Reviews - The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 1

1.7k reviews for:

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 1

Nekokurage, Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga

4.27 AVERAGE

1.7k reviews for:

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 1

Nekokurage, Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga

4.27 AVERAGE

quinlbr88's review against another edition

4.5

lighthearted fast-paced

rjhodgson's review against another edition

1.0

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: N/A

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

kazuigetsu's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

readwithev's review against another edition

5.0

mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I liked how the different cases Maomao encountered were connected in someway or revealed something about the other characters. It also showed how clever, curious, and quick thinking she is, but also her nonjudgmental and patient side. I also enjoyed the bantering dynamic between her and Jinshi. I liked Gaoshun as Jinshi’s tempering guardian. In contrast to Maomao’s perspective, the author reveals what supporting characters think about her - some people are intimidated, others curious, respectful, pitying, and some caring. The funniest thing is that Maomao seems immune or unaware of others’ opinions about her. She also is ignorant of courting affairs, such as the giving of hair sticks (that incident was especially amusing).
I read the light novel edition, so there were only a few illustrations. The book is written in 3rd person limited. Most chapters are from the perspective of Maomao or Jinshi with a few from Gaoshun and minor characters.

Moreover, I liked the hints about the 2nd prince (the Emperor’s brother), Consort Ah-duh and whether her son was dead or switched with the Empress dowager’s sickly son instead 🤔. I hope these speculations are addressed later. Are Maomao’s suspicions correct? In addition, we learn that Maomao’s father isn’t her biological father. Who are her biological parents and what happened to them? Is that important to the story?

Content Warnings

ithil's review against another edition

4.0

I binge watched the anime and I loved it so much I am not getting on with the manga.
Maomao is such a clever main character, sassy and refreshing. So far is a great base for the anime (although initially was a light novel) and both are quite similar so if you enjoyed one, you will certainly enjoy the other one.