The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 1
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4.8 • 107 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.
Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That’s her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao’s façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort… so she can taste the lady’s food for poison!
At her lady’s side, Maomao starts to learn about everything that goes on in the rear palace—not all of it seemly. Can she ever lead a quiet life, or will her powers of deduction and insatiable curiosity bring her ever more adventures, and ever more dangers?
Customer Reviews
Slow but fun
Honestly this was a slow burn but I like that. Maomao was a very interesting character to follow and I grew to enjoy her and Jinshi’s interactions. I look forward to reading more
Not what advertised
Yes, there are problems, political intrigue, and mystery’s; but the preeminent theme is sexual exploitation, harassment, and rape projected as acceptable social norm…oh and violence, mostly against women
Not much more depth than the anime
Not much more depth than the anime, which is surprising. Most stories have a dropoff as the are adapted to TV, but some are equal to or surpass their source material. The LN does not add much of anything that is covered in the series—a mild disappointment for my elevated expectations. Still, not a bad read.