Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on The Beginning of Natural Disaster, I Won by Hoarding Tens of Billions of Supplies
"The Beginning of Natural Disaster, I Won by Hoarding Tens of Billions of Supplies" is quite a ride! This isn't your typical zombie apocalypse; instead, it throws you headfirst into a world ravaged by catastrophic natural disasters. It's a refreshing take on the genre, and while it has its flaws, I found myself surprisingly invested in the characters' struggle for survival.
First Impressions
I was initially drawn in by the premise. Our female lead (FL) gets a second chance right before the world ends, armed with knowledge from her past life and a magical space to hoard supplies. This setup immediately creates a sense of urgency and anticipation. The early chapters focus on her preparations and the initial chaos, which kept me hooked.
What Works Well
The world-building is compelling. I appreciate the focus on how society crumbles under the weight of relentless natural disasters and how people cope with the new reality. The characters are also a strong point, especially the FL. She starts off closed-off, aggressive, and distrustful, which is understandable given her past trauma. Watching her slowly open up and form bonds with her chosen family – including a loyal dog and a capable male lead (ML) – is genuinely heartwarming.
The action is well-paced, and the challenges feel realistic. The protagonists aren't superheroes; they're just trying to survive, making difficult choices along the way. I also enjoyed the absence of a zombie virus, which allowed the story to explore the complexities of human nature in the face of overwhelming adversity. The author also explores the mental toll of surviving in apocalyptic conditions, which adds depth to the story.
Areas of Concern
There are a few aspects that I found less appealing. Some readers have pointed out instances of nationalism and xenophobia, which can be jarring. Also, the ML is portrayed as almost perfect from the start, which leaves less room for his character development. The FL's initial aggression might also be off-putting to some, although she does grow and mature as the story progresses.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers may find the following information to contain spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
One reader commented that the first part is very similar to another novel.
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, "The Beginning of Natural Disaster, I Won by Hoarding Tens of Billions of Supplies" is a worthwhile read for fans of the apocalypse genre. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, and realistic challenges make it a captivating survival story. While the nationalism and perfect ML are valid criticisms, the overall experience is positive, especially if you're looking for a novel with a strong female lead and a focus on natural disasters rather than zombies. I'd recommend giving it a try.
