I have no words. This is a stunning sequel and a wonderful conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology.

Rebel Witch is fast-paced, captivating, and grips your emotions in a chokehold. I felt like I wasn't breathing for much of it; I wanted to devour every sentence as quickly as possible.

I particularly enjoyed the twists and turns of each chapter. Normally, I don't care too much for many side characters, but the whole cast was described and executed perfectly. Each side character brought something interesting, and some elicited more emotions than others (still mad at Abbie, get your grubby hands away from Rune's precious Gideon!). Seraphine as Wisdom?! I got chills, and I was reading outside in 95-degree weather.

I also thought the love declarations were lovely, and the sacrifice Rune made for a better world truly brought tears to my eyes.

My sincerest gratitude to St. Martin's Press and Kristen Ciccarelli for the opportunity to read this book 7 months before the release date! I can sleep better knowing that Rune and Gideon are back to being lovers.

This was the last book in the Crimson Moth duology and it did NOT disappoint! It was such a quick read because I got lost in the story. I was calling Gideon a b!tch for the first half. That character is....ugh! Frustrating, sweet, flawed, lovely, heroic, and more. I was team Rune 97% of the time, just not when she didn't correct Gideon when he was wrong. Come on guys! Miscommunication does NOT work. That is not a major trope in this book, it's more of....I can't trust you not to betray me again so I will keep my plans close to my chest type.

Sigh. I'm done with this book. More dramatic sigh.

Ok but the way I FLEW straight to NetGalley when I got this arc….and you better believe it.did.not.disappoint!!!

Rune and Gideon are back and the tension and emotions are high. Kristen brought us a very true enemies to lovers, with high stakes and murder and the perfect amount of witchy goodness. I loved the emotional back and forth because Kristen Ciccarelli wrote it so well…the relationship between witch and witch hunter did not feel overdone or cliché in the slightest. The ending to this duology was perfect.

Thank you for the ARC of Rebel Witch! I can’t wait to have this in my hands!!

Still can’t get over that we received this ARC the day after I finished Heartless Hunter!! This is such a highly anticipated 2025 release, so we are so grateful! I was not ready to leave the world of Gideon and Rune. The sequel wastes no time getting back into the action!! My only frustration was the miscommunication happening, but other than that I think it was an amazing sequel. The ending was crazy and I wasn’t able to predict anything! I love this story, these characters, the magic. An absolute must read for fantasy fans!!!

The epic conclusion is here! These enemies to lovers, Gideon and Rune, reunite (FINALLY) to fight the evil witch to save the Kingdom, and those they hold dear. Together, the power they wield is stronger as their love burst from their hearts.

Honestly, I need more of this couple, and I also need to read about her vision for family come to life on pages. The ending is exactly what I needed to close this story.

This duology is simply one of my all time favorites. Pre-order for the UK copy, DONE.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books

There’s something about a witch and witch hunter dynamic that makes me swoon every time. Rune and Gideon had all the fire between them to make this such a wild ride. The chapter breaks also really helped to increase tension and I felt that the dual POVs were especially effective in keeping me on the edge of my seat. Parts of the plot were a bit predictable, but my enjoyment was not inhibited in the least because so much happened that I didn’t expect. The flow of the plot was very well done and I never fell into a lag. The action and tension took off right from the beginning and the stakes had me biting my nails the entire time. This was truly one of those reads that you could devour in one sitting because I didn't want to put it down. I loved the romantic element between Rune and Gideon and felt that their actions really held true to their characters as they developed. I also really appreciated the backstory between Harrow and Juniper and felt that it added so much to the overall conflict and resolution. I wish more female characters were written like Rune, especially as she overcame her own self-doubt and wrestled with her demons. Her vulnerability shone through in such a positive way and I was so happy to see love overcome the darkness. I loved the ending so much, but it came much too fast because I'm simply not ready to let these characters go.

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING OMG!! It had me in a complete and total chokehold the entire time! Gideon and Rune are everything. The plot, the romance, the world building, all of it added up to be an epic conclusion to an epic duology. I can’t wait for this to be released into the wild!

I devoured this. Some things were predictable, did that make this story any less fulfilling in my eyes? hells no. Other things were plot twists that shocked me so much I slapped my kindle. I will have swollen eyes from tears and had many moments of kicking my feet from the banter and tension. The world building and magic continues to amaze me. What a beautiful sequel and ending to this duology. I will miss these characters and this world so incredibly much.

"Love will always oppose tyrants."

The Crimson Moth duology will definitely go down as one of my favorite romantasy series! The action, adventure, twists, turns, and characters truly make this book impossible to put down. No notes. I just adore Kristen Ciccarelli for writing Rune and Gideon into existence.

Thank you, NetGalley and Wednesday Books, for an ARC of The Crimson Moth #2, Rebel Witch. Pub Date: February 2025.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy. I don’t think I have ever been so excited to receive an ARC as I was when I received this one. I loved The Heartless Hunter and couldn’t wait to find out how Rune and Gideon’s story ended. This book did not disappoint. Just as good as the first book, Rebel Witch was a wonderful journey of Rune and Gideon as they both try to do what’s right for their people, fight their ever growing attraction and try to outwit each other. I loved the back and forth between them and the action was non stop. The ending was incredibly satisfying and tied up the duology very nicely.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

In the gripping conclusion of the Crimson Moth duology, Rune (a witch) and Gideon (a witch hunter) are still entangled in a desperate game of cat and mouse. Rune and Gideon are forced into a desperate alliance to fight an evil witch and others who wish them harm.

I hesitate to say too much in my review for fear of spoiling anything- I don’t even want to tell you about the all tropes present in this book but trust me when I say that they are romance GOLD. This book pulled me into this world, kept me in a chokehold, and didn’t let go until long after the final pages. I honestly loved every minute of this final book and I’m so sad that it’s over. It was a brilliant escape into a different world, Rune and Gideon are enemies to lovers crossed with forbidden love perfection, and I can’t criticize anything about it because I loved it so much. Please read this, and let’s talk about it, and beg Kristin Ciccarelli to find a way to continue this story or write another series that hooks me just as much!

Thank you so much to Kristin Ciccarelli, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and the opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and Wednesday Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up Rebel Witch on February 18, 2025.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. It had all the great cat-and-mouse vibes from the first book, but with more heartfelt emotion on the surface due to the ending of Heartless Hunter. This book was quick-paced, action-packed, and chock-full of emotion from beginning to end. I feel like I already need a reread of this book just to see what I pick up on the second time around, and so I can finish it in one go rather than stretching it out between days like I did this time.

I loved Rune's character arc throughout this story and how Ciccarelli answered the question, "Who is the real Rune Winters?". Her dynamic with Gideon was absolutely irresistible, and while his growth was subtler, it was no less important or impressive. Every scene they had together had me giggling kicking my feet, though I also appreciated the relationships we saw develop with side characters throughout the story.

I just love this world and these characters, and I can't wait to talk about this book with everyone closer to release!

Obsessed !!!! I’ll never stop thanking you Wednesday books for this Advanced copy!!!! Five stars !!! Everyone and everything came together I was yearning and slow burn entire time and I’m SO happy we had so much Gideon and her time together because I was nervous that wasn’t gonna pan out and have too much separation !! I NEED this more in my life and I wish I could read again for theFirst time

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was to dive back into Rune and Gideon’s story. The Crimson Moth/Heartless Hunter was one of my favorite reads of last year, and I absolutely devoured this book. I missed the characters in a way that made this book sort of like coming home.

I’m going to start by saying that this book has an estimated publish date of February 2025, so take that into account with the following:

-As much as I loved this book, it felt rushed. It was rushed to the point that I kept questioning whether this book was actually a duology, or if it had been extended into a trilogy. Time kept feeling like it was running out to wrap this story up neatly, and even after finishing, I still feel that it possibly could have been a three parter

-I loved the back and forth with Rune and Gideon, per usual, however it had a weird quality to it that felt off kilter from book one. I completely understand that characters evolve throughout a series, but the interactions felt a little far off from what we had previously seen

-I really wish we had gotten more of the Harrow/Juniper story. It’s possible their story was so brief so that they could be set up for their own stories, but it seemed like they were just thrown in last minute to tie a part of the plot together. Harrow is such a complex character (so it seems), and an intriguing one at that, so I wish she’d gotten more “screen time”

Overall thoughts -

There’s nothing in this world that would have stopped me from reading this book. While I have my own reservations and thoughts on how this book went down, I absolutely 100% recommend reading this stunning conclusion to Rune and Gideon’s story!

(3.5 Stars rounded up!)

After LOVING Heartless Hunter, I was so beyond ready for the conclusion in Rebel Witch!

While I found Heartless Hunter to be great, I found Rebel Witch to be just good. I'm happy where we leave these characters, but was frustrated how we got there.

Immediately following the events of book 1, this book picks up off where we left these characters in precarious positions with a war brewing.

My overall thoughts:
- I found the first 50% of this book to be a slog. Although I'm happy to be back with these characters, it's a lot of down time and traveling to get them all back together again. The second half saves this book A LOT! We get introduced to interesting characters, more action, less predictability, and it feels like we' re BACK!
- Given this is a YA/NA book and some obvious plot reveals in book 1, I expected some predictability, but found the entirety of the book to be easily figured out. So many hints. SO much foreshadowing. It wasn't that the reveals weren't fun and cool, but they were so obvious and less exciting.
- Rune feels DIFFERENT. She's less sure of herself and just not who I remember from book 1. She relies heavily on those around her and the previous advice others give her. I wanted her to come out guns blazing and we got sparks but a much more subdued FMC. A few other characters felt different than book 1, but we'll chalk it up to growth!
- Good or bad, that ending was wrapped up QUICK!
-It's still FUN! Yes, it's a slower, more predictable read wrapped into a nice little bow, but it still has great moments, great tension, and fun new lore and characters introduced.

No doubt fans of book 1 will love the conclusion! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished this book, and wow, it was quite the ride. First off, a heads-up: if you haven’t read the first book, you really need to. This one picks up right where the last left off, so diving in without that context will probably leave you confused.

Emotionally, this book packs a punch. The author does a great job of creating rich, layered emotions that make you feel connected to the characters. Speaking of characters, they felt a lot more three-dimensional this time around. I found myself more invested in their journeys, especially Rune and Gideon. Their angst and longing were beautifully portrayed, keeping the tension high throughout the story.

The romance was a slow burn, with minimal spice. Even the one or two open-door scenes were more about the emotional connection than anything explicit. If you’re looking for heavy steam, this isn't your book. But if you love deep, emotional connections, you’re in for a treat.

Like the first book, the magic system was another highlight for me. It’s unique and well-thought-out, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. The author’s take on witches feels fresh and different, making it even more compelling to read.

Now, on the downside, some of the problems the characters faced felt a bit repetitive. There were moments when I thought, “Haven’t we been through this already?” But honestly, it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment.

The book is action-packed and fast-paced, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The dual perspectives of Rune and Gideon added depth, making their struggles and growth more poignant.

The character development was spot on, especially towards the end. Rune and Gideon’s journey from enemies to allies to something more was heartfelt and felt authentic. And the banter! They had so much chemistry, it made the relationship maybe the most engaging aspect of the story.

This book, with its mix of action, romance, and unique magic, is perfect for fans of romantasy. If you enjoyed the first book, prepare to love this one. It's the perfect wrap up to this duology, which has carved out a special place in my heart. I rate it a 4.5 out of 5, rounded up to 5 since fractions aren't possible on NetGalley.

So, if you’re into emotional, character-driven stories with a touch of magic and a good dose of angst, give this book a shot. It’s a wild, emotional journey that’s well worth your time.

Thank you so much to st Martin’s press for this digital ARC.

I just want to say I was screaming, crying, throwing up the entire time. It was everything I wanted and more and now I don’t know what to do with myself 🙃

Crimson Moth was your classic enemies to lovers, cat-mouse romantasy that was fun and entertaining but OMG Rebel Witch was simply phenomenal. I just love it so much when the sequel is better and Rebel Witch kept me on my toes from start to finish.

" "You are far worse than a thorn in my side. You are a knife in my heart". His voice was low and dangerous....."And you're a wolf I can't outrun" she whispered."

The tension and chemistry between Rune and Gideon was simply off the charts, like they genuinely wanted to kill each other and yet those feelings, haha! The author truly did justice with their epic romance and it was enemies to lovers perfection IMO. The plot was solid, there was action, tension, a few spectacular twists and an absolutely incredible ending!

This duology is going to be at the very top with my YA fantasy favorites, and I can't wait for the author's next book!

The magical duology comes to an epic end. Thank you to Wednesday books for my gifted copy! I loved this book just as much as the first. It's suspenseful, romantic, and action-packed.

The suspense was heart-pounding and stressful, with twists galore. The romance was tension-filled, angsty, and had me giggling. 😆 Kristen Ciccarelli has romance writing perfected. I adored Gideon and Rune.

My only gripe was that I wished the book was longer, which is the best complaint to have. I wanted more detailed action scenes and political discussions. I need more from this author! I cannot wait to see what she does next. I think she has the potential to create a detailed adult fantasy romance and I'd be the first pre-order (!!).

Wow! ALL. THE. STARS. this book was the perfect conclusion to a book I fell in love with so hard & fast earlier this year. I don't want to say too much to give anything away but I think everyone will be pleased & satisfied by the ending. I loved the journey everyone took in this one & of course the romantic tension was just perfect. Can't say enough nice things about this one - if you loved the first book, you're gonna love this one too!