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.