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NEWS: J-Novel Club Adds 5 Light Novels, 2 Manga




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xxmsxx



Joined: 06 Sep 2017
Posts: 562
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 2:56 am Reply with quote
Good to see The Apothecary Diaries. Total sales for the LN and two mangas for series has passed 9 million in September and will likely pass 10 million before the year ends if it hasn't already. An anime adaptation is imminent. It's a good blend of mystery and palace intrigue. All three versions of the story have their strengths, you can pick LN or Square Enix version or Shogakukan version.
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Vs7



Joined: 30 Mar 2018
Posts: 34
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:32 am Reply with quote
Finally some good news! Kusuriya no Hitorigoto aka The Apothecary Diaries was the only novel whose translation I was still waiting for.
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TarsTarkas



Joined: 20 Dec 2007
Posts: 5823
Location: Virginia, United States
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:13 pm Reply with quote
The Ideal Sponger Life

Already reading the manga and love it. Just not sure if the Light Novel is really going to add much. Probably wait to see if anyone is going to review it.
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Seagloom



Joined: 04 Nov 2017
Posts: 276
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:40 pm Reply with quote
The novels add considerable detail to the characters and world. The question is if that information is valuable to the reader. Other characters' perspectives are shown far more often. This is especially true of Aura. Zenjirou's maids also get a chapter dedicated to them every volume which fleshes them out considerably compared to the manga where it's easy to forget they exist.

From the first volume the difference is immediately noticeable since you see all of Zenjirou's preparations to leave Japan. The manga is good, but it reads like a highlight reel compared to the novels. If someone could only afford one version, I would say the novels win no contest.
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TarsTarkas



Joined: 20 Dec 2007
Posts: 5823
Location: Virginia, United States
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:54 pm Reply with quote
Thanks.
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Key
Moderator


Joined: 03 Nov 2003
Posts: 18175
Location: Indianapolis, IN (formerly Mimiho Valley)
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 1:30 pm Reply with quote
I have been following (and quite enjoying) The Ideal Sponger Life in manga form, so the chances of the LN getting formally reviewed are pretty high.

The Apothecary Diaries and Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf also both look interesting.
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Akcoll99



Joined: 28 Feb 2011
Posts: 226
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 2:51 pm Reply with quote
Very interested in the Apothecary Diaries since the manga recently caught my eye. My Friend's Little Sister Has It In For Me could be fun too.

Question about the premise of Are You Okay With a Slightly Older Girlfriend?:

How is the girlfriend 12 years older and yet able to pass as a high schooler? I don't mind any spoilers, but I am curious to know. Is there a magic/fantasy angle or is she just a very young looking 20/30-something?
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Blanchimont



Joined: 25 Feb 2012
Posts: 3444
Location: Finland
PostPosted: Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:38 pm Reply with quote
Akcoll99 wrote:
How is the girlfriend 12 years older and yet able to pass as a high schooler? I don't mind any spoilers, but I am curious to know. Is there a magic/fantasy angle or is she just a very young looking 20/30-something?

There are many people who may look young at that age, even in real life.
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Akcoll99



Joined: 28 Feb 2011
Posts: 226
PostPosted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:42 am Reply with quote
Blanchimont wrote:
Akcoll99 wrote:
How is the girlfriend 12 years older and yet able to pass as a high schooler? I don't mind any spoilers, but I am curious to know. Is there a magic/fantasy angle or is she just a very young looking 20/30-something?

There are many people who may look young at that age, even in real life.


Yeah, I get that. I'm just asking what the deal is in this particular story.
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Alan45
Village Elder



Joined: 25 Aug 2010
Posts: 9832
Location: Virginia
PostPosted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 8:32 am Reply with quote
I have the same question as Akcoll99. The blurb says she is a high school girl, not that she looks like one and the art provided shows her in a school uniform. Something other than a young appearing adult.
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Blanchimont



Joined: 25 Feb 2012
Posts: 3444
Location: Finland
PostPosted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 8:59 am Reply with quote
Alan45 wrote:
I have the same question as Akcoll99. The blurb says she is a high school girl, not that she looks like one and the art provided shows her in a school uniform. Something other than a young appearing adult.

She isn't, but he mistakes her as one as she's wearing a school uniform.
spoiler[She was drinking with a friend and the friend ushered her to try her old uniform and afterwards she dozed off. When she woke, it was too late to get home and change and still get to work on time, so she left as is...]
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BlueAlf



Joined: 02 Jan 2017
Posts: 1498
PostPosted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 7:18 pm Reply with quote
JNC with all their licenses are stressing me out. I've been busy with IRL issues, and I just can't keep up reading all their new stuff!
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Akcoll99



Joined: 28 Feb 2011
Posts: 226
PostPosted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 9:57 pm Reply with quote
Blanchimont wrote:
Alan45 wrote:
I have the same question as Akcoll99. The blurb says she is a high school girl, not that she looks like one and the art provided shows her in a school uniform. Something other than a young appearing adult.

She isn't, but he mistakes her as one as she's wearing a school uniform.
spoiler[She was drinking with a friend and the friend ushered her to try her old uniform and afterwards she dozed off. When she woke, it was too late to get home and change and still get to work on time, so she left as is...]


Okay, thanks for that info. Interesting twist. I'm so behind on reading as it is right now but this one may go on the purchase pile...
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