vivivi's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ohhhh Jinshi SAID IT!
I'm also happy that this isn't a straightforward romance. I particularly appreciate how Maomao recognizes the problems in such a relationship. She's very conscious of her station in society compared to Jinshi and the power imbalance that comes with it. I'm curious what will happen in the future.
Asides from that, we get to see more of the medical offices at the palace! As interesting as the rear court is, I like seeing different areas of the palace, especially one where Maomao can make use of her apothecary skills. The new characters have their own quirky behaviour. They fit pretty well with Maomao.
I'm also happy that this isn't a straightforward romance. I particularly appreciate how Maomao recognizes the problems in such a relationship. She's very conscious of her station in society compared to Jinshi and the power imbalance that comes with it. I'm curious what will happen in the future.
Asides from that, we get to see more of the medical offices at the palace! As interesting as the rear court is, I like seeing different areas of the palace, especially one where Maomao can make use of her apothecary skills. The new characters have their own quirky behaviour. They fit pretty well with Maomao.
adazzlinggirl's review
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
coraldraes's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
titiyasbooks's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
vantxian's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sweetrosesanddahlias's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brenticus's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
There are a few things that stand out nicely about this volume, and one thing that bugs me a bit.
The thing that bugs me is the way Maomao's shop and all the people there are treated. While they're not my favourites, they also feel like they should have more impact on her life than they do. Even the brief check-in halfway through felt half-hearted. She isn't nearly as indisposed as she usually is when taken from her shop, after all.
Other than that this is a great volume. The mystery is interesting and provides extra context for many previous events. Yao and En'en are both interesting characters to have around. The development with Jinshi and Maomao, despite their lack of screen time together, is interesting.
And, as always, Maomao's hilarious.
The thing that bugs me is the way Maomao's shop and all the people there are treated. While they're not my favourites, they also feel like they should have more impact on her life than they do. Even the brief check-in halfway through felt half-hearted. She isn't nearly as indisposed as she usually is when taken from her shop, after all.
Other than that this is a great volume. The mystery is interesting and provides extra context for many previous events. Yao and En'en are both interesting characters to have around. The development with Jinshi and Maomao, despite their lack of screen time together, is interesting.
And, as always, Maomao's hilarious.