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The Apothecary Diariesis one of the most popular anime and light novel series of modern times. Fans instantly fell in love with the very talented and adorable main character, Maomao, when she made her anime debut two years ago. Now, two seasons have already been released onCrunchyrolland Netflix, but fans are still craving more. Luckily, those who wish to read ahead ofThe Apothecary DiariesSeason 3 can start reading the light novel series after season 2.
So far,The Apothecary Diarieshas already released 48 episodesin total. The first season debuted in 2023 with 24 episodes, followed by the second season in the 2025 winter anime season with the same episode count. Maomao’s story is far from over, as more adventures are waiting for her in the source material. While waiting for Season 3 to come out, fans can turn to the light novel series to find out what happens next after Season 2.
Where to Start Reading The Apothecary Diaries After Season 2?
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2’s Place in the Light Novel
The Apothecary Diaries season 2 ended as the2025 summer anime seasonstarted to sizzle with new titles. But before fans got busy with popular titles like Dan Da Dan, Kaiju No. 8, or even Lord of Mysteries, many couldn’t get over the final episode of The Apothecary Diaries season 2. The final episode, titled “The Beginning,” literally marks a new beginning for Maomao and Jinshi, closing light novel volume 4 for good.
That said, fans who wish to read ahead of The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 canstart reading from light novel volume 5,written by Natsu Hyuga with illustrations by Touko Shino. It has 16 chapters, beginning with “Locusts” and ending with “The Banquet,” complete with a prologue and epilogue as well. While waiting for the new episode of The Apothecary Diaries, fans can use this downtime to read the light novelto continue Maomao’s story.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2’s Place in the Manga
While fans can turn to the light novel afterThe Apothecary Diariesseason 2, the manga adaptation is already behind the anime adaptation. This means that fans won’t be able to continue Maomao’s journey in the manga, asThe Apothecary Diariesanime is already ahead of it for now. In fact, the latest chapter of the manga illustrated by Nekokurage, chapter 80, only contained content animated in episodes 21 and 22 of season 2. But since therelease date of The Apothecary Diaries Season 3remains unconfirmed, it’s only a matter of time before the manga pulls ahead of the anime.
If I should die, I’d want to die of poison.—Maomao
Those who wish to revisit Maomao’s journey from the very beginning could read the manga adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries from chapter 1. There are two manga adaptations in circulation, one illustrated by Nekokurage and the other by Minoji Kurata. Based on reviews, Nekokurage’s version is more romance-focused, whereas Kurata leans more on the mystery side of the series.
How Much of The Apothecary Diaries Did the Anime Cover?
The Apothecary Diaries Covered Four Light Novel Volumes
At this point, the first two seasons of The Apothecary Diaries anime have already covered four light novel volumes, with over 80 chapters. Maomao has truly come a long way since the day she was kidnapped and sold to the rear palace as a maidservant. Her career as an apothecary continues to flourish the more she shows off her knowledge of poison and medicine.
Of course, Maomao’s story doesn’t end even after the new Empress and Crown Prince have been hailed. There’s so much more story in the light novel that would interest fans of the series, especially the exciting changes in Maomao’s career andher relationship with Jinshi.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Is Now Confirmed
What to Expect in The Apothecary Diaries Season 3
Shortly after the second season of The Apothecary Diaries ended, the third season was announced. It’s currently in production, but there’s no release date set yet for The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, so fans will have to stay tuned for more updates and announcements in the long run.
Without spoiling too much,The Apothecary DiariesSeason 3 will focus more on Maomao’s life outside the palace. More members of the La clan will also be introduced, not to mention more politics and controversial moments that could divide the fandom, based on the events of the light novel.
