What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bad Apothecary
The Bad Apothecary (Book One of the Ninth Path series)
Diwu stumbles into the capital half-dead, wounded by something no healer can cure. Nestled in her flesh is a strange pathogen carrying corruption, the antithesis of the Natural Order.
Desperate, she trades freedom for survival and falls into the grip of the Hierarchy, a ruthless organization that keeps power in check by any means necessary. Their treatment in exchange for loyalty. Service. Obedience.
Her first assignment entangles her with Nex Teres, a battle-hardened cultivator with no interest in playing agent. But the Hierarchy doesn’t ask—it coerces. Bound by duty and circumstance, they’re sent to a lawless outpost where Diwu was first infected, and where the name of a long-dead legend has the Bad Apothecary.
Diwu stumbles into the capital half-dead, wounded by something no healer can cure. Nestled in her flesh is a strange pathogen carrying corruption, the antithesis of the Natural Order.
Desperate, she trades freedom for survival and falls into the grip of the Hierarchy, a ruthless organization that keeps power in check by any means necessary. Their treatment in exchange for loyalty. Service. Obedience.
Her first assignment entangles her with Nex Teres, a battle-hardened cultivator with no interest in playing agent. But the Hierarchy doesn’t ask—it coerces. Bound by duty and circumstance, they’re sent to a lawless outpost where Diwu was first infected, and where the name of a long-dead legend has the Bad Apothecary.
585 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2026
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Keon Shore
1 book5 followersKeon Shore is the author of the Ninth Path series.
It will be available as print, ebook and on RoyalRoad (https://www.royalroad.com/profile/469...).
It will be available as print, ebook and on RoyalRoad (https://www.royalroad.com/profile/469...).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 18, 2026
One thing that I personally love about indie fiction is the variety. Without being beholden to the whims of the mainstream publishing industry, indie authors are free to explore new and unique sub-genres, styles and take interesting risks. Keon Shore’s debut, The Bad Apothecary, is a perfect example of the kind of cool, genre challenging variety that’s coming out of the indie scene.
I received an ARC copy of this book without knowing anything about cultivation novels or their history. For those uninitiated, this style of writing draws its roots from Asian literature and was popularized by webnovels, focusing on a style of magic system called “cultivation”. In practice, this means the characters are focused on developing their abilities through a sort of defined leveling system, in this case called tiers. Comparisons can be drawn to the massively popular LitRPG genre, but these novels have a whole slew of their own tropes and conventions, and it was interesting to dive into this new world for someone who’s spent his life mostly safely nestled in the embrace of western speculative fiction.
I freely admit that at first, the structure and style took some getting used to. But once I got into the rhythm it was quite enjoyable and I found myself flying through this and having quite a bit of fun with it. Shore’s story is dark and gritty, but heavily emotional and full of strong moments that help you develop a real sense of connection to these characters. She does an excellent job of balancing her characters strengths with their struggles and weaknesses. Big wins feel earned and we are allowed appropriate room to properly feel their failures.
The story moves at a quick pace, throwing you into a world that is both alien yet easily accessible. The Asian inspired, “arcane punk” setting is fun and feels different than most other fantasy. Between the setting, the magic system and the characters, I found myself reminded of some of the classic anime shows movies I remember watching as a teenager, but with a more mature edge. If that sounds like it would be up your alley, I would recommend you check out this awesome new series!
I received an ARC copy of this book without knowing anything about cultivation novels or their history. For those uninitiated, this style of writing draws its roots from Asian literature and was popularized by webnovels, focusing on a style of magic system called “cultivation”. In practice, this means the characters are focused on developing their abilities through a sort of defined leveling system, in this case called tiers. Comparisons can be drawn to the massively popular LitRPG genre, but these novels have a whole slew of their own tropes and conventions, and it was interesting to dive into this new world for someone who’s spent his life mostly safely nestled in the embrace of western speculative fiction.
I freely admit that at first, the structure and style took some getting used to. But once I got into the rhythm it was quite enjoyable and I found myself flying through this and having quite a bit of fun with it. Shore’s story is dark and gritty, but heavily emotional and full of strong moments that help you develop a real sense of connection to these characters. She does an excellent job of balancing her characters strengths with their struggles and weaknesses. Big wins feel earned and we are allowed appropriate room to properly feel their failures.
The story moves at a quick pace, throwing you into a world that is both alien yet easily accessible. The Asian inspired, “arcane punk” setting is fun and feels different than most other fantasy. Between the setting, the magic system and the characters, I found myself reminded of some of the classic anime shows movies I remember watching as a teenager, but with a more mature edge. If that sounds like it would be up your alley, I would recommend you check out this awesome new series!
November 4, 2025
This book ticked all the right boxes for me. Grimdark-adjacent, with a detailed, dynamic focus on only 2 main characters, with an intriguing plot that unfolds in satisfying ways? Yeah, count me in.
A standout aspect I want to highlight first and foremost is the magic system. The information about it (how it works, what people can do with it, what its different branches/paths are) is fed to the reader organically, meaning no infodumps or exposition. We learn about how the magic works as and when it becomes relevant to the plot, so it felt like it was being fleshed out in a gratifying and easy-to-digest manner. I really liked the way gravity worked, and how the ability to manipulate gravity was a magical skill utilised fairly often by one of the main characters. It felt new and refreshing, and the ability itself was employed fantastically in a variety of fight scenes.
The dynamic between MCs Diwu and Nex was interesting and subverted my expectations. There are moments where it seems like they notice each other in a way that moves beyond work people forced to work together on a dangerous mission, but the story never tried to push them together or force romantic subplots. The pair developed a trusting, complex friendship, with the possibility of future development. Their dynamic shifts from playful and jesting to serious and protective and back again, and it always felt believable and authentic. Nex acting the part of Diwu’s master as part of their cover story and referring to her as “Kit” and her sometimes sarcastically calling him “Master” was always amusing.
I also really enjoyed the fact that their pairing didn’t lean on tried and trusted (and, let’s be honest, tired) archetypes. This book is two parts mystery to three parts fantasy, so you’d be forgiven for assuming Nex would be the older jaded ‘detective’ to Diwu’s young, not-yet-cynical apprentice. However, Diwu is just as jaded, and Nex was often quicker with the wit and the jokes.
The worldbuilding stands out, too. The city of Quy felt huge and tangled and chaotic. The ever shifting multitude of factions, which for the most part remain in the background, were always conveyed as a looming threat. The Hierarchy, for example, for whom Diwu and Nex are both forced to serve, were portrayed as huge, mysterious entities. Diwu and Nex only dealt with them through Hal, who was, for lack of a better term, their “minder” in the Hierarchy. It kind of reminded me of the High Table in the John Wick films. Important to the plot, and present in the threat they pose, but never actually onscreen/page. Their menace oozes out even in their absence.
From a narrative standpoint, the direction of the plot was always clear and crucial. Diwu has very specific aims, and every act she performs is in service of this aim. She never meandered, and it never felt like her motivation were lost. The same applies for Nex. Although, unlike Diwu, he’s here against his will, he’s doing what he can to secure his own position.
The bulk of the plot is focused on the investigation into who the Bad Apothecary is, and what he actually did to Diwu in the opening chapter (and whether it can be reversed or cured). There’s an entertaining element of sinister mystery underlining the undeniably fantastical nature of this secondary world, and these two elements were neatly balanced. There were accomplished hints of Robert Jackson Bennett’s “The Tainted Cup” prevalent in the way the mystery was conveyed: a crime has been committed in this strange fantasy world, and two characters with their own motivations are thrust into the investigation.
There’s also a prominent thread of body horror here, and I loved it. The more subtle kind was Diwu’s wound, inflicted by the titular villain, which left her in excruciating agony that can only be somewhat dulled by ointment given to her by the Hierarchy (for the price of her service). Then there was the far more in-your-face variety, with cultists in the town where the Apothecary is hiding being turned, in some cases, literally inside out due to the experiments being performed on them.
Overall, I found the individual components of this book to be fascinating and unique when taken alone, and engaging and entertaining when threaded together to form the overarching story. Diwu and Nex felt like living, breathing people. The world oozed danger and intrigue. The writing was polished and evocative.
I can’t wait to see where Diwu and Nex go next.
Thanks to the author for my ARC.
A standout aspect I want to highlight first and foremost is the magic system. The information about it (how it works, what people can do with it, what its different branches/paths are) is fed to the reader organically, meaning no infodumps or exposition. We learn about how the magic works as and when it becomes relevant to the plot, so it felt like it was being fleshed out in a gratifying and easy-to-digest manner. I really liked the way gravity worked, and how the ability to manipulate gravity was a magical skill utilised fairly often by one of the main characters. It felt new and refreshing, and the ability itself was employed fantastically in a variety of fight scenes.
The dynamic between MCs Diwu and Nex was interesting and subverted my expectations. There are moments where it seems like they notice each other in a way that moves beyond work people forced to work together on a dangerous mission, but the story never tried to push them together or force romantic subplots. The pair developed a trusting, complex friendship, with the possibility of future development. Their dynamic shifts from playful and jesting to serious and protective and back again, and it always felt believable and authentic. Nex acting the part of Diwu’s master as part of their cover story and referring to her as “Kit” and her sometimes sarcastically calling him “Master” was always amusing.
I also really enjoyed the fact that their pairing didn’t lean on tried and trusted (and, let’s be honest, tired) archetypes. This book is two parts mystery to three parts fantasy, so you’d be forgiven for assuming Nex would be the older jaded ‘detective’ to Diwu’s young, not-yet-cynical apprentice. However, Diwu is just as jaded, and Nex was often quicker with the wit and the jokes.
The worldbuilding stands out, too. The city of Quy felt huge and tangled and chaotic. The ever shifting multitude of factions, which for the most part remain in the background, were always conveyed as a looming threat. The Hierarchy, for example, for whom Diwu and Nex are both forced to serve, were portrayed as huge, mysterious entities. Diwu and Nex only dealt with them through Hal, who was, for lack of a better term, their “minder” in the Hierarchy. It kind of reminded me of the High Table in the John Wick films. Important to the plot, and present in the threat they pose, but never actually onscreen/page. Their menace oozes out even in their absence.
From a narrative standpoint, the direction of the plot was always clear and crucial. Diwu has very specific aims, and every act she performs is in service of this aim. She never meandered, and it never felt like her motivation were lost. The same applies for Nex. Although, unlike Diwu, he’s here against his will, he’s doing what he can to secure his own position.
The bulk of the plot is focused on the investigation into who the Bad Apothecary is, and what he actually did to Diwu in the opening chapter (and whether it can be reversed or cured). There’s an entertaining element of sinister mystery underlining the undeniably fantastical nature of this secondary world, and these two elements were neatly balanced. There were accomplished hints of Robert Jackson Bennett’s “The Tainted Cup” prevalent in the way the mystery was conveyed: a crime has been committed in this strange fantasy world, and two characters with their own motivations are thrust into the investigation.
There’s also a prominent thread of body horror here, and I loved it. The more subtle kind was Diwu’s wound, inflicted by the titular villain, which left her in excruciating agony that can only be somewhat dulled by ointment given to her by the Hierarchy (for the price of her service). Then there was the far more in-your-face variety, with cultists in the town where the Apothecary is hiding being turned, in some cases, literally inside out due to the experiments being performed on them.
Overall, I found the individual components of this book to be fascinating and unique when taken alone, and engaging and entertaining when threaded together to form the overarching story. Diwu and Nex felt like living, breathing people. The world oozed danger and intrigue. The writing was polished and evocative.
I can’t wait to see where Diwu and Nex go next.
Thanks to the author for my ARC.
August 22, 2025
I read this book more by accident than plan. Fantasy is not the kind of story I usually read, but I agreed to look at the ARC and I am glad I did.
The book is a speedy read and the plot delivered with clarity.
In the foreground a sense of panic fear and predestination thread through the story. Struggles emerge when choice is shackled by intimidation as well as by the relentless tension between forced loyalty and survival; I was never sure who to trust. That uncertainty propelled my further reading more than any isolated incident. The magic also felt fresh, definitely not the usual wizards and dragons, and it aroused my curiosity concerning its underlying mechanics. There are hints of a deep system with cultivators, tiers, and pitfalls, but it never bogged me down with detail.
The characters’ entanglement left a lasting impression on me. Diwu is caught between injury, fate, her desire to survive, and the will of an organization that might be saviors or villains or both, as with any complex phenomenon in nature. Nex brings in a whole different energy, bitter, unwilling, and bound to her by something that feels like destiny but is never fully explained. Their connection was messy, uneasy, and fascinating to watch unfold. Also, ultimately unresolved.
I also want to mention the setting. The city in particular stayed in my mind, dense with detail and atmosphere, like a place you could almost smell and hear. Even side characters and fleeting moments added to that sense of a living world where everyone has an agenda. The book does not lean heavily on description but still manages to conjure up images with ease. The action scenes are vivid and plausibly realistic even if the ultimate secrets in the magic were not revealed.
There were a few threads in the beginning that did not tie in as neatly as I expected, but that hardly mattered. The overall flow is smooth and it kept me turning pages. For someone who does not usually read fantasy, I found myself wanting more. I will definitely be picking up the second book.
The book is a speedy read and the plot delivered with clarity.
In the foreground a sense of panic fear and predestination thread through the story. Struggles emerge when choice is shackled by intimidation as well as by the relentless tension between forced loyalty and survival; I was never sure who to trust. That uncertainty propelled my further reading more than any isolated incident. The magic also felt fresh, definitely not the usual wizards and dragons, and it aroused my curiosity concerning its underlying mechanics. There are hints of a deep system with cultivators, tiers, and pitfalls, but it never bogged me down with detail.
The characters’ entanglement left a lasting impression on me. Diwu is caught between injury, fate, her desire to survive, and the will of an organization that might be saviors or villains or both, as with any complex phenomenon in nature. Nex brings in a whole different energy, bitter, unwilling, and bound to her by something that feels like destiny but is never fully explained. Their connection was messy, uneasy, and fascinating to watch unfold. Also, ultimately unresolved.
I also want to mention the setting. The city in particular stayed in my mind, dense with detail and atmosphere, like a place you could almost smell and hear. Even side characters and fleeting moments added to that sense of a living world where everyone has an agenda. The book does not lean heavily on description but still manages to conjure up images with ease. The action scenes are vivid and plausibly realistic even if the ultimate secrets in the magic were not revealed.
There were a few threads in the beginning that did not tie in as neatly as I expected, but that hardly mattered. The overall flow is smooth and it kept me turning pages. For someone who does not usually read fantasy, I found myself wanting more. I will definitely be picking up the second book.
January 29, 2026
4.7 out of 5
Keon Shore’s debut novel, Ninth Path: Book One: The Bad Apothecary, offers a refreshing and visceral take on the fantasy genre. This story is more than just a tale of magical progression; it is a gripping exploration of identity and autonomy in a world that seeks to categorize and control every individual. The strength of the novel lies in its character driven narrative and its unique perspective on the cost of survival in a society governed by rigid supernatural laws.
Shore succeeds in building a world that feels both expansive and claustrophobic. The depiction of Central City is particularly effective, portraying a metropolis where the high stakes of cultivation meet the harsh realities of those at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The magic system is intricate, focusing on paths and the concept of An, yet it remains grounded in the physical and mental toll it takes on the practitioners. The concept of corruption is treated not merely as a typical dark force, but as a rejection of reality itself, which adds a layer of philosophical depth to the action sequences.
The relationship between Diwu and Nex provides the emotional core of the book. Diwu is a resilient protagonist whose vulnerability makes her journey feel authentic. Her struggle to maintain her agency while being used by larger forces is a theme that resonates throughout the narrative. Nex, with his cynical outlook and complex history with the Hierarchy, serves as an excellent foil to Diwu’s initial isolation. Their evolving dynamic is handled with nuance, avoiding easy tropes in favor of a more complicated partnership born of shared necessity.
Ninth Path: Book One: The Bad Apothecary is a stellar beginning to a new series. It balances high stakes intrigue with deep thematic questions about fate and incompleteness. The story remains hopeful in its focus on the human spirit and the power of choice. Readers looking for a sophisticated fantasy novel with strong characters and a unique voice will find much to admire here.
Keon Shore’s debut novel, Ninth Path: Book One: The Bad Apothecary, offers a refreshing and visceral take on the fantasy genre. This story is more than just a tale of magical progression; it is a gripping exploration of identity and autonomy in a world that seeks to categorize and control every individual. The strength of the novel lies in its character driven narrative and its unique perspective on the cost of survival in a society governed by rigid supernatural laws.
Shore succeeds in building a world that feels both expansive and claustrophobic. The depiction of Central City is particularly effective, portraying a metropolis where the high stakes of cultivation meet the harsh realities of those at the bottom of the social hierarchy. The magic system is intricate, focusing on paths and the concept of An, yet it remains grounded in the physical and mental toll it takes on the practitioners. The concept of corruption is treated not merely as a typical dark force, but as a rejection of reality itself, which adds a layer of philosophical depth to the action sequences.
The relationship between Diwu and Nex provides the emotional core of the book. Diwu is a resilient protagonist whose vulnerability makes her journey feel authentic. Her struggle to maintain her agency while being used by larger forces is a theme that resonates throughout the narrative. Nex, with his cynical outlook and complex history with the Hierarchy, serves as an excellent foil to Diwu’s initial isolation. Their evolving dynamic is handled with nuance, avoiding easy tropes in favor of a more complicated partnership born of shared necessity.
Ninth Path: Book One: The Bad Apothecary is a stellar beginning to a new series. It balances high stakes intrigue with deep thematic questions about fate and incompleteness. The story remains hopeful in its focus on the human spirit and the power of choice. Readers looking for a sophisticated fantasy novel with strong characters and a unique voice will find much to admire here.
November 24, 2025
I LOVED this. Can't wait for the next entry!!
It started out a little slow for me - not that the action was slow, because the protagonist was immediately attacked and forced to navigate a life-threatening injury - but just insofar as I didn't know much about her or her world and wasn't terribly invested. But as the book went on, it kept getting better and better, and once we met Nex and went back to the town to where it all started, I was enthralled. The tension between the two leads was fantastic, a blend of mistrust and loyalty, master/apprentice and colleagues, with a dash of attraction I expect will be built on in future installments...
Another big standout was the magic system. There are many different kinds of magic, but only a few clearly defined "safe" paths you can take to develop it, and if you stray too far from your lane, you risk tearing open reality and letting "corruption" through. I loved the tension this created for people thinking they can innovate and just opening themselves to disaster unless they get policed and contained soon enough, and the dynamic whereby the Hierarchy is a ruthless, untrustworthy organization that is nevertheless performing a highly necessary function that makes you wonder if perhaps they're not wrong to employ the tactics they do...
I hope there are many installments yet to come because I feel like we're only scratching the surface of what promises to be a highly complex and intriguing web of magic, loyalties, organizations, political forces, and fate in this book and I am eager to see where ninth path takes us.
It started out a little slow for me - not that the action was slow, because the protagonist was immediately attacked and forced to navigate a life-threatening injury - but just insofar as I didn't know much about her or her world and wasn't terribly invested. But as the book went on, it kept getting better and better, and once we met Nex and went back to the town to where it all started, I was enthralled. The tension between the two leads was fantastic, a blend of mistrust and loyalty, master/apprentice and colleagues, with a dash of attraction I expect will be built on in future installments...
Another big standout was the magic system. There are many different kinds of magic, but only a few clearly defined "safe" paths you can take to develop it, and if you stray too far from your lane, you risk tearing open reality and letting "corruption" through. I loved the tension this created for people thinking they can innovate and just opening themselves to disaster unless they get policed and contained soon enough, and the dynamic whereby the Hierarchy is a ruthless, untrustworthy organization that is nevertheless performing a highly necessary function that makes you wonder if perhaps they're not wrong to employ the tactics they do...
I hope there are many installments yet to come because I feel like we're only scratching the surface of what promises to be a highly complex and intriguing web of magic, loyalties, organizations, political forces, and fate in this book and I am eager to see where ninth path takes us.
November 16, 2025
The Bad Apothecary is the first book of the Ninth Path series. It features Diwu, a clever and resourceful young woman who is thrust from her loner lifestyle by a strange and disturbing attack. She’s been infected. She doesn’t know what this infection is, but it isn’t natural, and it’s going to kill her.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read. Diwu is a fun character to root for. She isn’t particularly strong, and she makes some mistakes, but she never stops pushing. Her journey quickly pushes her in over her head, but that only makes her more interesting to follow. The other characters feel real and nuanced, with motivations and goals that neither Diwu nor the reader can quite nail down.
The world around her feels gritty, with trust coming at a sharp price. People aren’t kind in this world, but they might just help you—assuming you can pay the undisclosed costs. The magic system is unique and interesting, with a curious cultivation mechanic at the heart of it. I found it to be well described, while still keeping enough mystery to be interesting. The story itself kept me invested, and caused at least a couple of late night reading sessions that dragged on a little too long. The writing was crisp and engaging, making each scene move quickly as I chased the plot to its inevitable (and wild) conclusion.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read. Diwu is a fun character to root for. She isn’t particularly strong, and she makes some mistakes, but she never stops pushing. Her journey quickly pushes her in over her head, but that only makes her more interesting to follow. The other characters feel real and nuanced, with motivations and goals that neither Diwu nor the reader can quite nail down.
The world around her feels gritty, with trust coming at a sharp price. People aren’t kind in this world, but they might just help you—assuming you can pay the undisclosed costs. The magic system is unique and interesting, with a curious cultivation mechanic at the heart of it. I found it to be well described, while still keeping enough mystery to be interesting. The story itself kept me invested, and caused at least a couple of late night reading sessions that dragged on a little too long. The writing was crisp and engaging, making each scene move quickly as I chased the plot to its inevitable (and wild) conclusion.
December 7, 2025
I am so excited about this series! The first instalment was very promising.
I’ve seen some people say that the beginning is slow, but I personally thought it was perfect. At first, the stakes are low in the sense that they only affect the FMC. But it allows a deep understanding of Diwu, her personality and mainly her ability to be quick on her feet in diverse tricky situations. She is a survivor and is not ever willing to give up. I wish I had her wit!
The mystery surrounding her attacker and what impact it might have on the rest of society unfolds slowly, giving the reader time to come up with their own guesses. Actually, the world-building in general is also slow; there is no info-dumping, and the reader is left to piece things together slowly. This is personally the type of world-building that I prefer, as I find it much more immersive.
I got a bit nervous when Nex was introduced. It would have been so easy to turn his relationship with Diwu into a quick enemies-to-lovers affair. However, the author treated this relationship with so much care and attention! It was lovely seeing their trust slowly build, a fragile friendship develop, and I am curious to see where this will lead them. (Also, Nex gave me strong Kaz Brekker vibes, which is always a good thing.)
Finally, kudos to the author for hearing the comments about his first cover, which used AI, and learning and changing it 💪
I’ve seen some people say that the beginning is slow, but I personally thought it was perfect. At first, the stakes are low in the sense that they only affect the FMC. But it allows a deep understanding of Diwu, her personality and mainly her ability to be quick on her feet in diverse tricky situations. She is a survivor and is not ever willing to give up. I wish I had her wit!
The mystery surrounding her attacker and what impact it might have on the rest of society unfolds slowly, giving the reader time to come up with their own guesses. Actually, the world-building in general is also slow; there is no info-dumping, and the reader is left to piece things together slowly. This is personally the type of world-building that I prefer, as I find it much more immersive.
I got a bit nervous when Nex was introduced. It would have been so easy to turn his relationship with Diwu into a quick enemies-to-lovers affair. However, the author treated this relationship with so much care and attention! It was lovely seeing their trust slowly build, a fragile friendship develop, and I am curious to see where this will lead them. (Also, Nex gave me strong Kaz Brekker vibes, which is always a good thing.)
Finally, kudos to the author for hearing the comments about his first cover, which used AI, and learning and changing it 💪
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a really refreshing read for me. It's not the sort of fantasy I usually go for (I'm more the epic/swords and sorcery type) so I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this from the author.
I can imagine this being a really cool anime, that's kind of how it felt in my head. There's no denying that the hook is very much there from the beginning - the FMC Diwu has already been plunged into dilemma before we get there as readers and is forced to make decisions she otherwise wouldn't be faced with in order to deal with a less than natural injury. We go along with her as she progressively gets dragged into a world she's been successfully avoiding all her life, and it's a hell of a journey.
The 'magic-system' has a sci-fi/steampunk kind of feel to it and it is revealed/explained at a good pace.
Overall the book was the perfect set up for what I feel is going to be an amazing series. It wrapped up what it needed to and laid the foundations for what is going to be (I have no doubt) an incredible transformation for Diwu.
I'm so glad I read this and I hope it has all the success it deserves.
I can imagine this being a really cool anime, that's kind of how it felt in my head. There's no denying that the hook is very much there from the beginning - the FMC Diwu has already been plunged into dilemma before we get there as readers and is forced to make decisions she otherwise wouldn't be faced with in order to deal with a less than natural injury. We go along with her as she progressively gets dragged into a world she's been successfully avoiding all her life, and it's a hell of a journey.
The 'magic-system' has a sci-fi/steampunk kind of feel to it and it is revealed/explained at a good pace.
Overall the book was the perfect set up for what I feel is going to be an amazing series. It wrapped up what it needed to and laid the foundations for what is going to be (I have no doubt) an incredible transformation for Diwu.
I'm so glad I read this and I hope it has all the success it deserves.
Review of advance copy
The Bad Apothecary was a very interesting read. It's a very dark book, and the very first chapter horrified me. In the story, the character Diwu must navigate a criminal underworld, after she's received a mystical poison that leaves her in a broken state. I found it easy to root for her, as she's in such a broken place, yet demonstrates personal pride and resilience.
There were a few things that did not work for me personally. I found the pacing to be off in a few sections, and the prose was a bit cold.
That said, if the idea of a grimdark adjacent, Asian-inspired fantasy underworld novel sounds interesting to you, you'll probably find a lot of enjoyment here.
There were a few things that did not work for me personally. I found the pacing to be off in a few sections, and the prose was a bit cold.
That said, if the idea of a grimdark adjacent, Asian-inspired fantasy underworld novel sounds interesting to you, you'll probably find a lot of enjoyment here.
August 12, 2025
Ninth path: the bad apothecary is an exhilarating story about the main character, Diwu, and her journey from a thieving hermit to someone recognized for the skills and perseverance she possesses. The story that Shore writes, from the intracate worldbuilding to the emotional dance between the characters and their environment, forces the reader to guess at the true nature of the book like a puzzle waiting to be completed.
August 9, 2025
The book is incredibly exciting and keeps you captivated until the very end. It's a bit confusing at first, because who is Diwu and what happened to her? The writing style makes you want to keep reading to find out. Highly recommended!
February 8, 2026
This is the best book I've read this year! It's almost cinematic, with its world building and fight scenes and magic system. I was completely immersed! The characters feel like real people, and I cannot wait for the next one!
August 28, 2025
Excellently written, gripping, dark fantasy book.
August 28, 2025
A layered, multi-dimensional story, marvelously crafted. Truly superb.
August 28, 2025
Fascinating read and cant wait to read the next book in this captivating series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a digital ARC from the author, but in no way has my opinion been biased because of it.
This book was both fast-paced and thorough, exploring all of the different aspects of a fantasy world that I like to see (class, cities vs villages, outside perspective vs internal, magic, social politics, etc.).
This book is sort of Sci-fi and Fantasy at the same time, exploring a mysterious problem that I am sure will keep you turning the page.
I loved it: great character depth, world building was beautiful, and first person point of view certainly pulled me into the story.
Wish I could give 1/2 points on amazon: 9/10
Would recommend this book and author.
This book was both fast-paced and thorough, exploring all of the different aspects of a fantasy world that I like to see (class, cities vs villages, outside perspective vs internal, magic, social politics, etc.).
This book is sort of Sci-fi and Fantasy at the same time, exploring a mysterious problem that I am sure will keep you turning the page.
I loved it: great character depth, world building was beautiful, and first person point of view certainly pulled me into the story.
Wish I could give 1/2 points on amazon: 9/10
Would recommend this book and author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews