So far, this is my least favorite volume in this series. I felt the science behind Maomao’s medical practices was confusing before, but it’s become so much more so. I feel the story would benefit from using fictional poisons and toxins instead of everyday ingredients that a reader is already familiar with and knows the purpose of.

If the poorly-explained science were not enough, the plot itself has started slipping down the same rabbit hole. This series is supposed to be about Maomao solving mysteries using her talents as an apothecary, but it feels as if there’s a wall that goes up blocking her off from the final piece of each mystery, and she herself could not care less. She simply shrugs and says, “but that isn’t my business,” and the reader is constantly left without a resolution. It is infuriating.

That being said, there were several things I did like about this volume. Maomao’s journey home revealed much about her backstory and why she acts and feels certain ways. Her coldness is a result of a very tough childhood and lack of hope for a better life in the future. We also get to see a new side of Jinshi that was sorely needed. He is slowly starting to become a three-dimensional character.