The Apothecary Diaries (manga)

by Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Manga
Pages: 176
Series: The Apothecary Diaries (manga) #1
Rating:

Synopsis:

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 handsome eunuch 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?

The first volume of the manga version of The Apothecary Diaries (original story by Natsu Hyuuga, drawn by Nekokurage) was fun; I wondered if I’d be more into the story if I’d read the light novel, after reading this, so I’ve been reading that as well and really enjoyed it. I’m very curious about Jinshi’s motivations and what he’s up to, and I wondered if maybe the novel went into a bit more depth. In some ways it did, but in others it didn’t.

Maomao’s a fun character though, with her fascination with her studies, her stubborn desire to avoid the people who sold her into this situation profiting by it, and her total lack of interest in Jinshi.

I like the art too, it’s very clear.

Rating: 3/5