The Apothecary Diaries 01 (manga) by

The Apothecary Diaries 01 (manga) (The Apothecary Diaries, #1)

After breaking a "curse" on the imperial heirs, a palace servant with training in herbal medicine is promoted up the ranks to food taster...and right into the thick of palace intrigue in this lushly illustrated period mystery series!

Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn't long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a "curse" afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and...solving mysteries?!

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

5 of 5 stars

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Summary:

Maomao spent the earliest parts of her life training in herbal medicine. She had a path in life that she loved. Unfortunately, that was all ripped away from her when she was captured and sold to the inner palace.

Now, she works as a lowly servant within the inner palace. Given her ability to read and write, she could try to climb the ranks – but doing so would earn more money for those who sold her. So she's just doing what she can to get by, hoping that time will set her free.

Review:

Where has this series been all my life?! Okay, I know I'm being a little dramatic there, especially as I'm a few years behind on checking this series out. But it's perfection! The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1 is a fantastic start to a series.

Maomao is a clever character, and I adore her. Seeing her find ways to try and help those around her (without getting noticed) was entertaining, though we all knew it wouldn't last. Likewise, I'm curious about Jinshi. I have a theory, but I'll have to keep reading to find out.

I mean it when I say I loved The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1. It was stuck in my head for days. It's taking all of my willpower not to run out and buy the whole series (or request it all at once from the library). I also want to check out the anime – while savoring the manga. Decisions, decisions.

Highlights:
Historical Fiction
Manga
Poison & Medicine

Will I continue the series? Yes!

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 11 February, 2024: Finished reading
  • 11 February, 2024: Reviewed