A review by littlecake
Les Carnets de l'Apothicaire T11 by Itsuki Nanao

adventurous funny 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? No

4.0

The 11th volume proves to be highly enjoyable, delving into the characters' backgrounds. Exploring Jinshin's mother adds depth, and the intrigue surrounding the royal family captivates. The plot thickens gradually, and the art continues to improve, building anticipation for the upcoming 12th volume.

At times, I grapple with conflicting sentiments regarding the portrayal of pedophilia in this manga. The author doesn't endorse it; instead, she often critiques the practice. I appreciate that the relationship between the Emperor and his child bride isn't overly romanticized. However, in this instance, I sensed a delicate balance, not quite enough to make me wholly uncomfortable but sufficient to leave me somewhat perplexed. The author introduces complexity, exposing various layers of toxicity. It's a precarious edge, and I hope forthcoming volumes prove my concerns wrong, demonstrating a nuanced handling of the matter without condoning pedophilia. It's essential to note that child brides are discussed in this volume without explicit scenes.
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