Tag: Square Enix

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 8 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: 978-1-64609-134-8
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

Sly tactician Lakan’s attempts at provocation lead to his own downfall when Maomao challenges him to elephant chess, only to outplay him in a game of wits! In a stupor from drinking “poison” as punishment for his loss, Lakan dreams of a long-lost past, his affair with a beautiful courtesan, and meeting her daughter for the very first time. Upon waking, he finds himself at Verdigris, where he is pressed to buy the freedom of a girl of his choosing and take her home as his wife! But will any of the flowers there catch his eye when his heart is in love with a memory?

Personal & Info

I keep a close eye on the release dates for this series. This volume was originally planned to release in May. Unfortunately, it was delayed until July, so it’s been a full six months since the last book. Things have been rather hectic for me lately, so I didn’t have time to re-read the previous volumes. Hopefully I remember enough to keep up with the story.

Characters

Maomao, my favorite character in the series, continues to be eccentric in all the best ways. We learn more about her origins in this volume.

Lakan is probably the most unlikeable character in the series. Despite previous hinting, he’s not as terrible as implied, but he’s still pretty bad.

Jinshi, always intrigued by Maomao, realizes he is a cat person.

Other characters also appear, but these three consume most of the screen time.

Story & Thoughts

The book starts off by diving into Lakan’s backstory. There is a preview of this at the end of volume seven, so I was expecting it. None of it justifies anything he does, but it gives some insight into understanding why he does things. It’s weird to see him more humanized after the series painted him to be an insensitive jerk of a tactician. I get the feeling the story is trying to emphasize that he’s not really a bad person, just different, and often misunderstood.

Out of the six chapters, four of them focus on backstory. Maomao and Lakan are the main focus of the volume, and their connection finally gets an in depth explanation. We even get to see Maomao’s mother. Most of the information has been hinted at throughout the story, so these chapters just solidify everything. The part that got me was the reveal of who Luomen, Maomao’s Pa, really is. That was something I never saw coming.

I’d been wondering about Maomao’s nightmare from an earlier volume. That’s one of the things that gets an explanation in this book, so I’m pretty happy about that. Maomao has certainly had an interesting childhood.

The last two chapters are more fun. There aren’t any blatant mysteries. It’s just life getting back to normal after the Garden Banquet.

Maomao and Jinshi seem to have what could be a moment in this volume. It lasts for maybe a second. They seem to have potential romantic moments scattered throughout the series, but they never last long, and quickly devolve into comedy. I can’t help wondering if one of these times one of those moments will be different.

I did notice an issue that confounded my brain. There was a sentence in the book where, I’m not sure if it’s a translation error or editing problem, but the text was confusing. The wording was strange enough that I didn’t exactly understand the intended meaning of what it was trying to say. I muddled through, but I had to re-read the sentence multiple times and guess at the intention.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 7 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: 978-1-64609-120-1
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

Proving herself indispensable yet again by saving Jinshi from a horrific fate, Maomao is given the chance to explain her rash behavior during the holy ritual. But when she continues her investigation into the foiled plot, a bizarre outcome awaits, leaving the plucky apothecary impressed by the sheer nerve of the culprit behind it. But admiring the exploits of another won’t get Maomao very far when Jinshi tasks her with a feat of her own – to present him with blue roses at the needling of the eccentric La Kan! How will Maomao respond to this provocation from the man she despises the most?

Personal & Info

I wasn’t able to get this on release day, but I was able to get it before a major snow storm hit. I didn’t read it during the storm, but I had the option. It’s not terribly late, though. This review is only posted a little over a week after the release. It’s a little later than I wanted, but the site was down on my usual post day.

Volume eight doesn’t come out in English until May. That’s a big sad gap with no Apothecary Diaries.

Characters

Maomao is still her eccentric amusing self. She is one of the reasons I love this series.

Jinshi feels like a solid character at this point. We’ve seen enough of him to have a good grasp on his character and his general feelings about Maomao. It’s unclear if it’s romantic or platonic, but it’s clear he cares for her.

Lakan is getting more depth as we learn more about him and his past. It doesn’t change how unlikable he is.

Lihaku is becoming regular enough that I think he and Maomao can be considered friends.

Other characters from earlier volumes appear here again as Maomao returns to the inner court. It’s nice to see them again.

Story & Thoughts

This volume starts off with Maomao waking up after the events of volume six. She explains her suspicions of the culminating events to Jinshi and Gao Shun. As the drama of the attempted murder comes to a close, the group looks into a possible suspect, and the methods used in the disaster. This only takes up the first chapter.

The mysteries for this volume aren’t as elaborate as most of the ones before. They are mostly observations Maomao notices and resolves, or unusual tasks that turn out to be rather simple, though time consuming.

For the most part, this volume seems to focus on character backgrounds. Jinshi’s speculations about the past, Gao Shun’s family history, Lakan, even the physician in the Inner Palace. After the exciting events of the previous book, this one can be considered a bit of a lore dump.

In Chapter 34, we learn more about Gao Shun and his relationship with Jinshi. Gao Shun is more closely connected to him than just an assistant. One could consider them honorary family based on their history.

Jinshi also spends time speculating about the past regarding consorts and the royal family. There have been possible hints about Jinshi’s identity in the series up until now, but the story isn’t going to give us any solid answers about who he is, yet. We will have to speculate a while longer.

We start to learn a little more about Lakan and why he is the type of eccentric he is. It doesn’t justify anything he does, but it helps to understand him better. Based on the preview at the end, it looks like the next volume is going to show us more of his history, and our first look at Maomao’s mother.

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.

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 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.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 2 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: 978-1-64609-071-6
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

When word of her accomplishments falls on the ears of His Imperial Majesty, Maomao finds herself tasked with a direct request from the throne. Turning down the emperor is out of the question for the former(?) apothecary if she wants to keep her head! But while acquiescing to the emperor is expected of all subjects, Maomao is about to discover that ladies-in-waiting have still more taxing duties to which to attend, as preparations for the garden banquet get underway! Concocting an aphrodisiac might be second nature to Maomao, but smiling prettily for the officials of the court could prove far more difficult…

Personal & Info

Originally, I purchased volume one from my local book store, and I read it that same evening. The store was closed the following two days, so having fallen in love with the series, I had to wait a few days to go back for the next few volumes. Yes, I could have just ordered them, but I prefer to buy locally, if I can.

Characters

Maomao shows off her more aggressive side and proves she can be intimidating. Apparently, there are poisons she actually LIKES. I still love her as a character. She can be hysterically funny in unexpected ways, and uplifting in others.

Jinshi seems to be a bit more hands off in this volume. He isn’t seen as much due to the garden banquet, however, we do get to see a more tender moment with him.

Gyokuyo seems like she will be important as an ongoing character, since Maomao currently works for her. She doesn’t always involve herself in Maomao’s business, but she’s definitely around.

Lihua may be more kind than the first volume seems to imply.

Consorts Aduo and Lishu, the remaining two of the four principal consorts, get an introduction.

We finally learn the names of all four of Gyokuyo’s ladies-in-waiting. We don’t learn all the names through the story in volumes one and two. There is a list of the four ladies in the back, which also includes personality descriptions to give us a better idea of their characters.

Story & Thoughts

In the first chapter, we get to see how consort Lihua is doing after the poison incident in the first book. This is also the first look into a different palace. We’ve only seen Gyokuyo’s Jade Palace residence until now. Lihua lives in the Crystal Palace, and she has many more ladies-in-waiting than Gyokuyo. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are more efficient at the job, though.

The story in this volume is much simpler. Three of the four chapters are concerning the garden banquet, so there seem to be less mysteries. Instead, Maomao learns how the banquet works, and more information about the other consorts is given. I think all three chapters contain one mystery. It’s like a long special.

The previous Emperor apparently had some sketchy preferences. There’s a section where Gyokuyo’s ladies-in-waiting are gossiping with Maomao about it and they actually bleep out part of it. Worry not, though, they don’t approve. Maomao even says it makes her want to throw up. It’s just gossip information, and does not appear to have any significant baring on the story aside from lore about a few people. It’s a small section, and I don’t think readers should let it affect the overall enjoyment of the volume.

Are you wondering why Maomao’s freckles are missing on the cover? Is she wearing makeup? I was certainly curious. You’ll find out when you read the book.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 1 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: 978-1-64609-070-9
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the beautiful Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!

Personal & Info

This is the first new and current manga series I’m reading in a good while. I’m wary of starting any new series without doing research, because I like to know what I’m getting into. This series is apparently a recommendation for people who like Case Closed/Detective Conan, which I do. That’s one of the reasons I am choosing to read it. It also has high praise everywhere I look. After actually starting the series, I can say I’m definitely not disappointed.

Characters

Maomao, the main character, is a trained apothecary. She grew up in the pleasure district, in a house with her father. I’m not sure why, but I imagine her voice sounding like Haruhi from the Ouran High School Host Club English dub.

Jinshi is a eunuch who appears to be in charge of running the inner court, and he seems to be fond of Maomao, or at least intrigued by her.

Xiaolan is a maidservant, a huge gossip, and Maomao’s friend.

Gao Shun is Jinshi’s aide.

Gyokuyo is the Emperor’s favorite consort. She resides in the Jade Palace of the inner court, and she has four ladies-in-waiting.

Hongniang is the head lady-in-waiting for Gyokuyo.

Lihua is one of the Emperor’s consorts, and mother of the infant crown prince. This volume does not state which palace she resides in.

Story & Thoughts

First thoughts, the art for this series is absolutely gorgeous. I am blown away.

The setting is Chinese inspired, and takes place in the inner court of the Emperor’s palace where all his consorts and concubines live. The only men allowed inside are the Emperor himself, his blood relations, and eunuchs. Maomao is sold into labor there, and as of the start of the book, her time served is three months.

The story has a serious tone, because each chapter has a mystery to solve. They can be anything from a problem someone is experiencing, to figuring out treatment for an illness or poison. Don’t let that premise fool you, though, it’s plenty funny, too.

There are funny moments everywhere, most Maomao usually causes herself. Her personality is fantastic for comedic relief. She has a mad scientist vibe, and I love that. She doesn’t respond well to flirtatiousness either, and that makes for some great scenes with her and Jinshi.

Jinshi clearly flirts with Maomao. The series is technically a romance, but it doesn’t feel like one. If it is, it’s going to be a slow burn, because Jinshi is obviously the love interest, and she is blatantly not interested. If he so much as smiles at her, she is suspicious of him.

The pacing of it all is good. It doesn’t feel like anything is happening too fast or too slow. Everything is explained efficiently and well enough to understand. Even the part where Maomao is “cooking” is easy to understand. It’s cool, too, because they take the time to explain how she refrigerates something without any electricity.

I can’t stress enough how much I like Maomao as a character. I’m hooked on this series, and I look forward to reading the rest. This is one of the few series I think I’ll bother to keep up with as it releases.