"The Apothecary Diaries" by Natsu Hyuuga

OVERVIEW:

Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!

REVIEW:

This will be the shortest review I think I have ever given a book: Perfection.

The art is beautiful. The characters are quirky but believable. The historical significance, though not in a real town, comes from China and the Imperial family. The series is empowering, mysterious, and engaging. I picked up volume one then volumes two through four, and so on. I cannot get enough of this. Highly recommended.

Interesting Facts:

The Apothecary Diaries started as a web novel, but quickly gained in popularity becoming a traditional novel, light novel, manga, and now an anime streaming on most major streaming sites.