I have been slow-reading my way through Hyūga Natsu’s The Apothecary Diaries light novels for a while. When I say slow-reading, I mean I’ve been reading them at the rate molasses drips in winter. That isn’t because I’m not enjoying them. I actually love them every bit as much as I love the anime and manga, possibly even more. The real reason I seem to be reading more slowly is because I just want to melt into the book and disappear.
I want to make each and every one of them last as long as possible. That’s actually a rare thing for me. Since I already know the story through Vol. 4, thanks to the anime, I should be flying through them. And while there is a part of me eager to get to Vol. 5, I am enjoying denying myself just a little. I can’t wait to see where the story goes, of course, but getting there through the anime alone just isn’t going to satisfy me. So, following The Apothecary Diaries Volume 1, diving straight into Volume 2 was the only way to go.
The Benefits of Reading The Apothecary Diaries, Even If You’ve Seen the Anime
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The anime sticks closely to the source material, which is a glorious thing. The interesting thing about The Apothecary Diaries light novel, though, is you get more time in Maomoa’s head. Her perspective dominates the anime, as well, but her inner-dialogue is even more insightful in the books. This develops her personality even more deeply, making her an even more dynamic character.
Anime Season 1, Part 2 covers the entirety of Volume 2 of the light novel. Picking up after Jinshi buys out Maomao’s contract from Verdigris House, the anime follows the major plot points beat-for-beat. From Maomao’s days working in the outer court to learning the tragic backstory of her parents, it’s all there, and then some.
We also get a slightly more thorough exploration of Suirei’s activities, including her resurrection. This sparks Maomao’s excitement on the prospects of an actual resurrection potion that follow her through the entire second season of the anime. As I noted both above and in my last review, these moments are explored more deeply in the text, defining Maomao and her world even more brilliantly.
Natsu Hyūga’s Light Novels Prioritize 1 Important Plot Point
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One of the things that appeals to The Apothecary Diaries anime fans, including me, is the slow-burn romance between Maomao and Jinshi. The undeniable attraction between them, often foiled by Maomao’s annoyance and disgust, keeps us coming back. Will they or won’t they, and what will that be like when they do? As much as we love that part of the plot, though, there is far more to the story than romance.
The light novels don’t ignore the romantic aspects, but they do prioritize the mystery aspect. That’s not to say the anime does a disservice to that part of the story. Far from it, if I’m being honest. But the light novels have more space to explore the true undercurrent that drives the story itself: Maomao’s practical ability to make sense of the senseless.
Not only do we as readers get an even more in-depth look at the world Maomao lives in, but we get to peek behind the political and social curtain. It makes the events, the people, and the setting all feel more believable and real. That, in turn, makes the anime and manga both feel even richer now that I can reflect back on it and compare. It actually makes me appreciate the romance more.
Maomao’s Inner-Dialogue Reveals Her Personality & Makes It Shine
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One thing that really stood out for me when reading Volume 2 was just how much better I understand and relate to Maomao. Her inner-dialogue can be very revealing at times, giving insight into who she is and how she was shaped by her experiences. Take, for example, her attitude about being a palace servant. We know she comes to enjoy her position at the palace once she takes on the role of Consorto Gyokuyou’s poison taster. After she realizes she can go home, she doesn’t feel as much like a prisoner.
But there is a chapter in the second volume that really drives this home. After returning to work at the Jade Pavilion, Maomao has a moment of realization. She thought she hated the rear palace, but she is actually really happy to be back there. Whether it’s because she grew up in another place filled with women, or not, she recognizes that she feels comfortable there.
It’s not that we don’t get that from the anime. It just feels deeper in the light novel, and that helps shape her into an even more believable heroine. She is ever the expertly crafted strong female character in an archaic man’s world. The light novels simply cement that.
The Apothecary Diaries Vol 2 On a Scale of 1 to 10
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Whether you’ve already read the manga or watched the anime, reading Natsu Hyūga’s The Apothecary Diaries light novels is absolutely worth it. Readers don’t just get to spend more time with their favorite characters, but they get to know them even better. Reading Volume 2 of The Apothecary Diaries made me realize things I missed the first two times I watched the anime and read the manga.
Rating it on a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a high 9. I’m already devouring Volume 3, which I’m loving even more, so I can’t wait to start talking about that when the time comes!
