Month: September 2022

Light Novel and Manga Haul September 2022

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About

I’ve been over spending the past couple months. This haul is still bigger than my usual. I’m endeavoring to get better at taking pictures, but I have shaky hands and I’m not good at composing artful arrangements.

I am aware Inuyasha is not a book, but I got him this month, and thought he should be in the picture. He is a PopUp Parade figure, and I highly recommend that brand for quality affordable figures.

Light Novels

Spice & Wolf, Vol. 5

I love this series. Unfortunately, I discovered it a bit late, so I’m about twenty volumes behind the current releases. I’m sure I’ll catch up eventually.

Reviews for this series are already in progress, so feel free to check those out. I’ll include a link to volume one for people who’d like more information.

Update: The review for this volume is now available.

Manga

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 6

After having to wait a couple weeks for volume five, I’m making sure to get these as close to release day as possible. I love this series. It’s currently one of my favorites. This volume came out around September, 13th, and I already have a review done for it. I can’t wait for volume seven. Why does it have to be so far away?

If you’re new the the series, here’s a link to my review for volume one.

Black Cat, Vol. 8 & 9

I absolutely love the Black Cat anime. I saw the anime before I read any of the books. Initially, I borrowed the first few volumes from a friend, but I didn’t get very far at the time. There are about twenty volumes, and I’m currently in the process of obtaining them for myself. Most, if not all, of them have to be purchased used these days. If you’ve also seen the anime, be aware the manga is a bit different.

I can’t exactly recommend this series since I haven’t read it all myself, yet, but if you like gunfighting characters, this might be right up your alley. The main character is a former assassin turned bounty hunter who uses a pistol as his primary weapon.

If you like stories about secret organizations, super powered people, and human science experiments, this might also be for you.

Flame of Recca, Vol. 8 & 9

This is another of which I’ve seen the anime first. I love the anime because it is drastically similar to Yu Yu Hakusho. It has the same story formula, while being unique enough to capture my interest.

I have not read any of the manga, yet. Maybe volume one and two forever ago, but that’s about it. I have no idea how similar it is to the anime. My plan is to binge read all thirty three volumes once I have them. These are also generally only available used.

If you like Yu Yu Hakusho, and want a similar experience, consider checking this series out. You’ll likely have better luck finding it digitally, though.

Fullmetal Alchemist Fullmetal Edition, Vol. 18

I’ve already read the entirety of Fullmetal Alchemist years ago. I absolutely love it. It’s one of my all time favorites, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I never got to own the whole series before now. This volume completes my collection. Before this, I think I had volumes one through four of the regular editions. I found these gorgeous hardcovers around the time I was considering purchasing more of the series, so I decided to upgrade instead.

I recommend this series to everybody. It’s absolutely amazing.

His Majesty the Demon King’s Housekeeper, Vol. 1

I already have a review for this. I grabbed it at my local bookstore because the cover caught my eye, and also because I saw the word library in the synopsis. Sometimes I choose books for purely impulsive reasons.

Maids and housekeepers have always been popular in anime and manga. I haven’t tried many with that theme, though, maybe a couple. This is definitely the first I’ve purchased. I saw a couple episodes of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, if you want to count that.

This is a rather wholesome isekai compared to the norm. Check out my review for more information.

My Happy Marriage, Vol. 1

I have a review for this typed up and ready to go for Wednesday, October, 5th. Because of that, I don’t want to say too much here.

I saw this book popping up in my social media feeds and at the bookstore, so I decided to buy it and give it a try. It released around the same time as The Apothecary Diaries volume 6, and it has a light novel version as well. Normally I would choose the light novel, but the manga was right in front of me at the store. The light novel is also fairly new, so it didn’t really matter which I started with.

Noragami Stray God Omnibus 1-3

I had heard of this series for a while, and only recently, sometime this year, got around to watching it on Hulu. I love the anime. It’s unfortunate it doesn’t have a real ending. It just kind of drops off and doesn’t get any more seasons. Regardless, it was enough to make me want to own the manga.

I did a little research on the manga before getting invested. Apparently, it’s better, but also darker, than the anime. That just further intrigues me.

The timing for this omnibus worked out great. It released the same day as The Apothecary Diaries volume six. I saw it on the shelf at my local book store and had to have it. Omnibus editions will probably make it so much easier to collect and read the series. The only downside is I have to wait for each volume to release.

SpyxFamily, Vol. 3 & 4

I have not started this series, yet. I’ve heard such good things about it, though, so I just went ahead and started buying it. My list of things to read is long, but I’m sure I’ll get to it eventually.

His Majesty the Demon King’s Housekeeper, Vol. 1

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His Majesty the Demon King’s Housekeeper, Vol. 1 by Saiko Wadori, Mika Kajiyama
Series Name: His Majesty the Demon King’s Housekeeper
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Romance 
Intended Age Group: 13+
Publisher: Seven Seas
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-63858-407-0
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book

For Takatsuki Sakura, a trip to the library turns into a fantastical journey. She has been swept away to a grandiose castle ruled by a gorgeous demon king. Magic and wonder covers every room. Taking it in, Sakura can hardly breathe…because of all the dust and dirt. A curse has prevented this kingdom from cleaning. Only Sakura and her housekeeping knowhow can scrub away this dark magic and grime!

Personal & Info

Not going to lie, I grabbed this because the cover looks nice and the description mentions the word library.

Housekeepers and maids are always popular in manga. I don’t think I’ve actually tried any series with them in the title, though. I did see a couple episodes of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, and I like that. I’ll probably try reading or watching more of that eventually. Anyway, my point is, this is my first real try(maybe specifically with manga) at anything with maid or housekeeper in the title.

Characters

Sakura, is the main character. She’s an enthusiastic neat freak, because her mother traumatized her as a child.

His Majesty the Demon King, I don’t believe we get a name in this volume. We’re going to have to wait and see about that. He’s so pretty.

Milia is a cat demon with shapeshifting abilities. She’s the girl with purple hair on the cover.

Lehaye is the chamberlain to the King. He takes advantage of any profitable opportunity.

Sadeen is His Majesty’s personal guard. He’s mostly good at doing strong man things.

Ruval is a minstrel, and self-invited guest in the palace.

Story & Thoughts

Isekai are a dime a dozen these days, so I’m always a little wary when trying them. This one is surprisingly good. I give it a three and a half out of five. Three and a half usually means above average enough that it stands out to me and I want to continue the series. It seems like it can only get better from here. Several plot hooks are thrown in toward the end of the volume.

The kingdom this takes place in is heavily reliant on magic. Nobody knows how to do anything without it. This is why Sakura is their only hope for cleanliness.

This series is interesting because it has cleaning tutorials thrown in. Legit tutorials, like using salt to clean iron, and the use of baking soda as a cleaning agent. It even talks about alkaline solutions. You could probably legitimately learn some cleaning tips from reading this.

The King is not exactly what one would expect in a standard isekai. He’s literally just living in luxury, and has no plans to cause any chaos. There’s no evil army for a hero to fight against. He’s not even a villain. I think the atypical cast adds to the charm of the story. The whole thing is unexpectedly wholesome.

The afterward describes the series as a rom-com, and I do agree with that. There are funny moments scattered around, and the story doesn’t seem super serious. Nothing blatantly romantic happens in this volume, but there are definitely hints of romance to come. I’m interested in seeing what happens.

The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 2

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The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 2 by Kousuke Oono
Series Name: The Way of the House Husband
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, Slice of Life
Intended Age Group: Older Teen
Publisher: Viz
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1044-7
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book

The legendary yakuza “the Immortal Dragon” has washed his hands of the gangster life for something far more dangerous – becoming a househusband! Cleaning, laundry, grocery, shopping, cooking… These days he’s doing everything he can to succeed as man of the house, if it doesn’t kill him first! The cozy yakuza comedy continues!

Personal & Info

I’m learning Japanese with a phone app, and only recently started on it. I have designated days where I MUST work on blog related things, even if it’s just reading without actually posting anything. The day I read this, I was addicted to my Japanese app and had to make myself stop. Thankfully, this book is funny enough that I was giggling after the first couple pages. That made it so much easier to tear myself away from my phone for a while to get stuff done.

Characters

Tatsu and his wife Miku are the primary characters for each volume, but mostly Tatsu.

Masa will probably be making constant appearances. He doesn’t seem to do much aside from be amazed by Tatsu.

Tatsu spends his free time with a group of housewives. They will probably be frequent characters as a group. None of them have any names as of yet.

Story & Thoughts

I don’t think this one is quite as funny as the first volume. The book is still slice of life stories, but I don’t think they hit quite the same. They still make me giggle a little, so it earns a three and a half instead of just a three.

Tatsu is teaching Masa some househusband skills, which he doesn’t seem entirely interested in. That leads to some funny moments as Tatsu gets intense about subjects and Masa is just like, whatever bro. I think he appreciates the usefulness of the skills, but not necessarily the doing them himself part.

This volume shows how unreasonable some of Tatsu’s criteria for making simple choices is. He blows things out of proportion due to his background, because he wants everything to be safe to an unreasonable extent. I’m not sure how Miku puts up with it.

The in-laws come for a visit. The ones from Miku’s side of the family. I find it surprising they approve of Tatsu. Most parents would probably be appalled if their daughter brought home a gang member, retired or not.

I love how well Tatsu gets along with the other housewives. Obviously, they think he’s a little strange, but they seem fond of him. The parts where he does activities with them are some of the best parts of this volume, in my opinion.

The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 1

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The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 1 by Kousuke Oono
Series Name: The Way of the House Husband
Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life, Contemporary
Intended Age Group: Older Teen
Publisher: Viz
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0940-3
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

He was the fiercest member of the yakuza, a man who left countless underworld legends in his wake. They called him “the Immortal Dragon.” But one day he walked away from it all to travel another path – the path of the househusband! The curtain rises on this cozy yakuza comedy!

Personal & Info

My husband loves yakuza themed stuff with humor mixed in, so our copies of this series belong to him. He highly recommends the series, and the announcement of it caught my interest, too. Reading this makes me want to see how the anime turned out.

I was going to give this a three and a half, but it made me laugh, so I’m bumping it to a four. I also took a short break halfway through, so it’s fair to make up for any discrepancy there may have been.

Characters

Tatsu is the main character, also known as “the Immortal Dragon.”

Miku is Tatsu’s wife. She’s a designer of some sort, and also a geek, which I think is amazing.

Masa appears to be someone Tatsu knows from his days as a yakuza.

Gin is the family cat, and one of the best characters in my opinion.

Story & Thoughts

When I hear something is a comedy, I’m generally not sure what to think about it until I read it myself, especially with manga. As with anything, there are different types of comedy, and different ways to make stories funny. This series seems to have its own formula that works well.

Each chapter is a slice of life story. There is a simple event, encounter, or task to be done. Some of them are funny throughout, while others save the punch line until the end of the chapter. Sometimes there is more added to the punch line on the page after the chapter end, where there is a single picture drawn.

I think the main point of the comedy is how unexpectedly considerate Tatsu is, and how seriously he handles everything. He has a lot of eccentricities. When was the last time you saw someone criticize a Roomba for not being able to clean crevices?

The art style contributes, too. There are times when it looks like a run of the mill highly detailed manga, and then there are others where it looks dark and ominous. I’m curious how Tatsu’s tattoo is drawn, because it looks different than everything else.

I will definitely be continuing the series. I have questions, like how did Tatsu and Miku end up together? Because they seem like very different people. They are funny together though. I love how Miku is a geek and Tatsu tries to understand what she likes, while also trying not to let her spend their money frivolously.

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11)

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Lover at Last by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Berkley/Penguin
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-41880-7
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has found and identity as a brutal fighter in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another…

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: It seems Qhuinn has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young. It’s hard for Blay to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. And Qhuinn needs to come to terms with some dark things before he can move forward….

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions, but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn learns the true meaning of courage, and two hearts meant to be together finally become one.

Personal & Info

As with Lover Mine, this is a volume I was looking forward to reading. Lover mine was a smidge disappointing though, definitely not as good as I thought it would be. I think Qhuinn’s book is done better. Both have long buildups over several volumes, but I just think this one is all around better in comparison.

I have to give props for putting an M-M story in the middle of an M-F erotic romance series. And not pulling any punches at that. No scenes have any censoring in comparison to the content we see in all the other volumes. I imagine this volume might make some angry if they are not expecting it, or have an extreme disinterest in M-M romance.

Regarding crossover parts with the BDB and Fallen Angels series, there is a mention in this volume. Back in a different book, when Assail makes his first appearance, the description of his home gives pause to wonder, but it is confirmed now. He lives in the house Vin DiPietro builds in volume one, Covet. He gets a mention in this book.

Characters

Qhuinn is essentially the main character for this volume.

Blay is important, because this is his and Qhuinn’s book, but he doesn’t get nearly as much screen time.

Layla gets a lot of attention, because of her arrangement with Qhuinn.

As minor characters for the volume, there are Tez and Assail. I don’t really care about the parts pertaining to Tez. I’m sure that will amount to something later, but in this book, all I care about is the romance. I don’t care about the Assail parts, either, at least not until the later parts. They seem irrelevant early on, and get more interesting toward the end.

Story & Thoughts

Upon finishing Lover Reborn, Qhuinn seems to have a strong resolve to make a move with Blay. That got me excited to read this volume. Fast forward to starting the book, and I find it surprising Qhuinn seems to have lost that motivation, and is instead rather unchanged from the previous book. This, I think, throws off the pacing.

I also think that Blay, as the love interest, has less screen time than the love interests usually get in the series. Things focus primarily on Qhuinn, and what goes on in his mind, and his life. He’s the one experiencing all the big changes, good and bad.

I both love and hate this volume, though. So many of the problems between Qhuinn and Blay could be easily resolved if they would just talk to each other honestly. Blay makes so many assumptions about Qhuinn’s life and doesn’t believe him when he tells the truth. And Blay chooses to live behind a lie of omission, which just makes things harder for Qhuinn, because he’s trying to respect something that doesn’t exist. So frustrating, but dang this is a good volume.

Aside from the primary couple of the book, I’m constantly drawn to the Layla x Xcor parts of the story. It’s like a variation of Romeo and Juliet, minus the suicide. I’m curious to see what happens. If they’ll ever be together, or if their relationship will end in tragedy. It’s already pretty tragic. They are unlucky to be drawn to each other.

Notable Issues

Why does Payne have to “recharge” but V doesn’t?

When Blay needs to feed, I swear his conversation with Qhuinn says he will do it alone, but when it actually happens Qhuinn goes with anyway. Did I misinterpret? Is this a mistake? Blay acts like he agreed to share all along, but that isn’t the context I see in that section.

Trigger Warnings

I’m just keeping a running list of trigger warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, and violence.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 6

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 6 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-086-0
Rating: 5/5
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Description from the Book

When the ever-luminous Jinshi asks for her help in disguising himself to see to a matter beyond the palace walls, Maomao must dig deep to mar her employer’s divine allure! And to make the ploy believable, Maomao herself is roped into a spot of theater right alongside her master. But the “business” at hand takes the pair right to the gates of the Pleasure District, leaving Maomao to wonder if all her hard work has been for a mere assignation or if there’s yet another mystery afoot…

Personal & Info

I made sure to get this one on release day this time. No repeats of what happened with volume five. I’m going to try to get them quick every time.

Every volume I am reminded how beautiful the art is. The cover image, the gorgeous color page at the start, and all the panels, seeing them fresh with a new volume makes me feel like Maomao when she sees a rare medicinal plant. If this ever gets an anime, I really hope they live up to the art of the manga.

Characters

Maomao is still her eccentric amusing self. She makes me love the series so much. We learn some important details about her.

Jinshi is as important as ever, and he sees a face on Maomao he hopes he never sees again. No spoilers. Make of that what you will.

Lakan, the “odd duck” tactician always pestering Jinshi. We learn a lot more of his significance.

Other characters from the previous book are also present, but they don’t play significant roles.

Story & Thoughts

This volume is amazing. There are so many huge story bombs being dropped, some suspected, others not. Events from the entire series so far culminate to a climax so enthralling, I hung on every panel. I am so upset I have to wait until December for the next book.

Any-who, this one starts off funny. As the synopsis says, Maomao is asked to change Jinshi’s appearance. She has a little too much fun with it, but totally worth every second.

Seeing Jinshi shirtless for the first time is…well, let’s just say I’m not complaining.

Jinshi works his way around to asking Maomao the question Lakan wouldn’t answer. There appear to be all kinds of motives and strings all over that. It’s cruel of Lakan to have Jinshi ask, but I understand from a storytelling perspective.

As far as mystery goes, I think there’s only one in this volume. The whole thing encompasses one solid plot. There are some small questions and curiosities throughout, but definitely just the one big mystery as far as I can tell.

I want more information on Maomao’s nightmare. There has to be more information coming on that in later volumes. I will be surprised if there is not.

There’s sort of a cliff hanger ending. It’s not a blatant cliff hanger. It’s more of a dramatic, “okay, crisis over, now what,” kind of thing. I hate that I have to wait to see what happens next, but it could be far worse.

Yagi the Bookshop Goat

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Yagi the Bookshop Goat by Fumi Furukawa
Genres: BL, Fantasy
Intended Age Group: 18+
Publisher: Tokyopop
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4278-6889-3
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

Yagi is a rare sort of goat – one who loves reading books just as much as eating them! With his special talent to taste feelings contained upon paper, he’s always dreamed of becoming a bookseller. Unfortunately paper-munching goats aren’t exactly welcome in bookstores, even in a wonderful world where all different animals live in peaceful coexistence.

Eventually, Yagi is able to persuade Ookami, the strict wolf manager, into giving him a job at his bookshop… but can a goat surrounded by books resist his natural instincts? And what about the instincts of the a wolf, who’s been charmed by a sweet and tender goat?

Personal & Info

I hear Tokyopop is releasing some good yaoi/BL stuff, and this is a stand alone manga, so I figure it’s a good one to try.  I have The Cat Proposed for the same reason, and I have to say, neither of them are disappointing. Two out of two fairly current Tokyopop BL manga, and I like them both. I’ll have to look into getting more.

Characters

Yagi, obviously, the goat.

Ookami, the wolf, and store manager.

Chita, a cheetah girl who appears to be one of Yagi’s best friends. She works at the bookshop.

Shimafukurou, a Blakiston’s fish owl, and an employee at the bookshop.

Kuma-sensei, an author of children’s books. He stops at the shop frequently.

I adore the character designs in this book. Everyone is so cute. My only disappointment is, I don’t think we ever get to see Chita’s tail, even though she is frequently shown.

Story & Thoughts

The story starts off rather quick. It’s fast paced throughout, but it’s a stand alone story, so that’s to be expected.

The story itself is simple, and I think it progresses seemingly unnaturally fast, or unrealistically in some ways. Basically, it’s the type of story where neither knows how the other feels, so they both decide to do nothing until they know more, but their secret love of the other makes them do things normal friends or coworkers wouldn’t normally do.

There’s nothing surprising about the story, either. There’s a backstory involving Yagi and Ookami, but it’s so blatantly obvious to the reader that there is no mystery. Even Ookami knows, so it seems Yagi is the only one truly in the dark about anything. If I were rating on story alone, the score would likely be lower. However, I think it deserves a four out of five, because it’s so darn cute and funny.

I was smiling and giggling the whole way. The character designs, facial expressions, and their interactions are all amazing. The occasional chibi style parts are great, too. The image on the back cover is a good example. I’d love a bookmark or something with that on it.

There are two erotic scenes in the book. This manga does have censoring, though. Instead of the black bars or blurring, it uses the bright light method. You know, the kind where they place a ball of light at the tip or covering the whole thing. There are some panels where it looks like Yagi doesn’t even have a penis.

Spice & Wolf, Vol. 4 (LN)

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Spice & Wolf, Vol. 4 by Isuna Hasekura
Series Name: Spice & Wolf (Light Novel)
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Commerce
Intended Age Group: 15+
Publisher: Yen On/Yen Press
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-7595-3108-6
Rating: 3/5
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Description from the Book

Continuing their journey north, Lawrence and Holo stop in the village of Tereo in hopes of finding a local abbey where they might uncover more information regarding the fate of Holo’s ancient home, Yoitsu. Soon after their arrival, though, the companions are caught up in a local dispute between Tereo and the neighboring town of Enberch that could cost Lawrence and Holo both their fortunes and their lives! With the Wisewolf’s help, can Lawrence devise a way to save an entire town from ruin – and his skin and that of his traveling companion in the process?

Personal & Info

I think this is the first volume to dip in rating, which is pretty good, if you ask me. One through three are solid fours, and any series is bound to have a dip eventually. Honestly, I expected a dip much sooner.

Characters

The book starts approximately six days after the events of volume three. Lawrence and Holo seem to be getting along better than ever. They have a more solid and trusting relationship than before the catastrophic events involving Amati. However, at this point, they seem to be hyperaware of other couples. I think the implication of Holo and Lawrence liking each other, or looking like a couple to outsiders, is getting more emphasis.

Story & Thoughts

I don’t think the story for this one is quite as strong as the others. It isn’t nearly as much of a nail-biter, because it’s made clear Lawrence and Holo are truly in no danger, unlike every volume, so far. It’s actually extremely disappointing how quickly the option to flee comes to mind.

This volume deals more heavily with the status of religion while in the village of Tereo. The religious aspects of the story are more of a background thing until now. The affairs of a church and the desire to protect the village are a main theme of the story, probably not how you would think, though.

It’s unfortunate how foolish the villagers of Tereo are. They seem like a hive mind of distrust, except for a small number. They seem to be living on ignorant luck until Lawrence and Holo come to visit. I find it surprising a village that small would even have any secrets. Shouldn’t the whole village know everything about everything involving what goes on?

I always hear gossip spreads like wildfire in places like that, yet nobody seems to know anything about the Father Franz deal except the village elder Sem and Elsa. The deal gets high praise in the story, but when you think about it, it actually seems flimsy. It’s no wonder this problem occurs so shortly after the arbitrator dies.

I know what a miller is, but I guess I never thought they would be distrusted. It makes sense when you look at it from a more primitive and less educated perspective, though. I doubt the villagers in this book have much of an education. They seem rather superstitious and paranoid. I hope Evan’s life gets better.

Notable Issues

I see in this volume, they overlook the details about Holo’s ability to transform. The first few volumes make it clear she needs to either ingest wheat, or fresh blood, to trigger the change, or have enough energy for it, or something along those lines. She seems to change form without any of that in this one. It never says she eats any wheat to do it, nor does she bite anyone for blood. I’m not sure why it’s different here.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 5

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 5 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-074-7
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book

Forced to the leave the Inner Court, Maomao finds herself in the employ of none other than Jinshi, the seemingly ever-present thorn in her side. Immune to her new master’s charms, Maomao instead sets her mind to her work and to learning the ways of the Outer Court, where government ministers and military officers go about the daily business of running the country. Far from being fearful of her new surroundings, however, Maomao has her insatiable curiosity piqued by the forbidden, soldier-occupied East Wing. And when yet another mystery beckons, Maomao is unable to resist…

Personal & Info

At this point, I’m most definitely hooked on the series. I tried to buy this volume on release at my small local bookstore, because I prefer to shop there when possible, but someone had already taken it by the time I went. I had to wait a couple weeks for more copies to come in.

Characters

Maomao has a new job, in a new place, with new bullies. Women always seem angry because of her presence, even though she makes the extra effort to look bland and scrawny.

Jinshi and Gao Shun come and go. Jinshi appears to be very busy, but he still makes time to be nosy.

Suiren is Jinshi’s head maid. She is in her fifties, and apparently tends Jinshi’s residence by herself.

Ba Sen is a military officer Gao Shun assigns to escorting Maomao in this volume. I have some suspicions about him. I won’t say what they are in case they prove to be correct.

Li Haku, the soldier whom originally gives Maomao a hairpin in volume two , is around. The military quarters is not far from where she works.

Loulan is the new Pure Consort. We know nothing about her, but my impressions are she is aloof, bored, and indifferent. She is the same age as Maomao.

Lakan is a tactician whom apparently visits Jinshi regularly, despite Jinshi’s distain for the man. I have a feeling he is a story villain getting his introduction. He certainly does not sound like a good person.

Story & Thoughts

Maomao starts her new job in the Outer Court. She is back to being a maid, because she fails an aptitude test, and it’s apparently hard to get back into the Inner court after you are let go. She does briefly get to go back as a teacher for a day, though. That part is rather amusing.

The first mystery of the volume is in the third chapter. The first two chapters consist of Maomao getting comfortable in her new position, and fulfilling a request to teach a class for the Principal Consorts in the Inner Court. The last three out of five chapters all have their own individual mysteries to solve, only one of which involves poison of any kind. The series definitely has that Detective Conan/Case Closed vibe comfortably established.

I keep thinking Maomao should speak her mind more, but then she does, and it gets her into trouble. Maybe she needs to learn what to say out loud, and what not to, instead.

I keep forgetting to say it, but I love how Maomao is always portrayed as a cat.

Maomao is absolutely obsessed with the caterpillar fungus Jinshi presented her upon buying out her contract. She keeps circling back to it with renewed excitement after work and mysteries are complete. It makes her so happy to think about, that she accidentally smiles full on at Jinshi, and it appears to be a traumatic experience for him, considering the way their relationship works.

Lakan leaves us with a bit of a cliff hanger. He chooses not to finish telling his story, and instead implies Jinshi should ask Maomao for answers. This certainly can’t lead to anything good. I’m almost positive Lakan is going to be a new villain for the story.

This volume feels like a slight dip in rating, but it’s understandable because Maomao is in a new place and meeting new people. I’m sure it will find a good rhythm again once everyone important has their introduction done.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 4

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 4 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-073-0
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

The trail of the garden banquet poisoner leads Maomao to the Garnet Palace! Aiming to uncover the identity and motives of the culprit who nearly succeeded in turning the festivities into a tragedy, the young apothecary-turned-lady’s maid temporarily takes up there at Jinshi’s behest. Home to Lady Aduo – the consort with the longest tenure in the Emperor’s affections – the Garnet Palace harbors many intrigues, some more shocking than even Maomao could have imagined! Will solving the mystery at hand lose Maomao her job…and maybe even her life?!

Personal & Info

This series is going strong for quality. I love Maomao. The story is great, and every volume makes me laugh.

Characters

Maomao’s life takes some turns in this volume.

Jinshi and Gao Shun seem important in each volume. Jinshi is a main character, and Gao Shun is his aide, so they are always around.

Xiaolan seems briefly present in each volume to pass gossip to Maomao that forwards the story or gives her insight she isn’t already aware of.

We learn more about Lishu and Aduo, some facts, and some speculation.

Luomen, we finally have a name for Maomao’s dad. This volume addresses some of the mystery behind his time at the inner court. We got brief implications in previous volumes that he may have been there.

Fengming is the head lady-in-waiting at the Garnet Palace. It would be hard for Maomao to visit and not associate with her.

Story & Thoughts

It’s two months after the garden banquet, and the investigation into who the poisoner is, is coming to a close. Approximately half the book is spent on this investigation. I think this volume has the most intrigue, so far.

Jinshi seems to be trying to turn Maomao into a detective. The favor he asks in this book has absolutely nothing to do with her apothecary skills. I think he just values her opinion and likes to test her.

The gross gossip about the tastes of the previous Emperor from volume two comes up again. As disgusting as it is, it’s only used in Maomao’s speculations. Nothing inappropriate is shown. If the sheer mention of this stuff offended you in volume two, you might be displeased to come across the subject again here.

There are some deeper mysteries going on around a few characters and their histories. All we have to go on are some observations and speculations from Maomao about possibilities. There’s no evidence or information to truly support any of it. Her speculations do make sense, though, so it makes me wonder if we’ll find out the truth later.

Maomao and Jinshi have some sweeter moments in this volume. Two are for sure sweet, but there is also one where I’m not sure if he’s flirting or tormenting. Maomao finds amusing ways to get revenge against him for torment now. Their relationship, whatever kind it is, has seen a lot of growth up to this point. I’m curious to see how it will continue to develop.

Maomao should probably speak her mind more often. The things she neglects to say seem to be things she should actually say.

Someone should do something about Lishu’s ladies. I can’t help feeling sorry for her.

I haven’t said this in other reviews, but I love the bonus comics in the back. They tend to have scenes that are extended parts from events that happen in the book, and they are always funny.