Logan’s Reviews > The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel): Volume 1 > Status Update

Similar thoughts to the anime, with the first set of stories being pretty interesting to read, especially when they deal with the palace politics and Maomao's courtesan's background, and even more especially when the two connect. But then some mysteries are kind of random, and make it feel a little funny that Maomao is put into these detective situations, while also being the only one who can figure them out.

So they make a point multiple times to show that other characters are super nice to Maomao because they think she was abused, before being kidnapped and made a poison tester. But she actually wasn't abused, and I don't know what to take from this subversion. It could be interesting if she had some other drama going on instead, but she just overall seems not upset about anything, despite having much to be upset about.

I appreciate getting short bits of perspectives from other characters in this telling of the story. Well, it doesn't help my confusion with Jinshi, but seeing how other characters view Maomao is cool

I felt the anime could express Maomao's excitement over medicinal stuff better though. Something else came to mind from hearing from other perspectives, but I don't have room here and will write on like a general update