Kitchen Princess Omnibus, Vol. 3

キッチンのお姫さま [Kitchen no Ohime-sama] #Omnibus 3

by Natsumi Andō (Illustrator), Miyuki Kobayashi, Satsuki Yamashita (Translator)

Fitting in at Seika will be a challenge. Every kid in Najika's class has a special talent, and the girls at the school think Najika's not worthy. But Sora and Daichi, two popular brothers who barely speak to each other, recognize Najika's cooking for what it is _x0013_ magical. Is either boy Najika's mysterious prince? Najika has always known how to cook. She understands food, and how it touches people's hearts. But she herself has always been looking for more. When she was a child, she met a boy who touched her heart, and now Najika has set out to find this boy. The only clue she has is a silver spoon that leads to the prestigious Seika Academy. Collects Vol. 5, 6 & 7

Genres: Manga, Romance, Contemporary, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Comics, Fiction

576 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2013

About the author

安藤なつみ, Andō Natsumi is a Japanese manga artist. She is best known for Zodiac P.I. as well as Kitchen Princess, for which she won the Kodansha Manga Award for children's manga in 2006.

Favorites: Donald Duck
Favourite manga: Ossu! Ichijin and Kimagure Orange Road
Favourites: meats and fruits
Hobbies: shopping, reading and watching TV

Reviews

[Sammie :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WELL THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving this series, despite some of the sad things that happen in this particular omnibus. Not sure I am loving where it is headed, but I know that I am here for the ride regardless!

[Anastasiaadamov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how every volume in this 3 in 1 edition had a little reminder about the story so far. I was a bit apprehensive about getting into the story since it has been a while since I've read the last volume.
I was surprised at how easy it was to get into the story - granted the story is not that complicated.
There was drama galore and a plot twist that caught me totally unprepared.
As a main female characters tend to be bipolar and either unbearably sweet and perky one moment and helpless and crybaby annoying the next - Najika was not half bad.
Love interests are starting to wander, side characters are starting to get more interesting and the recipes are starting to look more intimidating.
Still have to try some of the recipes out - might catch up with a friend and make her help me with them (I know you are reading this review so :P )

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good! The first two volumes had the story take on a darker tone, but it perked back up in volume 7, which I appreciated. There were lots of twists and turns, such as Sora dying, Najika being used for publicity, Seiya replacing Najika as the spokesperson for the school, Seiya possibly being the flan prince, Akane confessing her love to Daichi and getting turned down, and did I mention Sora dying?! Anyway, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. I'm very glad I could get this book through interlibrary loan, as it meant I didn't have to buy them! But they're definitely worth buying if you have the money! I wouldn't mind purchasing physical copies one day. 5 stars!

[Global Village · Rating 5 out of 5]

bro really died

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars and I wrestled with whether to go up and down on this rating, but in the end there are some issues with this instalment that I couldn’t ignore in favor of all the good stuff.

It’s impossible to discuss this volume without addressing the elephant in the room, Sora’s accident, a glaring tonal shift that doesn’t quite have the impact that I think was the intention (Sora might disagree [sorry]), especially in the era of truck-kun we currently live in*.

Given all Najika’s gone through, this turn also comes really close to misery porn, a hell of a change from what has been a relatively charming series thus far. There’s plenty of conflict from other sources and this kind of feels like an inelegant way to clear the love triangle (only for it to come back in a worse way at the end of this omnibus).

There’s some very good stuff here - Akane ended up being a wonderfully nuanced minor character and they did so much good work with her compared to her initial appearance. The fallout from Sora‘s death IS handled well and while I really don’t like discount pastry chef Sora, the story where Najika overcomes impossible odds to kick his butt is my favourite story here.

Daichi does some solid work, but it has been clear from the start that he is the romance endpoint for Najika so they SHOULD be good together. The ending point of the omnibus feels like complication for complication’s sake and a lame retread.

Still, when this series is good, it is great. It just hits a couple of weird sour notes this volume. Overall it remains worth a read.

*Given all the appearances of Sora’s ghost watching over Najika, I have to imagine that will make Daichi and Najika’s romance incredibly uncomfortable as it gets more intimate.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Honestly, just why? I guess since I am not a fifteen year old it didn't affect me but the major event that happened was so fast. Like lightning fast. I never cared for the person but still, it seemed to surface level the way his character was depicted. A lot of the characters do feel like they are surface level because of the pacing but I still enjoy the story.

The new character Seiya should be interesting. He provides the tension needed in the story as does the director. I'm sure his character will evolve. I even have hope for the director. Najika seems to make everyone happy around her minus the bullies...

I am very curious to see how everything ends. I'm really hoping she ends up with Daichi!

[Cassie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so conflicted omg

okay for one i actually cried when the twist happened. hate the new character who looks like sora, love the recipes especially so much in this one. didnt care much for the ending of this one specifically either. but love the whole series sm !!

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars. I'm not a big fan of melodrama for drama's sake (especially for character development) so a character dying when the stakes are high for something else and a lot of his mystery and secrets die with him (and not explained to other charcters or the audience...his true motivations) made the story a bit disappointing, but it picked back up. I wasn't too sad over the loss of character, but the change of the story and the loss of the possible interesting dynamics of the character actually being more straightforward with motives behind actions and lies.

[Psychii Shade]

I LOVED IT
THE PLOT TWIST WAS CRAZY

[Szahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

No I'm not over it. And yes I am heartbroken.

[Nyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooooooo! This entire collection was so sad.

Omnibus #3 contains Volumes 5 through 7, and represents a very trying, heartbreaking and traumatic time for Najika, both personally and professionally. Life isn't much easier for her friends either.

While volume seven tries to end a little more upbeat, I find it more upsetting, because we seem to be on the verge of a foreshadowed but unwanted truth.

While I don't think I am wrong as to what will happen next, I am hoping beyond hope that:
- There is at least a twist that will change the path.
- Najika can work her magic making the expected outcome much more palatable.
- There is more to the person and situation than meets the eye.

Either way, I'll be finding out soon as I start the 4th and final omnibus to finish out the series.

[Persy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, my least favorite in the series to date. The author completely jumped the shark for too long in these volumes, and it felt waaaaay too much like a soap opera. BUT I will say after some VERY dramatic events, we were brought back to a normal place that felt more fair to the story that had been crafted thus far. These characters are so complex and full of heart that I just want to squish them all and watch them be their most authentic selves, without cheap gimmicks.

Akane is finally redeemed for me in volume 7 (yay!), and victories, tragedies, and new rivals are introduced. Strap on your big girl panties guys and gals, this is one heck of a ride!

[❤Rose (◕‿◕✿) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried! AGAIN. No matter how many times I read this ,I always cry... SO AMAZING!

[706layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

gucci

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, you wanted some SADNESS with your food? DONE. I cannot get enough of Akane and Najika!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitchen Princess, Vol. 05
This volume is full of unexpected twists and really brings you into the story. The bonus chapter at the end is one of my favorites.

Contains Chapters 20 - 23
Chapter 20.) Najika & the Strawberry Tart
Chapter 21.) Najika & the Castella
Chapter 22.) Najika & the Crepes
Chapter 23.) Najika & the Souffle Ice Cream
Spring Break Special

Kitchen Princess, Vol. 06
This volume was pretty good and the ending really leaves you hanging and wanting to see what happens next. I also loved the bonus chapter told from Sora's perspective, it was really cute!

Contains Chapters 24 - 28
Chapter 24.) Najika and the Bruschetta
Chapter 25.) Najika and the Flan Cake
Chapter 26.) Najika and The Curry Roll
Chapter 27.) Najika and The Yogurt Bread
Chapter 28.) Najika and the Baked Sweet Potato Mash
Special Chapter: Sora meets Najika

Kitchen Princess, Vol. 07
This volume was a lot of fun and I am enjoying getting to know Seiya better. I can't wait to read the next volume in the series!

Contains Chapters 29 - 33
Chapter 29.) Najika and the Fruit Cocktail
Chapter 30.) Najika and the Madeleines
Chapter 31.) Najika and the Neapolitan Spaghetti
Chapter 32.) Najika and the Mille - Feuille
Chapter 33.) Najika and the Cheescake

[D.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh snap! This series is getting so good. I love that Najika is cheerful, but that’s not her sole trait. She goes through grief and insecurities too. I’ve said it before but tropes aren’t bad; it depends on how you use them. Kitchen Princess takes old tropes but uses them in a refreshing way. I have had French fries and chicken tenders a 100x, but they still taste good, y’know.

Akane’s feelings also reach a resolution, and I think it was handled well.

Something I love in the city of my soul is that Daichi is doing his father’s business, but his personality hasn’t changed. Any other manga would’ve had him lose his way and have to remember to be kind again. I’m also so amazed that a shoujo had the guts to kill a character off.

New character alert! -3 point deduction for his character design. Lazy much? But eeee, I think he’s the Flan Prince

[ℳatilde ❤︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇬🇧: I loved the first two volumes and I like this too except for (spoiler!!) the decision of the sudden death of sora… I found it a little strange going in that direction with the story but I really appreciate how the author handled the aftermath of it in the next chapters! I really liked the introduction of the new character and how the story is developing, I can’t wait to read the final volume of the series ♡

🇮🇹: ho amato i primi due volumi e mi piace molto anche questo se non (spoiler!!) per la decisione della morte improvvisa di sora… ho trovato strano prendere questa strada ma apprezzo molto come l’autrice ha trattato le sue conseguenze nei capitoli successivi! Mi è piaciuta molto l’introduzione di un nuovo personaggio e come la storia si sta sviluppando, non vedo l’ora di leggere l’ultimo volume della serie ♡

[Story of a Book Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

vol. 5 & 6 ⭐ this sh*t is getting way too ridiculous for me. killing off the love interest for no f*cking reason at all, other than to get him "out of the way" so that the love interest can finally be who it was intended to be since vol. 1... it was so poorly handled, so cheap. it was supposed to be a sad moment but it only succede in making me angry. I enjoyed the specials more than the main story.

vol. 7 ⭐⭐⭐ the best volume yet. this one was well balanced between the cooking, the romance and the friendships. an intriguing plot for the first time in 7 volumes. some actual character development.

[Emma (littledollreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that took a violet and heartbreaking turn. I was at first unsure how to process that but as I kept reading it got a lot better. I do find this to be a really interesting series. All of the characters are on point and make me feel so many things. I am a bit sad that I am nearing the end but I am also glad because I almost never get the chance to finish off manga series, so here's to finishing up this wonderful story with the next volume.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot that happens in this volume that I don't want to reveal....spoiler alerts. Najika is confused after Daichi kissed her. The director comes back to the academy and pushes Sora to do his bidding. Najika entered the National Confectionary Competition and is working hard to perfect her skills. Then tragedy strikes and leaves her in shock.

[comecasuallyreadwithme · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart hurts. This whole volume was so hard to get through especially because one of my favorite characters died. I’m glad the main character was able to rediscover her passion for cooking but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.

[Shannyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointed in the dark turn in this volume. It was done poorly and for no reason. That last convo between him and her… really?? He doesn’t spend that time with his own family? Just someone he has known for a few weeks/ months, discussing something totally trivial? Just ridiculous.

[Kelli]

So, you're telling me that Sora-senpai dies and someone who looks like him but is a jerk is the Flan Prince from Najika's childhood? And he wants to tear her down because she's the better chef? What am I supposed to do with myself since the next omnibus is not available yet?

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's exactly what you would expect and just waiting for her to end up with who she is supposed to end up with. I mean it's a shojo so pretty predictable. :)

[(• ֊ •)੭ amyfish ~ love2love · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯 totally finished in one day

[Luna's Little Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitchen Princess is a sweet story to read when you just want something nice.
Review of series here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

well..

Man I always hated waiting for the next book to come out. I completely forgotten some details to the story. The main character has such an impacted on everyone she meets.

[Ceara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!

This omnibus takes a far more dramatic turn than expected!! I cried quite a bit! I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!!