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Kami No Sekai Short Story Series #1
Rice Cooker Revenge
Shhh… Listen To The Gods.
The Japanese believe the gods live in all things. Trees, appliances, animals, buildings — they all have a spirit living within them. Maybe, if you listen carefully, you can hear them too.
It sits there on the counter, quiet and contemplative. Who knew rice cookers could be so vengeful?
Ryu must decide whether to stay or leave The Chef’s kitchen, so he turns to an unlikely ally for help.
The Japanese believe the gods live in all things. Trees, appliances, animals, buildings — they all have a spirit living within them. Maybe, if you listen carefully, you can hear them too.
It sits there on the counter, quiet and contemplative. Who knew rice cookers could be so vengeful?
Ryu must decide whether to stay or leave The Chef’s kitchen, so he turns to an unlikely ally for help.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2015
About the author
S.J. Pajonas
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Stephanie (S. J.) is a writer, knitter, Capricorn, Japanophile, and USA Today Best Selling author. She loves summer, downtempo beats, yoga pants, foxes, owls, dogs, sushi, pasta, and black tea. She lives outside NYC with her husband, two great kids, and her dog who always wants to play. When it comes to her work, she writes about everyday women and uncommon worlds. Find her online at https://www.spajonas.com
Stephanie (S. J.) is a writer, knitter, Capricorn, Japanophile, and USA Today Best Selling author. She loves summer, downtempo beats, yoga pants, foxes, owls, dogs, sushi, pasta, and black tea. She lives outside NYC with her husband, two great kids, and her dog who always wants to play. When it comes to her work, she writes about everyday women and uncommon worlds. Find her online at https://www.spajonas.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 21, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
SJ Pajonas is one of my favourite authors and when I got the chance to read and review this book, the first in her new short story series, I dived into it as soon as possible. I easily read this in one sitting and it was such a fun book! It left a smile on my face and I am eager for the next book in this series.
It is very different from Pajonas her other books, while still being a typical Pajonas book, if that makes sense? It's different in subject, but the style and originality is the same. Rice Cooker Revenge is about a rice cooker and a boy named Ryu who both work for The Chef. Neither of them really like the Chef and they grow friends and devise a plan for revenge. It was a fun and uplifting story. It isn't long, but it's long enough. There's a begin, a problem and an ending and that all without it feeling rushed. It was the perfect length and while I often enjoy books, this one made me happy which is rare.
One of the things I like most is that we get not only Ryu's point of view, but also that of the Rice Cooker and the Rice Cooker has it's own personality. After finishing this book I wish I had my own talking Rice Cooker. Ryu isn't in the best situation, he lives with his brother and hardly makes enough money to eat every day. He loves working in the kitchen and I easily related to Ryu as I love cooking myself as well. He works hard, but still doesn't get any recognizion from the Chef, while he has some great ideas and a good work ethic. Oh and this book really made me crave some tempura as they work in a tempura restaurant!
I had expected a bit world building about these spirits that live in things, but there wasn't any of that. And to be honest I didn't miss it, for once it was enough just to know that there was a personality in the Rice Cooker and as nothing in the book explained it, it just made sense that it was the way it was without me questioning anything.
To conclude: I loved this little short story about the revengeful Rice Cooker. It is fun and put a smile on my face, it's one of those books that made me happy just because it's such a fun book. Both the Rice Cooker and Ryu are interesting characters and I liked following their story and seeing them become friends. It thought it was fun we got the perspective of the Rice Cooker as well. And I can't wait to read the next short stories in this series!
SJ Pajonas is one of my favourite authors and when I got the chance to read and review this book, the first in her new short story series, I dived into it as soon as possible. I easily read this in one sitting and it was such a fun book! It left a smile on my face and I am eager for the next book in this series.
It is very different from Pajonas her other books, while still being a typical Pajonas book, if that makes sense? It's different in subject, but the style and originality is the same. Rice Cooker Revenge is about a rice cooker and a boy named Ryu who both work for The Chef. Neither of them really like the Chef and they grow friends and devise a plan for revenge. It was a fun and uplifting story. It isn't long, but it's long enough. There's a begin, a problem and an ending and that all without it feeling rushed. It was the perfect length and while I often enjoy books, this one made me happy which is rare.
One of the things I like most is that we get not only Ryu's point of view, but also that of the Rice Cooker and the Rice Cooker has it's own personality. After finishing this book I wish I had my own talking Rice Cooker. Ryu isn't in the best situation, he lives with his brother and hardly makes enough money to eat every day. He loves working in the kitchen and I easily related to Ryu as I love cooking myself as well. He works hard, but still doesn't get any recognizion from the Chef, while he has some great ideas and a good work ethic. Oh and this book really made me crave some tempura as they work in a tempura restaurant!
I had expected a bit world building about these spirits that live in things, but there wasn't any of that. And to be honest I didn't miss it, for once it was enough just to know that there was a personality in the Rice Cooker and as nothing in the book explained it, it just made sense that it was the way it was without me questioning anything.
To conclude: I loved this little short story about the revengeful Rice Cooker. It is fun and put a smile on my face, it's one of those books that made me happy just because it's such a fun book. Both the Rice Cooker and Ryu are interesting characters and I liked following their story and seeing them become friends. It thought it was fun we got the perspective of the Rice Cooker as well. And I can't wait to read the next short stories in this series!
April 20, 2016
Such a cute and unique story. Who knew a rice cooker could have such an interesting POV?! I loved the friendship between Ryu and the rice cooker and had a great time reading this one!
August 30, 2019
Fun and original :)
June 10, 2015
This was a quick, unique and fun read featuring Rice Cooker and Ryu. I loved reading Rice Cooker's POV and rooted for him and Ryu throughout this enchanting tale. I wasn't sure what to expect but within the first few pages, I was hooked and knew I had to know what happened next. The ending was extremely satisfying and I had a huge smile on my face when I finished the last page. S. J. Pajonas writes extremely well and I love her imagination. I definitely recommend this short story!
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July 11, 2016You can find out more about RICE COOKER REVENGE and the rest of the Kami No Sekai series on my website.
http://www.spajonas.com/rice-cooker-r...
http://www.spajonas.com/books/#kns
http://www.spajonas.com/rice-cooker-r...
http://www.spajonas.com/books/#kns
June 13, 2016
Quirky and fun read, perfect when you want a good, but short story to bite into.
July 21, 2017
Totally awesome, totally unique!
After I finished this story I went to the kitchen and cleaned my rice cooker. I talked to it the whole time I was cleaning it! My rice cooker is about 40 years old! It deserves my love and respect. It came to me via Taiwan as a gift from a college friend. I loved this story!
After I finished this story I went to the kitchen and cleaned my rice cooker. I talked to it the whole time I was cleaning it! My rice cooker is about 40 years old! It deserves my love and respect. It came to me via Taiwan as a gift from a college friend. I loved this story!
May 21, 2018
I loved this fun short story about a rice cooker and the revenge it takes on its careless owner. Besides the quirky subject matter, this book was really well written and I could have read a lot more in this one. Worth a look!
December 6, 2017
Good and goofy
A goofy little story that will leave you with a smile. A solid short story on all levels. I'd definitely read more from this author
A goofy little story that will leave you with a smile. A solid short story on all levels. I'd definitely read more from this author
March 31, 2020
A good short story about a young man growing to have the courage to start out on his own life ambitions. Cute read.
October 15, 2016
This is a quick and unusual read for me. I don't know much about Japanese culture and this was an interesting account of a rice cooker and young man working in The Chef's kitchen. Who knew a rice cooker had feelings, much less could carry on a conversation. I look forward to reading more of SJ. Pajonas books.
March 21, 2015
*I received an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review.*
I’ve read, and really liked, all of S.J. Pajonas’s books. From contemporary to sci-fi, it’s all been good. When I heard that this story was about a vengeful rice cooker, I admit to not being sure of what to think. But after seeing that her inspiration was because Japanese people believe that spirits reside in everything, I knew I had to give it a try. Short stories aren’t my usual read, but I knew I wouldn’t regret taking a chance on this.
The story was told from the perspective of the rice cooker, and also from Ryu, a trainee of the chef whose kitchen the rice cooker lived in. I found it intriguing to read a story that was partially told from the point of view of an inanimate(or supposedly inanimate) object. Ryu was a sympathetic character, because he was poor and The Chef didn’t treat him well at all. I really wanted things to get better for him, and I liked watching his selfconfidence grow.
The plot followed the rice cooker and Ryu as they got to know one another, and began plotting against the chef. The story was highly original, and quirky. The whole idea of a vengeful rice cooker was fun, and well-executed. Plus, it helps that The Chef was a horrible character, and I was just waiting for him to get what he deserved.
With all that said, I’m really glad I read this short story. I don’t make a habit of reading them, but for this series at least, that’s changing! The main characters(and yes, I consider the rice cooker a character) were likable, and the plot was immediately interesting. It was light, unique, and a nice little story. If you’re looking for something different, I highly recommend you check this out!
November 17, 2017
This one was a bit weird. I think mostly because I'm not a huge Japanophile... But it did have redeeming qualities even for me, a hardened stoic! It was definitely charming, and a nice story about a young man following his dreams and finding his way in the world. I liked the character of the rice cooker, and also of the protagonist. The writing was good; not Pulitzer good, but the voices of Ryu and the rice cooker had personality (the story is alternately told from Ryu's POV and the rice cooker's POV), and I felt that each was distinct. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I was more knowledgeable about Japanese culture (I felt like I missed some things). Overall, though, a charming little story about overcoming limitations!
March 2, 2016
I received this e-book for honest review.
The cover says it all! Rice cookers are so popular to be used in Japan.
The short story book brings the reader from a different perspective to the life. It was funny, fast read, great language and the way the story revealed how one smart rice cooker can actually record everything that happens in the place around and one day have enough of slamming door machine that his owner never cleaned to decide to speak up with the trainee who has been quite opposite...it leads to challenging friendship and reveals what you can do when you got a friend.
The cover says it all! Rice cookers are so popular to be used in Japan.
The short story book brings the reader from a different perspective to the life. It was funny, fast read, great language and the way the story revealed how one smart rice cooker can actually record everything that happens in the place around and one day have enough of slamming door machine that his owner never cleaned to decide to speak up with the trainee who has been quite opposite...it leads to challenging friendship and reveals what you can do when you got a friend.
June 24, 2016
It's very sweet and heart-warming. It's actually the first story I read from SJ Pajonas. And now I'm going to check out her Nogiko series.
I thought it was going to be a bit ominous, but the story was great - a friendship between Ryu, the underpaid aspiring chef, and the similarly oft-mistreated rice cooker. They bond over their miserable fate at the hands of The Chef, and hatch a plan to escape his employment.
It was a nice and happy ending, with a brief look into Japanese food culture.
I thought it was going to be a bit ominous, but the story was great - a friendship between Ryu, the underpaid aspiring chef, and the similarly oft-mistreated rice cooker. They bond over their miserable fate at the hands of The Chef, and hatch a plan to escape his employment.
It was a nice and happy ending, with a brief look into Japanese food culture.
September 26, 2016
This is one fun read!
The seven year old badly treated (in his eyes anyway) rice cooker at a small Japanese tempura house gets its revenge on the Chef after Chef treats his helper like dirt. Told in the voice of the helper alternating with the rice cooker, this short story will produce giggles and spit takes as you cheer for the rice cooker and hope Ryu keeps his promise.
If the rest of the author's work is anything like this, I eagerly await it... in the meantime, I just patted our rice cooker ;)
The seven year old badly treated (in his eyes anyway) rice cooker at a small Japanese tempura house gets its revenge on the Chef after Chef treats his helper like dirt. Told in the voice of the helper alternating with the rice cooker, this short story will produce giggles and spit takes as you cheer for the rice cooker and hope Ryu keeps his promise.
If the rest of the author's work is anything like this, I eagerly await it... in the meantime, I just patted our rice cooker ;)
July 3, 2016
I thought this was such a creative story. Ryu is working in a restaurant under a chef who constantly berates and belittles him. Ryu would like to learn more skills but is treated like a lowly dishwasher. The rice cooker which is also mistreated by the chef begins to talk to Ryu and starts to give him the chef's secrets. Can Ryu improve his station in life? I found this quick to read story very entertaining!
February 15, 2016
Love these charming short stories where inanimate objects (like bicycles and rice cookers) can communicate with humans. The Japanese believe the gods live in all things. If you listen, you might hear them talk. Ryu works in the kitchen of a chef who is only nice to customers--definitely not to his staff. The rice cooker believes in Ryu and helps him believe in himself.
April 3, 2015
I was intrigued by the title, who doesn’t want to read about a vengeful rice cooker? But as I read I started to care for the rice cooker, Ryu and their plight. Funny and heart-wrenching, this well crafted story and perfect for everyone.
June 28, 2016
This is was a nice short story. The friendship between Ryu and the rice cooker was nice, and it was great reading about Japanese meal prep. It was a short, but satisfying experience into Japanese folklore and friendship.
January 19, 2017
Wow!!! A box set of books, this was among one I downloaded for free.... what a cute story! I learned a little about Japan, and read all of the stories in the set. Will be looking for more from this author!!!!
June 10, 2015
Super cute short story!
I love my rice cooker, but not this much. Hahahaha!
I love my rice cooker, but not this much. Hahahaha!
June 17, 2015
An adorable story told, in alternating viewpoints, by a disgruntled rice cooker and a frustrated chef's apprentice, Rice Cooker Revenge is something of a darker Ratatouille.
August 13, 2015
Charming short story!
August 23, 2015
A clever short story. Fun to read, and well crafted.
November 18, 2016
Adorable
That was one of the sweetest stories I've ever read about an appliance. It's imaginative and full of heart. I loved it.
That was one of the sweetest stories I've ever read about an appliance. It's imaginative and full of heart. I loved it.
January 2, 2017
The morel of this short is treat your people and equipment with respect. Trainee and rice cooker team up to get revenge on mean chef. Talking apliances- have had jobs this would have been great help
March 23, 2015
A cute story!
July 30, 2016
I you like a quick light story I well recommended this book it's a lovely
Light humour story
Light humour story
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews