3.5 ⭐️

This was mostly fun. I was enjoying myself but then got bored as the characters just seemed to only have one dimension to them but the story can be intriguing. I may continue the series just to see what happens but I’m not really invested in Rune or Gideon - I don’t think they’re bad or anything, just meh in general.

Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

I truly loved this! The premise of a witch and a witch hunter falling in love was exactly my kind of kryptonite. I fell hopelessly into this story and loved every second of the plunge.

Kristen Ciccarelli crafts a masterful story. I immediately felt a kinship with her writing style. Her storytelling drew me in and held me hostage. I adore all the concepts and ideas the author used to craft her story and how she molded them. The tropes used in the story were executed beautifully. The plot was so compelling and kept me enthralled the entire time.

This book has a relatively small cast of recurring characters, but they are all significant and have a huge impact on the story's unfolding. Each character had a spark of originality that made them distinct from other characters. I loved both lead characters and their development. The author did an excellent job of letting the reader step into their shoes, and I easily connected with the characters.

There was a bit of a low-key love triangle in this book that was executed perfectly. I am not going to go into specifics because of spoilers but I really can't complain about a thing when it comes to the love story. Parts of it are so bittersweet. Apart from the pseudo-love triangle, I adored the romance in this book. The main characters burned hot for each other in all the ways that mattered. I loved how they gave pieces of themselves to each other that they didn't give to others. They got to know each other before the feelings set in. Plus, the enemies-to-lovers vibes had me reaching for a fan to cool my traitorous heart.

Overall, if you are a fan of morally grey characters, forbidden magic, enemies-to-lovers, and messy forbidden love then this book is right up your alley. I mean, this book has an outlaw witch and a witch hunter who fall in love. Could you want anything more tempting than that? (The answer is no.) With fantastic world-building, an intriguing storyline, and characters that you can't get out of your head, Heartless Hunter is sure to become your next top read. I'm smitten.

To some, Rune is a vapid socialite, a frivolous young woman focused on gossip and parties. To others, she’s the staunch patriot who turned in her own grandmother for witchcraft during the early days of the revolution that sought to purge witches from the land. But to Rune’s closest inner circle, she is the Crimson Moth, a daring vigilante smuggling witches out of the country before they can be executed for existing. To rescue a high profile prisoner, however, Rune will need access to closely guarded secrets. Thankfully, one of the country’s most celebrated witch hunters, Gideon Sharpe, suddenly seems interested in courting her. But as Rune’s plot to seduce and steal the information she needs goes on, Rune realizes two horrifying things: Gideon suspects her of being the Crimson Moth – and she might be falling in love with him.

HEARTLESS HUNTER is a promising romantic YA fantasy that flounders a bit with its lack of solid foundational worldbuilding. The core romance between Gideon and Rune is the strongest part of the story. I adored their banter and bickering, the realization that they could (mostly) be honest with each other about the most vulnerable parts of themselves. I enjoyed watching both of them trying to catch the other in a lie, each having the upper hand at one point or another as Gideon tries to determine once and for all if the woman he loves is also the person he’s vowed to destroy.

The magic itself is the kind of limited resource type system that I enjoy, as it forces characters to be clever and calculating in its usage. Magic in this world is powered by blood (yours or another person’s). If a witch cuts herself to fuel magic, she leaves a silver scar on her body, a tell-tale sign that witch hunters look for. Since Rune is trying to avoid detection, she relies on her monthly bleeding to provide a supply of blood for her magic, but that gives her a finite fuel source. She has to weigh her need to cast a spell against how much blood she has remaining, and leading her to sometimes find alternate paths without magic to accomplish her goals.

Unfortunately, the world-building itself was not well laid out, which led to later confusion about character motivations. This story is very roughly inspired by the classic story THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (a favorite of mine), which is about a vigilante helping nobles escape France and the guillotine during the French Revolution. In this version, the common people overthrew the witch queens, as well as killing any witches they could get their hands on. Which led to my first question: were all witches part of the nobility? Were there any commoner witches that were executed simply for being witches? I couldn’t quite get a sense of the status quo before the revolution, which made it harder to track what the revolution was trying to accomplish.

Which further complicated my feelings about Rune. Rune is a good person who is seemingly shocked to discover the horrible things some witches were up (I also mistakenly thought she was a common person masquerading as a noble into I realized she lived on an honest-to-god estate). Was she so sheltered that she never heard about what was happening in other households (even though the common people clearly all knew about the brutality and treatment)? I’m not discounting the possibility, but if the problems were wide spread enough to cause a revolution, surely she would have heard something?

As it is, we see a seemingly sheltered, rich young woman helping witches to escape, some of whom are young children, undeserving of persecution, and others who it turns out are not so good – and she still sides with them even knowing they have done truly despicable things. There is still a second book in the duology to see how things play out, but I got increasingly uncomfortable with Rune’s stance as the tale went on…but perhaps that was the point.

There was also some typical YA misunderstanding of emotions and actions on both side of this love story. Sometimes the misread was understandable, and sometimes it came off as simply to be there for angsty brooding and pining and “why doesn’t he write me back, he must not be into me” inner monologue moments. Some of you won’t be bothered by this at all, while I just found myself getting frustrated by the end of the book.

HEARTLESS HUNTER is one of those books where I am genuinely wrestling with if I want to finish the duology. On the one hand, I largely enjoyed the central premise; on the other hand, the ending of the book left me a bit baffled as to character motivations. While I might cut my losses and run, there’s certainly enough here to entertain those who are perhaps more forgiving of YA tropes than I am.

Note: I was provided a free ARC by the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

This book was absolutely fantastic. It was a surprise to me because sometimes you can have a lot of hype around a book, but then it doesn’t live up to your expectations. This book absolutely exceeded mine. We have a true enemies to lovers trip here.. and we end it with enemies?! Best friend’s brother.. and then also best friend :O. Secret identities. Power struggles. Revolution and uprising. There’s a lot of great elements to this book. I have to applaud the author’s choice and vision in the magic system and how to have our FMC work around the tell tale spell giveaway. I think it was so resourceful and kind of ingenious. I honestly can not wait for the second book and am excited to see where this leads.

A thrilling enemies to lovers with surprise twists throughout. The story and characters are lush and bold, with a savage need to salvage their future. This story captivated me from the first page. Gideon is so lost in what's happened in his past (for good reason) that he absolutely cannot see clearly. I loved the magic system and the hidden clues spread throughout that lead the reader on a wild, witchy adventure. Stunning world building and a varied cast of characters sure to have you attached in no time.

3.5 stars. I liked the concept and the writing style but I found the plot to be very predictable which takes away some of the love. Still looking forward to the sequel though

I devoured this book. My sister, who hates reading, devoured this book. I loved the magic, enemies to lovers, bonds of friendship, the betrayals, the forged relationships, the battle of good vs evil and the gray area that clouds what evil really is. This adventure had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. We are set in a world where witches, and their magic, are forbidden, and the witch hunters are rooting out every last one of them. Rune hides behind her position in society, as she conceals her magic. Her best friends are the only ones who know what she is, and have been tugged along on her missions to save as many witches as she can. Cue the morally grey, attractive, witch hunter, Gideon, who hates her. He's on a mission to discover if she's a witch or not, and in order to that needs to get VERY close.

And that ending!? Still recovering... thankfully, there's a book 2 to be excited for. Until then... read this, let it fill you up and then leave you destroyed and then come back for more.

2.5 stars

I was so excited to read this one and ultimately it let me down in so many areas.

The quality of writing is just not there. The characters are one dimensional and the magic system and world building could use some work.

I couldn't connect with any of the characters and felt myself wishing something would happen to make me enjoy them and it never did. Gideon was fine, he is all about loyalty and duty and will not stray from that. Rune is doing anything she can to stay hidden while also saving witches. Alex was fine but again all of the characters are lacking depth.

Gideon and Rune falling in love was so rushed and forced. The characters have no chemistry and I kept waiting for there to be something for me to love about them.

The ending was good and sets the stage for the next book. I'm hoping it'll fix the characters and pacing issues and move the plot forward.

While I have seen this book go viral on Booktok, I feel that Heartless Hunter is incredible to say the least. Rune is an incredibly inspiring protagonist by the way she’s not afraid to protect herself and scheme by any means- not a Mary Sue for sure. The plot twist at the end though! Threw me into a loop, but I will be ready and seated for the next book!!

Oh, I am rattling the bars of my enclosure after finishing this. Romantic fantasy perfection. Loved every minute of it and thanking every star that I have an arc of the sequel to jump into immediately.

I absolutely loved this book! It was a fun cat and mouse book filled with tension and twists. I found myself staying up late to find out what happens to all of the characters. I enjoyed the authors writing and how she made me feel connected to the side characters as much as the main characters. I can’t wait to read the next book… I need to find out what happens!!

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

🦋𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞… 𝐈𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐩.🦋

Heartless Hunter was such a fun read and definitely lived up to the hype! It had everything from friendship, power, and courage to a love triangle, scheming and betrayal. There’s also an intriguing Magic system, where a unique signature is left behind when Magic is used and powerful Magic comes at a price, which I very much enjoyed. I absolutely love the idea of a witch and witch hunter stuck in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The constant suspense and suspicion between characters was so delicious and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was very easy to become fully immersed in the world and connect with the characters. And all of the plot twists that lead up to that ending?? I’m dying to get my hands on Rebel Witch ASAP!!

This book has gotten a lot of rave reviews and I can understand why. I'm glad so many people have enjoyed this, and really, I should have been one of them, too. Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat. The concept, though, was all there. I was very intrigued by the idea of a vigilante witch and a witch/witch hunter romance. I am a bit torn because I did truly have a good time reading this and there were for sure aspects that I enjoyed. I really liked the writing style and world-building (it was a unique and interesting magic system). The drama, though a bit much in some parts, was also enjoyable. A healthy dose of angst.

The plot and characters disappointed me in some parts, though. The plot was a bit too predictable and the characters went back and forth in some weird spots. I would have liked some more depth from them. It would have helped me believe the romance(s) more. Some of the twists/reveals didn't do it for me either.

I'm interested to see where this series goes, but I may have to wait for the next round of reviews to make a final call on whether or not I'm continuing. With such high expectations for this one (everything I love was *right there*), I was underwhelmed and a bit frustrated in the end.

First I'd like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC with honesty.

Okay, yes it took me a bit to read this. Mainly because hearing the premise of this story had me at the get go that I was a little timid. I didn't want to be let down by this because the whole 'witch hunter x witch' stories always intrigue me. I've not read Serpent and Dove (started it but gotten very far) but this one just pulled me in for some reason. Especially the way the magic system works.

And going by the rating, yes, it had me locked in. I had stalled out half way through because I knew the next book wasn't out for little while which made me so worried about dreading the wait that I dragged it out for as long as I could. But my goodness the ending. That twist - I started to pick up on something but honestly I was in the dark for most of the book. I'm not usually a big fan of YA fantasy (moreso YA lately) but this perfect. I was giddy, happy, and dreaded with the cliff hanger. My goodness, I can't wait for the second one and THAT feeling is both awful and great. I love it when books make feel this excited!

My Rating: 5 Stars!!!! (one of my favorites for this year!)

"**Heartless Hunter**" by Kristen Ciccarelli is an enthralling fantasy novel that masterfully combines rich world-building with intense, emotional storytelling. Ciccarelli’s vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters create a gripping narrative full of twists and turns. The novel’s blend of romance, adventure, and intrigue ensures a captivating and immersive reading experience.

I adored this book and it broke my heart and also made me so captivated. I sometimes struggle with hate to more romance but this book really captured me! i also loved all the side characters and thought the magic syctem and witch vibes really worked for me! I am so exited for the sequel!!

Wow. Brilliant.
I'm gutted I waited so long to read this! But in a way I'm glad I saved it, because it was the perfect book to get me through the first week of my recovery from ankle surgery.
This was utterly amazing. Fabulous world building, and such a gripping read that I devoured. The characters and their relationships are just incredibly written, and the differing POVs of Gideon and Rune just made the most addictive book I've read in weeks.
I preordered Book 2 The Rebel Witch after about 5 chapters. It is due to be released February 2025.
I am now obsessed with this author and I am praying for an ARC so I don't have as long to wait!

LOVE this! Beautifully written and kept my attention!! The concept was fantastic and I’m happy I couldn’t tell where the story was going. Buy this book!!

Rune is a spoiled socialite by day, and the Crimson Moth, saving her fellow witches from persecution and death, by night. When she concocts a desperate plan to gain much needed intel by encouraging the notorious witch hunter, Gideon, to court her, her plans go from dangerous to deadly.

THIS is what I look for in an enemies to lovers book... the build up is slow the pay out is believable... and so very worth it.
I adored Rune, and Gideon both. They each had reasons for believing as they did, good reasons, not just blind devotion to "way of life," both are clever, sympathetic characters that I enjoyed see on the page.

Can not wait for the sequel!

I actually loved this book and think it is a pretty captivating read that will be quite popular. The plot moves quickly, the world is interesting and well built, and I think it is doing some interesting things in terms of women's empowerment/magic and bodies.