I've tried to read witch-related books in the past, and they've never really worked for me, but my god I'm glad I gave this one a chance. This made me think that perhaps the issues I had with past books with this topic had more to do with world-building and the overall story rather than witches themselves. This book had a strong voice right away, and the more I read the more I fell in love with the characters. This definitely had 5-star potential, but my circumstances hindered my ability to be fully immersed (the joys of being in academia). That last 25% though, my god I was on the edge of my seat, Up to that point, I thought I knew where the plot was headed, but some of the plot twists really through me for a loop. Safe to say, I cannot wait for the next installment

The world-building and magic system were a highlight for me, it was such a unique twist on the classic witch stereotypes and tropes, and it made for some really interesting challenges for Rune to overcome. Her solution to needing blood for magic was honestly what sold me into picking this book up. Not only was it incredibly clever, it also portrayed such a needed message around destigmatizing menstruation as well. Just the link to witches and menstruation in general made my gender studies major heart very happy.

The depth of the cast of characters was so captivating, and I really enjoyed slowly uncovering more of their backstories. You could really see the further you went along how much the events of the revolution really shaped and motivated many of the characters' actions. It was also so interesting how Rune and Gideon were so opposite on the surface, but so much of their hurt was similar, and you could really see how they were compatible as a couple. Their experiences, much like a lot of the other elements of this book, were very real and moving, but not in a way that felt like it was for shock, or overly graphic and upsetting. It balanced that line beautifully, and in turn, it hit all the more.

Thank you NetGalley, publisher, and author for this arc!!

I read this in basically a day. I was hooked from the beginning! I love books about witches, but I felt that sometimes they all blur together. But I think what stood out the most, was that the main character's character had two sides. Being an heiress and a witch vigilante was a very fun take on keeping her hidden witch identity. I loved the characters, especially the love interest and her best friends. Verity was such an unsuspected surprise honestly. Towards the end I started getting suspicious, but it didn't occur to me that she was evil until the last few major scenes. What I liked about her and Alex's relationship, was that it felt very genuine and real. I liked how Rune accepted Alex's feelings for her and didn't just feel like she was settling, but truly envisioning a healthy and loving relationship with him. On the other hand though... she didn't have that same chemistry as she did with Gideon. Now Gideon... I love everything about his character. You could see how he changes throughout the book. I did love his POV's too. The relationship between Rune and Gideon is one of my favorite character relationships now. Though they are both playing a game against another, I love how their relationship just naturally evolves. The betrayal of both at the end felt so real and I am very much looking forward to them in the second book.

As far as the world building and setting, I really enjoyed the layout and scene that Kristen Ciccarelli gave us. The world building was light, which I feel like for these types of novels, it's perfect. Sometimes when you focus on the lore and the setting too much, you start to lose your characters in it. I want to know more about the Royals and how the witches are going to overturn everything. Having Rune leave with the other witches gave me so much anxiety because I'm very curious to see how she is going to interact with Cressida. One question that I do have, is this the only island or location that views witches the same way? It seems that Alex made it clear that Rune wouldn't have to hide. I hope to learn more about how witches are viewed in other parts of the world, or at least places that are near them.

This book was so amazing! The story was very unique and it drew me in to the world. The world building was amazing.

I am still trying to process the end of that story. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m curious, and I can’t wait to keep reading this series!

Rune Winters, an 18 year old witch, has a secret identity known among the community as The Crimson Moth. 2 years ago, witches and witch sympathizers were killed off by the Blood Guard, and continue to be as they are caught. The Crimson Moth saves these witches and sends them to the mainland to live peaceful lives that would have otherwise been stolen from them.

Runes best friends, Alex and Verity, are the only two who know her secret. Enter Gideon - Alex’s older brother, Blood Guard, her enemy, and also the one who can give her the most insight to imprisoned witches.

Gideon knows Rune as the rich shallow socialite that his brother is in love with. When a close friend suggests Rune may be the Crimson Moth, Gideon decides he needs to get as close as possible to uncover her secrets.

Can they keep it in their pants and keep their missions at the forefront of their minds? I think you know the answer.

Heartless Hunter is a cat and mouse enemies to lover story. It follows the same plot line as any EtL story but the main character start their courtship with the goal to gain information. The magic system is based on blood use, and gets a bit cringe. The characters have depth and stakes are both high if either one gets caught in their subterfuge
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Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own

The premise of this story is deceptively simple. Witch and witch hunter pretend to court one another each with their own motivations and deception. Except it turned out to be so much more. The worldbuilding and magic system were great. The characters are fleshed out.

This was a delight to read. Rune and Gideon are such perfect opposites to one another, and their attraction makes sense. It’s definitely enemies to lovers-esque but it actually feels pretty authentic. The two characters hide what they should from one another, but are also vulnerable to each other. I really think the characters shined in this book. The supporting characters and the protagonists. I could not put this book down. The end was fantastic. I’m already waiting for book two.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

It's not often that you see a true love triangle in fiction these days, much less one that's pulled off as successfully as Cicarelli's love triangle in Heartless Hunter. Sure, we all know that romance conventions demand witch Rune and witch-hunter Gideon are fated to follow an enemies-to-lovers path by the end of the series, but along the way they have to deal with Rune's deep friendship with Gideon's seemingly apolitical pianist brother, who loves both Rune and Gideon desperately (not to mention Gideon's own love for his brother). Not only that, but each character has a genuinely believable reason to be at odds with one another, making them sympathetic even as they attempt to destroy (and woo... but mostly destroy) each other. It is this tangled web of relationships that drive the plot on both a political and emotional level, with suspicion, twists, and turns along the way. An excellently plotted novel, 5/5 stars!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
If you enjoy an enemies to lovers, slow burn, witch and witch hunter fantasy romance, this is the book for you. The story-line was nicely executed and the character are well defined. Their internal conflict is palpable.
I'm somewhat new to fantasy romance, but all I can say is that I really enjoyed this novel. I look forward to reading a continuation to this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this fantastic read.

4/5⭐️: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

this story is about Rune, a witch hiding in plain sight, working undercover to save other witches from the society’s government. she must deceive everyone around her, including the notorious Gideon Sharpe, a famous witch hunter. i LOVED this book so much. it was a solid fantasy read with a side of romance. i really loved Rune, she was such an interesting character & i loved watching her deceive the witch hunters. i can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for a digital ARC of Heartless Hunter!

This is the first book that I have read from Kristen Ciccarelli and I admit that I only requested this book because of how beautiful the cover was. But once I started, I was mesmerized and had to find out what happened next.

In a society where witches are hunted, socialite Rune must hide her magic. She portrays the Crimson Moth and rescues fellow witches from horrible fates. To save them, she tricks the ruthless witch hunter Gideon Sharpe for information, but unexpected things happen to change both of their lives.

This was an amazing book full with beautiful writing that will make you emotionally invested and on the edge waiting to see what's next! If you like action packed books that feature witches and witch hunters, a strong female character, beautifully written world-building, surprising twists of love, betrayal, revolution, and morally grey characters, then you will LOVE this book!

One interesting thing about this book was the romance aspect. The romance develops throughout the story from enemies to lovers to enemies and was so wonderfully woven into the plot without taking over the other aspects of the story that it has easily become one of my favorite pairings.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It had me balling my eyes out at the end, and I can't wait until the sequel become available!

"Heartless Hunter" by Kristen Ciccarelli is an absolute masterpiece that captivates readers from beginning to end. This thrilling romantic fantasy takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with suspense, passion, and a richly crafted world.

From the very first page, I was entranced by the vivid descriptions and beautifully woven storyline. The author flawlessly blends elements of fantasy and romance, creating a unique and compelling narrative that had me hooked until the final page.

The characters are incredibly well-developed, with Rune and Gideon at the forefront. Rune, with her dual identity as a socialite and the Crimson Moth, is a strong and fascinating protagonist. Gideon, the notorious witch hunter, surprises us with his complexity and inner conflicts. Their chemistry is electrifying, and their relationship keeps you on the edge of your seat, torn between their shared admiration and the ever-present possibility of betrayal.

Ciccarelli's world-building is nothing short of exceptional. The rich and vibrant backdrop of post-revolutionary times provides a perfect setting for the dangerous game of cat and mouse between witches and witch hunters. The political intrigue, secrets, and the backdrop of opulence further add depth to the story.

The writing style is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers effortlessly into the scenes and emotions. The author's attention to detail and ability to create a sense of urgency makes every page turn an exhilarating experience.

"Heartless Hunter" is not just a story of forbidden love; it delves into themes such as sacrifice, loyalty, and the power of perception. Ciccarelli challenges our preconceived notions and keeps us guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, "Heartless Hunter" is a five-star read that I wholeheartedly recommend to fans of fantasy, romance, and suspense. Kristen Ciccarelli has created a captivating world and unforgettable characters that will stay with me long after finishing the book. I eagerly await the next installment in this enchanting duology.

Thanks @netgalley for the ARC! I almost didn’t request this one, knowing it would be the beginning of at least a duology and I’ll be waiting ages for it to conclude. I’m glad I went for it though. The world that was built and the magic rules were impeccable and well thought out. The characters were deeper and more nuanced that I originally expected. A couple of minor plot holes that were tidied up a bit but nothing that overly distracted me from the rest of the book.

“During the Sister Queens’ rule, witches wore their casting scars with pride, putting their power on display like jeweled rings and silk garments. Scars signaled wealth and rank, and most of all, magic. Now they marked the hunted.” — Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

I absolutely loved this story! The whole witch/witcher hunter concept in this story was done so incredibly well and the number of secrets throughout kept me on my toes. I feel like I was on edge so often trying to figure out who could be trusted and I’m still unsure on some!

I really enjoyed how witches have to use blood to cast a spell so they create cuts on their skin to do this which are called “casting scars”. Those scars, once revered are now a beacon to hunters so the witches are in hiding, being saved from purging (death) by a vigilante witch called the Crimson Moth.

Such a great story! I love the way Kristen brings the characters and the story to life, it truly pulls a reader in. The ending of this book was epic and I am already dying for more of this story!

I am a huge fan of Kristen Ciccarelli and have loved every book I’ve read by her. I knew HH would be the same but dang was it ever good! Please go preorder this book! You will not want to miss it!

I requested this solely off of the (BEAUTIFUL) cover and was pleasantly surprised!

I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers and this book definitely delivered. Witch vs witch hunter?! PHENOMENAL. I could've done without the love triangle, however.

I almost wish I hadn't read this early because now I'm dying for the next book!

With witches, tension, enemies-to-lovers, witty dialogue, and enough secrets to fill a city, Heartless Hunter has the makings of the next big YA hit. The story follows Rune, a witch from the fallen regime who pretends to be a guileless socialite to protect other women as she flirts and fights with Gideon, the witch hunter sworn to find and destroy the Crimson Moth---Rune's alter ego. Filled with danger and tension, the novel had everything I look for in a YA fantasy.

First and foremost, this book was fun. It was easy to read, easy to follow, and easy to escape into. I could see each scene the author depicted and found myself swept away by the story. I'd sit down to read, look up, and hours had passed. The dynamics between the characters were well-crafted and I adored the suto-Napoelionc French setting. Rune toed the line between competent and realistic very well, and I adored the fact that her main skill was her cunning. Though she was a fighter, she also used her more traditionally feminine attributes to her advantage. As for Gideon, I appreciated that he had a reason for being a witch hunter and that he didn't blindly follow an ideology. The tension between these two is off the charts and I am so excited to watch other readers get to meet them.

In regards to the greater storyline, the pacing was perfect. I wasn't bored but I also didn't get whiplash trying to follow rapid-pace scenes. I felt grounded in the world without being weighed down by unnecessary details and worldbuilding. Ciccarelli is clearly a master of her craft and uses language accordingly. The dialogue might as well have been an actual spoken conversation and the romantic scenes had me swooning. The one thing that prevented Heartless Hunter from being a five-star book is its predictability. Now I'm a veteran of the upper YA enemies-to-lovers fantasy genre, but I predicted how the story would end about 200 pages before the characters did. This novel follows the popular YA formula and it executes that formula very well. Nevertheless, I would've loved the story even more if I hadn't felt as if I'd read a version of it before.

Regardless, if you like witches, enemies-to-lovers, suto-historical settings, magic, danger, flirting mixed with threats, and TENSION that is off the chart then I highly recommend Heartless Hunter.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press / Wednesday Books for this eARC! This title may just top your 2024 Romantasy list. Filled to the brim with enemies-to-lovers and cat-and-mouse angst, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved the dual POV and how this added to the progression of the story. While our main characters tend to be on opposing sides, you can’t help but feel and empathize with their own experiences and how it shaped them into the complex, and at times flawed, characters. Ciccarelli did a fabulous job drawing the reader into this period drama and seamlessly introducing and integrating the magic system. I not only cannot wait to hold this title in my physical hands, but I am also eagerly awaiting the sequel. I will continue to pine for Rune and Gideon until then! Lovers of Rebecca Ross and Shelby Mahurin, do yourself a favor and pick up this new bewitching series!!

The Crimson Moth was so good! I loved the characters as individuals and the twist and turns toward the end of the story! I however didn’t feel a connection between any of the love interests and hope that in the future books there’s a spark that gets me intrigued in the main love interest. Overall, a great read and most definitely got me out of a legit reading slump! 4 stars!

Heartless Hunter takes elements and tropes that I genuinely enjoy and made them so...boring. Literally everything that happens is soooooo convenient. The love story, which is basically the A plot here, was rushed and underdeveloped and just seemed like a Serpent and Dove rip off but with less developed characters.

The world building was a terrible. The world seemed vaguely European (everyone is white). Can you please tell me what time period this is supposed to look like? There are guns in this world. Okay, what kind of guns? What do they look like? Are they old timey or are they glocks? What are people dressed like? We are given vague descriptions but I have no idea what I'm supposed to be picturing here.
I understand this is a fantasy with no time period based in reality but a reference would be great.

The B plot was interesting. There is this Human/witch revolution where the humans revolted against the witches who were in power and now witches are being executed everywhere. A theme I liked here was the exploration of good vs. evil in the context of defeating an oppressor. The author did a good job juxtaposing both sides as equally vicious and equally wronged. I really hope the author explores that in depth in the upcoming books because that could turn this series around.

I have a lot of complaints but thats only because I see a lot of potential in this series. I really enjoyed reading it despite rolling my eyes a few times.

Rune made a heartbreaking tough decision with the blessing of her grandmother to betray her kind but save her life. Society turned on the witches, hunting down and burning those that remain. Rune uses her money and wits to hide her true-self but also to save and ferry witches to a safer place. To do so, she uses a secret identity but she isn’t afraid to leaving a calling card, letting her enemies know the Crimson Moth has foiled their plot yet again.

When a witch in need slips through her grasp, Rune needs information. So she turns to the elder brother of her best friend, Gideon.A high ranking member of the Republic tasked with seeking out the destruction of witches. He has a conscience and a heart of gold but he has his own reasons for wanting to see the witches dead. When Rune seeks out his attention he uses her interest as an advantage to find information on the Crimson Moth and the two begin to weave a tangled web of secrets, destruction and betrayal.

Witch v. Witchhunter or better yet known as the ultimate kind of enemies-to-lovers story. Give me the right amount of tension and I am putty in an author’s hands. The betrayals were coming from all sides and from all characters. There was absolutely no one left unscathed. The book was beautifully plotted and perfectly executed because I did not see a lot of what happened in the second half of the novel. This book will take you through an emotional rollercoaster but somehow leave you back on the initial hill you started, without any way of knowing when you’re going to come flying back down.

If you’re going to read one young adult romance in 2024, let it be this one. It’s definitely Ciccarelli’s best one yet.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for providing an ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I devoured this book! The slow-burn romance, the dual POV, the believable painful past of both characters, the banter—all so, so good! If you like high stakes, romantasy, and a fast pace, this book will not disappoint. Rune’s internal thought process helps carry the story, and her motives are very clear; all of this makes it easy to root for her. Highly recommend!