ABSOLUTELY YES.

I have been begging for some of these sequels to hold up and blessed be, REBEL WITCH did just that. I loved the audiobook narration and was smitten from the get-go between Rune and Gideon. This is why I love enemies to lovers. Hot dang these two BROUGHT IT. The sense of impending doom and I must betray you and everything in between.

The plot had some tiny things that made me quirk my head to the side but not enough for me to knock off any star power. I think this book did a great job on expounding where it needed to in order to build the world and magic system better while also bringing the storylines to a successful close. Things wrapped up where they should and I loved the little epilogue too.

Overall audience notes:

NA Fantasy Romance
Language: mild
Romance: 1 briefly vague open door
Violence: moderate

I couldnt imagine a better book than Heartless Hunter and then here comes Rebel Witch! I loved continuing with the story and hearing what happened next! Thank you for the ARC!

A long awaited sequel, okay not actually that long but one I have been looking forward to for quite a while. For the most part, I feel let down by this book. So much of what I enjoyed from the first book was lacking in this one. I enjoyed the step up in action, for the most part, but the continuous back and forth between Gideon and Rune made me start to lose interest. I love when a fantasy series makes the main characters journey to love complex, and I really enjoy when enemies to lovers have multiple hiccups, but this one was too drawn out. Their constant need to deceive the other again and again just made the story bog down and it kept me from feeling any sort of yearning for one another until closer to the end. I ended up listening to this on audio (which was very well done) and even found myself having to push through that, so I think I would have had an even harder time had I read this with my eyeballs. There were parts to this I really enjoyed but overall a let down for me.

I LOVED this sequel. Like 4.75 stars.
We pick up 2 months after Heartless Hunter ends. Rune has (kind of) made a life for herself on the continent. She is engaged to Prince Soren, but only because Cressida needs his army to attack the New Republic island. Gideon has continued his life in the Blood Guard and volunteers to travel to the continent to capture Rune after their engagement is announced. After Cressida ends up capturing Gideon, she tells him she plans to resurrect her sisters who's bodies she has kept and hidden. To do this, she needs to find the secret and missing Roseblood heir as a sacrifice in order for the spell to work. Rune and Gideon end up making a truce - if Gideon helps Rune get back to the island so she can find and hide the secret heir, she will break off her engagement to Soren so Cressida will no longer have the help of his army. As in the first book, Rune and Gideon don't know if they can trust each other and if what they are saying to each other is true or just a way to get farther in their own plans. Will they continue to betray each other, or will they find a way to work together?
I loved Rune. I loved her independence and determination. I loved her cunning and wits. I also loved that she wasn't perfect. There were times when she did lose faith in herself. Gideon irked me a little bit, but he came around. I also really love all the side characters in this one. People who maybe didn't play a huge part in the first one, came back strong in this one, and people who I maybe disliked in the first one redeemed themselves. Every side character played a part and didn't seem to just be there to be forgotten.
The first probably more than half the book, I was just mad at Gideon for not being able to see that the New Republic's way of doing things was not right. Rune was able to see that neither side of this war was good. The New Republic hunting and killing witches was just horrible, but having Cressida back on the throne would also be horrible, but the tiniest bit less horrible because witches wouldn't be hunted and killed. But Gideon just seemed to not care at all and thought witches should die even though they couldn't control the fact that they were witches even though it was obvious he had feelings for Rune and knew she wasn't a bad person. I understand that his life with Cressida was traumatic, but no matter how much Rune tried to explain it, he refused to get it through his head that the way things were now was just as traumatic to other innocent people and no one deserved that trauma. I also understand that this way of thinking was leading up to *things* but it just irritated me.
The plot was so packed full of action. So many things happened. I just was always excited to see where we were being taken next. Someone was always being captured, or broken out, or we are finding out secrets and every chapter seemed to drag me in deeper. Several things were quite predictable, I guessed one twist the first time it was mentioned at 7% in and another the first time it was mentioned close to the end as well. It didn't really take away from the story though, I was still really excited to see how the things would unfold.
The ending was really great. I cried even though I knew the way things were happening wouldn't be how they ended up. The way it was written was so powerful and it really felt like all the pieces were sliding into place perfectly.
Though this is a duology, I would love to read more about these characters and this world in the future!

i said it about heartless hunter, and i’ll say it again. THESE BOOKS WERE MADE for me!!! i am completely obsessed with pretty much every single aspect of this story. it gave me ALLLL the best enemies to lovers vibes and it was even better because we had their past in heartless hunter to draw from and expand upon. the tension was SO GOOD.
i love that they keep having to save each other multiple times throughout the book, even when they’re claiming to hate each other.. it was so cutieeeee and fun.
i cant do a review on this with light mentioning the fact that has WHO DID THIS TO YOU in it!?!!! also.. fake marriage?? and only one bed??? you could also say this is a second chance romance which means that this book quite literally has ALL my favorite tropes in it.
gideon. the man that you are. his character development throughout these two books is EVERYTHING to me. he’s strong-willed and tough, but is so down bad for rune it’s not even funny.
the visions of the kids 🥹🥹🥹 I CRIED (you’ll get it when you read)
the end was a little bit rushed, but i can’t complain because sometimes i actually hate when the conflict takes forever haha that’s just a me thing though.
such a fun read and so many OH MY GOSH NO WAY moments in here!!
i can’t wait for this to come out so y’all can experience it.
also, i thought these were supposed to be YA, but there’s one spice scene in both heartless hunter and this one ? so i’m not sure why it’s marketed as YA.
the spice scenes aren’t super detailed or long, but still.
🔥SPICE🔥 one open door scene that’s like 3 pages long in chapter 71 (i’ll get exact page numbers when the book comes out). a couple references throughout.
🤐LANGUAGE🤐 about 5 uses of the f word

I am wholly and utterly smitten with this series and immediately want to reread this story again to fall effortlessly back into this thrilling, addictive, and adrenaline-filled adventure.

Set after the events of the first book, we see the titles of hunter and prey shift, develop, and collide as powerful forces threaten to overtake each of Rune and Gideon’s worlds.

The amount of meticulously crafted tension in all forms, from the romance to the character dynamics to the high-stakes plot, kept me consumed and glued to this book desperately wanting to find out how this enthralling story will end but at the same time not wanting it to be over.

Rebel Witch takes all the intensity, brewing energy, and harboring emotions from the first book and brings them to a tipping point. Our characters must dive deeper past their social masks and inner demons, and it makes for an empowering and impactful emotional story. This is the type of romance I LOVE, crave, and will devour each time.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Thank you, PRH Audio, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for my free books.

In this electrifying conclusion to her series, Kristin Ciccarelli weaves a tale so enthralling it leaves readers breathless and yearning for more. "Rebel Witch" is a masterclass in tension, with Rune and Gideon's magnetic pull sizzling off the pages, their snarky banter a delicious prelude to the inferno of their connection.

Ciccarelli's narrative prowess shines as she seamlessly picks up where "Heartless Hunter" left off, plunging readers into a world where causes clash and alliances form on shifting sands. The pulse-pounding action and intricate web of secrets create a literary labyrinth that ensnares the reader, making it impossible to extricate oneself from its pages.

For those who prefer their stories to come alive in their ears, Grace Gray's narration of the audiobook is nothing short of alchemical magic. Her masterful performance, complete with an unexpected yet fitting accent for Rune, transforms the 13 hours and 44 minutes into a symphony of emotions that resonates long after the final note fades.

"Rebel Witch" is not merely a book; it's a literary conflagration that will set your imagination ablaze and leave you smoldering with satisfaction. Ciccarelli has crafted a conclusion that doesn't just meet expectations—it annihilates them.

I was super excited to get an advance copy of this book and it did not disappoint. Kristen Ciccarelli delivers a thrilling and emotional finale with Rebel Witch, the second installment of the Crimson Moth duology. Packed with high stakes, moral dilemmas, and a complex romance, this book is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. The tension in Rebel Witch is palpable, both in the worldbuilding and in the emotional arcs of the characters. Rune Winters and Gideon Sharpe are deeply flawed yet compelling protagonists, and their tangled history creates a rich tapestry of mistrust, regret, and undeniable chemistry. Ciccarelli doesn’t shy away from tough choices, forcing the characters to grapple with loyalty, love, and survival in ways that feel authentic.

The dynamic between Rune and Gideon is the highlight of the novel. Their reluctant alliance crackles with intensity as they navigate a dangerous world where the line between friend and foe is blurred. The plot is fast-paced and brimming with twists that kept me guessing. Ciccarelli’s writing is vivid, and her descriptions make it easy to picture the dark, perilous world of witches and witch hunters.

Cressida Roseblood is a standout addition to the story. As a villain with layered motivations, she’s as fascinating as she is terrifying. Her presence amplifies the stakes, making the characters’ choices feel even more fraught with danger.

Loved the conclusion of this duology and cannot wait to recommend this to my friends.

I absolutely loved this. The tension between the leads is really fantastic. A lot of romantasy I've been reading lately aims for that enemies-to-lovers dynamic but doesn't hit the mark in terms of it being genuine ENEMIES. This one delivers here in such a believable way, while still giving a true romance. The politics in this book are really interesting, and it's quite a pageturner. I definitely recommend this to fans of the genre - you won't be disappointed!

I waited to read this because I just didn’t want it to be over. I absolutely loved the world that Kristen built and am mildly gutted to be leaving it.

Rebel Witch picks up shortly after Heartless Hunter ends. Rune is trying to navigate the new world she’s living in after discovering Cressida was still alive. Hurting for the loss of Alex and dealing with the heartbreak of Gideons betrayal, she’s trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do about the evil witch queen.

Gideon, like a moth to a flame (see what I did there?) is hunting Rune. Dealing with complicated feeling of love and betrayal over the woman he loved who now serves the monster who killed his entire family.

There were so many unexpected and amazing plot twists in this story and what a beautiful journey to get to the ending. Rune and Gideon prove that maybe love can fix everything and find ways to heal all wounds. I wish there was a memory spell Rune could cast so I could re-read this series for the first time again.

Thank you so much Wednesday books for the early copy.

4.5 stars! Wow this book was amazing, I loved every second and it will definitely be at the top of my favourite sequels list. The story completely topped book 1 for me.

I love Rune and Gideon separately but together they are a force. This book held me captive and didn’t want to let go, it was fast paced and entertaining and I am sad it’s over.

I highly recommend.

Well that was certainly a book. It did end the story so definitely a completed duology but the character development was so messy. Also how did all these characters miraculously know where to meet them? The whole first half was like a different book. It was simply more interesting than the muddled mess of the second half. Meh

“Could you miss the place where everyone wanted you dead?”

A strong finish to this duology.

What I liked:

Overall I really enjoyed the ride that book 2 took us on. Through different lands, overseas and back to where we started in book 1, I really enjoyed this.

We meet some new supporting characters, which fleshed out the story and the world a bit more.

The tension with Rune & Gideon was so delicious.

What didn’t work for me:

I think there were some decisions made that felt antithetical to the characters that made the decisions.

The pacing felt a little off in the second half of the book.

*secrets
*misunderstanding
*longing
*high stakes tension
*jealousy
*enemies to lovers
*dual POV

Let me just lay it out - I waited for this book with bated breath and wasn’t disappointed - I was pulled right back into the story and binged this, just like the first book.

A highly, highly enjoyable second story, Rebel Witch was an epic end for the duology and I fully recommend both titles (make sure you’re got free time when you start, because you won’t want to stop reading 🙂).



Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the DRC

This was an amazing sequel and wrapped up this duology perfectly! I love this world and these characters and I think I liked this even more than book 1

I was really nervous about starting Rebel Witch because I loved Heartless Hunter so much. I am relieved to say that Rebel Witch did not let me down and had as much heart as the first in the series. I can’t wait to get my preorder so I can have them sitting by each other on my shelves.

"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."
........
"And you're a wold I can't outrun,"she whispered, closing her eyes against his touch."Not even in my sleep."

Thank you so much to Wednesday books for my digital arc!

This was one of my most anticipated read ever since I read a super early copy of Crimson Moth, I really enjoyed the read and I think its a fab duology overall. I fell in love with these characters and they remain quite entertaining until the end, Rebel Witch takes off soon after the painful events of Crimson Moth ends where Rune is thrown into a totally different game and the stakes are even higher especially with a vengeful Gideon on her tail. Did these lovers turned enemies find a happy ever after? is it even possible given how messy things have become? well you gotta read and see

It is definitely action packed and keeps you hooked from the beginning just as the Crimson Moth did so A+ for enjoyment factor, I still enjoyed the magic system with blood magic and spells. It was perfect for YA without being overwhelming or too complex. While I really did enjoy getting back into the world, I thought a lot of it was predictable and I also had issue with redundancy with the plot going back and forth on a certain issue. However, I still think it was a solid romantasy fit for YA audiences and definitely recommend it. I absolutely cannot wait to read more from this author!

i feel like this book lacked so much oomph compared to the other book. it was slightly enjoyable but there was still some parts where it fell through for me. overall a semi let down.

This was the perfect end to the duology, I couldn’t have asked for more (except more books because I’m obsessed with these characters and this world). Kristen has easily become one of my favorite authors. This book had all of my favorite tropes, and she did them all so perfectly. This book has gotten so much hype and it is completely deserving of all of it and more. I will recommend this duology to anyone and everyone. It’s so perfect. I’m sad to say goodbye, but I will definitely be rereading yearly.

Rebel Witch is the sequel to Heartless Hunter and features Rune, powerful witch and Gideon, witch hunter. Rune is safely abroad after the events of the last book, engaged to a Prince. Gideon, still so angry with Rune, is there to hunt and kill her. Probably.

This was amazing. The pacing of this book is incredible and I barely wanted to put it down. I highlighted 22 quotes before the halfway mark and honestly I could have done more. I love the true enemies to lovers of the story and how antagonistic their words are, even when all they want to do is be together.

Overall, a fabulous end to the duology and such a great overall story!