The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 1
By Natsu Hyuuga
- Release Date: 2021-02-14
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.
Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!
At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the rear palace—not all of it seemly. Can she ever lead a quiet life, or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, and ever more dangers?
Reviews
Ts peak.
5By 𝓭𝓪𝓭𝓭𝓲𝓮Peak writing.I love the anime and I love the book
5By ShortyyvalAll I can say is thank god for the author and the characters they’ve created. I’m swooning.Anime fan who sought the light novel
5By Aubrey1215I am a fan of the anime after finishing cour 1 of season 2 I just had to have more right away so I took my chance on the light novel. I love it. First book covers cour 1 of season 1 and it’s amazing how well they match. You get some many little details though and I found it well written. On to bookMy favorite series by far in a long time
5By RachelPappThis is my first time reading this light novel, but in terms of its contents, this is my fifth time absorbing them, because this series is just that good in each of its media forms. Maomao is an endearing and fascinating heroine, and the depiction of the period and dialogue, with a touch of mystery and romance, is phenomenal. Cannot recommend it enough.Not what advertised
1By nick 🙃 nameYes, there are problems, political intrigue, and mystery’s; but the preeminent theme is sexual exploitation, harassment, and rape projected as acceptable social norm…oh and violence, mostly against womenNot much more depth than the anime
4By Jazzy JeoffNot much more depth than the anime, which is surprising. Most stories have a dropoff as the are adapted to TV, but some are equal to or surpass their source material. The LN does not add much of anything that is covered in the series—a mild disappointment for my elevated expectations. Still, not a bad read.Slow but fun
5By iNuclearCreeperHonestly this was a slow burn but I like that. Maomao was a very interesting character to follow and I grew to enjoy her and Jinshi’s interactions. I look forward to reading moreSo good!
5By AnnnnbaLoved every bit
