Square Enix Manga & Books has announced that it will publish an English paperback version of Naruto Hyūga’s The Apothecary Diaries light novel series, with the first volume to be released in May next year.
Square Enix confirmed the news on Friday, with the Volume 1 edition of The Apothecary Diaries set to ship on May 14, 2024. Trade paperback copies will feature black-and-white illustrations along with supplements colorful page. This is the first time the series has been printed in English with the translation cooperation of J-Novel Club. The light novel series began as a serialized story on the “Become a Novelist” website in 2011 and was picked up by Shufunotomo, which began publishing a Japanese print version of the novel in August 2014. Matsu Hyūga’s Apothecary’s Diary has garnered a significant following since then, selling more than 21 million print and digital copies to date.
The story of Apothecary’s Diary is about Maomao, a humble girl who grew up in a small town and was raised by her apothecary father. However, her simple life changes when she is kidnapped and sold to serve at the emperor’s harem. The booklet’s synopsis reveals that her misfortune is only part of her larger destiny: “Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and knowledge. extensive knowledge of medicine. That was her secret, until she met a resident of the palace.” at least as sharp as her: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He saw through Maomao’s facade and turned her into a maid of none other than the Emperor’s favorite consort…so she could taste her food for poison!”
Manga and Anime adaptations of The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diaries launched as a manga in the May 2017 issue of Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gengan magazine. The series was adapted by Itsuki Nanao and illustrated by Nekokurage, eventually becoming very popular among seinen. In November 2019, Square Enix confirmed that it would publish an English translation of the manga in North America, and the company resumed print and digital editions in December 2020. The anime adaptation The highly anticipated The Apothecary Diaries also begins streaming on YouTube. Crunchyroll on October 22.
The intriguing story and engaging protagonist of The Apothecary’s Diary have earned the novel a loyal fan base. At the heart of the story is Maomao, a capable, complex, and compelling female character whose unusual fascination with poison creates interesting dilemmas and intriguing developments. Maomao also stands out as a fully fleshed out character with an emotional and spiritual maturity that endears her to many readers and viewers.
The print version of the light novel series The Apothecary Diaries is now available for pre-order.
Source: Square Enix
