to improve their health.

Should I believe that other countries didn't do their own research when rain kept pouring for months all over the world? And even if that was the case and everyone thought it was a natural phenomenon, which I can't really believe. Would they not do their own research after Qinghua country announced the news to their people and just kind of dismiss it? I can't believe that.

And should I believe the entire research depends on samples collected by 1 intern? Wouldn't they collect samples from different places in the country?

The rest of the world is doing quite badly with everything happening in comparison to MC's country.

The MC is described as quite compassionate though determined to keep their secret. However when colleagues start buying meat from the black market and she notices they start heaving some health problems because of eating bad meat she only gives a half-hearted warning once to check it out in a hospital. This under the pretense that she doesn't want other people to find out they know the future. However a doctor friend had already told ML that a lot of people have been checking into the hospital with worms and other health problems because of eating bad food. They could have just told the colleagues about what the doctor friend said. They don't and just stay silent after 1 half-hearted warning.

I must admit I thought the novel was rather boring. It is a little too slice of life for me for an apocalyptic novel. A few hundred chapters into the novel, the couple still live a pretty normal life. I decided to skip to the last chapters to read the end and finish it that way.

There is some dissappointment at the end with some friends that changed along the way. ML told a few friends that some things might change in advance and they all bought a lot of supplies to prepare.

The novel ends when the couple is in their 50s.

If you want to read a slice of life type of novel in the apocalypse, then this might suit you. I'm not complaining about the writing style, just the contents don't really suit with what I wanted. <<less

This story up to ch 202 raws does not have any kind of zombies. So far, it revolves around survival in a world devastated by extreme weather fluctuations causing droughts, floods, famine, and diseases happening without reprieve. Each disaster seems more fatal than the last, and survivors (mostly in other countries) seem to hold on to their humanity by a thread. There are heavy themes of patriotism and obeisance of govtal authorities being the success of survival.

Both main chars and, so far, one other char have been given a 2nd... more>> chance at life due to ancient artifacts (wedding rings) passed down in ML's family, which turns into two spaces: one that's like an empty luxury warehouse owned by ML and the other a space capable of growing and supporting life owned by FL, both seem to be growing in size, power, and useful riches collected from ML's ancestors. It is hinted that the mountain of riches and the natural space might hold other secrets.

Spoiler

Up to c. 600s, the space owned by FL has a mountain that seems to be linked to another world or something that allows for dense spiritual energy and rare medicinal plants unseen in their world.

As to ML's space, it seems to allow him to teleport to certain areas but I kind of skipped around it so idk the exact function. However, it isn't exactly safe bc he can't control where he teleports to. Perhaps FL's space is the same but I don't think he wants to risk her safety. Again, I skipped around raws a bit so Idk too much.

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ML is extremely green flag, except that he's a little pushy about getting FL preggo, but I think in part he wants to also distract her from the declining state of the world. ML is also a good communicator and always try to resolve any issues/misunderstandings on the spot. He is obsessed with his wife, meticulous and considerate in caring for her. If she's bored at work, he finishes her work, if she's tired, he'll carry her everywhere. He's learned to improve his cooking for her and even learning Chinese medicine to ease her discomfort (and partly also to help the world... but that comes second to his wife). He's so good that I feel FL doesn't deserve him lol. He will work himself to the bone if only his wife is comfortable.

As other reviewers stated, the story is heavy on slice of life and there isn't any action so far... just a bit of drama for the villains in the past life. The plot is centered on how the country, MCs and side characters handle each disaster. MCs also need to constantly dodge people's curiosity of how well they're managing their food and health to stay under the radar from the govt.

The 3rd rebirther is a bit of a gamble. Idk if she's a protagonist yet bc she's is definitely "gray" on how she handles her vengeance.

Spoiler

While the way she and her child died was tragic, to deliberately poison milk powder to kill or mentally degrade the previous life villain's baby is just going too far off the rails. Children are innocent, and even as she utters these words she made a choice to be vicious.

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The author also seems to have forgotten some side characters after a while. For example, for a few hundred chapters... what happened to FL's two college roommates? Even the villains from the previous life are forgotten. I'm assuming we are to believe the 3rd rebirther "took care of the revenge"... but they disappeared for a long time lol.

Spoiler

in much later chapters, it is briefly said that to the 3rd rebirther, so many things happened that she felt less hatred, but if she crosses them again she will take action. Not sure if she eventually kills them off or let poison do its job bc I skipped around a lot.

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With the threat of scarcity and environment, many good characters deteriorate into gray/bad chars, which is typical of human greed and survival instincts. Some friendships will change even.. <<less

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,... more>> 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. <<less

I love it. This novel doesn't follow the regular line of thought where the MC seeks revenge on the villains but let's everything go as is. The way they include friends by giving subtle hints is also cool as in other apocalypse novels they mostly just keep quiet and watch everything from the sidelines. Honestly I love this novel but it hasn't been updated for 3 months now and I hope they will continue it soon I really don't want it to fall silent like this.

so if the maker of... more>> this story is reading this, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, PLEASE UPDATE THE NOVEL!!!!!!

I will be genuiningly upset if this ends up on a permanent hiatus. <<less

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