924 reviews for:

The Apothecary Diaries: (Light Novel) Volume 1

Kevin Steinbach, Natsu Hyuuga

4.26 AVERAGE

crofteereader's review against another edition

4.0

mysterious medium-paced

bruadarachreader's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

rounity's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-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

lananh's review against another edition

4.25

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

emily_yonnow's review against another edition

3.75

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

meowata's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous funny mysterious 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

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Death, Suicide

avanealis's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

saisei101's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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This book is such a treat! It's really impressive that the author is able to maintain a sense of humor and lightheartedness even while addressing heavy topics, yet doesn't make light of them either. Maomao is a fun protagonist to follow. Her curiosity and sense of justice often lead her into trouble, but her knowledge and kindness also lead her right back out. I'm looking forward to seeing how her relationship with Jinshi grows in the future! I hope she ner stops looking at him like he's a worm.

hiba45's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

zock_06's review against another edition

5.0

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The apothecary diaries is a series about maomao a young apothecary from the red light district with a special interest in poison and medicine. 

One day she finds herself far away from home and forced to work in the rear palace. She tries to stay out of trouble but her curiosity takes over and she gets involved in palace drama. After that new mysteries keep on happening and maomao believes that there is something bigger behind all of it.

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I would compare the vibes of the series with a detective story maybe a bit sherlock homes coded. Maomao is a beautiful main character with unique quirks that make you love her even more. The romance in the novels is subtle and slow burn. The romance only starts showing after light novel 5. I love that the romance is only a subplot to the mystery which adds to the characters instead of taking over their whole persona.

Also I really like the anime adaptation  of the light novels and the comparisons between the characters and animals. 
○ Maomao -> Cat
○ Jinshi -> Frog
○ Lihaku -> Dog/Golden Retriever
○ Lakan -> Fox
...and so much more.
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Now please excuse me because I'm going to pressure my friends into reading the light novels/watching the anime.