Rage (Early Review)
Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler
Rider's Quartet #2
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 Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a different 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.
A unique approach to the topic of self-mutilation, Rage is the story of a young woman who discovers her own power, and refuses to be defeated by the world.
After reading the last book, and how the current "War" acted I was pretty sure this book would be about a completely hate filled character whose only goal in life was to cause misery in others. Well, I was completely wrong. While Missy does hold some animosity towards others, most of her hate is directed towards herself. I don't think I've ever met or read about someone with such terrible self-loathing. As in the previous book, this one is a journey and a battle to conquer and over come inner demons in whatever form they may take. However, it was in no way just a rehashment of the last book's plot. The struggles and obstacles are completely different, as well as the resolution. While most of the book is very serious and "heavy," Death's character yet again adds just the right amount of comic relief.
These books are first and foremost, issue books, however they never once come across as pushy or overly opinionated. I really admire the author's ability to shed light on such serious topics while still making the books a good read. I think this book and the previous one are a must read for every teenager or parent of a teenager. Even if none of the issues ever touch them in their lives, it is a good eye opener to some of the real struggles teens have to deal with. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the organization To Write Love On Her Arms.
(Received from Netgalley)
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Rage
Challenge Categories:
Outdo Yourself
YA
