3.5 stars

This was one of my most anticipated 2025 releases and I am so bummed that it was not a 5 star read like Heartless Hunter was.

This picks right up where Heartless Hunter left off, but it didn’t feel as fully fleshed out. I love the characters (the ones I could remember at least) but there were so many inconsistencies and everything just felt “convenient.”

HH kept me guessing and I was on the edge of my seat while reading. Rebel Witch was predictable to the point that I was pretty bored.

The story and adventure was fun and I was rooting for Gideon and Rune, but it just fell flat for me in the execution.

Thank you to SMP for the eARC

Okay, are you kidding me?! I was obsessed with the first book, and I honestly didn’t think the sequel could top it—but wow, was I wrong! This one is even better!

Rune Winters is in deeper trouble than ever. Everyone wants her dead, and the only way to survive is to team up with Cressida and of course Gideon Sharpe is out to get her.

The tension between Rune and Gideon is off the charts. He’s supposed to hate her, right? But as they’re forced to work together, those old feelings start showing up.

The ending is absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t put the book down, and now I’m missing the world and characters so much.

This series has quickly become one of my top five favorites, and if you loved the first book, do yourself a favor and preorder this one right now. Trust me—you won’t regret it!

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kristen Ciccarelli delivers another absolutely stunning story in Rebel Witch, where we pick right back up with our witch babe, Rune and our favorite witch hunter, Gideon. This book has the best vibes of any book I have read this year but Kristen doesn’t just give us vibes, she delivers romance, angst, action, and plot!

Rune is back to playing her old games of charming people to get what she needs but this time around Rune is STRUGGLING to keep up the act. She knows that she must free the witches but it becomes clear that Cressida is not the woman for the job. She deeply misses her home and her friends. Gideon is still deeply struggling after the death of his brother and the betrayal of Rune. Gideon and Rune are forced to create a tentative alliance that serves both of their interests. The journey and development of Gideon and Rune throughout this book was perfect. They are true enemies to lovers and the moment they both individually realize that they are stronger together was so well placed with the plot (no spoilers but how Rune realized Gideon was her endgame was PERFECT!). I have such a soft spot of Gideon in this book especially towards the end. I loved the plot and continued world building. The magic and witches are so interesting to me and I really enjoyed the additions of the Ancients!

My kindle notes and highlights are unhinged for this book and I truly was kicking my feet and giggling for so much of this story. It is rare that a sequel is better than the original, but Rebel Witch delivers the conclusion to this story everyone deserves. 4.5/5 stars!

Thank you to Wednesday Books for this ARC!

I was so excited to get my hands on the much anticipated conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology and it did not disappoint! I read it in a 24 hour timespan, ignored all non-essential responsibilities while I did so, and I regret nothing. There’s the enemies to lovers tension, action, and magic, oh my! I enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed Heartless Hunter.

I love how the characters really grow to learn and understand that love is the opposite of tyranny, the ultimate power, and worth fighting for. There are so many great messages within the context of the story that we can all relate to. I love how the virtues of wisdom and courage are explored here as well.

The plot was predictable, nothing too complex in this YA Fantasy, but I enjoyed it immensely regardless as something I could just sit back and relax with, not have to think too much about.

The spicy scene is on par with the one in Heartless Hunter, if maybe a little more graphic, but still pretty tame by most standards. I give it 2/5 flames for spice.

If you enjoyed Heartless Hunter, I think you’ll enjoy this satisfying conclusion.

⚔️ BOOK REVIEW ⚔️

Rebel Witch by Kristin Ciccarelli
Pub Date: 02/18/25

♥️ Enemies to Lovers
⚔️ Forbidden Romance
♥️ Deadly Corruption
⚔️ Sacrifice
♥️ Swoon Worthy

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“You are far worse than a thorn in my side,” he said, his dark eyes gleaming at her. “You are a knife in my heart.”

THIS BOOK!!!! PERFECTION!!!! A riveting tale of love and sacrifice that will steal your heart with thrilling excitement and danger!

Rune and Gideon’s story concluded in the best way imaginable. This was more than just a romance.. it was a battle against corruption and injustice and the author absolutely killed it. I loved every twist and foreshadowing and UGHHHHHH the sacrifices are two MCs made throughout were SHATTERING!

“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.”

THANK YOU St. Martins Press and Wednesday books for allowing me to read this early!

This was enjoyable. If you liked the first one, you'll really love this conclusion! It was pretty predictable and, like in Heartless Hunter, I found myself wanting MORE. The end was very exciting, and there were many great moments between Gideon and Rune! I love the blood magic in this duology, and I'd totally recommend if you're a fan of YA fantasy!

Fantastic finish to the duology. I absolutely loved the way the story ended.

It’s been a few months since I read Heartless Hunter and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to follow along without rereading the first book as a refresher. You can definitely go in without doing so and easily pick up where it left off.

The plot was incredibly fast paced and the enemies to lovers romance will always have my heart! Rune and Gideon easily have one of my favorite romances of the year.

If you loved the first, you’ll enjoy the second.

Thanks so much NetGalley and SMP for the eARC.

I recently read Heartless Hunter and gave it 4.5⭐️ then I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the sequel, Rebel Witch, and it did NOT disappoint! Also 4.5 ⭐️ for me

A romantasy duology involving dual POV between a witch and witch hunter? Say less

Thank you so much to @stmartinspress @wednesdaybooks for my copy of this!! It’s out on February 18th!

A very solid conclusion to this duology! 💯 High stakes from this enemies to lovers and the hunt was right off the bat. The action, politics, and personally, my emotions. From start to finish. Fast paced and picked up right where it left off. I felt a more emotional high from the first book but this was the perfect conclusion for Rune and Gideon in this world.

Ok sue me but I didn’t realize this book comes out next year ☠️ my b. Would’ve read closer to pub day for our peeps.

This book was packed full of action and suspense. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I love how so seamlessly it flowed from the first novel.

I had so many emotions while reading this. I was hooked from page one.

The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was amazing. They really balance each other out perfectly. Their stubbornness was frustrating, but was necessary for the story. The magical elements were creative and all the characters were so dynamic.

I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy/supernatural adventures with light spice.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Ciccarelli and St. Martin's Press for an opportunity to read this eBook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If I ended the first book a bit uncertain of my opinion, then I have finished this one 100% certain that this book was a perfectly-paced masterpiece and it is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I could barely put the book down (and I’m on a vacation where there’s so much to do and experience - the worst time to be addicted!), and when I was actively reading it, there was a dread in the back of my mind at finishing it - what will I do when I’ve run out of Rune and Gideon content?!

I think one thing that made this book better than the first was that the pacing was *perfect*; we pick up right with the action and proceed at a reasonable pace. The first book felt like it was going just a liiiiittle fast the entire way through, but I didn’t feel that way this time. I’m also not a huge fan of a love triangle where two brothers are fighting for the same girl, and I guess that trope was “resolved” with the end of book one (😭). Instead, that trope was replaced with others that I love, and I was thriving as I read 😌👌.

Was there a plot twist or two that I found entirely predictable? Sure, but there were plenty I didn’t foresee, and I spent the entire book on the edge of my seat wondering how everything could possibly be resolved and answered. I needn’t worry, though, as Kristen Ciccarelli has woven the perfect book.

One thing is for certain: this book is entirely worth the wait and it won’t disappointment. I can tell this will be one of the biggest YA books of 2025 and I can’t wait for everyone to join in on the hype.

What an epic whirlwind!! Congrats to Kristen Ciccarelli on giving us the ride of our lives with Rebel Witch!

Rune and Gideon give us everything we could dream of when mortal enemies meet their match. The tension is the driving force of this book, that and overthrowing hate and greed. It was intoxicating and addictive and I loved every second of it!

I would give this ♾️ stars if I could! This was a highly anticipated read for me, and it lived up to my expectations!
Enemies to lovers is always top tier! I’ve already preordered a physical copy because I loved it so much ♥️

Amazing!! I’m crying, smiling, and wondering if there’s any way to convince Ciccarelli to write a third book because I am nowhere near ready to say goodbye to Rune and Gideon 😭

Sequels don’t always live up to the first book, but this one sure did!
Rune and Gideon continued their enemies-to-lovers, push and poll, constantly betraying eachother, but never communicating their true feelings, back and forth banter and it was awesome! There were so many times that I wished I could reach through the pages and shake them both until they realized what was right in front of them!!


**possible spoilers**


There was just as much action, adventure, and deceit as in book 1. There were parts that had me balling my eyes out. So many sacrifices were made for love. So many moments I couldn’t believe and even some actual spicy spice!! There was even a “who did this to you?” moment that had me straight up melting! Did I mention I love Gideon?! Even if he was turning her in at the end of book 1, he 100% redeemed himself in this book!

It was so sweet seeing this tough, witch hunter be so vulnerable and self-conscious when it came to Rune. Both of them felt like they didn’t deserve the other or like there was no way the other could love them, so seeing them get their HEA was just so sweet and satisfying.


“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be dammed to hell. Kissing Rune was like a realignment. There was before, when off its axis. And then there was after, when everything was steady and right.”

“Kissing Gideon was like coming home.”

This was a phenomenal sequel to what was already an outstanding book 1.

It followed right where we left off, full of action keeping me engaged and the end was a wildly satisfying conclusion to this duology.

I struggled a bit during some of the miscommunication or misunderstandings because I really don't like that kind of issue but it resolved relatively quickly and satisfactorily.

Kristen Ciccarelli is an amazing author and I've quite literally never been let down by something she has written, this was without question no exception.

This story was enjoyable. I enjoyed book 1 more than 2 because there was a lot of miscommunication still between Rune and Gideon and miscommunication tropes frustrate me. The wrap up of this story was powerful and beautiful.

You know a book has hit hard when the words on the final chapters blur, and you just can’t seem to unstick those tears from your eyes.

A.K.A, I was cryin’, y’all! I was cryinggg!

Just like its predecessor, this book so wholly consumed me. I couldn’t bear to put it down, I was bewitched by it, pun intended. I actually harbor this weird regret, a regret that it's all over. That the end came and I did have to put the book down. It's over, and I don't want it to be! I want to immerse myself back in the story so I can live in its world just a little longer. I want to savor it more, I want to read it like its the first time again. I have read a lot of books I've come to love, but when I get this type of feeling it's because the love I have is on an entirely different level. Rebel Witch is an infinity stone in my collection of precious gems. I'm going to remember it forever and love it forever.

I continue to love the alluring world-building, the dynamic cast of characters, and the well-paced, well-thought out plot. But, what I love most is what's at the heart of this duology: Rune and Gideon's story.

They deserve all the hugs for what they've gone through, they are irrevocably changed due to the events of the first book's ending. Their individual paths begin on shaky convictions and once brought back together they must either fortify said convictions or find new beliefs. The path is not easy, there is the danger of betrayal at every corner, yet you want to see them march on, to move forward together even if they remain on either sides of a line.

There's more communication issues between Gideon and Rune, but I found it was never off-putting. Yes, I wanted to scream at them through the pages, I was frustrated many times, but all that only served to encourage me to root even harder for them. Their miscommunication never waned my attention, instead it intensified it. Their push-and-pull solidified how much I love them and how much I believe in their love story. How much I wanted to continuously protect it (especially from the likes of Abbie, ha). How much I wanted, hoped, and prayed they'd reach forgiveness, give trust, and forge their happily ever after.

I can't tell you if they did, but I can tell you that every emotion they felt, from their anger, to their passion, to their grief, to their resolve, and to their love, I felt too. These characters came to life so vibrantly off the pages, their journey was riddled with hurdles and high stakes, and it all consistently took my breath away. They took my heart and they took my tears.
I gladly leave it all there with them. And that alone makes it all worth it.

Rune and Gideon's story is so worthwhile, and this duology is one to forever cherish and acclaim. Read it, read it, read it!

Gorgeous Rebel Witch, we part far too soon! You're imprinted in my heart forever and I plan to revisit you time and time again.

Top tier favorite, a core memory, the all-around gold right here!

Thank you so kindly to St. Martin's Press Early Readers and NetGalley for the complimentary arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

<i><b>”I can't change the past, he thought as they walked, taking in the damage. But together, we might be able to change the future.”</b></i>


In the beginning of the year I was honoured to receive an e-arc for The Crimson Moth from Harper Collins UK and enjoyed the first book and was excited to read the sequel! Due to the issues revolving around the U.S Publishers of this sequel this review will be short and be the only feedback plus my goodreads review I’ll speak on this novel.

<b>I do not condone the behavior and racial discrimination that the U.S. publisher employs. All we ask is accountability. This issue has been ignored for too long.</b>



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed the sequel and the relationship between Gideon and Rune! There were some parts I had difficulties getting into during the slow paced scenes but I was still able to continue and enjoy that unexpected ending! I’m still in disbelief but so happy everything ended how it did!

<b>Thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Ciccarelli for the chance to read and review this e-arc in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions remain my own.</b>

"Rebel Witch" by Kristen Ciccarelli is a captivating fantasy that enchants readers with its richly imagined world and compelling characters. From the first page, Ciccarelli draws you into a realm where magic and rebellion collide, creating a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

The protagonist's journey is one of strength and self-discovery, and her growth throughout the novel is handled with depth and nuance. Ciccarelli excels at crafting strong, multidimensional characters, each with their own motivations and struggles that add layers to the narrative. The relationships, particularly the friendships and alliances, are well-developed and add heart to the story.

Ciccarelli's world-building is immersive, with detailed descriptions that bring the magical landscapes and political intrigue to life. The plot is well-paced, balancing action with moments of introspection and character development. Twists and turns keep the reader engaged, and the stakes feel high, making the story all the more gripping.

One of the highlights of "Rebel Witch" is its exploration of themes such as freedom, identity, and resistance against oppression. These themes are woven seamlessly into the plot, giving the story a meaningful and thought-provoking edge.

While the novel excels in many areas, there are moments where the complexity of the world and its lore can be overwhelming, and some plot threads could benefit from more clarity. However, these minor issues do little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In summary, "Rebel Witch" is a spellbinding fantasy that combines magic, adventure, and a poignant exploration of resistance and identity. Kristen Ciccarelli has crafted a tale that is sure to enchant readers and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment.

FIVE MASSIVE STARS

This book was everything I’d hoped it be after Heartless Hunter’s dramatic finale. Fast paced, action packed, swoon worthy.

I loved the enemies to lovers to enemies dynamic and watching these characters constantly outsmarting each other. A epic game of cat & mouse but you never know which one is the cat.

I could’ve read 300 more pages of the banter between Rune & Gideon. Tension so high I could feel it in my bones.

Everything I could’ve hoped for in this sequel.