Life is Strange: Steph’s Story by Rosiee Thor – Book Review

Over the summer, I came upon a new obsession—the Life is Strange Series. I had always been interested in playing it; the game mechanics, the choices you make throughout the game will impact the ending, were what really drew me in. I have plans to write a full review of the games themselves, so expect that soon!

Right now, we’re going to be reviewing one of the tie-in books for the Life is Strange universe—Life is Strange: Steph’s Story, by Rosiee Thor. As always, this review will contain spoilers, so proceed with caution!

After playing the first game in the series, along with the prequel Before the Storm, the 2021 True Colors, and the True Colors prequel Wavelengths, I wanted more of the story. When I saw there was a novel based off of Steph Gingrich, one of the fan-favorite characters of the franchise who has dubbed herself “queen of the nerds,” I knew I wanted to read it. Plus, I wanted to read more sapphic romances, and I just happened to read this one during Pride month!

Now, onto the novel itself: Steph is back home with her dad in Seattle, trying to figure out her place in life. She works at a coffee shop/game store by day, and by night she runs Dungeons and Dragons campaigns with her friends. That is, until Izzie walks in. Punk-rock guitarist needing a fresh start as well, Steph is instantly smitten. 

Throughout the story, the two grow into a one-woman band, going through the ups and downs of both being in a band as well as growing as a couple. Steph quits her job, her sessions at the café, nearly everything to be with Izzie and perform, and later go on tour. But how much is this really costing her?

Right off the bat, this book was like candy for my brain. The writing felt accessible and relatable, the plethora of queer jokes and humor between Steph, Izzie, and their friends could be conversations between my friends and me. The subtle references throughout the games was also fun to catch, especially hearing how Chloe and Max from the first game are doing (more on that later).

One of the most heartbreaking and realistic parts for me to read was Steph and Izzie’s relationship. It’s very clear that they both love each other, but they both have different goals and priorities in life. Izzie wants to perform. She wants their band to take off, be famous, sell records, have millions of fans…and Steph just wants to be with Izzie. Maybe I’m reaching here, but it’s clear that while Steph loves drumming and playing in the band, she’s doing this more for Izzie than herself. 

I also believe that Izzie’s chip on her shoulder plays a major role—at some points it was almost like an obsession, her wanting to prove herself to her old band, who kicked her out at the beginning of the novel. While I have never been in a band before, or any kind of touring arts, I know that it can take over your whole life. However, there were times throughout the book where Izzie’s desire to prove herself and stand out felt like an obsession. She definitely loved Steph, there is no denying; but her anger at her past and her bandmates was stronger.

And talk about pasts! Now, it’s well known (but I will still put a spoiler warning here since there are some people who still haven’t played the games yet) in the first main game in the franchise, the player has the choice to sacrifice Arcadia Bay, the town where the game takes place, or Chloe Price, main character Max Caulfield’s best friend. According to the statistics on my Switch Lite, about 56% saved Chloe, whereas 44% saved Arcadia Bay; according to the Life is Strange wiki page, 52% saved Chloe, and 48% saved the town. All that to say, a lot of people chose to save Chloe.

Which is what Thor writes in the beginning of the novel in an author’s note. This story takes place in the timeline where Chloe was saved but not the town. This choice follows Steph throughout the story, as her traumas are still alive and well, and her last town was torn to pieces. It’s no wonder she hesitates to settle down, as what if she has to quickly pack up and escape? Unlike The Falling in Love Montage, Steph actually talks about her problems and traumas (albeit at the very end, to a very understanding Gabe Chen, though she does explain to Izzie how her mom died). The town of Haven Springs allows her to open up and settle down.

I felt the story was a bit rushed toward the end, as Thor had to tie in this with the rest of the overall story and how it fit into it. While it was sweet seeing Steph meet everyone at Haven Springs (the setting for Life is Strange: True Colors, the third main installment in the franchise), I didn’t feel like there was a lot of dedicated time for her getting acquainted with the town. However, the ending scene, with Steph finally unpacking the purple suitcase that she’s hesitated to unpack throughout the story (from first moving in with her dad, to moving in with Izzie, to life on the road for touring) is finally unpacked.

Before you ask, no, you do not need to play/read any of the other Life is Strange content to understand the story. I personally feel that the book is a sweet piece of fiction on its own, and if you wanted this book can be a great entryway into the franchise. But its messages about finding your place, both in life and in situations like your friend groups and even your relationships, are all important for anyone to read. There were times when I felt I wasn’t reading a “video game story,” but a genuine tale about finding your people.