Book Review: Pandora Jones: Reckoning (Pandora Jones #3) by Barry Jonsberg

Goodreads Description: 

Pan blinked. Something strange was happening to her mind and body. She felt relaxed, but at the same time, acutely aware of everything. She remembered the Professor's words: she was the cause of the destruction of humanity. And she felt the truth of those words.

Pandora Jones's problems appear insurmountable. She must convince her team that nothing is as it seems and that they must escape and expose The School to save the world from the plague she unwittingly inflicted on it. The only thing Pan has on her side is her gift of intuition, and her belief in the people she cares about.

But with the clock ticking, can she find a way to stop the plague, and should she do it at any cost?

Pan and her friends face off against the might of The School as the final pieces fall into place in the hugely compelling Pandora Jones series.

Title: Pandora Jones: Rekoning
Author: Barry Jonsberg
Genre: Sci-Fi, survival, paranormal, apocalyptic, YA, 
Format: Paperback
Pages:312 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from the publisher

Warning: This review might spoil evens from Book 1: Admission (Review Here) and Book 2: Deception (Review Here).

This is one of my most anticipated books of the year and like every last book in a series I'm excited yet scared on how its gonna end and thank goodness Reckoning did everything right on ending a series!

The third and final book of the Pandora Jones series picks up immediately where we left off in Deception. In this book the truth behind the school, Pandora and her friends reason for being there and most importantly where did Pandora's powers come from is revealed.

I savored the story not wanting it to end yet wanting answers for all the cliff hanging questions in the previous book and this book delivered, tying in all the loose end in ways i didn't expected with a nice little bow. While I still was not a fan of Pan's inner captain obvious thoughts, I'm now at a point to where I'm used to it so it didn't bother me as much as it did in the previous books. The pacing in this book was slightly slower pace but I preferred that as it gives me a breather to process what's going on. Also like the previous books the action and suspense were nothing but nerve wrecking and epic to the point I'm on the edge of my seat hoping they'll be okay (spoilers... not really).

The scientific element is wicked and easy to follow and I also like how they talk about the ethics and morals of science and health. Lastly the way the book concluded was fitting and perfectly done! Prior to the released of the book my over thinking theory brain could not think of a 'happy' and satisfying way for this series to conclude but gosh did the author did a great job of summing up the series!

The character and relationship building in this book was probably the best in the series where we not only explore more of Pan and Jen's friendship that was established in the previous book but we also get to know more of the other characters aka their group mates like Wei Lin, Sanjit, Sam and Karl where in the short time we manage to get more of their backstory and their strengths, weaknesses and secrets which will all be important for the later part of the book. Mostly I enjoy how this diverse cast of characters interact with each other as they work together to try and crack down the secret behind the school.

Pan's relationship with Nate was surprisingly bittersweet and though Nate was such a hit/miss character for me through the series, his fate was the saddest part of this book. I seriously was rooting for Pan and Nate to be together especially with how he redeems himself ( comparing him to Theresa in Maze Runner AT LEASE HE TRIES TO REDEEM HIMSELF which got me to emphasis for his character) and the surprise of his relationship with a certain school faculty member.

Lastly the truth behind Pan's powers was kinda confusing but surprising. I had to re read that whole scene a couple of times but I like what they did with her finding out the truth and also answers some questions I had of another character in the previous book. Also from what I gather, Pan 'unlocks' a new level or ability with her power in each book which is really cool as we get to see her developed and adapt to her 'gift'.

Overall the Pandora Jones series is seriously one of the best and unique apocalypse/sci-fi theme YA I've came across as well as one of the more underrated Aussie YA out there. I highly recommend this series for its diverse cast of characters, epic and fast pace action and plot twisting story line.

Movie Review: Paper Towns

Movie Description: 

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green ("The Fault in Our Stars"), PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears--leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship--and true love. 

Release Date : 2015-07-24
Casts : Hannah Alligood, Cara Delevingne, Justice Smith, Drew Matthews, Nat Wolff, Cara Buono, Jaz Sinclair, Jim R. Coleman, Austin Abrams, Caitlin Carver, Meg Crosbie, Griffin Freeman, Halston Sage
Duration : 109 minutes runtime

There is only one way for me to describe this movie that is TEEN AWKWARDNESS AT ITS FINEST! 

This is the first book to movie I watch this year. I am really a fan of watching in a cinema but cause this is something I was anticipating I was willing to drag myself to the cinema and was not disappointing by!

Also this is a book to movie adaptation I'll suggest if you have yet to read to book, go ahead and watch the movie first as the movie cut out some unnecessary I was not a fan of in the book.
 

Book vs Movie???

Can I just say I LOVE THE MOVIE more tHan the boOK???

I meant this is how I want my books to movie adaptations to be. It was faithful to the plot of the book but they change things up (and yes guys change is good if done right) to make the story better and more satisfying.

So its kinda obvious I favor the movie over the book. They improved the plot of the story and characters (which I got annoyed with some) and changed up a lot of the scene I assume for visual and timing reason but it all works well.

I also like how they gave a bit more attention to some of the side characters like Radar, Lacey and Angela and even developed a cute side story for Radar and Angela's relationship.

The Story

In the book it mainly focuses on Q's obsession on looking for Margo which if I recall after a while I kinda got bored of Q going on and on about looking for Margo like a broken record.

The movie changes up a lot of stuff that Q missed out on in the book like parties, prom and graduation and mainly focuses on his friendship with Ben and Radar as well as Q discovery of self confident, taking risks and enjoying the last of high school before the all go away for college.

Also the most important part of the story was the road trips and they were done perfectly! I was smiling like an idiot during Q and Margo's midnight joyride and actually was on the edge on my seats during some of the scenes!

Also the 'main roadtrip' was my favorite part of the book so I was excited to see how I pictured it but more! In fact TFIOS fans might want to keep your eyes peal as there is a cameo (that is not John Green unfortunately) that made the whole cinema yelp of excitement (including me and the middle age couple next to me).

So Gus reincarnated to the dude with the dragon tattoo... GUSSSSS!!! Wait Gus??? The dude's dead (oops spoiler for TFIOS) still *fangirl scream and swoon in the corner!!!*

So Gus reincarnated to the dude with the dragon tattoo... GUSSSSS!!! Wait Gus??? Dude's dead (oops spoiler for TFIOS) still *fangirl scream!!!*

Mostly what I like about the movie was how they wrap up the story. If you were to read the book and felt not so satisfied with it, I promise they improved the ending, warping Q, Margo and the gang's story nicely with a satisfying but bittersweet bow. Mostly what I like about the ending was how Q's character move on with his life ending the story in an optimistic note.

Writing/Look/Sound

While the writing was at times cheesy and cringe worthy, its still forgivable as like I mention this movie has teenage awkwardness at its finest. I kid you not I actually facepalm at some of the awkward moments in the movie as I too might have said/did something similar to them.

The pacing of the movie was fast pace and while I did like the pacing I wish that it was slightly longer. 

The it has same look and feel to TFIOS which should not be a surprise since its coming from the same team ( and author). I also love the transitioning scenes especially that final shot.

I love the soundtrack to the movie and like TFIOS I'm definitely getting the soundtrack. In TFIOS I was hoping that Nat Wolf will sing for the soundtrack so I was excited that Nat & Alex had a song in the soundtrack for the movie. 

 Characters

Quentin or 'Q' played by Nat Wolf was exactly how I pictured in my head (actually that's how I picture all the main guy character in John Green books). I really like how his character is portrayed from this shy outcast guy to being more confident by doing things he'll never do for the sake of finding Margo. I love his acting in TFIOS as Issac, I'll admit I was not  fan of Nat Wolf as I hated that Nickelodeon show he was on as a kid but I'll admit, he has improved over the years. Looking forward to seeing what's next for him.

I love the way Cara Delevingne's portray Margo! It reminds me of a tone down version of Effy from Skins. I'll admit I was one of them who didn't think she'll be able to live up to the role but she did better than I expected. While I occasionally hear a slip of her accent I still like the way she talk and carry herself as like Margo in the book she gave this air of mysteriousness. With this being her breakthrough/debut role I'm looking forward to seeing more of her on the big screen.

Coming out of the cinema, my friend Puj (who has yet to read the book) went on about how Ben's her favorite character. I freaking love Ben in the book and was looking forward to his character in the movie. While sadly the number of times Ben say the word 'Honey Bunny' can be count on one hand (yes i counted), his character in the movie is my favorite and is freaking hilarious and adorkrable.

Radar was another fun character to watch and was looking forward to him shouting 'ITS NOT MY FAULT MY PARENTS OWN A COLLECTION OF BLACK SANTA'.

The bromance between Q, Ben and Radar were some of the best moments in the movie! This is 'squad goals'. I crack up every time the guys did something goofy and feel for them when something awkward happened to them.

I really like how they Lacey and Angela's characters were more in the story, making me care for their characters more.

Overall

Paper Town is a hilarious and smart movie with a hint of teen romance along with a good ol road trip. The movie improved not only the book but elements that I felt off with TFIOS and to be honest I actually preferred this over TFIOS. 

You'll see me snooping around JB-HIFI for the dvd when it comes out and while I still am not a fan of the poster, I still highly recommend watching Paper Towns Movie and watching this with a your friends.

Check out Paper Towns if you are a fan of High School drama and friendship, a fan of John Green's stories and random yet fun road trips.

To describe my feeling when I walked out of the cinema, I was smiling like an idiot, feeling happy and satisfied with the story and how it wrapped up.

Book Review: We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach

Goodreads Description:

Before the asteroid we let ourselves be defined by labels:
The athlete, the outcast, the slacker, the overachiever. 

But then we all looked up and everything changed. 

They said it would be here in two months. That gave us two months to leave our labels behind. Two months to become something bigger than what we'd been, something that would last even after the end. 

Two months to really live

Title: We All Looked Up
Author: Tommy Wallach
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Paperback. Arc

Pages: 370 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from the publisher.

I was intrigue with this book when I first got it but it took me a couple of tries to actually finish it.

The Plot

What do you do if an asteroid is heading towards Earth and you only have 7 weeks to live? Do you go on with life like everything is normal? Sit there and wait for the asteroid to hit? or what about abandoning your label and live your life to the fullest?

With the end of the world happening, we follow the lives of four high school senior who were defined by their labels abandoning the stereotype as they live their last days of their lives.

 Characters/Narrative

Multiple POV are usually a hit or a miss for me. I was not a fan of the multiple POV at the start but it's something I grew to enjoy when reading this. Also with FOUR different characters we get four very different opinions on what's going on and were easily distinguish with their different personality. 

At first the cast of characters looked like your stereotype one dimensional high school students but as the end of the world begins they abandon their labels and developed for the better as they become . This book is filled with character and relationship development I enjoyed especially when the characters and their story intertwine with each other. 

Anita's my favorite character followed by Eliza then Andy and Peter. I mostly like Anita on how she handles the situation thrown at them positively and maturely as well as her growing as a character. Eliza is another favorite especially on how her story progress as she followed her passion of photography and put it to use to rebuild her reputation with taking photos of humanities reaction to the end of the world.

Writing

The writing was my favorite part of the book. Its a story of 'what if'' and makes me question and maybe even doubt about life and the things we do. I really enjoy how provoking and philosophical the book become especially in the event of something similar to an asteroid were to happen how will people react.

I love the concept of the story! Its the breakfast club meets the end of the world reminding me a bit of Melissa Kell's 'The Incredible Adventure of Cinnamon Girl'. Also the story was more of a coming of age as each of the characters get push out of their comfort zone to take a leap into living the life they always wanted.

Books with a music element thrown in are usually a love/hate but for this book I love the music element which makes sense since the author is also a musician.While I have yet to check out the companion soundtrack to the book I do like how they talk about music especially how it bonded Anita and Andy's relationship.

Romance take the back seat in this book till the later part of book and while it was kinda force and sudden, it suited the situation they were going trough with the apocalypse,so better get together now than maybe never. Also this book dealt with the sex situations honestly and positively especially with Andy who's obsess with getting laid before the end of the world and Eliza who owes up to her actions.

There are also some side plot of complicated family and friendship, being in the wrong crowd, breakups and in Eliza's case bullying and slut shaming.

While the pacing of the book was a bit draggy and as I mentioned had a hard time getting myself connection with the book, after about three 'chapters' I finally am enjoying what I'm reading. Along with the multiple point of view there is a 'countdown' to when the asteroid is estimated to hit instead of the traditional chapters which I thought was a fun addition to the book.

The tone of the story is dark and hopeless it still have its lighter and maybe even an optimistic side to the situation as people loosen up and celebrate their lives while our four main characters figure out what they really want in their lives.

Overall

I really like how smart and provoking this book is and was intrigued till the end. I also like how it concluded where it gave an ambiguous ending leaving us for the readers to imagine what happen next which suits the the story. 

Check this book out if you like a provoking and bittersweet story with an edgy dark twist as well as a cast of realistic character with very diverse personalities.

Game Discussion: Life Is Strange Episode 3 (Chaos Theory) SPOILERS!!!

 

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 1, 2 & 3 OF LIFE IS STRANGE as I'll be discussing the choices I made in the game and why. If you want to see a no/mild spoiler review (Click here) for episode 1 and for episode 2 (Click Here). Episode 3 review will contain spoilers (Click Here)

Once again this being a game of choices and how it effects the past, present and future I will also talk about the continuation of my choices in the previous episode and how it effects my gameplay. If you want to check out the choices I made in episode 1 (Click here) & episode 2 (Click Here) .

Major Choices

1) Leave the money 

I love the mission where we go around the school in the middle of the night! As i mentioned in my review its my favorite chapter to replay. Both in the school in the swimming pool are probably my most replayed chapter in the whole game.

Also can I just add how much I love the part where we rewind and open the poor door that Chloe was harassing! HAHA!

Yes Chloe that handicap money does look shady but we don't want to get into more trouble not to mention leave our mark for the cops to come. So be a good person and choose to leave the money (and prey that Chloe didn't sneak back to seal the cozy chair)

2) Kiss Chloe

 

OMG THIS CHOICE!! OK so my gut tells me to Kiss her but my heart ships Max with Warren so I kid you not I message like 5 friends to ask WTH do I do!!

Once all of them say KISS HER  i hit the left button and BOO YAH it was hella cute and Chloe's reaction was priceless!!! xD

3) Side with David

My least favorite mission was to find those DAMN EGGS! But i did have fun snooping around David's garage. 

Ok so i know people will be like 'WHY DO YOU SIDE WITH THE CREEPY ABUSIVE STEP *INSERT MEAN WORD HERE*' and here is my reason:

-I want to keep him on my side to get more infomation from him.

-He is a red herring on Rachael's disappearance and on Kate's suicide attempt and once again he has information we might need to crack the case.

-As much as I love Chloe, she was acting out a bit too much to my liking and as Max say we have no proof on David.

-I don't want to hurt Joyce

-to piss off an already piss off Chloe (ok that was a joke but that literally was the consequence)

4) Throw in the parking lot

I mentioned in my review that I love the puzzle to get Frank's keys as we not only get to know more about both Frank and Nathan but we also get to EFF up their brains (along with the cop) and rewind like nothing ever happened.

Also I might have had a little fun pouring beans all over Frank

Um yah cause we are good people and don't want to hurt a Dog who did nothing (yet) to us. Also we don't want to piss off Frank AND I'm a dog person. 

5) Chloe have the gun

So my Chloe has David's gun as I tried to shoot Frank in episode 2 so I didn't get the keep/leave gun option in Frank's RV.

Minor Choices

1) Lisa is alive

 

Haha don't know how I manage to keep Lisa alive considering I'm the worst at keeping plants alive in reality. Now we have Kate's bunny so I wonder what's gonna happen to the poor thing under my care.

2) "Helped" Warren with his exam

Not so sure how this is gonna bite me in future episode but we need to help him keep his 4.0 GPA . Also cause I helped him in episode 2 he got an A- (which I changed to an A+)

3) You are on the Vortex Club's party list

Cause I'm suddenly bff with Courtney in episode 2 so it looks like I'm part of the vortex club

4) You erased some names from the Vortex Club party list *evil*

Sorry to whoever but you're not on the list *muahahaha*

5) You erased the cop's answerphone message

Woops....

6)  You helped Alyssa

Oh man poor Alyssa... I wonder what happen to her when Max is not around.

7) You warned the homeless woman

Ok so is it me or does the Homeless woman know something... she reminds me of Samual and I think this might help us in the later episodes of the game.

8) Took a Photo in the Past

Optional photo reason... nuf said.

9) Left your mark on the fireplace

Okay so I don't remember what I left at the fireplace but looks like it will have consequences.

Bonus Choice

WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST JOYCE???

For me its FLUFFY PANCAKES ALL THE WAYYYYYYY aka my favorite breakfast food so move aside Max (and William) as I'm gonna get them all... okay I won't get them all as I'm a nice person and can't eat them all.

Overall

The choices in this game are snowballing! I can see how our actions from earlier episodes is shifting the story. For example, I stay hidden in the closet from David so because of that Chloe brings up not taking the blame of the weed.

I already finish episode 4 so I'll be discussing my choices and the game really SOON.

If you played the game and have made similar or different choices comment below and let's discuss.

Game Review: Life Is Strange Episode 3 (Chaos Theory) SPOILERS!!!

 

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 1 & 2 OF LIFE IS STRANGE as I'll be discussing the choices I made in the game and why. If you want to see a no/mild spoiler review (Click here) for episode 1 and for episode 2 (Click Here). Also I i think we are at the point where I can get into spoiler territory for Episode 3 so yes this review will contain spoilers for episode 3 as I go into more details of my thoughts of the game and narrations

Title: Life Is Strange Episode 3 (Chaos Theory)

Developer: Dontnod Entertainment

Publisher: Square-Enix

Genre: Episodic, Contemporary, Supernatural, Mystery, interactive drama, adventure

Platforms played: PC

Official Game Description (Source) :

Life Is Strange is a five part episodic game that sets out to revolutionise story based choice and consequence games by allowing the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. 

You are Max, a photography senior who saves her old friend Chloe by discovering she can rewind time. The pair soon find themselves exposed to the darker side of Arcadia Bay as they uncover the disturbing truth behind the sudden disappearance of a fellow student.

Meanwhile, Max begins to have premonitions as she struggles to understand the implications of her power. She must quickly learn that changing the past can sometimes lead to a devastating future.

Features
• A beautifully written modern adventure game
• Rewind time to change the course of events.
• Multiple endings depending on the choices you make.
• Striking, hand-painted visuals
• Distinct, licensed indie soundtrack

Boy did we eff stuff up big time Max...

No joke this episode suits how the past can be affected with our decisions.

The Plot

Following the evening after the event of Episode 2, Max and Chloe are on the case to figure out the disappearance of Rachael and what happened to Kate while stumbling on some of Nathan's deepest darkest secrets.

 Game Play

The game play in this episode was one of the most fun and engaging I had in the whole series! They use the time rewinding method that are familiar in a newer way. 

I love that 'quest' we had to do to get the ingredients to make the bomb and I kid you not I replayed that chapter at least 4 times since as its that fascinating wondering around the school in the middle of the night snooping into the empty classrooms and maybe 'altering' warrens grades. They also make use of Max 'teleporting' from one place to another by rewinding time as the world revolves around her. One cool thing the did with max powers if you use the vending machine to get the soda can and rewind, Max does not have to pay for the soda! Haha free soda's for life (don't OD on soda kids).

Also to anyone who love stealth games will love the 'hide and seek' moments of the game where you hide from the principal to escape the dorm and from the security guard to escape the swimming pool. In both moments I was in a mad panic and almost forgot Max has rewind powers but when I did escape said places I had a lot of adrenalin from the thrill. 

As mentioned in the previous episode the Diner chapter was my favorite in game play and narrative. Once again this episode the game play for the Diner was fun in a 'lets eff with Frank, Natnan and the cop's brain for information on each other while getting Frank's keys and rewind time to as if I never talked to them. Oh and while at it let's fool them by cosplaying as Rachael Amber'. This part was so fun to play and what I love was the layer of dialog and information we unravel especially on Nathan and Frank. 

Lastly the biggest WTF gameplay was Max unlocking the power to travel tough photos and materialist in her 13-year-old self to change time only to give us even more EFF up consequences. Ok while i did like playing as 13-year-old max I had a hella hard time getting that picture to focus even with patience. literally was me slamming my keys and mouse for 20 minutes till i figure out how ( by google it)

Favorite gameplay: Effing with Nathan, Frank and the Cop's brains along with making the home made bomb. Kinda interesting how  in episode 1 Nathan talks to himself about blowing up the place and now Max is doing the work for him (and rewinding to as if nothing happened).
 

Least favourite gameplay: Helping Joyce make breakfast. 

RANT TIME: Okay a normal human will put the eggs in the fridge... right? well I went around the kitchen and only manage to find the milk and I thought 'OH MAYBE THEY HAVE A CHICKEN TO GIVE THEM FRESH EGGS' so i went out to the backyard looking and sure enough ALL THE BIRDS ARE DEAD so I went back in only to realise THERE IS A BAG OF GROCERY AT THE FRONT DOOR THAT I SAW EARLIER WITH THE EGGS! So I face plam myself for not thinking and went to Joyce to make pancakes...

 Characters

Okay so we know all of the characters in the game by now and depending on your interaction with them you'll have established a better relationship with some characters that are optional like Dana and Taylor whom you can comfort after the events in episode 2 if you were friendly in the previous episode. Whether or not Kate jumped, all the students at Blackwell (including the Queen Bee Victoria) show's remorse and guilt of their action toward her. Whether their actions directly or indirectly affect you can see everyone is affected by the event and hopefully its a wake up call to the students at Blackwell.

Max as a character has gowned from being self doubting and shy to being more confident and assure of herself. Yes she still have flaws but she's being more boulder thanks to her powers allowing her to do stuff she'll never do or have thoughts of doing but never does and cause Chloe is a Hella good bad influence . If you read her journal in episode 2 you'll know she want's to beat the shit out of some people but don't have the guts, well in episode 3 you're actually given the opportunity mess with people and rewind like spilling Frank's beans on him and rewind! Haha that was the best and satisfying and I'll admit I tried every possible way to eff with him! Even so she's finally being continuous of overusing her power after the events of episode 2 and even says not to waist your powers over simple stuff like getting weed killer with a chair. That's simple right? 
 

Ah Chloe I partly want to hug the poor girl and partly want to give her lessons to a boxing class as she needs to get her rage out but in right places. This episode we learn that behind the though girl look she is actually broken in the inside with all her baggage of people abandoning her. While I always like Chloe as a character, this episode made me love her character more as we see all the flaws and issues that has been effecting her emotionally especially her father's death. Chloe is a character I related to the most through the series (minus the blue hair and weed) as she has a problem moving on with life after a tragedy. I mentioned in my book review 'The Beginning of Everything' I too had the same problem moving on in life and kinda understand what's going on in her.  While yes it still is not an excuse for her to lash out on others like her mum and and Max, Chloe obviously does not have the best support group to talk out her emotions hence her bottling it up in her. Long story short while she's my fav and most relatable character she really need to get her shit together before more people abandon her for her actions or its too late.

Final-freaking-ly we get to meet William Price! Okay can I just say that if I didn't know that he was Chloe's dad I will have thought of him to be Max's dad! I meant they both act and say a lot of similar stuff like 'Release the Keys' and 'Release the Krakan' and heck are both into photography! Max must be at the Price's house more often than her own. Anyways he's a cool guy and I'll admit reminds me of my own dad when I was playing the game. He's goofy yet firm with the Chloe and Max and I can see why the both of them look up to him.

Problem/Glitches 

Funny story.. I got stuck in Victoria's room... yah of all the places in the game I got trapped in the Queen Bee's room so I had to reload the game and lower my settings (as I mentioned in episode 1 I had problems interacting with things in Max's room) and then things were finally working smooth as butter! Haha! I guess this one was on my side at fault.

Look/Sound

There is something mesmerizing and thrilling about running around the school after hours (and yes I have done my fair share though mine were done 'legally' since I live on campus). And while I at times feel creep out awaiting for a jump scare like in Five Nights at Freddie which the game might have had its moments *wave fist at Chloe* its still have that same chill atmosphere the game is known for.

That morning in Chloe's room after their midnight fun at Blackwell is probably my favorite moment in the game. From the atmosphere to the music to even what the girls were up to was just perfect and one of my favorite moments not only in the episode but also in the game.

Also the song 'Bright Eye' by Lua that was the song that stood out to me in this episode. Man does Chloe (and the developers) have a good taste in music!

Narrative/Writing

The first thing that comes to my mind of this episode is the friendship between Chloe and Max. Two best friends reconciling their relationship while coming in terms with what they are going through and squeezing a bit of fun to the mix. I really like how their friendship was showed and there were some scene that could have gone the wrong way but was played out right.

The pacing of this episode was slower than the others having that its the 'calm before the storm'. I also like to think of this episode as a big comfort blanket to help the characters (and the players) recover from the ordeal that we went trough in episode 2.

Still things gets intense in this episode when Chloe lash out to not just her parents but also to Max when she found out some secrets about Rachael. She's hitting a breaking point in terms of her emotions and frustrations over the people who left her and is not the best at moving on with her life.

I really like what they did with Chloe's story in this episode its relatable anyone (like me) who has a hard time letting go and moving on with life.Personally I really like what they did with this episode in terms of the narrative and its dealing with something i rarely see any medium whether it be books or movie cover and wishes there was more.

I also like how in this episode we see a different side of the characters like David, Nathan and Frank which once again makes my brain churn from suspecting them to be involve with Rachael's disappearance to is this fella a good guy or a bad guy.  

That big WTF twist at the end was a twist I never though will happen and didn't catch all those forshadows through the game. ITS SO FREAKING COOL yet MESS UP. When the camera panned to the ending I swear my heart broke into million pieces. I was not shock or stunt but more of heartbroken of what Max (or Our) decisions has become.

Book Recommendations for Chaos Theory

Max and Chloe's friendship and opposite personalities reminds me of Emily and Solane's friendship in Since You've been Gone (Review Here) and Pandora's and Jen's friendship in Pandora Jones Deception (Review Here).

Them reconciling their friendship reminds me of Ezra and Toby from The Beginning of Everything (Review Here) where two friends who have not talked to each other in years reconcile, picking up the pieces like no time has passed. Also The Beginning of Everything is a about moving on in life after a tragedy which is something I think Chloe needs to come in terms with.

          

Lastly I can't talk about friendship without talking about the friendship between Tiny Cooper and Will Grayson along with the friendship between Collin and Hassan in An Abundance of  Katherine. Both of this books have great 'bromance' friendship that I'm sure you PriceField shippers will love/

Overall

Each episode of Life is Strange gets better as it progresses and the in between waits while they make me anxious but are still worth it as I can discuss with friends about my crackpot theories based on evidence we see in the episode.

I really like how there is this great 'mid season' episode that is slightly lay back, allowing us to recover from Episode 2 while we prep ourselves for what's to come for the future episode.

Episode 3: Chaos Theory is both heart warming and heart breaking, while still feeling light hearted and fun it does have its intense moments.

Overall the game keeps impresses me and always know how to leave me wanting more. I am emotionally invested in the characters and their stories. I am in love with this game that Dontnod has created and to be honest I am excited and scared as heck for what's to come in the future episode as in this game ANYTHING can happen.

Yes 5 stars but to be honest the game deserves more.

Also Check out my Life Is Strange Episode 3 (Chaos Theory) Discussions (HERE) where I discuss the choices I make and once again warning for Spoilers.