Square Enix Unveils English Editions of The Apothecary Diaries Light Novels

Square Enix Manga & Books will publish English-language paperbacks of Natsu Hyūga's The Apothecary Diaries light novel series. The first volume editions are set to be released in May next year.

Volume 1 editions of The Apothecary Diaries will be shipped on May 14, 2024. The trade paperback copies will include black-and-white illustrations and full-color inserts. This marks the first English printing of the series, with translations done in collaboration with J-Novel Club. The series originally started as a serialized story on the "Let's Become Novelists" website in 2011 and was later published in Japanese print editions by Shufunotomo in August 2014. Natsu Hyūga's The Apothecary Diaries has gained a significant following, selling over 21 million print and digital copies to date.

The Apothecary Diaries tells the story of Maomao, a seemingly ordinary girl raised by her apothecary father in a small town. However, her peaceful existence takes a drastic turn when she is abducted and sold into servitude in the emperor's rear palace. The synopsis of the volume reveals that this unfortunate incident is just the beginning of her remarkable journey. Despite her unassuming appearance, Maomao possesses a quick wit, a sharp mind, and extensive knowledge of medicine, which she keeps as a secret. However, her secrets are uncovered by Jinshi, the observant head eunuch of the palace. Recognizing her abilities, he appoints her as a lady-in-waiting to the Emperor's favorite consort, with the task of tasting the lady's food for poison.

The Manga and Anime Adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries

The manga version of The Apothecary Diaries was initially published in the May 2017 issue of Square Enix's Monthly Big Gengan magazine. It quickly gained popularity among the seinen demographic and was created by Itsuki Nanao and illustrated by Nekokurage. With its success, Square Enix announced in November 2019 that an English translation would be released in North America. This announcement was followed through, and both print and digital editions were made available in December 2020. Furthermore, The Apothecary Diaries anime adaptation, highly anticipated by fans, started streaming on Crunchyroll on Oct. 22.

The novel version of The Apothecary Diaries has captivated readers with its engaging story and compelling protagonist. At the heart of the narrative is Maomao, a fascinating female character who possesses a deep intrigue for poison. This distinctive trait leads to intriguing dilemmas and unexpected plot twists. Beyond her unusual fascination, Maomao is a well-developed character, exhibiting emotional and mental maturity that endears her to many readers and viewers.

Print editions of The Apothecary Diaries light novel series are now available for pre-order.

Source: Square Enix