What reading order for The Apothecary Diaries English release?

The reading order for The Apothecary Diaries English release can be approached through either the light novel series or the manga adaptation, both offering unique experiences of Natsu Hyuuga's captivating mystery series.

Light Novel Reading Order

The English light novel series, published by J-Novel Club, follows a straightforward chronological order:

1. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 1 (2020)

2. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 2 (2020)

3. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 3 (2021)

4. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 4 (2021)

5. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 5 (2022)

6. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 6 (2022)

7. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 7 (2023)

8. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 8 (2023)

9. The Apothecary Diaries Volume 9 (2024)

Manga Reading Order

Two manga adaptations exist in English, both published by Square Enix:

Main Manga Series

The primary manga adaptation by Nekokurage follows the same story progression as the light novels, with volumes 1-12 currently available in English.

Alternative Manga Version

"The Apothecary Diaries" by Minoji Kurata offers a different artistic interpretation, though it covers similar story beats.

Recommended Starting Point

New readers should begin with Volume 1 of either the light novel or main manga series. The light novels provide more detailed character development and world-building, while the manga offers visual storytelling that brings Maomao's adventures to life.

Watch Order Consideration

With the anime adaptation airing in 2023, viewers can start with the anime before diving into the source material, as it faithfully adapts the early volumes.

Whether you choose light novels or manga, following the numerical order ensures you'll experience Maomao's journey from palace servant to trusted investigator without missing crucial plot developments. Consider exploring both formats to fully appreciate this beloved series' rich storytelling.