I am a huge fan of Heartless Hunter. I loved that book so much. This book, however, fell very flat to me. It felt like there was too much going on in this book that was not established or introduced in the first book. I felt like Rune was a completely different character in this book. She seemed to not even know who or what she was. The Crimson Moth that was a badass had somehow turned into a woman that just thought of the man she wanted to be with. I wish that this book would have been fleshed out more. I did enjoy some of the romance aspect at the ending with Gideon. That is probable what saved it for me.

As much as this one felt off to me, I plan to read more books from this author in the future.

I screamed when I got access to read Rebel Witch because Heartless Hunter was one of my top reads this year and I couldn’t wait to see how this duology finished! ❤️‍🔥

Spoiler-free review incoming:
Rebel Witch started quick and kept the fast-pace all throughout! It felt like there was always something happening that kept you wondering “what next?!”. We continue with Rune and Gideon’s story, the former being a witch and the latter a witch hunter. Things ended real messy in HH, and it picks up right after that, with both characters working through their feelings, and dealing with the consequences of their actions. 👀

Rebel Witch was incredible, I loved that I got to understand a bit more the magic system, and that lines were blurred so much that sometimes characters you didn’t like you ended up liking and vice versa. The author did a phenomenal job with the push-and-pull from Gideon and Rune and their cat-and-mouse game got even riskier this time around. The stakes were much higher and I think that’s why I couldn’t stop reading! ❤️‍🔥

I adored how the book ended and it really wraps up the duology really nicely 🥰 although Kristen, if you want to add an extra 50 pages of Rune+Gideon content, I’d love to keep reading their adventures 🩵 This duology is at the top of my reads this year!!!🌟

Magically enthralling! The rebel witch has me captivated with its imaginative world-building and enchanting love story. The characters are richly developed, and their journey through a realm of magic and intrigue is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The writing is vivid and engaging, blending romance and fantasy seamlessly. A must-read for fans of epic adventures and heart-stirring romance.

4/5 ⭐️

I really loved this book! It grabs you right from the start with action, which I appreciated. I was initially concerned that the characters might be separated for too long, but I'm glad that wasn't the case.

Without giving away spoilers, I enjoyed seeing the enemies-turned-lovers theme and the forced proximity that made them work together. This sequel didn't quite reach the same level of obsession for me as the first book did, but I still loved it (obviously since I binged it).

Kristen has such a wonderful writing style, especially in how she portrays witches. Some scenes felt a bit rushed and lacking depth, particularly the ending. I wish there had been more detail and a more drawn-out conclusion.

Despite guessing some plot points ahead of time, it was still enjoyable to see everything unfold. The romance between Gideon and Rune was also so good. Book 1 will forever remain one of my favourite books as well. Overall, I definitely recommend it!

This is everything I could have wanted in the conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology. I’m going to try to keep this review pretty vague so as to not spoil anything for Heartless Hunter or Rebel Witch, but just know that I loved this book so much and cannot wait for it to be out in the world in February 🥲

In my humble opinion, these books are two of the most fun and encompassing Romantasy stories that you could hope for. They are really accessible fantasy reads and especially great for someone just getting into the genre. Rebel Witch has the perfect combination of slow burn, political intrigue, and twists and turns. All the characters, including the side characters on both sides had some brilliant character development, and there were some really fun plot surprises.

The way that Gideon and Rune pine for each other is what enemies to lovers dreams are made of. The absolute loathing is truly there among all the bubbling romantic feelings which I love in an enemies to lovers. Throughout the duology you can tell that although they’re going about it different ways, both Rune and Gideon are so selfless in their determination to make their world a better place. The push and pull of the romance in combination with the constant battling each other to come out ahead in their game of deception made this one impossible to put down.

Without giving anything away, I thought the ending was the perfect conclusion. It was so intense and I definitely shed a few tears. It also definitely leaves things open for more books to come in this universe and I’m hoping that that ends up being the case 👀

In case you couldn’t tell, I LOVED IT! And if you enjoyed HH, I think you’ll love it too.

I’ll be posting this review on Instagram by the end of the week 7/27 and the link to my profile is below.

Kristen Ciccarelli has outdone herself. She has written a masterful, romantic conclusion that made me never wanting this book to end. So buckle up, because this is a wild ride that you won’t want to get off of.

Rebel Witch will catch you off guard as Rune and Gideon continue their game of cat and mouse. Their impeccable tension and banter are top notch. I loved every page, every chapter of this book. The fast pacing and constant turn of events will constantly grip your attention.

I didn’t even read the book blurb I just jumped right into the book, and in doing so made this so fun to read. I would recommend to anyone who read Heartless Hunter to do the same, and go into the story blind. Because I guarantee if you loved the first, you will love the second even more. This novel is perfect. It is everything and more for what I wanted to be the conclusion. I’m still crying that it’s over.

As someone who extremely enjoyed the first book, I didn't think it could get better than the first but this second installment far surpassed my expectations. This was so wonderful and I think I enjoyed it much more than the first. We get so many Rune/Gideon scenes and interactions which I was so grateful for since there was a lot of healing and rebuilding trust that was needed to be done. The beginning was very angst and forbidden love esque as we see Rune and Gideon battle their feelings towards each other and the roles their world has assigned to them that make it impossible for them to be together. Every single chapter had me on my toes itching for more, and can I just say, the author did such a fantastic job with the dual pov. I was equally invested in both characters and was firmly rooting for them until the end. This duology will definitely be on the my top romantasy book rankings. I cannot wait for the final release and to buy my copy on release day~

“Gideon Sharpe will be the end of me.”
Never related to something more…

What an incredible ending to this duology!
You will be drawn in right from the beginning of this book. I missed these characters and this world so much.

Rebel Witch was 100% fast-paced, very thrilling, and so difficult to put down. The chemistry, the tension, the banter, the found family… There’s just something about Kristen Ciccarelli’s writing. I fell in love with her writing style in Heartless Hunter, which is one of my favorite reads of this year. Getting to see more of Gideon & Rune just made my heart so very happy! These characters and this world are so special to me! oh and Gideon Sharpe, THE MAN THAT YOU ARE!! You guys will be swooning so much from this man once again. I want to say more, but I do not want to spoil for anyone! Just know that I absolutely loved Rebel Witch, and it was an amazing ending. There won’t be a day that goes by that I won’t think of this duology. I feel a reread coming very soon🤭

Whatever Kristen writes next, I’M IN!!
**Thank you St. Martins Press for providing me with this ARC! My life is made

5 ⭐️
Touch her and die? ✔️
One bed? ✔️
Enemies to lovers? ✔️
Found family? ✔️
Magic? ✔️
Bad ass FMC? ✔️
Do anything for those you love? ✔️

I absolutely devoured this book. If you’re looking for your next Romantasy obsession look no further than this duology. There were times I was not sure which direction this book was going but I am so glad I went along with wherever Kristen decided to take me tears and all. The beginning middle and end were so well done. Now how do I move past this series 😭

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reader copy!

i loved being back in this world so much! this was a really anticipated read for me and I enjoyed it overall but some parts fell a little flat for me. I loved the twists, although I did predict a few. I also felt a little disconnected from the characters in this one compared to the first but overall a fun read and I can't wait to read more from this author!!

Rebel Witch provides a satisfying conclusion to the thrilling conflict that Kristen Ciccarelli began with Heartless Hunter. It delivers everything I loved from the first book - high tension, seemingly impossible odds, and a relationship that feels both fated and doomed from the first scene - and wraps up the story of the Crimson Moth in a way that leaves the reader feeling hopeful and fulfilled.

I started this book at midnight last night and couldn't put it down. The pace of the plot, chapter lengths, and conflicts between the main characters drew me in and kept my attention the whole time I was reading. It's a perfect romantasy choice for ADHD readers who need forward motion and romantic tension in order to stay engaged in a fantasy plot.

In Heartless Hunter, Rune and Gideon were so careful and strategic with each other. They never fully understoond each others motivations or trusted each other, but they fought to give each other the benefit of the doubt. All of that went out the window at the end of that book, and we pick up in Rebel Witch with them taking the gloves off and pulling no punches.

Their banter is excellent. Their progression from enemies to reluctant allies is believable but as tenuous as you'd expect it to be, and the way Ciccarelli concludes their story is thoughtful and full of hope for a better future.

I highly recommend The Crimson Moth duology, and Rebel Witch specifically, for readers who love high-stakes enemies to lovers romantasy with a Mr. and Mrs. Smith style relationship dynamic, for those who love a book with a fast-paced plot, and for those who love to see a woman demand the kind of love, support, and safety that she deserves from someone who claims to love her.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC for me to review.

This book is one of my most anticipated 2025 releases so you know I immediately started reading it once I got approved for the eARC.

I love this duology so much, I love how strong Rune is and how she fights so fiercely for those who can’t fight for themselves. I love the banter and the relationship with Gideon.

I don’t really want to say much more because I don’t want to give anything away but I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one.

Wow this did not let up from chapter one. Talk about a fun and fast over plot that held a ton of interest and was full of surprises.

I loved Gideon and Runes cat and mouse, will they won’t they antics even more than book one and I swooned so hard for these two.

Beyond the romance there was just a really excellent execution of tying this duology together.

A stellar conclusion.

Wow. Many thanks to Wednesday Books, St. Martins Press and NetGalley for my complimentary eARC of Rebel Witch. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this witch book very much.

Lies. Betrayal. Deception. Love. Or is it?
I second guessed myself throughout Rebel Witch trying to stay on track.

I didn’t see that plot twist coming.
I guessed that plot twist. Yea me.
The ending was predictable (come on there was no other way it could end).

Did it in any way diminish my enjoyment of the awesomely fabulous witch story ?
Heck no !

Major book hangover. My saving grace is listening to the audiobook once it’s released in February.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the arc! I miiight have let out a little scream when this landed in my inbox.

What an action-packed ride and satisfying conclusion to the duology! While this YA fantasy isn't reinventing the wheel, it beautifully delivers on expectations. The world and magic system is fairly simple, and I found the end of Rebel Witch to be very predictable, but it's exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed jumping into this world and going on a wild adventure with Rune and Gideon, and I'll definitely be returning in a reread sometime soon.

Kristen's writing makes for a very escapable story, one that makes you lose track of time because you can't put it down. She executes the hunter/hunted trope very well, and I didn't want it to end.

If you enjoyed Heartless Hunter and are excited for this release, you won't be disappointed! (Especially with the waterfall scene... iykyk)

I was so excited to get an eARC of this book!! I absolutely loved Heartless Hunter and this was one of my top releases for 2025!! I read this in 2 days and could not put it down!! I loved being in this world again and this duology didn’t disappoint! I am just sad it’s over now

Spoilers to follow:
I loved seeing Rune and Gideon thrust together again and not only have to work together again amongst the hurt and betrayal from book 1 but also against people out to get them both. I am glad how the book ended with them both happy with each other though I would loved an extra epilogue to see further in their future. I am sad to see this story end but was so grateful for the journey!

Loveeeee. Heartless Hunter was so good, I was so excited to get such an early copy of the second book. I really enjoyed it. Rune is so fun to read about.

The end of the first book in this duology made me so excited for this book!! This was so fast paced — I read it in less than 24 hours. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next and eating every crumb of romance we got.

This won’t be a favorite fantasy, but I still had a good time and would recommend it to those looking for an easy to understand fantasy romance!

I finished this in under 24 hours because this was EVERYTHING I wanted from a sequel to The Crimson Moth, which is, so far, my favorite book of 2024. I do still like The Crimson Moth better than Rebel Witch, but mostly because I feel like there should be a third book. This book was so good, but it crammed far too much into the last 150 pages. This is easily still a five star, but it could have been much better if given the new characters added at the last minute had a bit more time to do their thing. There was so much lore and so many new characters introduced at the end, that it began to feel a bit bogged down and as if it was all moving far too quickly. It's kind of how the end of book 1 felt as if it moved too fast as well. The rest of Rebel Witch was paced perfectly so it almost felt as if the author ran out of pages to finish up how she pictured ending the book.

I will also say, some people are going to be super annoyed with this book because of the miscommunication trope. It was used LIBERALLY in this book. It was used so much that the word miscommunication was beaten into the readers face over and over until you wanted to wave the white flag. It was just a bit heavy handed. Luckily, I don't mind the miscommunication trope if I love the rest of the plot and the characters, so I didn't have too much of an issue with it.

I loved this and thought this was close to a perfect sequel. It was so action-packed, interesting, and filled with drama and passion. I think most people will be pretty happy with the ending to the duology.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of the book.

You should know this book is EVERYTHING you could ever want from the ending to a fantasy duology. If you read and loved 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳, you’ll adore this book, too.

𝘙𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 was jam packed with nonstop action from beginning to end. It was filled with impossible decisions, betrayals and sacrifices, crackling tension and angst, political intrigue, and a back and forth cat and mouse plot that led to such an explosive and satisfying conclusion.

𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 is currently on my list for favorite reads of 2024, and now this one will 100% be joining it!!