Apothecary Diaries Vol. 1
Author: Natsu Hyuuga
Compiler: Itsuki Nanao
Illustrator: Nekokurage
Publisher: Square Enix
Age: Teen
Genre: drama mystery romance
Type: Manga
Content warnings: death, self-poisoning
Spoilers
Plot
Maomao, a young woman, is an apothecary who’s kidnapped and forced to work as a servant at the inner palace. While there, she solves a curse afflicting the imperial heirs and is whisked away to be a poison tester for the emperor’s favorite concubine. When she’s not doing that she solves mysteries?
Characterization
Maomao is an intriguing protagonist because she doesn’t care for anything except for herbal medicine and poisons. She’s sassy, sarcastic, serious, and sly. She doesn’t fall for Master Jinshi’s looks ( which throws him off). Maomao has a lot to learn about etiquette and life, but picks up on things quickly, except for Jinshi’s intentions. She’s a complex character with clear flaws she can improve upon, which makes her very relatable to the reader.
Master Jinshi’s is an ethereal beauty of a man…too bad he’s a eunuch. He is the overseer of the inner court “garden” where the emperor’ concubines live. He relies on his beauty, and what it can’t do for him, he relies on his cunning and intelligence. He doesn’t understand why his beauty doesn’t affect Maomao, but he enjoys their interactions. He’s an interesting character that has some complexity. I’m looking forward to the author fleshing him out more.
The secondary characters fill the world for Maomao quite well. Each as a specific purpose in her life. She interacts with them more than once. This creates a circle around her much like how we do with our friends and family.
World-Building
World-building happens mainly through the backgrounds of the manga. Another great we;at that Apothecary diaries does this is Maomao’s interactions with secondary and background characters. Her inner observations color the world for us. One such line being:
“The palace and the pleasure district are not all that different” (Vol. 1, p. 7).
Theme
Life is full of surprises.
Observations
Jinshi’s is set-up to become a complex and major player in Maomao’s life and is definitely the romance partner. At the same time, there is the trope of strong female hating the romance partner and then falling for him over time. While this trope is played out, the slow-burn of this piece with the mixture of intrigue and mystery helps move the story without focusing too much on the romance. It’s a great balance.
The mysteries are interesting and engaging. We learn a lot about the world and how it works by Maomao solving them. Maomao has the potential, circumstances, and guidance to improve herself if she can learn to expand her knowledge past herbal medicine and poisons.
Recommendations
For more drama mystery romance:
Raven of the Inner Palace by: Koko Shirakawa
For more drama and romance:
Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion by: Milcha
The Remarried Empress by: Herelee
