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薬屋のひとりごと [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto] (Light Novel) #15
The Apothecary Diaries: Volume 15
While pursuing the secret of the mysterious jade, Maomao and Jinshi found more than just the tablet’s owner—they’ve also discovered a forbidden book that has long lain hidden. As the book is gradually reconstructed, they discover that the knowledge and secrets within might be extremely important to someone very unexpected. Meanwhile, Maomao finds herself helping her father Luomen in what appears to be a large-scale drug trial...but what are they treating? And why?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2024
274 people are currently reading
1889 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
December 31, 2024
And what am I supposed to do now? I got really caught up and now I have to wait until the next book :(
September 14, 2025
OMGGGGG!!!! THESE LIGHT NOVELS KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!!!!! 😩
September 15, 2025
Sick to my stomach to be really done with these for now. Like. Maybe I learn Japanese?? Maybe?? So I can read the next book. I’m far too into this series. I’ve joined the subreddit and the discord channel for The Apothecary Diaries. So I’m clearly in too deep.
I just kept waiting on the big thing to come out. But it never did. And I wonder if the person it pertains to will be upset to be the last to know. Unless they already know. And it likely doesn’t matter. But still.
Over Tianyu, he can choke. Big Jinmao pilled. Mmm delicious. Off to find a new personality now.
I just kept waiting on the big thing to come out. But it never did. And I wonder if the person it pertains to will be upset to be the last to know. Unless they already know. And it likely doesn’t matter. But still.
Over Tianyu, he can choke. Big Jinmao pilled. Mmm delicious. Off to find a new personality now.
September 28, 2025
Each volume feels like going back home. Ah-Duo, the woman you are🙏
September 24, 2025
4.5✨
The plot was very interesting in this one. I loved Jinshi and Maomao crumbs. My favorite chapter definitely was the chamber conversation. Iykyk👀 I was soo stressed.
“Most of all, I’m not clever enough to balance several women at the same time. One is enough for me,” Jinshi said.
Maomao’s mind all but went blank.”
AHHHH
I want to mention so many other things in this review but I fear it will all give away major plot points😭
Counting the days for the next volume release!
The plot was very interesting in this one. I loved Jinshi and Maomao crumbs. My favorite chapter definitely was the chamber conversation. Iykyk👀 I was soo stressed.
“Most of all, I’m not clever enough to balance several women at the same time. One is enough for me,” Jinshi said.
Maomao’s mind all but went blank.”
AHHHH
I want to mention so many other things in this review but I fear it will all give away major plot points😭
Counting the days for the next volume release!
September 17, 2025
maomao’s beef with tianyu is so funny. if social media existed back then in ancient china bet she would have posted the “that one coworker thats just gotta go. god please just take him” meme
August 9, 2025
this one had me stressed!!!! but i loved it. i really love the depth and complexity of ah-duo’s character and circumstances
September 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Jinshi's long period of absence and brash declaration of not wanting to become the next on the throne seemed to have opened up old wounds in the Emperor—to the point where the only solution was a surgical operation that could put every involved doctor's life at risk. Fortunately, Kada's book was gradually being reconstructed, so perhaps there was a chance of succeeding after all...
What I liked:
🩸 This was less about detective work and more like Maomao in the theater of the operation room. I loved seeing her growth as a medical assistant, putting her expertise to work, and her determination to improve even more.
🩸 “Miss Maomao!” “Miss Chue!” Need I say more?
🩸 Suirei back in action—if only in the shadows.
🩸 That very tense pre-surgery banquet with the Emperor, Ah-Duo, Maomao, and Jinshi in the private chamber. It was interesting to see the dynamics between parents and child from the perspective of an outsider.
🩸 Ah-Duo's inner monologue about what it meant to be human and to be divine.
🩸 Just...the subtle commentary about gender and freedom back in the day via Ah-Duo's dream of becoming a merchant and how it was cut short. To the Emperor, he did it out of love. To Ah-Duo, that love was a life-sentence.
🩸 Maomao feeling a sense of kinship toward Dr. Wang Wang, on account of how both their names are a repetition of the same first syllable.
🩸 The epilogue. 1) What was unsaid out of all things said: Maomao begged Jinshi not to become the next Emperor. The superficial reason? He'd die of stress. The actual reason? Maomao did not want him to let her free. 2) Much of the food was left untouched even though they were both worked to the bone and starving, but being in each other's presence gave them sufficient nourishment to their souls.
What I didn't like:
🩸 The volume started out a little slow for me, but really, this isn't a real complaint: It sure did pick up soon enough and never stopped gaining momentum.
Jinshi's long period of absence and brash declaration of not wanting to become the next on the throne seemed to have opened up old wounds in the Emperor—to the point where the only solution was a surgical operation that could put every involved doctor's life at risk. Fortunately, Kada's book was gradually being reconstructed, so perhaps there was a chance of succeeding after all...
What I liked:
🩸 This was less about detective work and more like Maomao in the theater of the operation room. I loved seeing her growth as a medical assistant, putting her expertise to work, and her determination to improve even more.
🩸 “Miss Maomao!” “Miss Chue!” Need I say more?
🩸 Suirei back in action—if only in the shadows.
🩸 That very tense pre-surgery banquet with the Emperor, Ah-Duo, Maomao, and Jinshi in the private chamber. It was interesting to see the dynamics between parents and child from the perspective of an outsider.
🩸 Ah-Duo's inner monologue about what it meant to be human and to be divine.
🩸 Just...the subtle commentary about gender and freedom back in the day via Ah-Duo's dream of becoming a merchant and how it was cut short. To the Emperor, he did it out of love. To Ah-Duo, that love was a life-sentence.
🩸 Maomao feeling a sense of kinship toward Dr. Wang Wang, on account of how both their names are a repetition of the same first syllable.
🩸 The epilogue. 1) What was unsaid out of all things said: Maomao begged Jinshi not to become the next Emperor. The superficial reason? He'd die of stress. The actual reason? Maomao did not want him to let her free. 2) Much of the food was left untouched even though they were both worked to the bone and starving, but being in each other's presence gave them sufficient nourishment to their souls.
What I didn't like:
🩸 The volume started out a little slow for me, but really, this isn't a real complaint: It sure did pick up soon enough and never stopped gaining momentum.
November 23, 2024
Not as good as volume 14, but could not put it down.
November 7, 2025
Another great entry in the series. Loved the medical focus of this one, it's nice to see Maomao's medical expertise get to shine not as an incidental skill that helps from time to time or gets noticed by only a few people but as a centerpiece of the narrative that gets acknowledged by others in high position and in her field. I'm finally caught up, and I'll be waiting anxiously for the next volume.
October 8, 2025
This was definitely not one of my favorite volumes, to the point that I think it could pretty easily be skipped entirely, and the next book would still make perfect sense since the contents of this one could be summarized in less than a small paragraph. I did still enjoy seeing how the characters interact with one another, but there just wasn't much actual content in this book. The read was really fast for me because it isn't nearly as long as most of the other books in the series, but the first translation I got my hands on was horrible, so I had to wait a bit for a better one to come out, hence the long read time.
September 21, 2025
It was fascinating to see a completely different side of the emperor's life and to see how far the training of doctors and assistants had come. The otherwise so noble and proud emperor was shown here from an unexpectedly vulnerable side. I'm very curious to see how this story continues and eagerly await the 16th installment.
December 7, 2025
Although the emperor has largely been painted in a fair-to-neutral light in the series, this volume's scene between him and Ah-Duo is enlightening. It's no wonder Jinshi wants nothing to do with that kind of power; it does very few people any good...
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars. Consider this my review of volumes 5 to 15, as they are continuous and similar in quality.
I had the urge to read the light novels after the manga went on hiatus recently. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the manga I had been following for over three years had only covered four volumes of its source material.
These were so much fun. It's always satisfying to see an author develop and fulfill an interesting concept to the greatest extent possible. I especially liked its portrayal of women from varied socioeconomic backgrounds exerting agency and doing good even within the confines of their patriarchal society.
However much I enjoyed the plot and characters, I can't say I'm a fan of the writing style or light novel format. It lies somewhere between novels and manga/comics, but lacks the charm of either, in my opinion.
Now I have to wait for more volumes of the light novels, in addition to waiting for the manga to catch up :(
I had the urge to read the light novels after the manga went on hiatus recently. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the manga I had been following for over three years had only covered four volumes of its source material.
These were so much fun. It's always satisfying to see an author develop and fulfill an interesting concept to the greatest extent possible. I especially liked its portrayal of women from varied socioeconomic backgrounds exerting agency and doing good even within the confines of their patriarchal society.
However much I enjoyed the plot and characters, I can't say I'm a fan of the writing style or light novel format. It lies somewhere between novels and manga/comics, but lacks the charm of either, in my opinion.
Now I have to wait for more volumes of the light novels, in addition to waiting for the manga to catch up :(
January 13, 2026
This volume was too short, but nonetheless absolutely enjoyable. Now it's just a long wait till 16 comes out..
November 3, 2025
I want more!!! And more Jinshi. Oh you poor soul. I’m happy the emperor is well now.
November 13, 2025
When I think about how we are 15 books in and somehow it feels like we aren’t that close to the end of this story, it feels crazy. I do think this volume had more relationship moments that pulled me back in. I can’t just be going from one sub plot to the next all the time. Sometimes, it feels like we lost the magic of what made the story interesting.
My fav part was the private conversation with ah duo and the emperor. Really felt satisfying for ah duo as a reader at least. The honest conversation about how the emperor choice held restricted her future and ability to make her own choice. Her request of him. And jinshi, sometimes the romance feels like it just will never be possible. That what he wants is not allowed with the politics of the country.
My fav part was the private conversation with ah duo and the emperor. Really felt satisfying for ah duo as a reader at least. The honest conversation about how the emperor choice held restricted her future and ability to make her own choice. Her request of him. And jinshi, sometimes the romance feels like it just will never be possible. That what he wants is not allowed with the politics of the country.
September 16, 2025
Does jinshi know?? I wonder
September 6, 2025
So far the one of the best books in the novel for me, the doctors and how they work in these case and Kada's book keep me hooked. Ah-Duo and his morality that wines previously present to us to make her sure that Yue is not selfish as his father was and his request to The Emperor... I love Jinshi more after all he says about Maomao's freedom in frontera of The Emperor. 10/10 this book
July 8, 2024
6/10. A little slow/boring compared to the other things that have gone on, but I guess it was important to lay out these plans for the future (although it could have been done in much less words). I’m sad I’m caught up now… the waiting game begins.
February 13, 2025
Another peak book all we can do now is just uh.... wait. A gruelling wait
February 18, 2025
meh.
Nothing really happens; filler book.
It feels like the author is stretching the story for the money.
It only took me an hour to read the book since THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS BOOK.
Nothing really happens; filler book.
It feels like the author is stretching the story for the money.
It only took me an hour to read the book since THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS BOOK.
January 13, 2026
Now that I’m caught up with the current English translations of this series, there is so much to say. I can’t articulate enough how much I’ve enjoyed reading all of these installments. For one, the protagonist Maomao is now one of my favorite characters. Her narration is amazing given her intelligence, but what I really love is how unreliable she can be at times. Others such as Lahan’s Brother, Chue, Gaoshun, Gyokuyou, Ah-Dou, and of course Jinshi, have my heart as well. The level of detail and depth the author writes this cast of characters with is nothing short of incredible. This story taking place in a fictional setting closely resembling dynastic China is fascinating. What I find most admirable is the ability to balance humor, intense political drama, narrative medicine, mystery, romance, history, and adventure near perfectly across all 15 volumes so far. I mean it when I say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single book. Furthermore, this series addresses complex issues of class structure, gender, politics, familial dynamics, imperialism, the historical mistreatment and abuse of women, and even more with great attention. All of this is done with such profound writing, and there have been many times I’ve encountered sophisticated language completely new to me, without it feeling unnatural or unnecessary. What makes this all the more impressive to me is that this is a work in translation.
One criticism I can highlight is the author’s tendency to repeat herself, but then again- this is understandable considering the span of the story. I’m going to wrap this up before I end up writing a whole novel myself, but I will say: do yourself a favor and read these light novels. If that’s too much of a commitment then at least watch the anime because it’s incredible as well!!
One criticism I can highlight is the author’s tendency to repeat herself, but then again- this is understandable considering the span of the story. I’m going to wrap this up before I end up writing a whole novel myself, but I will say: do yourself a favor and read these light novels. If that’s too much of a commitment then at least watch the anime because it’s incredible as well!!
December 7, 2025
Wait, wait. Whoa. What the hell? Did that actually just happen? I am so, so happy. This volume was huge for my(and many others’) beloved characters. Most importantly, Jinshi and Maomaooo. I have been waiting for far too long.
Things are starting to move, cogs are working. I hope this doesn’t spell the end. There is so much content left to be had. The ending should be further into the future.
Jinshi has never been kinder nor sweeter to Maomao.
He finally pulled himself together.
I have been wanted the Emperor’s point of view for a while. Finally.
I cannot stop thinking about this and am rereading different parts to let things settle in.
So, Jinshi said in solidity to the Emperor that he wishes to have Maomao or no one. The Emperor doesn’t give a fuck. He just needs Zui to be a placeholder until the foreign Crowned Prince reaches an age where he can’t be too much manipulated and could “take the throne.”
Ah-Duo—Yue’s biological mother—made a deal with Yoh, the Emperor, that she would not leave him in exchange for Jinshi/Yue/Zui’s freedom. Ah-Duo wants Yue to be free and “do as he wishes.” Yoh agreed with her. I know he’s way too desperate to live a life without her. He made that extremely clear to her. He’s so whiny and emotional, like another specific character.
But when the hell will he tell Zui about him not having to take the throne? Even if he doesn’t want to, too bad. How long is he going to let Zui suffer into thinking he’s about to live a short-lived, doomed life alone? How long will it take Ah-Duo to double check that he did?
It seems, finally, that the Emperor understands what Zui sees in Maomao. That is somewhat reassuring. But, damn, he heard her true side during the surgery and that was entertaining but also concerning because Maomao was…herself. The Emperor knows and accepts(?) that—whatever that means. Maybe she’s just “Lakan’s daughter,” like he addressed her as. And maybe he wanted to speak with the woman that Zui loves, finally having a conversation after dealing with… all of that. Or both.
The end was soft and as normal as it could be. Sharing a meal together, giving the readers a peek into their future married life. It was sweet and endearing.
There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that they’ll end up together.
Seeing a first ever picture with them 2 together at the end was a big deal. It makes me so excited.
This was a full-circle volume.
Happily-ever-after is the theme for the more important/lovable characters in this series. It makes me feel that I don’t have to be anxious about anything. It’ll all work out. If it doesn’t, prepare to feel the wrath of the fans. I don’t believe that’s something we’ll ever feel.
Things are starting to move, cogs are working. I hope this doesn’t spell the end. There is so much content left to be had. The ending should be further into the future.
Jinshi has never been kinder nor sweeter to Maomao.
He finally pulled himself together.
I have been wanted the Emperor’s point of view for a while. Finally.
I cannot stop thinking about this and am rereading different parts to let things settle in.
So, Jinshi said in solidity to the Emperor that he wishes to have Maomao or no one. The Emperor doesn’t give a fuck. He just needs Zui to be a placeholder until the foreign Crowned Prince reaches an age where he can’t be too much manipulated and could “take the throne.”
Ah-Duo—Yue’s biological mother—made a deal with Yoh, the Emperor, that she would not leave him in exchange for Jinshi/Yue/Zui’s freedom. Ah-Duo wants Yue to be free and “do as he wishes.” Yoh agreed with her. I know he’s way too desperate to live a life without her. He made that extremely clear to her. He’s so whiny and emotional, like another specific character.
But when the hell will he tell Zui about him not having to take the throne? Even if he doesn’t want to, too bad. How long is he going to let Zui suffer into thinking he’s about to live a short-lived, doomed life alone? How long will it take Ah-Duo to double check that he did?
It seems, finally, that the Emperor understands what Zui sees in Maomao. That is somewhat reassuring. But, damn, he heard her true side during the surgery and that was entertaining but also concerning because Maomao was…herself. The Emperor knows and accepts(?) that—whatever that means. Maybe she’s just “Lakan’s daughter,” like he addressed her as. And maybe he wanted to speak with the woman that Zui loves, finally having a conversation after dealing with… all of that. Or both.
The end was soft and as normal as it could be. Sharing a meal together, giving the readers a peek into their future married life. It was sweet and endearing.
There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that they’ll end up together.
Seeing a first ever picture with them 2 together at the end was a big deal. It makes me so excited.
This was a full-circle volume.
Happily-ever-after is the theme for the more important/lovable characters in this series. It makes me feel that I don’t have to be anxious about anything. It’ll all work out. If it doesn’t, prepare to feel the wrath of the fans. I don’t believe that’s something we’ll ever feel.
January 19, 2026
CLASIFICATION: 4.0 ESTRELLAS
Despues de casi no recordar casi nada del anterior volumen, de este si tengo varios momentos concretos muy presentes que son spoilers.
SPOILERS ... LOS DEJO AQUI PARA CUANDO EL ANIME LLEGUE A ESTE PUNTO Y SABER SI VERDADERAMENTE ADAPTARON ESTE VOLUMEN FIELMENTE.
En este volumen pasan dos cosas importantes.
Primero nos enteramos que el emperador sabe que Jinshi es su hijo y no pierde la esperanza de que el lo suceda al trono aunque sabe que el no lo quiere y tampoco quiere renunciar a MaoMao.
Y la segunda es que durante la mayor parte del volumen todos se están preparando para la operación de apendicitis del emperador.
Y el final, gosh MaoMao es cada vez más sincera con sus sentimientos respecto a Jinshi y todo eso se ve reflejado en esos pequeños detalles.
Despues de casi no recordar casi nada del anterior volumen, de este si tengo varios momentos concretos muy presentes que son spoilers.
SPOILERS ... LOS DEJO AQUI PARA CUANDO EL ANIME LLEGUE A ESTE PUNTO Y SABER SI VERDADERAMENTE ADAPTARON ESTE VOLUMEN FIELMENTE.
En este volumen pasan dos cosas importantes.
Primero nos enteramos que el emperador sabe que Jinshi es su hijo y no pierde la esperanza de que el lo suceda al trono aunque sabe que el no lo quiere y tampoco quiere renunciar a MaoMao.
Y la segunda es que durante la mayor parte del volumen todos se están preparando para la operación de apendicitis del emperador.
Y el final, gosh MaoMao es cada vez más sincera con sus sentimientos respecto a Jinshi y todo eso se ve reflejado en esos pequeños detalles.
September 13, 2025
It’s fine. Just fine. I won’t be going out of my way to read this one again. I usually visualize the story as I read it and I definitely found myself not doing that for 95% of the book. And I get that the romance is a slow burn and is secondary to the plot, but jeez it’s been like 5 years between these characters & they’ve barely have held hands since leaving the western province. Is holding hands still too much for these adults? 😂
December 6, 2025
This review is more for the series as a whole so far (as I anxiously await for the next novel) instead of just the 15th book, which wasn't one of my favourites but still filled my days with curiosity and joy. To be honest, I wouldn't be able to point towards my favourite book, as I binged them all in the last months—and there were so many highlights.
It is hard not to enjoy a detective novel, and in that way Maomao feels a bit like Sherlock Holmes, always seeing what others fail to perceive. But it's not just a detective novel. It is also a love story, albeit the slowest burn I've ever read. Yet that's not what makes it five stars for me. What's really standout is how easily and elegantly, but deeply, the book explores medicine (who knew pinkies can regrow), neurodiversity (we can all agree there is more than one neurodivergent character), and desire (not just sexual, but also).
Sure, sometimes I get frustrated with the plot that seems to meander into topics such as plagues, clinical trials, and sweet potatoes. However, at some point the author will heighten the stakes in a way that makes you realise you were never in a tangent. She is master of keeping the fire alive, sometimes in embers, sometimes at full flame in scenes that leave you shocked (I think we can all remember that scene in the garden) or giddy with anticipation. And then back to embers. I trust she knows how to keep the intrigue up and deliver, and I'm here for the next dose of it.
Lastly, I know this is a translation (and I have to admire how it manages to transmit a lot of the language complexity into English, even if I'm sure it's not perfect), but it's incredible the lexical complexity it shows. For a novel considered "light", the vocabulary, medical content, political branching, and cultural dynamics really enriches the reader (while flowing fast).
So, here I wait for the next novel, half waiting for the slowburn to flame faster, half never wanting it to end because it gives me so much joy.
It is hard not to enjoy a detective novel, and in that way Maomao feels a bit like Sherlock Holmes, always seeing what others fail to perceive. But it's not just a detective novel. It is also a love story, albeit the slowest burn I've ever read. Yet that's not what makes it five stars for me. What's really standout is how easily and elegantly, but deeply, the book explores medicine (who knew pinkies can regrow), neurodiversity (we can all agree there is more than one neurodivergent character), and desire (not just sexual, but also).
Sure, sometimes I get frustrated with the plot that seems to meander into topics such as plagues, clinical trials, and sweet potatoes. However, at some point the author will heighten the stakes in a way that makes you realise you were never in a tangent. She is master of keeping the fire alive, sometimes in embers, sometimes at full flame in scenes that leave you shocked (I think we can all remember that scene in the garden) or giddy with anticipation. And then back to embers. I trust she knows how to keep the intrigue up and deliver, and I'm here for the next dose of it.
Lastly, I know this is a translation (and I have to admire how it manages to transmit a lot of the language complexity into English, even if I'm sure it's not perfect), but it's incredible the lexical complexity it shows. For a novel considered "light", the vocabulary, medical content, political branching, and cultural dynamics really enriches the reader (while flowing fast).
So, here I wait for the next novel, half waiting for the slowburn to flame faster, half never wanting it to end because it gives me so much joy.
December 17, 2025
bawling my eyes out . i thought i had one more. i thought 16 was translated .
February 2, 2026
im never getting over jinmao i fear. “If i must cage this unique thing, then much better to let it be free” guys jinshi is so :( that epilogue how am i supposed to move on from this when theyre both sooooooo ughhhh i love everything about the apothecary diaries!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews