The Apothecary Diaries 08 (Manga) by Natsu Hyuuga

The Apothecary Diaries 08 (Manga) (The Apothecary Diaries, #8)

by Natsu Hyuuga

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 historical mystery series!

The truth of Maomao’s birth is revealed?!

Sly tactician Lakan’s attempts at provocation lead to his own downfall when Maomao challenges him to elephant chess, only to outplay him in a game of wits!

In a stupor from drinking “poison” as punishment for his loss, Lakan dreams of a long-lost past, his affair with a beautiful courtesan, and meeting her daughter for the very first time.

Upon waking, he finds himself at Verdigris, where he is pressed to buy the freedom of a girl of his choosing and take her home as his wife! But will any of the flowers there catch his eye when his heart is in love with a memory?

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4.5 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.

Since then, Maomao's life has changed significantly. She no longer works for the inner palace – but instead works directly for Jinshi and the outer palace. That isn't to say she can't continue being a help to the allies she made within those walls.

Review:

So, full confession: I had caught up in the anime by the time I sat down to read The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 8. As such, most of this volume was familiar to me. That said, it is 100% worth taking the time to read and watch.

Why? Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but personally, I did pick up on a few details that I missed. To be fair, the arc here is pretty complex, so getting a chance to see it in multiple forms does help one process it all.

The main arc of The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 8 is heavy…but beautiful. It also gives readers a lot of answers we’ve been aching for, which I appreciate. I still have some theories waiting for an answer, but this gives me faith that it’ll happen.

Following all of that heaviness is a lighter arc involving a cat! No, an actual cat, not Maomao. I love it and look forward to seeing how the little one grows up (am I assuming we’ll see more of the cat? Yes. Yes, I am).

Highlights:
Historical Fiction
Manga
Poiston & Medicine

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Reading updates

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