Story & Thoughtsįirst thoughts, the art for this series is absolutely gorgeous.

This volume does not state which palace she resides in. Lihua is one of the Emperor’s consorts, and mother of the infant crown prince. Hongniang is the head lady-in-waiting for Gyokuyo. She resides in the Jade Palace of the inner court, and she has four ladies-in-waiting. Gyokuyo is the Emperor’s favorite consort. Xiaolan is a maidservant, a huge gossip, and Maomao’s friend. Jinshi is a eunuch who appears to be in charge of running the inner court, and he seems to be fond of Maomao, or at least intrigued by her. I’m not sure why, but I imagine her voice sounding like Haruhi from the Ouran High School Host Club English dub. She grew up in the pleasure district, in a house with her father. Maomao, the main character, is a trained apothecary. After actually starting the series, I can say I’m definitely not disappointed. It also has high praise everywhere I look. That’s one of the reasons I am choosing to read it. This series is apparently a recommendation for people who like Case Closed/Detective Conan, which I do. I’m wary of starting any new series without doing research, because I like to know what I’m getting into. This is the first new and current manga series I’m reading in a good while. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?! Personal & Info 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 beautiful Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance, SeinenĪmazon Barnes&Noble RightStuf ThriftBooks Synopsis from the Book Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga) 1 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino

The apothecary diaries volume 1