Easily the best duology that I read this year. This series has made Kristen Ciccarelli an auto-buy author for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rebel Witch, the follow up to Heartless Hunter, was one of my most anticipated 2025 reads. I loved the cat and mouse game of witch and witch hunter in the first book, and looked forward to how Ciccarelli would conclude the story of the Rune Winters, the Crimson Moth, and Blood Guard Captain Gideon Sharpe. Rebel Witch matched the excitement and entertainment of the first book and provided a satisfying ending.

This book picks up right where the previous one leaves off, and we're thrust back into the New Republic and dangerous deceptions, secrets, lies, and the overarching battle between the witches and the witch hunters. The entire pace of the book is fast and covers a lot of time and events quickly. No scene or plot point dawdles. I don't read this type of book wanting to overanalyze or pick apart every single tiny plot point. I'm sure a smarter reader could find flaws, but I was having so much fun on the ride that I had no interest whatsoever in even looking for them.

Rune and Gideon are romantasy goals. Haters could complain that parts feel repetitive, with similar feelings and conversations happening multiple times between the two characters - neither can trust the other, and second guesses every word the other says. But the reader is privy to all of the truth behind the deceptions so it's marvelous and agonizing to watch. Multiple times you think there's no way for them to recover from this, there's no way for our two love interests to get through this or survive whatever has befallen them, but the author just keeps weaving more threads and making it all come together. I loved a few of the lines that Gideon had to express his ardor for Rune:

Gideon, on kissing Rune: "If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell."

I thoroughly enjoyed Rebel Witch, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantasy story. The fact that it's a solid duology where both books is a big selling point for many readers; not everyone wants a lengthy drawn-out series.

3.5 ⭐️

After the heart pounding conclusion of Heartless Hunter/The Crimson Moth, we had to wait agonizing months before having the chance to read Rebel Witch - a million thank yous to Wednesday books for the early ARC!!

I loved the first book so dearly so I knew that there was a lot to live up to for book 2 which may have been my own problem because I didn’t find myself loving this one as much. I found the plot to be a bit repetitive and then we had an extremely rushed and anticlimactic ending that left a lot to be desired. This book also felt a bit more trope-focused.

This book felt more romance driven than fantasy driven like the first book. I thought because it was a duology that we would have earlier resolution in some aspects of the romance, but it did seem a bit slow going. I still loved Gideon a lot and found his chapters to be more fulfilling than Rune’s. Rune’s characterization was a bit of miss for me.

I do think it was a satisfying conclusion to the overall story, even if the pacing didn’t really work for me. The romance had a lot of memorable beats and I loved the connections of the side characters as the story barreled to its ending.

Thank you again to Wednesday Books for the eARC, this book drops February 18, 2025!

Thank you to Netgalley, SMP, and Kristen Ciccarelli for this amazing conclusion to the Crimson Moth Duology ARC!

I couldn’t read Heartless Hunter fast enough right from the beginning, so when it ended, I was so grateful to already have the sequel ARC in my hands!

This is the most perfect conclusion to the story of the Crimson Moth and her rise to find the balance of the world but also finding herself and giving herself a chance to love.

Also, I think Rune and Gideon are my new favorite couple!

I can’t wait to read more from Kristen and am again so grateful for this ARC! This is my favorite duology of the year and one of my top favorite reads of 2024! I give this duology infinity stars it’s so good! Everyone needs to read this!

Gideon and Rune are enemies to lovers at its very finest. Their reunion and the journey of their relationship throughout this story was so much fun to read. They are both strong on their own, but so much stronger together. The further you get into the story, the more the two start to realize how far they would go for one another and it’s beautiful to see that development. Rune has got to be one of my favorite characters, she’s so brave, smart, and strong willed. She will go to extreme lengths for those that she loves and doesn’t think twice about it. And Gideon, my sweet Gideon. There’s a side brought out in him that we didn’t see much of in Heartless Hunter, and let me just say it made me fall in love with him even more. This boy deserves everything. He has been through so much, as has Rune, and I couldn’t be happier with the ending they were given.

I went through just about every emotion reading this book. Tears were shed. Lots of jaw dropping, throw my Kindle in shock moments. I cheered, swooned, laughed, I went THROUGH IT. This was just incredible. Everything you could ask for in a sequel. This duet is absolutely an all time favorite.

This duology. SO GOOD. I've had quite a few series and duologies not live up to my expectations with the ending, but I can promise you that Kristen Ciccarelli sticks the landing! Rebel Witch was everything I needed in book 2!
I don't feel like I can say much else without giving anything away, but this is one to put again the top of your list!

*One open door around 86%. Language, including a few f-words (5)

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday for my complimentary e-arc. All opinions here are my own.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC - out February 18, 2025!

Rating: 5/5 stars

The conclusion to the CRIMSON MOTH duology continues the story of Rune and Gideon.

This book is a bit different from HEARTLESS HUNTER, but once it hit its stride it was MAGNIFICENT. I love these characters and this world so much, and loved the way their story played out. I particularly love how well Ciccarelli handles moral greyness—none of these characters are perfect or even wholly good, and that makes them feel so much more real and relatable. Balancing likability with actual human flaws is a tough line to walk, but this book does it perfectly!

The last third or so of this book was my absolute favorite and had some of my all-time favorite book vibes...and the way everything came together at the end was exactly what I wanted. I am so excited for fans of HEARTLESS HUNTER to get to read this one. And, even though this is an excellent ending…I hope we get to revisit this world one day in future books!

CW: Death; violence; war; blood; torture; sexual assault

Oh. Oh wow. This series truly came along one day, grabbed my heart, and has refused to let go. I have been so anxiously awaiting this book and it did not let me down! Ciccarelli really stuck the landing here - I laughed, I cried, and now I sadly say goodbye to these characters I have grown to love so much. Fantastic!

“𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡” 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Without giving away any spoilers for either book, I’ll keep this short and sweet: I loved it. It was the most perfect ending to one of my new all time favorite duologies!! I adored Crimson Moth, and this one was just as good. The action did not quit and something exciting was happening at every turn. Bravo @kristenciccarelli 🤍

Thank you so much to @wednesdaybooks for my early review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 is out February 18, 2025!

not my favorite fantasy duology by any means, but it was incredibly easy to get through (both books). very fast paced which is enjoyable for the most part since nothing really slows down. but, i will say: i wanted more complexity to it and to feel more attached to these characters. everything seemed to work out perfectly and the push and pull of gideon and rune got tiring.

Rebel Witch, the conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology picks up right where the Heartless Hunter/Crimson Moth left off. Cressida is at her most devious and has big plans for Rune Winters to use her powers of persuasion and seduction to continue the Reign of Witches. Rune is engaged to Soren, a prince of Umbria who has a large army. If Rune can get him on their side, then the Witches can take over again. Gideon Sharpe, captain of the Blood Guard has followed Rune across the sea to continue his mission to kill the Crimson Moth.

I have mixed feelings on this one. I LOVED it up until about 75% and then things went a little haywire. It felt like SO MUCH was going down that I almost couldn’t keep up! It felt a little like the author had written herself into so many different plot points that tying up all of the loose ends made the climax a little chaotic. However, the romance in this was actually pretty good and done very well. It felt believable within this world and some of the choices the characters are forced to make made the stakes even higher.

One Open Door smut scene, but it's tasteful for the most part, considering...

All in all, a pretty awesome YA Romantasy duology that doesn't read like YA at all.

4⭐️

Wow! I could not put this down!!

Rune and Gideon are on opposite side of a war. Witches vs Witch Hunters. Both are doing everything they can to stop the other’s faction from taking control. Can they fight these feelings long enough to do what needs to be done and accomplish the mission?

Did I predict the plot twist at chapter four? Yes. Were there plot holes and questions unanswered? Yes. Did I care? NOT AT ALL!!!

I didn’t feel any chemistry between our MC’s but that doesn’t matter because the plot of this had me hooked. It’s YA anyway so if you go into this looking for the skirt, think again!

Magic system is very different from anything I’ve read before. I loved how the MC’s were drawn together like magnets. They just couldn’t help it no matter how hard they fought. I didn’t feel the chemistry but I can still appreciate them.

I wish some characters were shown doing more rather than just stepping in when it was convenient for the plot.

Very fast paced will have you devouring every page to see what happens next 📖🤓

*NetGalley gave me this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Will post review to TikTok (if it’s not banned) and Goodreads on Feb 18th 2025.

The second book in the Duology lives up to the first!

Gideon and Rune are once again on opposite sides, will they or won’t they come back together?

I won’t spoil the surprise, but you will definitely enjoy the ride.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

A perfect follow up and ending to this duology. Absolutely LOVED this series and will miss it so much.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

“Because for the first time in her life, she was completely herself. And that was worth everything. Even dying for.”

Rebel Witch was the perfect ending to this duology. In book 2, the world is already set up so you dive right into the heart of the story. The stakes are extremely high for both Rune and Gideon. The pacing is incredible. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Truly, there is not a second of peace or calm for these characters until the very end. This series has my heart and I will definitely be reading these books again.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the Rebel Witch! I love the banter between Gideon and Rune. I loved how I got upset at Gideon for not paying more attention to Rune while they were in the ship. The opening for this book was amazing. It immediately captured my attention and pulled me in. I hate the miscommunication trope, so I was dying every time Gideon and Rune didn't understand each other. *Spoiler* there is one bed!

However, this could have been a 5 stars read. I would say this is 3 and a half stars and rounded up to 4 on goodreads. Sadly, I didn't like Rune in this book. She became a damsel in distress, and I felt like that tainted her character as the Crimson Moth. Book one was amazing because her character was defined, and she had a purpose. I would've thought that book two carries on that role for her, but instead, she's on her journey to find who she truly is. Somewhere along the way, I lost interest in Rune's character. It was almost as if I was reading a totally new character and not the Crimson Moth. I wished the book continued with the storyline of the hunter and the hunted and not about losing identity and finding yourself. I enjoyed the subplots and introduction to new characters. It was getting really interesting to see where these new characters were gonna take Gideon and Rune, but then it just kind of fell flat. I wished there were more actions with Cressida, and it was a bit disappointing how fast they overcame her at the end. Maybe a bit too easy? I was not a fan or too fond of the foreshadowing in this book. Idk why, but I saw the twist coming from a mile away. Which is weird because book one blew me away. There are a few minor grammar mistakes here and there, but hopefully, it gets all cleared up on PUB day.

Thank you, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. I can't thank you enough for allowing me to read this advance copy for an honest review!

This was one of my most highly anticipated reads and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I was wowed after reading Heartless Hunter, the first book in Kristen Ciccarelli’s Crimson Moth series. Now, with Rebel Witch, Ciccarelli has upped the ante, ending this incredible duology on the highest of notes! The enticing cat-and-mouse game between witch and witch hunter is in full effect and the stakes have never been higher for these beloved characters.

Rebel Witch picks up right where its predecessor leaves off. Rune Winters has sided with her coven to keep herself alive, despite being led by the dangerous witch queen Cressida. On the other side, dejected Blood Guard Captain Gideon Sharpe is out to avenge his brother’s death and stop Cressida from taking power, all while attempting to capture Rune, the woman who stole his heart. The lines between hate and love become murky as Rune and Gideon dance around their warring feelings but not even they can stop the larger quest for power that is brewing between the witches and Blood Guard.

This story is nothing without the aching forbidden romance between Rune and Gideon. The push and pull between them is so delicious and their POVs show just how intense their feelings are for each other. With every banter-fueled conversation, they cemented themselves as one of my top book couples of all time. There wasn’t one single moment where I wasn’t rooting for their happiness regardless of the many perils they faced. This was such a satisfying conclusion to their story and I could physically feel my heart clenching as they faced down countless obstacles (self-imposed and otherwise) to be together.

I will miss this universe immensely. I love how Ciccarelli created a world with a foundation in the regency era but with tiny modifications courtesy of modern day. In this fictional universe, women can hold positions in the Blood Guard and in many sequences, it is the female characters who are doing the physical fighting and maneuvering. Rune’s journey in particular was deeply introspective as she attempted to untangle who she was and what she stood for. I resonated with her discovery and love how confidant she became with her skills and emotions. She holds this duality of femininity and ferocity, proving that women do not need to stuff themselves into one singular box to remain palatable. It is important to have stories with strong women at the helm and I am so glad that characters like Rune exist.

I have found so much joy while reading this series and am very happy with how Rebel Witch tied up Rune and Gideon’s story. This is a duology I see myself returning to and comfort reading for years to come. These characters, and their burning romance, are some of the most passionate I’ve experienced. It is everything I want in a romantasy book and I will be recommending until my voice is hoarse or my fingers fall off.

Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read this one early!

I found this one a bit harder to follow than the first in the series, but I am looking forward to revisiting it on audio when it is out in the world. I was so happy to be back in this universe!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Oh my god I am obsessed! What a page turner!My favourite read this year ! My favourite duology ever! I honestly have no words.I have been waiting this for 10 months and feel so lucky to have received an early copy of it I could cry. I started this today and I finished it today. I could not put it down. Gideon and Rune were everything! an absolute perfection and I cannot fault it.I want to cry because I finished it and already start a reread! I have no words honestly! I feel a major slump looming!All the stars in the world are not enough to rate this book! A must read! thank you thank you and thank you!

I absolutely loved this series! The world-building was phenomenal—it truly made you feel like a part of their world. In the end, Rune discovered who she truly wanted to be. The story is packed with twists and turns, and it’s clear that every detail was carefully crafted.