This book was SO good. Heartless Hunter has everything I want in a book: compelling and well-developed characters, witchy blood magic, enemies to lovers romance (with the perfect amount of spice), dual POV, literally everything. This book was literal perfection with amazing plot twists that kept me hooked until the last page. I cannot wait for the next book and to see what happens with our FMC and MMC after the ending. 10000% would recommend.

Ahh I need the sequel and I need it now!! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin Press for the ARC. I loved this book! Heartless Hunter is an exciting cat-and-mouse romantasy between a witch and the captain that’s hunting her.

The story takes place two years after an uprising against a trio of cruel and corrupt witch queens. In the time since the fall of the witch empire, witches have been hunted and “purged” in public executions. Even witch sympathizers are put to death. Witches are vilified and feared.

Rune kind of gives me Aelin Galathynius vibes. She’s lost everything and is hiding who she truly is from the world. She has a strong sense of justice but she feels that she doesn’t deserve anything good.

Gideon’s character broke my heart. I have to say that while it’s sad and difficult to read no matter who it happens to, I appreciate when the gender roles are reversed when is comes to trauma. So often it’s the FMC who is violated and manipulated by someone in power but in the real world it happens to men and it doesn’t get talked about enough. Gideon’s story left me feeling a bit raw, I really ache for him. I can’t wait to see what the next book holds for him.

My only complaint (and the reason it’s not 5 stars) is that the chemistry between Gideon and Rune was a little flat at times. In certain chapters I felt like it was heading in that electric connection sort of direction but then it fell short. I still like them together, I just needed more, a deeper bond I guess.

The story was exciting and I ended up so invested it was hard to put it down. I can’t wait for this series to continue.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book!

Summary of this plot:
In this book, we follow Rune aka the Crimson Moth, a notorious witch-saver in a world where witches were hunted and murderer. Previously, witches ruled the area, but after rebels took over the palace, the three sister queens were wiped out along with other witches. Now, any witch or witch sympathizer is killed. Because witches need blood for magic and because they often use their own, their silver scars are obvious signs of being witches. Rune doesn’t have any, making it seem like she’s a perfectly normal person.

Years ago, she turned her grandmother in as a witch (per the grandma’s request), leading to her death. Ever since then, she’s been searching for Seraphina, her grandma’s friend. But she finds out that Seraphine has been captured, so she courts the winter hunter Gideon for information. But Gideon has his own plan to court Rune because he suspects that she is the Crimson Moth.

Thoughts on the book:

I very much enjoyed this book, which is saying a lot because I haven’t enjoyed too many books this year. Yes, it’s a little tropey, but I thought it was really fun and exciting to read! If you’ve read Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin and liked it, you might want to pick this one up. It has the same vibes of witch hunter and witch fall in love, as well as a similar (but not the same!) magic system where blood is used for magic.

There are different levels of spells that you can use depending on what kind of blood you have: old blood for weak spells, fresh blood for normal spells, large amounts of blood willingly given to you for even bigger spells, and large amounts of blood NOT willingly given to you for the most dangerous and malicious spells. Rune doesn’t have scars because she uses blood from her menstrual cycle, but because that’s only once a month, she often is left with old blood that can only be used for small spells. This magic system is fairly easy to understand and isn’t complex at all.

If you didn’t like S&D, this book doesn’t have the same plot as it, so it’d still be a good one to try to read. The characters have different personalities in this book, so that also differs from S&D. There are also fancy party scenes because Rune pretends to be a socialite, so if you enjoy that, this book could be for you.

There isn’t anything I didn’t like about this book, meaning I will definitely be picking up book 2 whenever it is released.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

i adored this book! it was so fast paced and the world building was gorgeous and easy to follow. rune was such a great FMC and it was a refreshing take on the witch/witch hunter trope!!

Heartless Hunter is the first book in a series (duology?) about a young woman, Rune Winters, who is the granddaughter of a witch. The country she lives in used to be ruled by a trio of witch sisters who went bad and were overthrown by the military. Witches have become illegal and a hunted by the military. To save Rune from scandal and death she informed on her grandmother as a witch and is now considered a darling of society. Little does the country know that Rune herself is a witch and that her two best friends, Alex and Verity, help her save fellow witches from imprisonment and death. The main issue is that Alex's older brother, Gideon, is one of the main witch hunters and he becomes extremely suspicious of Rune. This leads them to a complicated slow burn romantic game of cat and mouse.
I enjoyed this book for the most part and am giving it 3.5 stars. I enjoyed how fast paced it was and I liked the writing style. The main issue I have with this book is that the foreshadowing became so heavy handed that it was extremely easy to guess what the main twist was at the end. I enjoyed it and the characters and will post a review on my social media accounts closer to the release date in February. Even though it was ultimately predictable at the end I am still interested in the rest of the story and will look for the release of book 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for my honest review..

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

"Heartless Hunter" by Kristen Ciccarelli is a mesmerizing start to "The Crimson Moth" series that left me utterly enchanted from the very first page. This book is a true masterpiece of fantasy storytelling, blending rich world-building, complex characters, and a gripping plot that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

Ciccarelli's writing is nothing short of exquisite. Her vivid descriptions painted a vivid picture of the world of the Crimson Moth, making it come alive in my mind. I felt fully immersed in this enchanting realm, where magic and mystery intertwine seamlessly. The author's attention to detail and lyrical prose are a testament to her storytelling prowess.

The protagonist, Rune, is a character who immediately captured my heart. Her journey from a seemingly ordinary life to discovering her extraordinary destiny is both relatable and inspiring. Watching her grow and evolve, facing challenges with courage and determination, was a true pleasure.

The supporting characters are equally compelling, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. The relationships and bonds that form between them are beautifully portrayed, adding depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

What sets "Heartless Hunter" apart is its intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The mysteries and secrets that unravel as the story progresses kept me guessing until the very end. This book is a perfect blend of action, intrigue, and magic, making it impossible to put down.

Overall, "Heartless Hunter" is a stunning debut to "The Crimson Moth" series, and I eagerly await the next installment. Kristen Ciccarelli has crafted a masterpiece of fantasy fiction that will leave readers captivated and craving for more. If you're a fan of fantasy novels that transport you to new worlds and leave you breathless with wonder, then "Heartless Hunter" is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended!

3.5 stars..

The romance in this book was so sweet. Gideon(MMC) is both the dangerous and soft lover, and Rune melted for him in every way.

He sowed her flowers and dresses, and said the sweetest most heart melting words.

Rune said once: “ I am now more ache than girl.” In the way she aches for Gideon. ***SWOON***

The longing, hurt, and betrayal cuts the reader to the core. There is no happy ending in this book.

This is a witchy read, with blood magic, runes, and heartache. I enjoyed it very much.

The only reason it didn’t get five stars? I felt like the love triangle was a little much, it felt a little ‘insta love’, and some situations were a bit too convenient.

Otherwise, an enjoyable read I couldn’t put down! 🖤

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars but in a rare twist of events, I'm rounding up lol. THIS WAS SO GOOD. The pacing, the world building, the characters, the magic system, and the slow burn romance.

I read the whole thing in one sitting and need the next one now please!!

This was SO GOOD. I couldn't stop reading. The relationship between Gideon and Rune was perfection and I'm honestly so sad that I'm going to have to wait so long for the sequel. The world building lacked depth, but that really wasn't the main focus of the story - it was the romance and that romance was done so perfectly. Enemies to lovers isn't always done well, but the author nailed it. I can't wait to see how this story wraps up with the sequel!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars

This book had me hooked! I was very intrigued with the magic system. I think the author did a great job keeping the suspense and the thrill. I couldn’t put this down once I started.

I loved Rune’s whole personality. She was cunning and witty and I loved seeing her banter with everyone. It was interesting learning her witch background and her crimson moth involvement. I enjoyed seeing how her mind worked through things. This book had me on edge with the character decisions!

Gideon, my poor troubled soul. I am so sorry you feel betrayed but I can’t wait to see you redeem yourself. Gideon felt like a true enemy and I enjoyed watching that play out. The author really didn’t give us a break with Gideon. I enjoyed learning about his past and look forward to see what happens in book 2.

Overall I really enjoyed the world the author built. The plot was intriguing and kept me invested. I loved the relationship between Gideon and Rune. I am excited to see where it goes and what book 2 brings!

This is an intriguing fantasy series for anyone who loves main characters on opposite sides of a revolution. The motivations of these characters is starkly clear, and they will they/won’t they certainly tugs at the heart strings and it’s quite sexy, this battle of wits. I also like the clear magic system. This is definitely going to be an intriguing series that I probably haven’t seen something like since Bone Witch or Shadow and Bone.

As a trigger warning, there are depictions of violence and off-page sexual abuse of a male character.

There were a few parts I found hard to believe/understand character motivation. However, I really can’t delve into that without giving away the ending.

I also found it strange that no one suspected a person called Rune of being a witch, and I think the name Verity is just ruined by CoHo.

Thank you Netgalley, St Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read and review Heartless Hunter! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kristen Ciccarelli does it again! Heartless Hunter is a new favorite of mine and I know it'll definitely be a new favorite of yours in February 2024.

"Instead of getting Gideon Sharpe out of her system tonight, Rune had gone and gotten herself addicted. The hunted had fallen for the hunter."

Rune Winters is a witch hiding in plain sight. Gideon Sharpe is a witch hunter who has been hunting the Crimson Moth. They've been playing an ongoing game of cat-and-mouse for two years. Gideon suspects Rune to be the Crimson Moth or in works with them. Rune, in the cover of darkness, as her vigilante persona Crimson Moth, saves witches from the clutches of the Blood Guard, a witch hunting group led by Gideon Sharpe, and smuggles the witches to safety. When something goes wrong one night, Rune is desperate to retrieve intel she needs by pretending to be interested in Gideon, little does she know he is doing the same with her by pretending to be infatuated by her to find out if she is the culprit of recent murders. As they become closer, the lines between pretend and real begin to blur and their hearts are ensnared in lies and truths.

First off, the cover is gorgeous and truly eye-catching. Secondly, I was and still am enchanted by Ciccarelli's storytelling. I needed the sequel yesterday and I'm so sad I have to wait even longer to find out what's going to happen next to Rune and Gideon and the witches, and to Laila and Harrow.

I could have read a hundred more pages of Heartless Hunter. I wanted to learn more about Harrow and Laila. I wanted to read more on Rune being the Crimson Moth. I wanted to explore the different districts and read more about Gideon and his past. I did not want the story to end and darn did it end when things were finally hitting the fan. I truly enjoyed the pacing, the character development, and the world-building. Kristen Ciccarelli is an author I always look out for, especially after I fell head over heels in love with Edgewood and The Last Namsara trilogy. Her writing is enticing, her storytelling is enthralling, it always keeps me hooked to the very end.

If you enjoyed Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis, Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf, and Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin, you are in for a wild, and deliciously dark ride.

#SMPInfluencer

4.5 🌟 Holy cow. This was so good! I went into this book with no expectations and was surprised at how much I loved it! This heart racing story may have saved me from a possible reading slump. The story had me on the edge of my seat, gasping, and covering my mouth in shock of all the twists. I am so happy I got an ARC of this considering it doesn’t come out till February of 2024, but am so upset I have to wait even longer for a sequel! I loved Gideon and Rune’s back and forth game. Their chemistry was unmatched. This book was almost 5 stars for me, but some things kept me from bumping up my rating I wasn’t a fan of the slight love triangle in the story. It kind of just felt like yet another obstacle keeping Gideon and Rune apart and complicating things more. It also confused me a bit what time period this might be set in. There is mention of carriages and horse riding but also drug addiction, guns, and boxing matches. I understand those things can all coexist at the same time. However, it just felt off to me having elements that seemed in another time period and then having more modern elements that could very well be in our own world. Despite all that, I am excited to read the next one whenever it comes out!

I'm really into fantasy lately as I patiently wait for Iron Flame! Authors build such cool worlds and the characters are usually fully fleshed out. In this book, our main characters were fully fleshed out, but I wanted more depth for our side characters as they usually are just as important if not more in achieving the final goal or battle.

The story starts out with the purging of a witch. The New Republic is the main world where this book takes place and witches are hunted. We get dual POVs from Rune and Gideon which I so dearly appreciated. I need to get into both main character’s heads to understand the choices they make and to better understand and appreciate the relationship that builds and builds. Our main character Rune Winters is a witch and is trying to save the other witches before they are hunted. This is an enemies to lovers trope as the love interest is a witch hunter named Gideon. It’s a slow burn here but ultimately does follow the enemies to lovers trope in a successful manner.

I’ve seen a lot of other readers say this book is for those who loved Serpent and Dove, so I will have to check that out next!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli was so very good. I read this book in pretty much one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I cannot believe how long I am going to have to wait for book two!

I loved all the characters and finding out about why Gideon hates witches so much... Its honestly really heartbreaking, not sure that it warrants hating all witches... as there will always be bad people within groups...

I am hoping that Rune find some peace and helps to avenge "what happens in the end" and ends "that one person" (trying not to spoil this book for anyone)...

Definitely one of my favorite reads this year!!!

Equal parts thrilling and romantic, Heartless Hunter captivated me from the first chapter.

The power dynamic between Rune and Gideon shifted constantly as they engaged in an intricate, deadly game of cat-and-mouse that left me wondering at every turn who would gain the upper hand. Though it is clear from the outset that their unwavering loyalties make them fundamentally incompatible, the chemistry between them had me yearning for them to fall in love.

Kristen Ciccarelli has written an enthralling story that incorporates the type of romantic tension and ethical dilemmas that I crave in an enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy. Her approach to world-building is engaging and action-packed, and her characters are layered and relatable. I understand them even when I disagree with them. I find myself rooting for them even when their choices put them directly at odds with one another.

In this dark and dangerous world of witches, witch hunters, and blood magic, no one has a monopoly on the moral high ground. When the stakes are this high, trust is invaluable, and betrayal feels inevitable. The book is packed with unexpected twists and turns that kept me hungry for more. I couldn't put it down and finished the whole book in less than a day! Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Serpent and Dove, Heartless Hunter is destined to be a bestseller and a favorite among lovers of the romantasy genre.

A witch, hiding in plain sight, undertakes secret missions to free other imprisoned witches but when she finds herself desperate for information she must pretend to court the deadliest witchhunter of all.

A fast-paced and well-plotted fantasy romance with ample surprises. I had a lot of fun reading this, I think it will likely appeal to a large portion of YA readers. Rune and Gideon are equally matched and their chemistry is easy to root for.

Poor Alex though, maybe a little too convenient what happened to him.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Ciccarelli for allowing me to review this book.

Oh. My. Goodness.
Rune Winters is a witch in a world that kills witches, including her own grandmother. She plays the silly socialite, attending parties and flirting with eligible bachelors while in the shadows, she works to save others like her. Meanwhile, Gideon Sharpe is a relentless witch hunter whose life has been marked by tragedy at the hands of witches. He will stop at nothing to make sure every witch is eradicated from this world.
This is no contrived, shallow enemies-to-lovers story - there is danger, the life-and-death kind, if either Rune or Gideon falter, and they are both very well acquainted with death. The danger is not only to themselves but to others, the ones each is trying to protect from the other's work. One moment is all it takes for either of them to fail, and there are others working toward their own agendas. There is betrayal, longing, and magic, and it all works together to create a well-rounded plot and truly compelling leads.
It's funny that this is the second book inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel that I've read just this month, and while the first one was a disappointment, Heartless Hunter has it all. I highly recommend this first in a series - I knew there had to be a cliffhanger of some sort, but was not prepared for this one.

Witchcraft, espionage, betrayal, and a little romance combine to make Heartless Hunter a thoroughly enjoyable read. As Rune and Gideon's tale unfolds, an interesting world is being created. Their journey is captivating and I can't wait to hear what comes next!

I'd love to thank NetGalley and the publisher for making this book free so I could grab it and binge read it.

This book has the best build up, cat and mouse game, romance, enemies to lovers to enemies again I've read in a while. I was feeling those vibes, living for every moment the other had thought they outwitted one another only to suspect one another again and fall in love again.

I loved both of the characters and the pain both of them were going through and the choices they had to make and why they had to do what they were doing. It made their duplicity acceptable and the anguish when you realize they are so perfect for one another but they don't quite know it.

Also, inspired by one of my favorite classic literature books? Be still my heart! Making the girl the Scarlet Pimpernel character was great as well.

While I usually rate down for books that have so-so world building (not really sure on what the witches *do* or why they exist per-se, and what their end-game is), I'm going to keep the book at a 5 star when the next book comes out. If that book ends up not really giving more depth to the witches I'll knock it down a star. But, for now, I'm riding this wave and I NEED book two to come out like I need air. Gideon's vow had me SHOOK.