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The Apothecary Diaries Light Novel #11
薬屋のひとりごと 11 [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 11]
戌西州を襲った大蝗害。
過去の蝗害を知る者は少なく、人々は混乱する。
西都や国境近くでも、食糧の強奪や暴動が頻繁に起きていた。
猫猫は何もできない自分を歯がゆく思いつつも、
できる限りのことをやっていた。
それは中央からの客人である壬氏も同様で、身の安全のためという
名目の軟禁生活を強いられながらも、蝗害を予見していたことで、
中央からの支援物資を早く受け取ることができた。
だが、その手柄は壬氏ではなく
西都の領主代行・玉鶯のものとして扱われてしまう。
手柄の横取りに猫猫は腹を立てるが、当の壬氏はどこ吹く風で、
皇弟という立場を最大限に利用して
戌西州への支援要請を行う。
また、物資が不足する中、
猫猫にさまざまな問題が火の粉となって降りかかる。
謎の腹痛に苦しむ玉鶯の孫娘。
変人軍師・羅漢が連れてきた棋聖と呼ばれる老人。
同僚の医官・天祐の奇行。
そして、消息不明だったあの人が帰ってくる⁉
一方、西都では皇弟に対する不満が高まっていく。
蝗害による飢えや病に苦しむ民衆は、
とうとう皇族である壬氏へ怒りの矛先を向けることに。
守り支えていたはずの民衆に恨まれてしまった壬氏の決断は?
不審な動きを続ける領主代行・玉鶯の狙いとは?
そして、猫猫は無事、危機を脱することができるのか?
過去の蝗害を知る者は少なく、人々は混乱する。
西都や国境近くでも、食糧の強奪や暴動が頻繁に起きていた。
猫猫は何もできない自分を歯がゆく思いつつも、
できる限りのことをやっていた。
それは中央からの客人である壬氏も同様で、身の安全のためという
名目の軟禁生活を強いられながらも、蝗害を予見していたことで、
中央からの支援物資を早く受け取ることができた。
だが、その手柄は壬氏ではなく
西都の領主代行・玉鶯のものとして扱われてしまう。
手柄の横取りに猫猫は腹を立てるが、当の壬氏はどこ吹く風で、
皇弟という立場を最大限に利用して
戌西州への支援要請を行う。
また、物資が不足する中、
猫猫にさまざまな問題が火の粉となって降りかかる。
謎の腹痛に苦しむ玉鶯の孫娘。
変人軍師・羅漢が連れてきた棋聖と呼ばれる老人。
同僚の医官・天祐の奇行。
そして、消息不明だったあの人が帰ってくる⁉
一方、西都では皇弟に対する不満が高まっていく。
蝗害による飢えや病に苦しむ民衆は、
とうとう皇族である壬氏へ怒りの矛先を向けることに。
守り支えていたはずの民衆に恨まれてしまった壬氏の決断は?
不審な動きを続ける領主代行・玉鶯の狙いとは?
そして、猫猫は無事、危機を脱することができるのか?
408 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2021
202 people are currently reading
1,003 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 19, 2024
THIS WAS SO GOOD! First of all, I have to give Rikuson a hug right now. I already loved Rikuson but now he is even dearer to me and I truly never thought he would be such an important character it's a nice surprise and now I realise the hints were there all along.
This volume was really good at tying together all the little things that have been hinted at for so many volumes especially the mysterious fate of the Yi clan and it was so interesting to see the political scheming in the the Western Capital. There were so many revelations at the end and I can't wait to see the implications in the next volume. I love how this story keeps growing in scale and how there are so many different people with their own agendas at play.
There wasn't a lot of Maomao and Jinshi in this volume apart from that cute part where he held her hand to recharge but there was too much going on for them to interact a lot.
This was a great volume Ioved it!
This volume was really good at tying together all the little things that have been hinted at for so many volumes especially the mysterious fate of the Yi clan and it was so interesting to see the political scheming in the the Western Capital. There were so many revelations at the end and I can't wait to see the implications in the next volume. I love how this story keeps growing in scale and how there are so many different people with their own agendas at play.
There wasn't a lot of Maomao and Jinshi in this volume apart from that cute part where he held her hand to recharge but there was too much going on for them to interact a lot.
This was a great volume Ioved it!
May 27, 2024
Two conclusions: I love my man Rikuson, and I hate that bitch Gyoku-ou.
March 11, 2025
oops! finished another one! 🤭
May 21, 2024
Absolutely worth the wait. This has been the best arc since volumes 3 and 4.
May 29, 2024
First off, we get a jealous Jinshi chapter.
We get Jinshi and Maomao holding hands.
And the Rikuson chapter (iykyk) WOW!
While this book is politically heavy, it was very intriguing and kept me interested.
I am not exaggerating when I say this series has changed my life. 11 was a great read.
We get Jinshi and Maomao holding hands.
And the Rikuson chapter (iykyk) WOW!
While this book is politically heavy, it was very intriguing and kept me interested.
I am not exaggerating when I say this series has changed my life. 11 was a great read.
September 7, 2024
Slow start but it picked up!! I’m so excited for the next one to be translated 😭😭
March 22, 2025
This was definitely a very politically heavy volume. While I enjoyed the outcome of one specific character very much, I am conflicted about my thoughts about others (cough cough Rikuson, I loved his backstory but I still don't know how to feel about him now), but that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of this installment of the series.
June 4, 2024
S’allright no fun jinmao scene :(
August 12, 2024
While much more focused on crisis and political drama, this book had me hooked from the beginning. It did drag a bit in the middle to be honest but the final twists all make it worth it. Normally such big turns and twists would feel too much at once but everything had been so clearly set up from the beginning, all the little details left in the previous books, that it felt glorious for it all to come together and make sense in the end. I'm excited for the next one
November 28, 2024
Notikumi notiek lēni. Šī grāmata ir par sekām, kas izriet no iepriekšējās grāmatas notikuma. Kā lēnām varoņi mēģina šo problēmu atrisināt. Arī vairāk lasītājs tiek iepazīstināts ar Rikuson pagātni, iedod viņam nozīmīgu lomu stāstā.
Mīlas stāsts ļoti lēns. Ir vesela epizode, kur raksturo rokas turēšanu, kā lielāko sirds satricinājumu. Pusaudžu mīlestība. Tomēr ņemot vērā, kad galvenie varoņi ir ļoti jauni, tad piedodami.
Mīlas stāsts ļoti lēns. Ir vesela epizode, kur raksturo rokas turēšanu, kā lielāko sirds satricinājumu. Pusaudžu mīlestība. Tomēr ņemot vērā, kad galvenie varoņi ir ļoti jauni, tad piedodami.
May 27, 2024
Wow - I highly recommend this author
Another truly amazing novel, the intricacies of the story are so well thought out and enaging. This volume felt like a full circle moment which was particularly satisfying to read. I cant wait for the next volume to be translated to see what happens next! 🩶
Another truly amazing novel, the intricacies of the story are so well thought out and enaging. This volume felt like a full circle moment which was particularly satisfying to read. I cant wait for the next volume to be translated to see what happens next! 🩶
May 27, 2024
4.5
God, I love this series. It always starts out really slow, but then just amps everything up to 100 at the halfway mark.
Love how everything -- I mean everything -- that's revealed to us at one point, will play a role later on, without forecasting in an obvious way. I can't wait for the next one!!!
God, I love this series. It always starts out really slow, but then just amps everything up to 100 at the halfway mark.
Love how everything -- I mean everything -- that's revealed to us at one point, will play a role later on, without forecasting in an obvious way. I can't wait for the next one!!!
July 1, 2024
8/10. Spent a little long on the swarm but overall great!! I couldn’t put it down. Such a thoughtful way bring the plot full circle for characters I never would have thought were involved. Huge respect for Rikuson.
February 19, 2025
Actually fantastic. The revelations?! The characters?! The connections?! Ah!
May 22, 2024
Absolutely worth the wait. The story once again delves deeper into political conflicts with twists being loaded in each chapter.
Maomao's role seems to be supportive in this volume which can be a bummer for us, Maomao enthusiasts, nonetheless, I've found myself immersed in the web of tussles and schemes which is subtly led by an unexpected recurring supporting character.
I also loved how well-balanced each aspect of the plot alongside the various characters were presented in this volume.
I seriously can't wait until the next one comes out in English.
Maomao's role seems to be supportive in this volume which can be a bummer for us, Maomao enthusiasts, nonetheless, I've found myself immersed in the web of tussles and schemes which is subtly led by an unexpected recurring supporting character.
I also loved how well-balanced each aspect of the plot alongside the various characters were presented in this volume.
I seriously can't wait until the next one comes out in English.
May 23, 2024
An excellent pinnacle of the political intrigue for this arc.
July 15, 2024
I′m crawling up the walls I′m gnawing on furniture the build up of the past several volumes leading to this has be screaming, but I have nobody to discuss with, because I don′t know anyone actually reading the books.
Needless to say the wait til the next volume might kill me
Needless to say the wait til the next volume might kill me
January 17, 2025
Series as a whole 5/5
This book alone 3.5/5
It’s not a bad book, it is really interesting but it is pretty slow especially towards the end. You get a lot of information thrown at you at once and can be a little overbearing. But I can see that it’s setting up for a really good next book, now don’t get me wrong I love this arc, I am finding it really interesting and do love it so this book didn’t bother me but some might find it too slow.
This series is really good at getting you invested into a lot of the side characters, constantly being worried about Lahans brother, keeping a side eye on Chue, getting comfort from Lihaku. The series does do well bringing in characters and without knowing you are invested into them.
Some big developments on a few side characters, not a big amount concerning Jinshi/Maomao but some cute wee moments in there.
This is the last book I have re-read now I’m onto new stuff!
This book alone 3.5/5
It’s not a bad book, it is really interesting but it is pretty slow especially towards the end. You get a lot of information thrown at you at once and can be a little overbearing. But I can see that it’s setting up for a really good next book, now don’t get me wrong I love this arc, I am finding it really interesting and do love it so this book didn’t bother me but some might find it too slow.
This series is really good at getting you invested into a lot of the side characters, constantly being worried about Lahans brother, keeping a side eye on Chue, getting comfort from Lihaku. The series does do well bringing in characters and without knowing you are invested into them.
Some big developments on a few side characters, not a big amount concerning Jinshi/Maomao but some cute wee moments in there.
This is the last book I have re-read now I’m onto new stuff!
January 24, 2023
這集算是娛樂性低，但是伏筆回收的部分滿有趣的XD
詳細感想放在Blog裡。
詳細感想放在Blog裡。
June 2, 2024
:( Not my favourite volume. It was a slow and painful read until the 75% mark when something BANANAS happened and then the remainder of the book was basically one man's childhood backstory. I wish I were joking. I hope the next volume is better.
November 17, 2024
I think this may be the best volume yet, along with volume 10. While Vol 10 was certainly nail-biting, this volume focused on the consequences of the events of the 10th. I may have to reread earlier volumes to understand the extent of Natsu Hyuuga's plot layout. And in this volume, the chickens come home to roost for some of them.
The more I think about it, the more I realise that the prologues and epilogues are insights into specific characters. Yes, we get them during the main chapters, too, but not really in the same way. By putting us squarely in the character's memories/introspections, we see what shapes them. Given the prologue of this book, should we have seen what comes at the end? Probably. There's enough historical precedence in real life, after all.
Given recent events—I'm writing this a week or so after the 2024 US presidential elections—I can't help thinking about what cults of personality can do to society. When peace or calm and life or death rely on the words of one person, it can protect and destroy in equal measures, depending on those words.
Favourite quotes:
1) "Value was in the eye of the beholder, and it could make life so cruel."
2) "Sometimes when a person asked for "advice," they weren't actually looking for a solution."
3) "No, no. You don't understand how obsessed with numbers he is! Once I gave myself a quick haircut—I just needed it to be shorter, you know?—and in the middle of the night, he came in and cut it all while I was asleep. And if it was uneven by so much as the width of a fingernail, he kept cutting, until there was hardly any left! Can you imagine how I felt?! He was five!"
4) "By nature, the human animal follows its desires. By educating a person, we create what we call rationality. But even then, not everyone can overcome their appetites."
5) "Tools get more and more powerful as they're improved. And tools that don't rely on the user's strength—those only get better and better the more improvements are made."
6) "Maomao." She heard Jinshi from the other side of the curtain. "I think things are going to get tiring. I need a charge." His hand poked through the drapes.
"A charge?" Maomao asked.
She studied the shelf Chue had indicated. She took a mooncake wrapped in paper from a basket on the shelf and pressed it into Jinshi's hand.
"Huh?!"
The mooncake dropped to the ground. The paper came off and, sadly, it touched the floor. Maomao moved to pick it up, but her right hand was caught by Jinshi's. She felt his fingers slide between hers as if to make sure she was there. The fact they were both using their right hands made it oddly awkward.
Jinshi's long fingers pressed into the back of Maomao's hand, while his palm pressed against hers. She could feel his pulse. His nails were neatly trimmed, but she could feel the calluses on his palm. Ink stained the tips of his fingers, and there was a sheen of sweat on his hand.
Maomao's palm had started sweating as well. She was hoping to get away before it got too bad. "Sir? What are you doing?" she asked.
"I told you. Charging."
"Charging."
Dammit, so he hadn't been talking about getting some extra sugar? She looked reproachfully at the mooncake on the floor.
"I wanted to do it before I had to start pushing myself too hard."
"Maybe just don't push yourself too hard?"
Maomao breathed slowly, trying to keep her heart rate down, trying to keep the flush out of her cheeks and hands. Even so, her heartbeat and the sweating got away from her, and she could feel hand growing slick.
"Only the most incompetent of leaders would find that an option, I'm afraid."
"If you let someone else steal credit for everything you do, you don't look like much of a leader anyway."
"That doesn't bother me. Those who know will know, and that's enough." He squeezed her hand tighter. Then the quality of his voice changed: "Our visitor is here."
"You must pardon my intrusion, Moon Prince," a man's voice said."
"Not at all. My apologies for summoning you when you're so busy," Jinshi replied easily, but his hand remained wrapped around Maomao's.
Is he going to hold the whole conversation this way?
Jinshi's back was to Maomao, but she couldn't even see that because of the curtain between them. All she knew was that his right hand was growing increasingly sweaty, betraying the emotions he couldn't allow to show on his face.
Who was this visitor he was entertaining? What expression was he leveling at them? Did they really not realize that Maomao was right there, just out of sight?
She couldn't stand it anymore. She pinched the back of Jinshi's right hand with her left.
This doesn't count as disrespect! It doesn't!
"Please, be seated," Jinshi said. Was it her imagination, or had his voice gone up an octave? At last Maomao worked her hand free, and his disappeared past the other side of the curtain.
Maomao held up her hand and inspected it. There were faint red marks on the back.
"Charging, huh?" she muttered.
The more I think about it, the more I realise that the prologues and epilogues are insights into specific characters. Yes, we get them during the main chapters, too, but not really in the same way. By putting us squarely in the character's memories/introspections, we see what shapes them. Given the prologue of this book, should we have seen what comes at the end? Probably. There's enough historical precedence in real life, after all.
Given recent events—I'm writing this a week or so after the 2024 US presidential elections—I can't help thinking about what cults of personality can do to society. When peace or calm and life or death rely on the words of one person, it can protect and destroy in equal measures, depending on those words.
Favourite quotes:
1) "Value was in the eye of the beholder, and it could make life so cruel."
2) "Sometimes when a person asked for "advice," they weren't actually looking for a solution."
3) "No, no. You don't understand how obsessed with numbers he is! Once I gave myself a quick haircut—I just needed it to be shorter, you know?—and in the middle of the night, he came in and cut it all while I was asleep. And if it was uneven by so much as the width of a fingernail, he kept cutting, until there was hardly any left! Can you imagine how I felt?! He was five!"
4) "By nature, the human animal follows its desires. By educating a person, we create what we call rationality. But even then, not everyone can overcome their appetites."
5) "Tools get more and more powerful as they're improved. And tools that don't rely on the user's strength—those only get better and better the more improvements are made."
6) "Maomao." She heard Jinshi from the other side of the curtain. "I think things are going to get tiring. I need a charge." His hand poked through the drapes.
"A charge?" Maomao asked.
She studied the shelf Chue had indicated. She took a mooncake wrapped in paper from a basket on the shelf and pressed it into Jinshi's hand.
"Huh?!"
The mooncake dropped to the ground. The paper came off and, sadly, it touched the floor. Maomao moved to pick it up, but her right hand was caught by Jinshi's. She felt his fingers slide between hers as if to make sure she was there. The fact they were both using their right hands made it oddly awkward.
Jinshi's long fingers pressed into the back of Maomao's hand, while his palm pressed against hers. She could feel his pulse. His nails were neatly trimmed, but she could feel the calluses on his palm. Ink stained the tips of his fingers, and there was a sheen of sweat on his hand.
Maomao's palm had started sweating as well. She was hoping to get away before it got too bad. "Sir? What are you doing?" she asked.
"I told you. Charging."
"Charging."
Dammit, so he hadn't been talking about getting some extra sugar? She looked reproachfully at the mooncake on the floor.
"I wanted to do it before I had to start pushing myself too hard."
"Maybe just don't push yourself too hard?"
Maomao breathed slowly, trying to keep her heart rate down, trying to keep the flush out of her cheeks and hands. Even so, her heartbeat and the sweating got away from her, and she could feel hand growing slick.
"Only the most incompetent of leaders would find that an option, I'm afraid."
"If you let someone else steal credit for everything you do, you don't look like much of a leader anyway."
"That doesn't bother me. Those who know will know, and that's enough." He squeezed her hand tighter. Then the quality of his voice changed: "Our visitor is here."
"You must pardon my intrusion, Moon Prince," a man's voice said."
"Not at all. My apologies for summoning you when you're so busy," Jinshi replied easily, but his hand remained wrapped around Maomao's.
Is he going to hold the whole conversation this way?
Jinshi's back was to Maomao, but she couldn't even see that because of the curtain between them. All she knew was that his right hand was growing increasingly sweaty, betraying the emotions he couldn't allow to show on his face.
Who was this visitor he was entertaining? What expression was he leveling at them? Did they really not realize that Maomao was right there, just out of sight?
She couldn't stand it anymore. She pinched the back of Jinshi's right hand with her left.
This doesn't count as disrespect! It doesn't!
"Please, be seated," Jinshi said. Was it her imagination, or had his voice gone up an octave? At last Maomao worked her hand free, and his disappeared past the other side of the curtain.
Maomao held up her hand and inspected it. There were faint red marks on the back.
"Charging, huh?" she muttered.
January 5, 2025
If you’re already a fan of The Apothecary Diaries series, volume 11 is an absolute delight that doesn’t disappoint. This installment continues to showcase the intricate storytelling, sharp wit, and engaging mysteries that have become the hallmark of Natsu Hyuuga’s work. As someone who loved the plot, the twists, and the overall story, I found this volume to be one of the strongest in the series yet.
The story picks up with Maomao continuing to navigate the dangerous yet fascinating world of court politics. The setting, steeped in lush historical detail, remains as vibrant as ever. The meticulous descriptions of palace life, medicine, and intrigue continue to add depth to the narrative without overwhelming it.
One of the standout elements of this volume is the central mystery, which ties deeply into Maomao’s past and challenges her sharp intellect in unexpected ways. The twists in this volume are particularly well-executed, managing to surprise without feeling out of place. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story takes a turn that leaves you eager to keep reading.
Maomao remains a captivating protagonist. Her cleverness, sarcasm, and unorthodox ways of solving problems are as entertaining as ever. Volume 11 also deepens her relationships with the supporting cast, particularly Jinshi, whose interactions with Maomao continue to sizzle with tension and subtle charm. Their dynamic adds a layer of emotional complexity that complements the book’s otherwise plot-driven nature.
The conclusion of this volume ties together the threads of its central arc in a satisfying manner while leaving enough breadcrumbs to build anticipation for future volumes. The balance between resolution and open-ended intrigue is masterful, ensuring that readers are left both satisfied and craving more.
Overall, The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 11 is an absolute page-turner, filled with rich details, unpredictable twists, and characters who feel alive. It’s a testament to the series’ consistent quality and ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. For fans of historical mysteries and strong female protagonists, this volume is a must-read.
March 5, 2023
おぉ、久々に、ぐちゃぐちゃに絡まってた政治や過去の因縁が、綺麗に解きほぐされるストーリーだった。
今までの物語でちらっと匂わされていた事が、ここまで綺麗にまとまるとは、作者も結構考えて伏線書いてたんだな、と少し見直した。かなり前の巻から、ちまちまちまちまと多くの小さい伏線を忍ばせるのは大変だったろう。
が、なんだろう、長編シリーズになるとアルアルだろうが、読者を驚かせるのは結局「新しい登場人物はある人物と繋がっていた！（＝登場人物全員どこかしらで繋がってる）」という要素で、この物語もその例に漏れなかった。
戌の一族が云々は重要なポイントだろうなとは思ってたが、まさか玉葉の新しい二女姉妹も関係してくるとは。
そして、その情報の出し方も、伏線がチマチマしていたのに対して、後付け的に情報大放出していて、読む分にはまどろっこしくなくていいが、「あぁラノベだな」と思ってしまった。
やはり文章の書き方や物語の持って行き方が下手くそなんだろうか。
また、今回は猫猫も壬氏も、脇役感がある。勿論、「補充」と称して衝立の隙間から手をつなぐのは可愛いし、猫猫が珍しく赤面して体も火照ってるのは印象的だったが。
それと、ここ最近は猫猫が壬氏を心配したり大事に思ってるという事が微かだが感じられるので、それも良い。
（10巻の最後に、「表紙はまさかのあの人が登場！？」と書いてあったが、普通に猫猫と...これは陸孫？まさかのあの人って誰。
っと思ってたが、陸遜で納得。）
ここ数巻と比べて、興味深く読めたし「おぉなるほど！」という瞬間もあったので、☆4つにはまだちょっと届かないので、☆3.5。
さて。
次の12巻は予約13人待ちだし、最新刊の13巻(つい先週の2/25に出版されたっぽい)はまだどの図書館にも入ってないようなので、大本の「小説家になろう」サイトを覗いてみるか悩み中。が、出版される前の文章は、もっと稚拙だろうと思うと躊躇する：
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9636x/
今までの物語でちらっと匂わされていた事が、ここまで綺麗にまとまるとは、作者も結構考えて伏線書いてたんだな、と少し見直した。かなり前の巻から、ちまちまちまちまと多くの小さい伏線を忍ばせるのは大変だったろう。
が、なんだろう、長編シリーズになるとアルアルだろうが、読者を驚かせるのは結局「新しい登場人物はある人物と繋がっていた！（＝登場人物全員どこかしらで繋がってる）」という要素で、この物語もその例に漏れなかった。
戌の一族が云々は重要なポイントだろうなとは思ってたが、まさか玉葉の新しい二女姉妹も関係してくるとは。
そして、その情報の出し方も、伏線がチマチマしていたのに対して、後付け的に情報大放出していて、読む分にはまどろっこしくなくていいが、「あぁラノベだな」と思ってしまった。
やはり文章の書き方や物語の持って行き方が下手くそなんだろうか。
また、今回は猫猫も壬氏も、脇役感がある。勿論、「補充」と称して衝立の隙間から手をつなぐのは可愛いし、猫猫が珍しく赤面して体も火照ってるのは印象的だったが。
それと、ここ最近は猫猫が壬氏を心配したり大事に思ってるという事が微かだが感じられるので、それも良い。
（10巻の最後に、「表紙はまさかのあの人が登場！？」と書いてあったが、普通に猫猫と...これは陸孫？まさかのあの人って誰。
っと思ってたが、陸遜で納得。）
ここ数巻と比べて、興味深く読めたし「おぉなるほど！」という瞬間もあったので、☆4つにはまだちょっと届かないので、☆3.5。
さて。
次の12巻は予約13人待ちだし、最新刊の13巻(つい先週の2/25に出版されたっぽい)はまだどの図書館にも入ってないようなので、大本の「小説家になろう」サイトを覗いてみるか悩み中。が、出版される前の文章は、もっと稚拙だろうと思うと躊躇する：
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9636x/
May 26, 2024
3.5*
Really nice read. The story has more of a You and Yi clan background and what a political spider web it is! Some threads from the previous books has been tied here and while it was less about Jinshi/Maomao it was still thrilling.
One con for me is how the quack doctor personality is (or more precisely isn't) developing. We already had a bit of his back story and as far as I remember he also had to pass court exams at some point so... I think the farther we go in series the dumber the author portrays him which doesn't really sit with his background, in my opinion. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable, as always. It truly delivers!
Really nice read. The story has more of a You and Yi clan background and what a political spider web it is! Some threads from the previous books has been tied here and while it was less about Jinshi/Maomao it was still thrilling.
One con for me is how the quack doctor personality is (or more precisely isn't) developing. We already had a bit of his back story and as far as I remember he also had to pass court exams at some point so... I think the farther we go in series the dumber the author portrays him which doesn't really sit with his background, in my opinion. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable, as always. It truly delivers!
July 7, 2024
Kinda slow and it was hard for me to get into it. We finally wrap up the insect swarm arc and deal with the aftermath while diving straight into the complex history and political intrigue surrounding the You family and the Yi clan as our characters try to prevent war in the western capital. It's all very intertwined, confusing, and hmm...not that interesting? I skimmed over quite a few passages (okay so maybe it's my fault that I'm confused). This volume doesn't focus much on Jinshi and Maomao; instead, Rikuson becomes quite important in the conflict against Gyoku-ou. I hate Gyoku-ou, what an a-hole.
September 5, 2024
This series has my heart and soul. I watched the anime, read most of the manga (not the one that just released), and now I'm caught up on the Light Novels. Overall this series has taken every thought I have and has made me obsessed. It has political plots and mystery, in a way that is easy to digest and track throughout the novels. I could sing its praises to the end of the world and back. I just have to sit on my hands and patiently wait for Volume 12 in English. Very few books make me feel as if I've been sucked into a black hole I don't want to get out of. I dreaded reaching the end of the available Light Novels and here I am. I cannot wait until October.
January 19, 2025
WHAT A COMEBACK!!! I'd been a little bored of the whole insect plague thing. With the expansion on Gyoku-Ou and his motivations, the possibility of war, some really good medical drama at the beginning, I found it surprising and fun at every turn. Expaneded on a lot of characters, had a lot of fun moments, good utilization of the characters (especially liked Lakan in this), it reminded me how good Apothecary Diaries can be. Very nice. A nice blend of politics and medical drama and history, very well balanced. Very cohesive.
The last 50 pages are the craziest twists and turns and had me gaping.
The last 50 pages are the craziest twists and turns and had me gaping.
April 5, 2025
this is the light novel im going to be stopping at and will (probably) not pick it up again (to continue the series) i hate the locut and war plot, pls take us back to the empreor's palace🙏. the characters felt so boring in this book, when i found out thr next book is still in the west i decided i didnt want to continue the series, i feel like the main charm of the book was the setting and having three or so light novels dedicated to the locut plot really threw me off. pls maomao is an apothecary, its called the apothecary diaries make maomao touch some herbs :((. although, i do love the doctor-in-training situation.
i just miss maomao's father and her sisters :(
i just miss maomao's father and her sisters :(
June 29, 2024
I'm so upset I'm all caught up with the english release now!! Waiting till the next volume feels like torture.
This volume reads like the climax of everything that the author had been building together since volume 5. I would never expect that Rikuson would've such a big role at the end, but my mouth was in the floor.
I won't write much, but the way that everything is weaved together with the cast of characters that have been showing up in this arc has left me very satisfied and I cannot for the life of me wait for the next volumes.
This volume reads like the climax of everything that the author had been building together since volume 5. I would never expect that Rikuson would've such a big role at the end, but my mouth was in the floor.
I won't write much, but the way that everything is weaved together with the cast of characters that have been showing up in this arc has left me very satisfied and I cannot for the life of me wait for the next volumes.
August 30, 2024
LEJOS EL MEJOR DE TODOS !!!!!
fue excelente, muchas cosas se esclarecieron y se revelaron, y todos los twists que trajeron fueron INCREÍBLES
hubo romance, drama, misterio, TODO
rikuson my man they could NEVER make me hate you 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
and ofc once again and per usual, i live for maomao y jinshi crumbs ❤️
realmente esta mina es muy buena escritora, cada detalle está súper pensado, todo lo que pasa se remonta a foreshadowings in-adivinables que te van dando, está todo planeadísimo y es hermoso. the built up was 100% worth the wait
fue excelente, muchas cosas se esclarecieron y se revelaron, y todos los twists que trajeron fueron INCREÍBLES
hubo romance, drama, misterio, TODO
rikuson my man they could NEVER make me hate you 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
and ofc once again and per usual, i live for maomao y jinshi crumbs ❤️
realmente esta mina es muy buena escritora, cada detalle está súper pensado, todo lo que pasa se remonta a foreshadowings in-adivinables que te van dando, está todo planeadísimo y es hermoso. the built up was 100% worth the wait
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