Unveil the secrets of the imperial palace alongside Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries manga.
The Apothecary Diaries began as a light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino.
The story started as an online novel on the Shosetsuka in Naro website in 2011. It gained popularity and was published by Shufunomoto as a book in 2012.
The positive reception led them to relaunch it as a light novel series in 2014. The story is set in a fictional world inspired by Imperial China.
What is the Apothecary Diaries about?
Maomao, a skilled herbalist, is in servitude within the inner palace. Despite longing for freedom, her fate twists when she uses her intelligence to dispel a supposed curse affecting the imperial heirs.
This act catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome eunuch, leading to Maomao’s promotion to the role of food taster.
However, Jinshi has ulterior motives, and Maomao soon finds herself embroiled in brewing potions and unraveling mysteries.
Where to read Apothecary Diaries manga
There are two Apothecary Diaries adaptations.
If you’re looking for the original story, you can find the English digital versions of the light novel on J-Novel Club’s website.
The physical and digital copies of the Apothecary Diaries manga are available on Square Enix’s website.
The manga has 12 volumes and is still ongoing, along with the light novel.
The series came to life as an anime in late 2023, produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. The first season ran until March 2024.
Apothecary Diaries manga price
| MANGA VOLUME | PAGES | PRICE |
| 1 | 178 | US$12.99 |
| 2 | 178 | US$12.99 |
| 3 | 192 | US$10.99 |
| 4 | 192 | US$10.99 |
| 5 | 176 | US$10.99 |
| 6 | 176 | US$12.99 |
| 7 | 178 | US$12.99 |
| 8 | 176 | US$12.99 |
| 9 | 176 | US$12.99 |
| 10 | 176 | US$12.99 |
| 11 | 176 | US$12.99 |
| 12 | 176 | US$12.99 |
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