Inner Palace’s Fragrance Princess
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By tatsuki ito, 伊藤たつき
4 volumes
2017
Description
Shinzui, a country where perfumers are highly respected. Riri lives downtown, but her skills as a perfumer have earned her a place in the inner palace (harem) of the Crown Prince Kousho. However, her goal isn’t to become his favourite consort. Riri wishes to create the legendary treasured incense that her late father failed to produce, and clear his name. Kousho learned of her ulterior motive as soon as she entered the inner palace, and told her something unexpected!? In a country where women aren’t allowed to become perfumers, a girl carves out her own destiny and finds love through the power of incenses.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- kadokawa
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Inner Palace’s Fragrance Princess Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Inner Palace’s Fragrance Princess
First Impressions
"Inner Palace’s Fragrance Princess" immediately drew me in with its setting. Ancient China, imperial harem intrigue, a seemingly innocent female lead navigating the treacherous waters of royalty – it's a classic setup that I'm always a sucker for. The promise of a handsome male lead certainly didn't hurt either! I went in expecting a captivating story, and initially, it delivered on that front.
What Works Well
The world-building, even in the early chapters, is quite well done. I could easily visualize the opulence of the palace, the rigid social hierarchy, and the simmering tensions between the various consorts. The female protagonist, while perhaps a bit naive at the start, possesses a certain charm that made me want to root for her. Her interactions with other characters, especially the male lead, were often entertaining and hinted at a deeper connection that I was eager to see develop. The beginning really shines in establishing the potential for a compelling romance amidst the backdrop of courtly politics. The fact that it’s been adapted into a manga speaks to its initial appeal.
Areas of Concern
As the story progressed, I found myself feeling a little…underwhelmed. The plot, while promising, started to feel somewhat predictable. The twists and turns, which should have been shocking and suspenseful, felt a bit telegraphed. I found myself correctly guessing plot developments, and the overall narrative momentum slowed down considerably. The initial excitement I felt began to wane as I realized the storyline didn't quite live up to its potential. While the characters are likable enough, they don't always feel particularly deep or complex, which makes it harder to fully invest in their struggles.
Final Verdict
"Inner Palace’s Fragrance Princess" is a decent read, especially if you're in the mood for something light and fluffy with a historical romance setting. It's got all the familiar tropes, and while it might not break any new ground, it can be enjoyable if you're looking for a relatively undemanding story. However, if you're seeking a truly innovative or groundbreaking narrative, this might not be the novel for you. It's a good option when you have nothing else on your reading list, but don't expect to be blown away.
