Wow, I think we found another gem that is none of your conventional storyline with the same damn stereotypical lead characters. If I could compare this series to another, it would be Akatsuki No Yona off the bat. Although this is a seinen, I felt that it can also play off as shoujo genre as well because of its art style, and the vibe that I got from the first few chapters. I've always enjoyed historical setting in my manga so when I discovered upon this series, oh boy I was so excited.
The protagonist is not just sassy, but also has a very likeable
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Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Drugstore Soliloquy Japanese: 薬屋のひとりごと More titlesInformationType: Manga
Volumes: Unknown
Chapters: Unknown
Status: Publishing
Published: May 25, 2017 to ?
Demographic:
Seinen
Serialization:
Big Gangan Statistics Ranked: #872 2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded. Popularity: #230
Members: 70,493
Favorites: 3,529 Available AtResources | Reviews
Filtered Results: 15 / 15
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Your Feelings Categories Nov 3, 2019
This manga is like the main character, an unusual gem that shines with a non-traditional beauty.
After I got your attention, let me explain my confusing intro for this review. The story is a common, but also uncommon story, that puts a plebeian girl into the harem of the emperor as a maid. So far so common, but here the plot disperses from the common root. There are no "ugly (usually not ugly at all) duckling charms beautiful prince" shenanigans happening here, because our main heroine is not interested in any of that. Her only interest is in herbs, mushrooms, poisons, medicine and experiments including all of ... Sep 18, 2023
TL;DR: MAOMAO SWEEP!!!!!!!! I just know that once the anime for this series comes out, it will be the new darling of the animanga world, and for good reason. The Apothecary Diaries is a fun mystery series with a fantastic main protagonist and intriguing court drama. Don't sleep on the Maomao sweep!!
(MAOMAO SWEEP IS REAL!!!) Okay, I'll really stop now. I have no idea where that came from. I guess the spirit of the Maomao sweep just possessed me for a moment... L;DR: Ttrust me, you will be on board after dipping your toes into the Apothecary Diaries. Maomao is genuinely one of the best protagonists ... Apr 7, 2018
Found another favourite and I can confidently predict this manga will blow up soon.
I really enjoy how the chapters are episodic and reminiscent of detective/Agatha Christie-type narratives (in Kusuriya's case, each chapter is usually about discovering who was responsible for poisoning [insert name of imperial concubine that was poisoned]). Although this sounds repetitive, each chapter is kept interesting with new strategies the female lead uses to identify the culprit. This manga is based on a light novel and from reading a few chapters of the light novel I can say that the plot is/will be GREAT and keeps you intrigued for the whole duration of the ... Feb 17, 2020
In its best moments Kusuriya no Hitorigoto is a historical royal court detective with a competent quirky girl pharmacist protag – the very sound of it is like a balm for my soul, I have waited for a plot like this for years! Unfortunately, it is still not free of side effects – one or another toxic substance is always present in the narrative and hurts the otherwise enjoyable read.
The premise is perfect. A young female pharmacist from a red light district ends up by chance becoming a harem maid, and quickly gets entangled in intrigue as a willing food-tester, occasional medic, and a detective ... Dec 1, 2017
Im not really good at reviews but i want to try to convince you to read this manga.
The story is very unique in it's setting but what makes this manga standout so far are the characters. I found myself several times being taken back as they went against expectations, the shining example being the main character in Maomao. She is a great example of a "strong" female protagonist done right as she strives to pursue her own interests even in a new circumstances, helping those around her. The art itself is pleasing, especially on the character closeups and it's comedic moments through the interactions ... Jan 22, 2024
«If I keep my head down and do my work, I’ll get out of here sooner or later». These were the protagonist Maomao’s famous last words, before being involved in the mysteries, crimes, poisonings and secrets of the Chinese imperial court.
‘The Apothecary diaries’ manga is so much more than what the title suggests, it is a compelling story covering multiple aspects, such as politics, strategies and romance of a fictional country, very similar to China during the Ming-era between the 14th and 17th centuries. The reader will discover a new world through the eyes of Maomao, a simple girl who unfortunately finds herself involved in ... Apr 20, 2019
Imperial China/ Female Servant with BioChem Knowledge/ Detective/ Potentially Romance?
***Hidden Gem Alert, but I prefer the other manga adaptation!!*** {More detailed drawing/ less detailed story}-> drawing focus Minor Spoiler: Story: 10 ... Mar 18, 2018
A real hidden gem! I wish the updates were more frequent, but I've found this a fantastic read so far. The characters are very fun to see interact with each other, and the art and story have been quite compelling. From my perspective, this is also a very unique setting, taking place in China, in an Imperial Harem.
Even though the story is likely tailored to a female audience, I found this thoroughly enjoyable so far, being an adult male in my late twenties. I suppose the closest thematic manga/anime I can think of would be Fushigi Yugi. Something that has occurred to me ... Jul 8, 2019
tl:dr on bottom
This manga was quite different than what I expected it to be by reading the first few chapters and looking at the artwork, in a good way. At its core, this is a detective manga set in imperial Japan or China or something. However, the thing that sets it apart from other detective series is first and foremost the main character. Plot-wise it's fairly episodic in nature, with a few chapters being devoted to a separate case that the MC has to solve, so it runs similarly to other detective series. In this case, most of the mysteries have to do with poisons and ... Sep 21, 2018
I've read many kinds of manga, but ones in a while you will really encounter a hidden gem.
This manga is one of those, the story itself is very fascinating and so soothing to read and will really hooked you and makes you smile as you keep reading it. A "Strong Willed" little girl MC is very amusing to see, to the point i want to hug her:). The art is very great and likeable and the characters are all adorable and pleasing to see. If slice of life is your forte and with a mix of historical and medicine, I highly recommended this manga to ... May 19, 2018
As someone who is a fan of the manhua "Song of the Long March", I can say that I am pleased with this manga.
First off, a strong female (intellectually in this case) in a historical setting is not a new concept, but it's not exactly common either. I have read a fair share of them, but this one is quite unique and Maomao is a very interesting lead. Not only does she contain a vast amount of knowledge in herbal medicine, but her attitude is not one to mess with. Despite having a weak/frail appearance, she is anything but that and can easily take care ... Aug 25, 2023
Upon reading the first chapter or two, I truthfully wasn't initially enticed. However, just a few chapters more and I found myself unable to stop reading. The story, the mysteries, the characters, all started to draw me in, and before I knew it, I was in love.
The characters are very lovable and well written, even the somewhat unimportant side characters. As they come and go I find myself missing the ones that didn't get a lot of screen time, or rather page time, since this is a manga. Maomao is an especially lovable protagonist, as most reviews will tell you. This is a mystery-genre ... Jun 8, 2021
Is this a masterpiece? No but probably a hidden gem.
I think it got everything that someone can ask for: 1) Mistery 2) intrigues 3) Comedy 4) it is set in a particoular era of the history of China and you can learn some "behind the scenes" of living in this Kingdom or Royal court 6) lots of elements related to the "art" of being an herbalist and so the old tecnique in medical field 7) last but not least it has even a Shoujo like story (Between Mao mao and Jinshi sama) so even if it's a Seinen target manga it can be appreciated by lots of fans of other genres. In ... Jun 5, 2022
As I grow up, I realize I value harmony increasingly much, in various aspects. One is anything that composes myself being in perfect tune; body, mind, emotion all streamlined to minimize internal discord and optimize my energy and mood towards creative pursuits.
Another is tied to peace in my external environment; I crave that my surroundings are tranquil, allowing me to recharge in peace from hustle-and-bustle and any other tests of life. And yet another is tied to appreciation of art, be it music, fictional works or even culinary arts; I appreciate a lot when anything I consume, metaphorically or literally, leaves my senses pleased or ... |