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薬屋のひとりごと外伝 小蘭回想録 [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Gaiden: Xiaolan Kaisouroku] (Comic) #1
Die Tagebücher der Apothekerin - Shaolans Erinnerungen 1
Aufgewachsen in einem kleinen verarmten Bauerndorf, wird die junge Shaolan im Winter ihres dreizehnten Lebensjahres an den kaiserlichen Palast verkauft. Doch solange sie nur fleißig ihren Dienst als Waschmagd verrichtet, wird sie nie mehr Hunger leiden müssen. Für das fröhliche Mädchen hätte es kein besseres Schicksal geben können! Natürlich meint es nicht jede Aufwärterin gut mit ihr. In Maomao hat Shaolan allerdings eine echte Freundin gefunden. Und Shaolan erzählt ihr nur allzu gerne alles, was ihr im Inneren Palast zu Ohren kommt. Zum Beispiel das Gerücht über den Fluch, der die Kaiserkinder eines nach dem anderen sterben lässt …
172 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is better when it moves away from Xiaolan's perspective on plot we already know and actually expands on the life of the working women of the inner palace.
October 11, 2026
Bluntly put, this doesn’t need to exist. Then again, I would argue that a large percentage of spin-off stories both do not and, in some cases, should not exist. Rare is the product that is eclipsed by other series it launched (although it does give us the one chance to really mention Family Matters and Xena: Warrior Princess in the same sentence, so points for that).
The Apothecary Diaries is having its very well-deserved moment, although I would say that we are approaching a point where it might be hitting over saturation. And I say that as somebody who has the secret reward from the Mystery Walk at Universal Studios Japan.
What this focus on Xiaolan reveals is that, divested from Maomao in anything but a supportive role, this isn’t all that special. Court intrigue is never dull, but this is more about Xiaolan’s backstory, peppered with some sentiment that feels more modern day in its sense of social issues.
The fundamental flaw is that this doesn’t actually enrich the source material. Instead we are adjacent to it with several allusions to events of the main story. This constantly gives me the irritating (and accurate) impression that something much more interesting is going on while we’re stuck watching the laundry being done.
I did like the new eunuch, Yaku, who was introduced in the story, although having him abut against the main story is really not necessary. I do not need to know where that ladder came from, I assure you.
The main series works because Maomao is one of the best characters to come out of Japan in ages. Her conniving and shrewd nature plus her desire to not make waves (even though she can’t help it) make the setting vibrant. They achieve more in tandem than apart.
I guess if you wanted more Xiaolan, this exists for you, but other than the fact that she misses her family it isn’t full of novel viewpoints on the character. I keep thinking of the side novels to I’m in Love With the Villainess, which really recontextualized Claire and Rae’s relationship in some interesting ways.
This is more ‘here’s how the palace was working while you were reading all the really cool stuff’. I think I would just as soon read the cool stuff, if it’s all the same to you.
And it’s not bad, really, if you do want more of this character and that background stuff. I still don’t think it’s that engrossing, but it wasn’t a train wreck. From art to writing, however, it just feels like a step down.
3.25 - a quarter extra because it at least injected a new character into the mix that I liked, even if he was a bit too in the mix by the end. If you’re dying for more of The Apothecary Diaries and don’t mind rehashing old plots, I can see the merit. I’m very unsure if I‘ll read another one though.
The Apothecary Diaries is having its very well-deserved moment, although I would say that we are approaching a point where it might be hitting over saturation. And I say that as somebody who has the secret reward from the Mystery Walk at Universal Studios Japan.
What this focus on Xiaolan reveals is that, divested from Maomao in anything but a supportive role, this isn’t all that special. Court intrigue is never dull, but this is more about Xiaolan’s backstory, peppered with some sentiment that feels more modern day in its sense of social issues.
The fundamental flaw is that this doesn’t actually enrich the source material. Instead we are adjacent to it with several allusions to events of the main story. This constantly gives me the irritating (and accurate) impression that something much more interesting is going on while we’re stuck watching the laundry being done.
I did like the new eunuch, Yaku, who was introduced in the story, although having him abut against the main story is really not necessary. I do not need to know where that ladder came from, I assure you.
The main series works because Maomao is one of the best characters to come out of Japan in ages. Her conniving and shrewd nature plus her desire to not make waves (even though she can’t help it) make the setting vibrant. They achieve more in tandem than apart.
I guess if you wanted more Xiaolan, this exists for you, but other than the fact that she misses her family it isn’t full of novel viewpoints on the character. I keep thinking of the side novels to I’m in Love With the Villainess, which really recontextualized Claire and Rae’s relationship in some interesting ways.
This is more ‘here’s how the palace was working while you were reading all the really cool stuff’. I think I would just as soon read the cool stuff, if it’s all the same to you.
And it’s not bad, really, if you do want more of this character and that background stuff. I still don’t think it’s that engrossing, but it wasn’t a train wreck. From art to writing, however, it just feels like a step down.
3.25 - a quarter extra because it at least injected a new character into the mix that I liked, even if he was a bit too in the mix by the end. If you’re dying for more of The Apothecary Diaries and don’t mind rehashing old plots, I can see the merit. I’m very unsure if I‘ll read another one though.
October 18, 2026
October 2026
Kindle edition
I'm not sure where I'd read the two to match up. Does focus on Xiaolan with her fellow workers, ducking in on Mao Mao when there was gossip to be shared. Hints of the main story but for me they were subtle. I liked the guy, he has a bit of a dark side to him it seems.
Kindle edition
I'm not sure where I'd read the two to match up. Does focus on Xiaolan with her fellow workers, ducking in on Mao Mao when there was gossip to be shared. Hints of the main story but for me they were subtle. I liked the guy, he has a bit of a dark side to him it seems.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2026
Cute! A very different perspective from the usual vantage.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Not really what I expected! So many of these spinoff manga series send characters off on their own adventures but this really is just showing us what Xiaolan is doing in the background during what Maomao is up to. It's a strange choice and it makes it take a while to really ramp up. It only starts to feel like it's own thing near the end because of it.
October 31, 2026
Meinung:
Das Cover finde ich sehr schön, es ist passend zu der Hauptreihe gestaltet, der einzige Unterschied ist, dass man hier Shaolan darauf sieht und nicht Maomao.
Der Zeichenstil ist gewohnt gut und schön. Ich mochte die Zeichnungen wieder sehr, sie sind detailreich und doch nicht zu überladen.
Zu Beginn lernt man Shaolan kennen, man sieht, wie sie verkauft wird und wie sie in ihrem Dorf gelebt hat. Danach findet sie sich im Palast zurecht und nimmt ihr neues Leben an.
Wenn man die Hauptreihe kennt, kennt man natürlich Shaolan. Ich habe mich sehr auf ihre Geschichte gefreut und wurde nicht enttäuscht. Zuerst sieht man kurz aus welchen Verhältnissen sie kommt und lernt sie so ein wenig kennen. Das hat ihren Charakter sofort mehr Tiefe verliehen.
Shaolan ist immer gut drauf und nur ganz wenige Dinge bringen sie aus der Bahn. Ich mochte ihre fröhliche Art und wie sie auf andere zugeht und nie etwas Böses will, sondern einfach nur nett sein möchte. Sie ist wirklich ein Sonnenschein und das merkt man hier besonders.
In diesem Manga geht es nicht um eine Geschichte, sondern es sind eher kleinere Begebenheiten, die wir aus Sicht von Shaolan lesen, all das kennt man schon, allerdings nur aus Sicht von Maomao. Die Idee und auch die Umsetzung fand ich wirklich gelungen, denn Shaolan nimmt die Dinge ganz anders war. Was ich auch schön fand war zu sehen, dass sie nicht nur Maomao als Freundin hat, sondern auch andere Mägde sich mit ihr angefreundet haben und für sie einstehen, denn das kam im Hauptmanga nie so wirklich durch.
Es gibt aber auch eine kleine Handlung, die sich durch den gesamten Manga zieht und das hat mir Yaku zu tun. Er kommt immer wieder vor und als Leser weiß man nicht so recht, was man von ihm halten soll, denn einmal ist er nett zu Shaolin und dann wieder stellt er was an, das ihn suspekt macht. Ich hoffe, dass man in den weiteren Teilen noch mehr von ihm zu sehen bekommt.
Das Ende ließ einige Fragen offen und es macht den Leser neugierig auf den zweiten Band. Dadurch, dass es ein paar neue Erlebnisse gab und nicht nur alles von der Hauptreihe aus einer anderen Sicht beleuchtet wurde, ist der Manga auch zu keine Zeitpunkt langweilig.
Fazit:
Ich fand Shaolan schon immer gut und das hat sich hier nicht geändert. Ich mag ihre Gedanken, ihre Gefühle und dass sie nun ein noch greifbarerer Charakter geworden ist. Außerdem sieht man eine Seite vom Palast, die man nur durch Maomao nicht oft sieht und das war auch recht erfrischend. Ich freue mich auf den nächsten Teil, dieser Band bekommt 5 Sterne von mir.
Das Cover finde ich sehr schön, es ist passend zu der Hauptreihe gestaltet, der einzige Unterschied ist, dass man hier Shaolan darauf sieht und nicht Maomao.
Der Zeichenstil ist gewohnt gut und schön. Ich mochte die Zeichnungen wieder sehr, sie sind detailreich und doch nicht zu überladen.
Zu Beginn lernt man Shaolan kennen, man sieht, wie sie verkauft wird und wie sie in ihrem Dorf gelebt hat. Danach findet sie sich im Palast zurecht und nimmt ihr neues Leben an.
Wenn man die Hauptreihe kennt, kennt man natürlich Shaolan. Ich habe mich sehr auf ihre Geschichte gefreut und wurde nicht enttäuscht. Zuerst sieht man kurz aus welchen Verhältnissen sie kommt und lernt sie so ein wenig kennen. Das hat ihren Charakter sofort mehr Tiefe verliehen.
Shaolan ist immer gut drauf und nur ganz wenige Dinge bringen sie aus der Bahn. Ich mochte ihre fröhliche Art und wie sie auf andere zugeht und nie etwas Böses will, sondern einfach nur nett sein möchte. Sie ist wirklich ein Sonnenschein und das merkt man hier besonders.
In diesem Manga geht es nicht um eine Geschichte, sondern es sind eher kleinere Begebenheiten, die wir aus Sicht von Shaolan lesen, all das kennt man schon, allerdings nur aus Sicht von Maomao. Die Idee und auch die Umsetzung fand ich wirklich gelungen, denn Shaolan nimmt die Dinge ganz anders war. Was ich auch schön fand war zu sehen, dass sie nicht nur Maomao als Freundin hat, sondern auch andere Mägde sich mit ihr angefreundet haben und für sie einstehen, denn das kam im Hauptmanga nie so wirklich durch.
Es gibt aber auch eine kleine Handlung, die sich durch den gesamten Manga zieht und das hat mir Yaku zu tun. Er kommt immer wieder vor und als Leser weiß man nicht so recht, was man von ihm halten soll, denn einmal ist er nett zu Shaolin und dann wieder stellt er was an, das ihn suspekt macht. Ich hoffe, dass man in den weiteren Teilen noch mehr von ihm zu sehen bekommt.
Das Ende ließ einige Fragen offen und es macht den Leser neugierig auf den zweiten Band. Dadurch, dass es ein paar neue Erlebnisse gab und nicht nur alles von der Hauptreihe aus einer anderen Sicht beleuchtet wurde, ist der Manga auch zu keine Zeitpunkt langweilig.
Fazit:
Ich fand Shaolan schon immer gut und das hat sich hier nicht geändert. Ich mag ihre Gedanken, ihre Gefühle und dass sie nun ein noch greifbarerer Charakter geworden ist. Außerdem sieht man eine Seite vom Palast, die man nur durch Maomao nicht oft sieht und das war auch recht erfrischend. Ich freue mich auf den nächsten Teil, dieser Band bekommt 5 Sterne von mir.
October 13, 2026
As a fan of The Apothecary Diaries, I was curious to see the inner court through Xiaolan’s eyes rather than Maomao’s razor-sharp analytical lens. Ultimately, this spinoff isn’t bad, but it struggles under a fundamental question: does it actually justify its own existence?
So far, the answer is mixed. It doesn't add anything substantial to the core narrative of the main series, which would be entirely fine if it offered a distinct, compelling story unique to Xiaolan. Instead, much of this first volume feels like a tiny decorative ornament on a much larger tapestry—enjoyable mostly as a novelty for existing fans, but remarkably flat on its own merits.
Here is a breakdown of what worked and what held it back:
THE PACING & STRUCTURE: VIGNETTES OVER PLOT
The opening half suffers from a lack of narrative momentum. Rather than an unfolding plot, it reads like an episodic collection of random everyday moments and slice-of-life shorts. Seeing mundane palace life from a lower-ranking maid's viewpoint has brief charm, but without an overarching goal or personal stakes driving Xiaolan forward, the scenes meander without direction.
THE CASTING PROBLEM
When the volume finally attempts to broaden Xiaolan’s personal world beyond Maomao, the characterization falters:
The Nameless Friend Group: Several other servant girls appear to share Xiaolan’s daily routine, but they blend together into indistinct background noise. Because they lack distinct names, defined personalities, or personal backstories, it’s difficult to tell them apart or invest in her social circle outside the main series.
The Introduction of Yaku: The narrative finally catches spark in the latter portion with the introduction of Yaku. He provides the first genuine hook of the volume: who is he, why is he there, and what role will he play in Xiaolan's trajectory (or even the broader palace politics)? He represents the potential for this spinoff to develop its own momentum rather than relying on borrowed goodwill.
THE VERDICT
Right now, Xiaolan's Story feels less like a true standalone sidestory and more like supplementary bonus content stitched together into a volume. It doesn't deepen the primary series, and it takes too long to establish a narrative identity of its own. However, because the final act genuinely piqued my curiosity with Yaku's arrival, I’m willing to give the next volume a chance in the hope that it stops being mere palace wallpaper and starts telling a real story.
So far, the answer is mixed. It doesn't add anything substantial to the core narrative of the main series, which would be entirely fine if it offered a distinct, compelling story unique to Xiaolan. Instead, much of this first volume feels like a tiny decorative ornament on a much larger tapestry—enjoyable mostly as a novelty for existing fans, but remarkably flat on its own merits.
Here is a breakdown of what worked and what held it back:
THE PACING & STRUCTURE: VIGNETTES OVER PLOT
The opening half suffers from a lack of narrative momentum. Rather than an unfolding plot, it reads like an episodic collection of random everyday moments and slice-of-life shorts. Seeing mundane palace life from a lower-ranking maid's viewpoint has brief charm, but without an overarching goal or personal stakes driving Xiaolan forward, the scenes meander without direction.
THE CASTING PROBLEM
When the volume finally attempts to broaden Xiaolan’s personal world beyond Maomao, the characterization falters:
The Nameless Friend Group: Several other servant girls appear to share Xiaolan’s daily routine, but they blend together into indistinct background noise. Because they lack distinct names, defined personalities, or personal backstories, it’s difficult to tell them apart or invest in her social circle outside the main series.
The Introduction of Yaku: The narrative finally catches spark in the latter portion with the introduction of Yaku. He provides the first genuine hook of the volume: who is he, why is he there, and what role will he play in Xiaolan's trajectory (or even the broader palace politics)? He represents the potential for this spinoff to develop its own momentum rather than relying on borrowed goodwill.
THE VERDICT
Right now, Xiaolan's Story feels less like a true standalone sidestory and more like supplementary bonus content stitched together into a volume. It doesn't deepen the primary series, and it takes too long to establish a narrative identity of its own. However, because the final act genuinely piqued my curiosity with Yaku's arrival, I’m willing to give the next volume a chance in the hope that it stops being mere palace wallpaper and starts telling a real story.
October 14, 2026
[ Werbung | Rezensionsexemplar ]
Ein süßer Slice-of-Life-Manga aus der Welt von Die Tagebücher der Apothekerin! 🥹💚 Ich fand es richtig schön, die Geschichte aus Shaolans Perspektive zu erleben. Sie ist so lieb und unschuldig, fast das komplette Gegenteil von Mao Mao. 😂 Die episodische Erzählweise und der schlichte Zeichenstil passen super dazu. Eine schöne Ergänzung zur Hauptreihe, die mir richtig gut gefallen hat! Jetzt bin ich gespannt, wie es mit Shaolan weitergeht. 🥰 Definitiv eine Empfehlung für alle Fans!
>>>ENGLISH<<<
[ ad | review copy ]
A cute little slice-of-life manga set in the world of The Apothecary Diaries! 🥹💚 I really enjoyed seeing the story from Xiaolan’s perspective. She’s so sweet and innocent, almost the complete opposite of Mao Mao. 😂 The episodic storytelling and simple art style work really well together. It’s a lovely addition to the main series, and I had a great time reading it! Now I’m curious to see what’s next for Xiaolan. 🥰 Definitely recommend it to fans of The Apothecary Diaries!
Ein süßer Slice-of-Life-Manga aus der Welt von Die Tagebücher der Apothekerin! 🥹💚 Ich fand es richtig schön, die Geschichte aus Shaolans Perspektive zu erleben. Sie ist so lieb und unschuldig, fast das komplette Gegenteil von Mao Mao. 😂 Die episodische Erzählweise und der schlichte Zeichenstil passen super dazu. Eine schöne Ergänzung zur Hauptreihe, die mir richtig gut gefallen hat! Jetzt bin ich gespannt, wie es mit Shaolan weitergeht. 🥰 Definitiv eine Empfehlung für alle Fans!
>>>ENGLISH<<<
[ ad | review copy ]
A cute little slice-of-life manga set in the world of The Apothecary Diaries! 🥹💚 I really enjoyed seeing the story from Xiaolan’s perspective. She’s so sweet and innocent, almost the complete opposite of Mao Mao. 😂 The episodic storytelling and simple art style work really well together. It’s a lovely addition to the main series, and I had a great time reading it! Now I’m curious to see what’s next for Xiaolan. 🥰 Definitely recommend it to fans of The Apothecary Diaries!
November 1, 2026
This is a spin off series of the manga “Apothecary Diaries”. Xiaolan is Maomao’s servant friend, and she loves food. She was sold by her family and then contracted to work at the rear palace. This is basically what Xialoan is doing while Maomao’s is off on her adventures, and while Xiaolan has her own worries, observations, and things going on, it is a need to read Apothecary Diaries first or you’ll be confused by things like Maomao’s giving Xiaolan honey while depressed, or why Yaku was holding that ladder for that woman. Yaku I think was the most interesting character for this series. At first he seems like he might be Xiaolan’s love interest, which would be interesting as he’s actually a former slave eunuch, but he so shifty I actually checked to see if he was in later Apothecary Series, but he seems to be an original for this series, so I’ll be interested to see where they go with his character.
October 9, 2026
Because why should Maomao have all the fun, right?!
It's great that we get to know the girl who became Maomao's best friend and confidant. And it's also great that Xiaolan also has her own share of adventures. She may be illiterate, but she's proven to be very clever in her own right.
I'm guessing the greenwood incident is in TAD's light novel, since I don't see that in the manga or the anime. But, that's my assumption.
She even managed to attract the attention of an interesting (and interested) young eunuch named Yaku, who appears to be having one or two adventures of his own.
And I love how this volume has ended on the kind of cliffhanger that makes you go "Uh-oh...". At least it does for me since I've read the manga and seen the anime (though I wish my cable channel had it in English).
Well, that's it for now. Looking forward to Volume Two.
It's great that we get to know the girl who became Maomao's best friend and confidant. And it's also great that Xiaolan also has her own share of adventures. She may be illiterate, but she's proven to be very clever in her own right.
I'm guessing the greenwood incident is in TAD's light novel, since I don't see that in the manga or the anime. But, that's my assumption.
She even managed to attract the attention of an interesting (and interested) young eunuch named Yaku, who appears to be having one or two adventures of his own.
And I love how this volume has ended on the kind of cliffhanger that makes you go "Uh-oh...". At least it does for me since I've read the manga and seen the anime (though I wish my cable channel had it in English).
Well, that's it for now. Looking forward to Volume Two.
October 15, 2026
I rate this 3.25 stars.
While do like Xiaolan, this spin off wasn't necessary, it doesn’t contribute much to the original series. The only thing I learned was a bit about her family and that she's smarter than she seemed. It looks like there might be a little love story later, which looks cute.
While I do love The Apothecary Diaries (it's my second favourite anime and manga) and I love Xiaolan, I don't know if I will buy the whole series (however many volumes there will be) or just buy vol. 2 and then see if I want to continue.
Full review to be posted later.
Blog: nazreads.ca
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
While do like Xiaolan, this spin off wasn't necessary, it doesn’t contribute much to the original series. The only thing I learned was a bit about her family and that she's smarter than she seemed. It looks like there might be a little love story later, which looks cute.
While I do love The Apothecary Diaries (it's my second favourite anime and manga) and I love Xiaolan, I don't know if I will buy the whole series (however many volumes there will be) or just buy vol. 2 and then see if I want to continue.
Full review to be posted later.
Blog: nazreads.ca
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
October 7, 2026
This is really fun, I liked this quite a bit. As a huge fan of the Apothecary Diaries I was so excited when I heard about this and it delivered on everything i would have wanted. Xiaolan is such a fun side character and I love getting to dive deeper into her past and her antics at the palace. She provides such an interesting angle to the story that we really don't get by just following Maomao around.
October 8, 2026
I love Xiaolan, so I thought the story was really cute and it's nice to see her POV of things going on in the background...however, I wish it made it clearer where on the timeline we were on as far as the main story plot goes. It jumps ahead a lot and doesn't tell you it is until Maomao shows up to say it has or another (spoiler) character mentions it has when they show up later, it was a little jarring how abrupt it all was.
October 17, 2026
We got Xiaolan's story!!!!! Super excited. She's like Maomao's little sister, so cute and sweet and adorable and so innocent.
I really like that I got to know more about Xiaolan and so happy that she has many friends. Also really like what happened outside consort's place and some stuff that happened parallel with cases that Maomao's working on.
Not a big fan of the paces though, it's jumpy, but will continue, because I adore Xiaolan and that Yaku is pretty suspicious, so I want to know more.
I really like that I got to know more about Xiaolan and so happy that she has many friends. Also really like what happened outside consort's place and some stuff that happened parallel with cases that Maomao's working on.
Not a big fan of the paces though, it's jumpy, but will continue, because I adore Xiaolan and that Yaku is pretty suspicious, so I want to know more.
October 21, 2026
It’s a shame that this volume somehow made Xiaolan feel like a side character in her own story (apart from the introduction of a potential new romance)??? Additionally, the way that this story is structured felt largely disjointed, with each chapter feeling like a new thread altogether… although I love Xiaolan a lot, and had a nice time reading this overall, I hope that the next volume has slightly better storyline choices.
October 6, 2026
I love this spin off and seeing the world through Xiaolan’s eyes. Seeing how others view mao mao was so interesting as well. I liked the authors note on how they changed the POV frame since Mao Mao is more detached and looked at this from a top down perspective almost but Xiaolan views the world bottom up. Hopefully they do more!
October 6, 2026
This book was adorable. I love Xiaolan so much, and now we get a book about her. I like that we get to see a bit of a darker side of her story, she's such a happy-go-lucky person, and all the things she has to deal with makes me sad.
I love the friends she's made, especially Yaku, I love him.
I hope we get to see another volume soon, because I loved this book so much.
I love the friends she's made, especially Yaku, I love him.
I hope we get to see another volume soon, because I loved this book so much.
October 13, 2026
xiaolan is my fave character from apothecary diaries! I was hyped to see that she got her own spinoff series. The first chunk of the manga felt mostly like a recap of apothecary diaries with not too much added to it, but then it later branched off into a more unique to xiaolan plot. I love her and she deserves the world especially now knowing more about her background. I hope we get more.
October 16, 2026
I just finished reading the first volume 🎇
Maomao said it in the anime before, and truly, Shaolan is always positive, optimistic and wise despite her young age
I really enjoyed reading the events from her perspective
Her optimism feeds my soul, seeing the world through her eyes makes me feel that it's going to be okay
Maomao said it in the anime before, and truly, Shaolan is always positive, optimistic and wise despite her young age
I really enjoyed reading the events from her perspective
Her optimism feeds my soul, seeing the world through her eyes makes me feel that it's going to be okay
October 23, 2026
This is so cute I hope there's more. It's funny kind of seeing what else was happening with the servants, and the versions of events they were hearing while Maomao was off solving cases. Also it's a little heartbreaking knowing Xiaolan's backstory but gives some different perspectives. Just a fun companion to the Apothecary Diaries.
October 24, 2026
Maomao's best friend has a simpler story, but shows how most would see all the stories when they are not detectives, knowledgeable, or nearer to the action. This was interesting to see how relationships are still being created, people are still living their lives of romance, hopes, and worry over the future AND YET THEIR STORY IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT. I liked this side story very much.
Review of advance copy
If you're a fan of the main series, this is a must read. While most people just love Xiaolan, and I mean, what's not to love, this series does offer some insight into the main story, that you don't even get in the light novels!
October 6, 2026
This was so cute! Getting to see main story events from a side character’s pov was really fun!
October 9, 2026
This was a cute story from Xiolan's perspective. Really enjoyed the different characters.
October 11, 2026
Jinshi should have let Lishu’s grandfather send in more help! He is being too merciful and it will come back to hurt to Lishu in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2026
Didn't have the Maomao magic & I didn't feel like this spinoff was needed.
October 18, 2026
I really enjoyed seeing Xiaolan's point of view of all the events of the Apothecary Diaries, and I love how cheerful and optimistic she always is no matter what's happening
October 20, 2026
I've been told that I am a lot like the Xiaolan
November 7, 2026
Xiaolan’s got grit and discipline. It was sad to the starting difference in her apperance due to hungry before and after arriving at the palace. :(
November 9, 2026
Cute addition to the Apothecary Diaries story! It's nice to see Xiolan's story and events of the main plot from her POV.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews