At one point in this book, Rune says she feels like “her heart is made of clay, and someone smashed it into a thousand pieces.” Well if her heart is clay, my heart is play-dough, and Kristen Ciccarelli is just toying with it like a kid in kindergarten.

If we put these books side by side: Heartless Hunter is the train heading up the hill, and Rebel Witch is coming off the tracks on the way down. 🆘😮‍💨 Within the first 3 chapters I needed a full 10 minutes to stop reading and calm the heck down. Expect a lot of back and forth between these two, no chapter ending where you can set this book down, and even more beautiful aching words from Gideon.

P.S It should be acknowledged Cressida is essentially Bellatrix and no one can tell me otherwise. Get yourself a pillow to scream into.

The Rebel Witch takes everything to the next level. The story picks up with our heroine navigating the dangers of magic, betrayal, and fate, all while dealing with the most infuriating (yet irresistible) enemy. As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, she’s forced to make choices that could change everything.

One of my absolute favorite things? The enemies-to-lovers romance that carries over from book one—it’s executed so well in this sequel, keeping the tension sharp but incredibly satisfying. The pacing is spot-on, never dragging or rushing, and the magic system continues to feel fresh and intriguing. On top of that, the writing great, fun and immersive; I flew through this book, completely obsessed with the characters.

I’m honestly so sad that this is a duology because I never wanted it to end. I’ll be thinking about this book all the time!! If you love gripping fantasy, sizzling romance, and a world you can lose yourself in, The Rebel Witch is a must-read!

An absolute home run of a story. I really wanted to savor this book. I did! But the minute I started reading I was hooked. The characters grab you from the very beginning. For anyone wanting a fast paced and magical read, this is it!

I loved these books and will be sad to say goodbye to these characters. This was a great duology and would highly recommend!!!

So many people on Booktok and Bookstagram were obsessed with The Crimson Moth aka Heartless Hunter when it came out. I, however, was not one of them. Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot to love about the first book in this now completed duology, but a couple things really gave me the ick and are seemingly NEVER talked about when people give their reviews. But you know I like to be brutally honest here. For me, the biggest ick was the use of period blood in the magic system. Excuse me, what?! No. Just no. I was completely mortified. And it just kept getting brought up over and over again. Now, I know what you’re thinking, why on earth would you read book two then?! But honestly, with the cliffhanger ending, I had to know what happened! And like I said, there were a lot of things to enjoy about the enemies to lovers storyline and the world Ciccarelli created. I’m pleased to report, no monthly fluids are used in Rebel Witch, and I actually thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion!

It was super fast paced and never really let up the entire time, so much so, I was questioning if there was going to be a third book because I had no idea if everything was going to get resolved by the end. Is it beyond predictable? Yes. But that didn’t really bother me. I honestly adore the two main characters, and their dynamic. If you love a true enemies to lovers story, a fake marriage, extremely high stakes, and a villain you truly loathe, you might also love this series.

Things to Know:
Duology conclusion
Enemies to lovers
Fake Marriage
TW: torture, SA
Great banter
Some political intrigue

***MINOR SPOILERS FROM HERE ON OUT—YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!***

We pick up shortly after where The Crimson Moth (aka Heartless Hunter) left off, and once again, our boy Gideon is on a mission to kill our now escaped FMC, Rune, who has fled to the Continent and is apparently now engaged to a Prince (who’s absolutely horrendous), in order to secure his army for Cressida, the Witch Queen we all love to hate. I definitely don’t want to give major spoilers, but I love how high stakes this story is. Everything truly is life and death, and the impossible choices people must make. It also shows how quickly people attach themselves to power, and will turn on each other to save their own skins.

As readers, we can see how perfect Rune and Gideon are for each other, but they just won’t listen to their hearts. Although by their actions, you can see they do care about each other, even if they’re planning double crosses and betrayals at every turn.

And all I’m gonna say is if you love the dance party scene below deck from Titanic, there are a few chapters you’ll LOVE. I got major Rose and Jack vibes. There is a lot of traveling in this book, and those sequences can sometimes get a little boring or bogged down in books, but Ciccarelli did an amazing job of making these sections super fast paced still, and also high stakes.

Rune is such a great FMC. She’s strong, but still soft sometimes. I love her complexity, her feistiness. At times she can be super selfish, but I love that she’s not a perfect character. It makes her more real. Gideon, I’m frankly obsessed with. There are definitely some lack of communication moments where you just want to shake them both, but they eventually find their way. There are so many moments in this book that felt like a great payoff. We even get a “Who did this to you?!” moment and I was eating that up!

There is a fair bit of torture and attempted SA, so keep that mind for triggers. And as I mentioned before, the “twists” were all incredibly obvious—so much so—that I was yelling at Rune to not be so dense at moments. Like girl, come on! But it was still a fun read. I did have one tiny instance of modern slang that snuck in there, and if you’ve read any of my reviews before, you KNOW that’s a huge pet peeve of mine. “Rune Winters is bad news,” just completely pulled me out of the fantasy setting. It felt super out of character for how everyone speaks. We’re not watching a high school CW show.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and pretty much binged it in a couple sittings. All the props to the narrator of the audiobook—the accents and voices are so amazing and truly helped the story come to life in my mind while I also read on my Kindle. Many thanks to Wednesday Books for an eArc. All opinions are my own.

Fave Quotes:

“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes. It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it’s tougher than steel. Love can’t be controlled. Love can’t obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants.”

—

“She was like a magnet sending the arrows on his moral compass spinning.”

—

“You don’t want her dead because she’s a witch…You want her dead because she didn’t want you.”

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the ARC of Rebel Witch!

Rebel Witch picks up a couple months after Crimson Moth/Heartless Hunter ends and Rune and Gideon are back to hunting each other. But they must work together for better or worse, both planning to stab each other in the back once they return to The New Republic. But will either be able to kill the other?

Rebel Witch was a solid finish to the series. It pulls you in immediately and is a quick read. The "will they/won't they" tension was done so perfectly in the first book but then it felt like she tried to replicate that dynamic again in the second and it was not as successful. Rune was much more insecure in this book and I felt her character suffered for it. But overall the book was really enjoyable and it is a great duology!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Book 2 in the Crimson Moth Duology. I enjoyed this series! This one had a little more enemies to lovers and on the run vibes than the first book. It’s set on a ship for the first half of it. The pace was fast and it’s easy to read.
If you enjoy witch + witch hunter books you will like it.

The stakes are higher than ever in Rebel Witch, the thrilling and romantic conclusion to Kristen Ciccarelli’s Crimson Moth duology. In this epic finale, Rune Winters, the witch who’s been on the run ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, betrayed her to their enemies, finds herself in a desperate alliance with the dangerous Cressida Roseblood. Cressida’s plan to reinstate a Reign of Witches is the only chance Rune has to survive. But allying herself with a woman as ruthless as Cressida comes at a price — one that could change everything.

Meanwhile, Gideon, the witch hunter who once loved Rune, is now determined to stop the witches at any cost, even if that means killing her. As the two are forced into a tense partnership, their old feelings resurface, and they are faced with an impossible choice: does Gideon sacrifice Rune to protect the world he fought for, or does he let her live and risk everything he’s worked for?

The plot is an intense mix of action, magic, and romance, with a focus on high emotional stakes and a gripping will-they-or-won’t-they tension between Rune and Gideon. The constant back-and-forth between these two characters, the betrayals, and the impossible choices they must make keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

As a huge fan of the first book in the Crimson Moth series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Rebel Witch, and it did not disappoint. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon is just as electric as in the first book, and I loved how the narrative picks up right where we left off, diving straight into the action and the complex emotions between our main characters. The banter, the tension, and the evolving romance between them were some of my favorite aspects of the story, keeping me hooked throughout.

What I really appreciated about this duology is its pacing. The world-building isn’t overly complex or overwhelming, and the story doesn’t drag on like many fantasy series tend to do. It strikes a perfect balance between depth and accessibility, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details. This makes it a perfect fit for readers who love a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy without the heavy world-building that sometimes makes other series feel tedious.

The conclusion is satisfying and emotional, with plenty of twists to keep things exciting. I was on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting how Rune and Gideon’s story would resolve, and I wasn’t let down. Ciccarelli does an excellent job of wrapping up all the character arcs while leaving the reader feeling fulfilled.

Overall, Rebel Witch is a fantastic conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology. If you enjoyed the first book, you’re sure to love this one as well. It’s a quick, engaging read with a perfect blend of romance, magic, and high-stakes drama. I’d highly recommend this two-book series to anyone who loves character-driven fantasy with heart, and especially for those who appreciate a good enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

For fans of the first book, you won’t be disappointed in how this series wraps up — and if you haven’t read the Crimson Moth duology yet, now is the time to dive in!

Rune is all set to marry a man she does not love for the good of helping her people fight back. Picking up months after the end of Crimson Moth, things appear to be going in the witch's favor as Cressida is on track to get an army, through Rune's fiancé, to take back their island home. Gideon, however, is eager to keep the evil that Cressida caused in the past from rising again. But is he strong enough to overcome the irresistible force that is Rune Winters? I almost wish this had been a trilogy so I could stay with Gideon and Rune a bit longer, but the pacing on this was perfect. Would I have put up with a man that on some level was willing to see me hanged and murdered? Absolutely not, but I think the way Ciccarelli wrote Gideon and Rune, it still worked. I liked seeing more of the world building in this and a fun reprisal of characters from the first book. Overall a very compelling read!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli is a captivating and atmospheric fantasy that plunges readers into a world of magic, rebellion, and self-discovery. Ciccarelli masterfully blends themes of personal growth, power, and identity with rich world-building and a gripping narrative. The protagonist’s journey to understand her magic and carve her own path is both relatable and inspiring, making for an empowering read.

Ciccarelli’s writing style is lush and immersive, with moments of tension and heart, while the secondary characters add depth and intrigue to the plot. Rebel Witch is a perfect choice for fans of character-driven fantasy with a strong, flawed heroine who faces not just external battles, but also her internal struggles.

I was so grateful to receive an ARC. thank you @kristenciccarelli, @netgalley, and @penguinrandomhouse

Heartless Hunter was one of my favorite books from last year so to say I was eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the story was an understatement. Once I picked this up, I could not put it down. Ciccarelli throws you back into the story so fast I had to go back and make sure I had started on the correct first chapter! One of my favorite things about this story is that it is a romance first and foremost. When the first book finished, I wasn't quite sure how she would get these two enemies turned lovers turned back to enemies back together. But I absolutely should not have doubted. Gideon is right on Rune's tail from page one and the back and forth, the cat and mouse game here was absolutely delicious. These two have a lot of issues to work through but I thought it was handled beautifully. We got so much forced proximity here I was foaming at the mouth. This is peak enemies to lovers and I wasn't sure until the last page that these two kids would make it work.

I do think in a lot of ways this story could have been a trilogy because there's a lot of information packed in here. At the end of the day though, the story here is a romance and in terms of the romance arc this duology absolutely delivered. I think my favorite part was the different arcs that Gideon and Rune take. They both have so much trauma and although we saw Gideon start to deal with is in the first book, Rune is really faced with everything head on in this book. Both characters remain just as smart and calculating as they were before and I loved how Ciccarelli found so many ways to pit them against each other. This book does not lack for sizzling chemistry and I also love the other characters we get to meet and the information that we get. And of course the couple of twists!

I adored this book and this duology and am absolutely sat for anything Ciccarelli writes in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was feral for Heartless Hunter. But with the way the cliffhanger went I thought there was going to be some world building necessary and I wasn’t sure this would live up to expectations. I was wrong. Ciccarelli found a way to bring the characters right back into the action while staying true to the cliffhanger. This was every bit as enjoyable as book one and solidified this series place into one of my favorite duologies category.

In a world where two-book series are so rare, Ciccarelli proves just how satisfying duologies can be.

Every scene felt so important to both books and, as a result, this was perfectly paced.

Rebel Witch picks up some time after the cliffhanger ending of Heartless Hunter. Once again, readers are dropped into the glamorous world of court intrigue and politics, glittering balls and dresses. The opening scene with Rune and Gideon is perfection - seriously, that’s how you start a book.

As they strike a deal and embark on a sea journey to solve a more short-term problem, they must quickly pivot to a higher-stakes conflict in the form of an evil Witch Queen…all while trying to deny their lingering feelings for one another and a curse meant to keep them apart.

Here’s what you can expect:
- Slow burn
- Espionage/double agents
- Sea voyage
- Enemies to lovers to enemies again to lovers
- Only one bed/forced proximity
- Unique magic

While I would recommend this book to any Romantasy lover, Ciccarelli’s duology would also be a great place for those new to fantasy/Romantasy to start. It’s accessible in its world-building, not *too* magical, and with excellent character work.

Thank you to St Martin’s and Wednesday Books for an eARC of this work in exchange for an honest review

I was absolutely hooked by the first book and was weary on how the second could follow up. Overall, Kristen Ciccarelli did not disappoint!
This is such a solid fantasy ya romance that will have readers devouring from first to final page.
I’m not the biggest third person storytelling fan, but this one is done well so you don’t feel like you’re being told instead of shown which wins big points from me.

I admit the first book didn't fully pull me in, but I wanted to see how the duology would conclude. I have to say the second book, Rebel Witch, hit it out of the park for me. The push and pull of will they or won't they between Rune and Gideon, the battle between witch hunters and witches, the continued world building, and so much more kept me deeply in the story this time. And that ending! I can honestly say I did not see it coming at the conclusion of book one.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

Also, the narration of the audio book (which I listened to after reading the ebook) is done very well.

4.5 Stars

Rebel Witch is a mesmerizing sequel to Heartless Hunter with even more tension, more stakes, and more banter and an ending that will satisfy readers.

This book is further proof that Kristen Ciccarelli is a master at balancing romance and fantasy. She doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the world-building or magic system in order to focus on the romance between Rune and Gideon. Instead, those elements help fuel the tension between these two. Add in excellent pacing and brilliant foreshadowing, and this book is definitely one of the best YA fantasy books I’ve read recently and one of the best romantasy books I’ve ever read.

While some plot threads were a little predictable, I think that just shows that Kristen did a great job setting everything up for the heart pounding climax and resolution. I also love that she was able to incorporate the “fake married couple” trope into the plot and give more depth to many side characters introduced in book one. It was so fun to see Rune five steps ahead of Gideon this time around.

There was a little bit too much back and forth between both Rune and Gideon and both of them constantly being captured/arrested by their enemies, then escaping, then being captured again only to find a way to escape. By the end it was a little exhausting. I also wish they had addressed the revelation about Rune’s magic more at the end, but overall, this is such a great sequel and I cannot wait to reread and revisit this world and these characters soon.

*Rebel Witch* by Kristen Ciccarelli had some interesting moments, but ultimately, I found it to be a bit predictable and frustratingly over-explanatory. The book's premise is solid, and there’s definitely potential in the story, but I could easily guess where things were headed, which made it hard to stay fully immersed. The lack of surprises or twists left me wanting more in terms of depth and complexity.

What really took me out of the story, though, was how the book explained things in a way that felt almost condescending at times. It often laid out ideas so plainly and repeatedly, as if the reader couldn’t figure things out for themselves. It took away from the sense of discovery that I was hoping for, and instead, it felt like the narrative was spoon-feeding me information rather than letting me interpret or engage with the themes on my own.

While *Rebel Witch* had some interesting concepts, the predictability and the overly explanatory tone made it hard for me to fully connect with the story. It’s an enjoyable read if you're looking for something light and straightforward, but it didn’t offer the kind of depth I was hoping for.

Overall, I loved this book.
After the ending of the first book, I was at a complete loss as to how Ciccarelli would continue the enemies to lovers trope without getting stuck in the enemies zone.

This book did not disappoint. I was actually surprised multiple times and wish that there were more books in this world!

Wow, what a conclusion!
I loved everything about this. The fast-pacing of this book kept me on my toes and Gideon and Rune finally coming to see eye to eye is so good and so heartbreaking at the same time.

I'm really really sad that this is over and I really wish we could get a novella of the world after the war has ended.

I'm excited to see what this author writes next. Usually, I bypass books with witches. Most of the time, I find they don't hold my interest. Heartless Hunter and Rebel Witch are very much exceptions to the rule.

Can't wait for it's official release!

I waited so (im)patiently for Rebel Witch since reading and absolutely loving Heartless Hunter. This book did not disappoint and was definitely worth the wait. The adventures of Rune and Gideon are such a wild ride and I love immersing myself in their story. It's the best kind of emotional rollercoaster, causing feelings of anxiety, joy, devastation, excitement, love and hate... It is so easy to sit down with this book and consume it in one sitting. Every chapter left me being unable to hold off on starting the next one, I had to know what came next. The world-building is immersive, the character arcs are complex, the plot is clever and addictive and I absolutely recommend Rebel Witch to any and all book lovers - be sure to read Heartless Hunter first!