Rage

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. 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.

On the Care of an Apocalyptic Warhorse

In Jackie Morse Kessler’s Riders of the Apocalypse series, teens are transformed into the four horsemen of the apocalypse. As Riders, they’ve got many things to learn—including how to care for the horses they’re given. If you happen to find yourself a newly-minted equestrian of the end times, here’s some advice. . . .

By Melissa Miller (a.k.a. "War")

So you got yourself a warhorse! First, congratulate yourself, because I guarantee no one else on the block has one.

Next, invest in a good pair of leather gloves. Preferably, ones that horses can’t bite through.

Okay, so consider yourself lucky that you don’t have to deal with mortal warhorses. No worries about things like stabling, or brushing, or feeding your new friend. Bonus, right? Of course, your horse still needs things from its Apocalyptic rider.

1. Introduce yourself to your steed. What, you think that your warhorse is going to just make nice to you because you’re its new rider? Please. This is a warhorse. It’s got attitude to spare. (Which is good; if you want something that’s going to just roll over and let you rub its tummy, get a dog.) Walk around it in a slow circle, giving it a very wide berth (especially by those hind legs). Slowly make the circle tighter until you’re finally arm’s length away from its muzzle. And then show it who’s boss and make it bow its head. (Note: it’s very helpful to wield the Sword of War for this purpose.)

2. Name your steed. Hey, would you like to be called "Horse"? Doubtful. So pick a good name, one that reflects your horse’s personality. I’ve heard that calling it after a god might inflate your horse’s ego, but that never really was a problem for me. Your mileage may vary.

3. Take your steed for a ride. The best way to bond with your warhorse is to go riding. Just don’t fall off; the fall to earth could be a doozy. (Note: Apocalyptic warhorses fly. Very high. And very fast. Those reins are there for a reason; I suggest holding on. Very tightly.)

A Junior Library Guild Selection "The elegant mix of dark humor, brilliantly developed characters (the Four Horsemen, as in the earlier novel, are particularly memorable), and just enough moral threads to lead readers to make their own conclusions is impressive, as is the trim size of the novel, which may make it particularly appealing to reluctant readers."--_Bulletin_ "RAGE is raw and real, a truly dark, honest look at self-harm and the teenage psyche. Kessler left me breathless."—Heather Brewer, author of the New York Times bestselling series, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

"Skillfully rendered...sympathetically narrated...dark humor and realistic situations." --_Kirkus Reviews
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"Like _Hunger before it, Rage tackles a vital teen issue with delicacy and intelligence without preaching. 　　Raw, visceral, pulling no punches, this story strikes home like a razor blade. It’s unforgettable, heart wrenching, and enlightening."--Realms of Fantasy
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