Reviews

The Apothecary Diaries 02 by Itsuki Nanao, Natsu Hyuuga

xmhughes's review against another edition

4.5

rereader33's review against another edition

5.0

Omg, Mao Mao is a FUCKING BOSS and I FUCKING LOVE HER!!! She's so strong, so kind, and an absolutely fearless badass! Her shutting down Lihua's head lady-in-waiting for endangering Lihua's life was terrifying but incredibly satisfying. You go, Mao Mao, shut down her ignorant, reckless ass! And holy shit, that scene where she threatens the Virtuous Consort's taste tester. That is not the face of mercy, nor the face of someone I wouldn't want to mess with. Ever.

I forgot to bring up Jinshi in the last volume, but I have conflicting feelings about him. On the one hand, I appreciate him toning down his behavior once he heard about Mao Mao's past. That being said, why did he have to hear her tragic backstory to tone down his harassment? Seriously, just don't do that shit, plain and simple. I do really like his attendant, he's so fucking cool and level-headed. I'm sad that he's Jinshi's attendant, but apparently no one can win in this series.

One brief note, I also forgot to mention the other ladies-in-waiting in the Jade Palace (where Mao Mao is stationed), but they are so funny, sweet, and adorable. I love them all and want to give them only the nicest things.

I could go on, but this review would turn into an essay so I'll leave it at that. I'm sad I have to wait so long for the next volume, but I really love this series so far! If you were on the fence after the first volume, I highly recommend you read this volume. It's definitely worth it.

chibichan's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

prettyphantastic's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.25

laurabook22025's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

syraluna's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

augustgreatsword's review against another edition

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? It's complicated

4.5

apollo0325's review against another edition

funny informative mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I love Maomao and her relationships with consort Gyokuyo and the handmaidens are my favorite 💖

bukephalos0603's review against another edition

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

lapetite's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Super fun and fast to read. I love Mao Mao as a protag, and Jinshi’s faces make me laugh.