Apothecary Diaries Volumes 1 - 4

I just recently finished the fourth volume of the Apothecary Diaries light novel, and I wanted to write my thoughts on the series so far. This isn't a review, and it does contain spoilers. If you want a no spoilers review: it's very good, go read or watch it if you like detective stories or historical dramas.

So far, I have really only one negative thing to say about the series, but it's honestly becoming a bit of a big problem for me as I read: I hate that Jinshi keeps pushing himself on Maomao, and it feels like I'm being pushed to see it as swoon worthy or funny rather than horrific. I think Jinshi treats Maomao terribly, and I hope to god that they don't end up together. Maybe I'm just not interpreting it right, though; I felt like in the first book Jinshi's behavior was treated as worth criticism, such as when Maomao stands up to Gaoshun after the honey 'prank,' but I feel like I haven't seen much criticism for his sexual misconduct in any of the subsequent books.

Setting aside that major complaint, I do really love this book series. I feel like it has so many of the things that I love in a book (mystery, science, politics and drama, and cultural exploration) all rolled up into one. I love almost all of the characters, and I love the way that the tone and flow of the story changes depending on who the narrative is following--be it subtly like between Maomao and Jinshi, or obviously like with Lakan and Shishou. On that note, I really loved the finales of the second and fourth books: I think it's amazing how quickly Hyuuganatsu can take a character from being a hateable villain to being a sympathetic, if flawed, character in so short a time. I also really loved everything with Shisui/Loulan: I'm really excited to see more of her going forward.

Anyway, I think I might find some Xiaolan/Maomao fanfiction to cleanse myself of the Jinshi stuff before I start the next book. Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you have any thoughts. Love you all <3