Reviews

The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 4 by Itsuki Nanao, Nekokurage, Natsu Hyuuga

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apollo0325's review

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funny informative reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

So many good Maomao and Jinshi moments in this volume, I love them 😭😭😭

I loved this volume! I am so impressed with how well this series handles its subject matters and characters. I love how it discusses how, despite living in a patriarchal society, the inner chambers is effectively a woman's world and is equally as harsh; but rather than focus on how brutal and spiteful women are to each other, it focuses on the relationships the women have as a whole, good and bad. It shows the pettiness and cruelty (like with Consort Lishu), the admiration and devotion (like with Consort Aduo), and the fun and sisterly bonds (like with Lady Gyukyo). Its difficult to do, but Hyuuga pulls it off spectacularly and I am thriving off it.

I don't want to say much more for fear of spoilers, but believe me, this was an incredible volume. I am so glad I picked this up, easily one of the best, well-rounded series I've read in a while.

augustgreatsword's review

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

bukephalos0603's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

caramiaculpa's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lapetite's review

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adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Jinshi has my heart. Mao Mao is intelligent, but also wonderfully dense. Love them both.

jennifermreads's review

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Each volume brings a new mini-mystery as well as more insight into the characters. Maomao’s fascination and finesse with poisons lends itself to some delightful facial expressions and interesting character quirks.

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