Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler

“Missy didn’t mean to cut so deep. But after the party where she was humiliated in front of practically everyone in school, who could blame her for wanting some comfort? Sure, most people don’t find comfort in the touch of a razor blade, but Missy always was . . . different.
That’s why she was chosen to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a new kind of blade—a big, brutal sword that can cut down anyone and anything in her path. But it’s with this weapon in her hand that Missy learns something that could help her triumph over her own pain: control.”

While Hunger was hard to read at times, Rage was even more so. Self-mutilation is a bit closer to home for me. I feel it was a bit more gruesome at times than the first book. It’s raw, realistic, and a touch painful.

I’ve got to say the book title is spot on. The book is filled with rage. Missy is leading a very tough life with a lot of bullying, awkwardness, and general angst. Let’s face it, high school isn’t easy for the average person at all and Missy is proof of that. What really bugs me is the reaction of others about her situation. While I don’t feel comfortable going into details (I really hate spoilers!!!!), one reaction by an authority figure really made me mad.

Once again Death is there to lighten the mood a bit and the other two Horsemen make a few appearances. War’s horse, Ares, wasn’t as comical to me as Famine’s was, but I like that the horses “thoughts” give you a little subtle insight into the past Horsemen.

During one scene of violence, I personally almost put the book down for good. It was toward the end, so I made myself ignore it and continue on. So I will say some of the context, just like Hunger, may not be for you. That said, Rage is a great book, but it may not be for everyone. I personally can’t wait to read the next book and am eager to see what’s done.