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.