I was really impressed with Hunger, the first book in this new series that combines mythological influences with serious modern issues. However, I have to be honest and say that the second book, RAGE, didnt work for me quite as much.

I cannot say anything bad about this series intentions. These issuesanorexia and self-injury, body image and bullyingshould be taken with the utmost seriousness, and yet Kessler uses such a wonderfully unique way to talk about these issues, which might have been beaten to death in more academic or psychological fields. The idea of these new Riders having to overcome their own issue in order to fully embrace their role and help out others is wonderful. Throw in some persnickety steeds and a wry-voiced Death, and youve got an utterly cool blend of the magical and the all-too-real.

RAGE didnt quite fulfill its mission for me, though. For some reason, I found it really hard to connect with Missy. Not that her situation does not provoke sympathy, for it does, oh it does. But she was so defined by her pain, by her humiliation, that she felt less like a real person and more like a literal poster girl one holds up to a crowd of bored at risk high school students and says regarding her, YOU SEE WHAT CAN HAPPEN? YOU DONT WANT THINGS TO TURN OUT LIKE THIS. Not a very effective teaching strategy by any means.

RAGE felt, to me, like it was concentrating much more on the message it was trying to send and less on developing unique characters or a compelling plot. Supporting characters were flat and not very convincing: for example, I knew I was supposed to feel angry at Missys bullying classmates words and actions, but at the same time I felt it was more for showkind of a this is what bullies are supposed to do and sound like act. The message got in the way of the story, I guess.

If you read and enjoyed Hunger, I encourage you to give RAGE a try. Perhaps its been a while since Ive read Hunger; perhaps you will find less issue with RAGE than I did.

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After I read "Hunger", I was so impressed by the authors writing style and creativity that I had to go ahead and read "Rage", even though it isn't set to be released until April 2011. The level of detail in regards to Missy's character is shocking and yet attractive, given the rage she hides within herself. This was a tough read for so many reasons. One, I couldn't wrap my head around the cutting and secondly, how could her parents not know. The plot moved forward at a great pace with more details on Pestilence this time. Missy was harder to relate to than Lisabeth in the previous book.

Missy is a very angry young women who is faced with becoming War. She seems to live a normal life but so much turmoil is held within and cutting is her release from the pain. Her character left me with an OMG feeling throughout the story. At times you want to hug her and say all will be well and at other times, slap her and say grow up, sister. She was very difficult to connect with but played an attractive role as War. The madness within her brings forth a side of her that is almost pure evil, seeming to link her to War even more as you turn each page.

Death the pale rider is absolutely fascinating. I know that sounds crazy beyond belief, but it's true. he sings, plays the guitar, and seems to be the voice of reason. Would you listen to Death? Is it wise to trust him? For whatever reason, each horseman follows suit and trusts him completely. I am so intrigued by this character that I want to read more on him.

Even though Death is leader of the pack, I am drawn also to Pestilence. No, not that way. The idea of carrying all the diseases of the world is totally nasty! In "Rage", he plays a larger role and, even though he is insane and insanely nasty, his character is appealing. Pestilence has a quality that leaves you wanting to know more. He has a history...he gave up his position once.

The ending was not what I expected and that's all I will say about that. Rage is an enjoyable, very dark read. The cutting was intense and emotional, to say the least. Rage will grip you tight and have you reading into the night. Reality can be more horrific than any horror flick. I highly recommend this book as well, as Hunger, to anyone. Well worth your time; it will change how you think.

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The book started off promising ... but, quickly went boring. There are way too many pages filled with teen angst in it. The whole middle of the novel is a rehashing of the main character's emotional state - over and over and over and over.

While this is an interesting take on the subject of cutting ... the book failed to hold my attention. Despite the complex subject matter, the book was not complex.

I did like to see a strong female character who, eventually, embraces her power. That was a positive aspect of the novel. However, the pages and pages of goth/emo teen angst were really unnecessary.

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When Melissa Miller can't breathe she takes a razor to her skin and bleeds the pain away. She is only 16 but already her body is covered in scars. One day a delivery man comes to the door and offers her a package. Should she open it when on the brink of death she will accept the office of one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse - War.

My own high school experience was so incredibly uneventful that I had no idea it could be such a traumatic time and while I have heard of self-harming before it was always something that happened to someone else somewhere far away. Jackie Kessler made it real in such a way that by the time I was halfway through I've already decided to look up other books by Jackie Kessler, especially the first one in the Horsemen of the Apocalypse series. Fortunately, if Rage is any indication, while the books are connected by who the protagonists become it is not necessary to read them in order.
Melissa is easy to sympathize with, partially because the world inside her head is so dark and disturbing - half the time I just wanted to hug her to reassure her that she wasn't alone. She is intelligent and funny and has a sharp tongue but she is also very hurt and lonely. The extent to which the other characters are developed is in direct correlation with how important and influential they are in Missy's life. Those who matter are vivid, those she sees as little more than scenery are barely fleshed out. I suppose it is a common way to view the world for a teenager and with Missy talking about the things that happen but not explaining them the story reads rather like a diary, which made for much more intimate storytelling.
Another thing I found appealing is how non-preachy this book is. One would almost expect one of the characters to begin pontificating at some point and here there's none of that. It's actually very good fun despite the dark subject matter. And how could it not be fun when the Grim Reaper himself looks like Kurt Cobain, plays guitar and says things like "rock on"?
I really liked the ending because there wasn't closure like there is in majority of books. Life goes on and Missy has to take every day one breath at a time, just like the rest of us do. There's no real closure until you actually die and it's the same for everybody - you, me, Missy and War.
If you are a teen or getting there or have a person of that age in your life I recommend that you read this book. I'd like to think that it may help recognize the signs of self-harming in others, find the courage to get help or the strength to put down the blade for good.

ARC of this book obtained through NetGalley.com

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Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

When I heard a young librarian "book talk" Kessler's HUNGER, I took a chance and ordered both HUNGER and her second novel for teens, called RAGE. I'm happy that I did.

HUNGER grabbed my attention with its unique combination of anorexia and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It was a powerful book that didn't talk down to teens about a serious issue.

RAGE has the same Horsemen of the Apocalypse connection, but its focus is on the subject of cutting. This is another topic that mainly involves teens and young adults. The real truth behind the frightening behavior will no doubt remain a secret to adults, which makes it even more important to let teens know others share their pain.

Missy is dealing with multiple issues - a fairly new breakup with her boyfriend, Adam; taunts from classmates about her choice of wardrobe; a younger sister who recently became an annoying freshman; and parents who say they understand but still pile on the pressure. Relief from all the stress is hidden away in a lockbox in Missy's closet, and the evidence of that relief can be found in the form of scars on her arms, stomach, and inner thighs. Missy cuts herself with a razor blade.

Just as HUNGER begins, an early scene in RAGE details the visit of a deliveryman arriving at Missy's front door with a mysterious package. She doesn't understand the veiled message from the deliveryman and really doesn't have time to waste, so she grabs the package, slams the door in his face, and carries the box to her room, where she shoves it on the top shelf of her closet.

She receives another visit from the deliveryman she comes to know as Death on the night of Kevin's party. When Adam approaches her at the party and says he wants to make things right with her again, Missy falls for his ploy and ends up being humiliated in front of everyone at the party. The only thing she can think about is running home to her lockbox and the release she can gain from the silver blade.

Unknown to her family and friends, Missy hides in her room and cuts and cuts until, fingers slippery with blood, she cuts too deeply and she realizes her life might be over. That's when she remembers the package stashed on the shelf above her. When she is finally able to knock it from its perch and open it, she finds out the true purpose Death has for her.

Becoming one of the Four Horsemen, "War," gives Missy a glimpse of the power she has hidden within. As she witnesses the tragedies of the world while on the back of her blood-red steed, she learns she has the power to defeat and deal with the stress and pressure that make her miserable.

Both RAGE and HUNGER by Jackie Morse Kessler are worth adding to your collection. Her unusual approach to problems faced by teens today might be just the answer for readers dealing with similar issues.

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