The Apothecary Diaries (Novel) Vol. 01

The Apothecary Diaries (Novel) Vol. 01

A palace servant trained in herbal medicine finds herself at the heart of imperial intrigue in this enthralling period mystery!

Maomao leads an unassuming life with her apothecary father, but kidnappers whisk her away to a world of consorts and serving women in the empire’s rear palace. Sold into imperial servitude, the girl keeps her quick wit, sharp mind, and medical knowledge a secret. But the head eunuch, Jinshi, shatters Maomao’s low profile when she catches his eye. He perceives her true skills and makes her a lady-in-waiting to the rear palace’s top consort. Can Maomao quietly pass her term as her lady’s food tester, or will observational prowess and curiosity push her into danger as she uncovers turmoil at court?

As Maomao breaks a “curse” on the imperial heirs, the palace servant with training in herbal medicine gets promoted up the ranks to food taster. How could an apothecary’s daughter become a lady-in-waiting to a palace consort?! Despite humble beginnings, she holds her own amid the political schemes of the rear palace!

Biographical Notes:

Natsu Hyuuga is the author of The Apothecary Diaries novel series, best known for being the author of Kamisama Gakkou no Ochikobore, Meitantei no Jouken (Light Novel), Rojiura no Seirei Hime (Light Novel), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Isekai (Light Novel), and The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel).

Touco Shino is the illustrator of The Apothecary Diaries novel series.

Title Notes:

A rural girl thrust into palace life learns to use her wits to fend for herself amid imperial plots and mysteries. Fantasy series with female leads have a strong reader base in the current market.

Every iteration in this developing franchise has quickly generated a buzz among fans. From its beginning as a web novel in 2011, through multiple editions of Japanese print publication, and throughout its expansion as manga and anime.

This novel series inspired an ongoing manga adaptation in 2017. The manga has been one of Square Enix Manga’s top titles, with volumes 1-7 selling in almost 150,000 units to date.

More details on Natsu Hyuuga, Touko Shino:

Natsu Hyuuga’s Twitter account

Touko Shino’s Twitter account

Publisher’s Twitter account