This was a good sequel. I was really rooting for the characters and loved how the story unfolded. I would recommend this book.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Ciccarelli for this eArc!

I am a huge fan of the first installment of this duology (Heartless Hunter) and was very excited to read the concluding book. Rebel Witch takes place immediately after the events of Heartless Hunter, and as readers, we are thrust back into the pro-witch versus anti-witch world. Rune and Gideon must deal with the aftermath of their actions in the first book while trying to figure out how to save themselves and their beloved home. Much like the first book, Rune and Gideon continued to have impeccable chemistry, but unfortunately, that was the best part of this book. Beyond this, the book lacked cohesiveness as the different situations and problems they found themselves in lacked continuity and build-up. There were no tensions that continued to build. Additionally, too many new characters were introduced, and many characters reintroduced from the first book were not important to the plot. Additionally, the big twist and ending were predictable. I understand where Ciccarelli wanted this book to go, but it lacked the exciting, tension-filled world they meticulously built in the first book. (2.5 stars rounded up)

Thank you St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the ARC!

I loved this series and this ending! This has everything great in a romantasy series: romance so hot and messy, court politics, a big bad, and a cool magic system. I liked how we got to see more depth in Rune's magic and character this time around, watching her grow into a powerful witch. I also appreciated the way in which the story navigates the complex relationship between Rune and Gideon. The side characters get more page time too, with their motivations and stories getting mixed into the narrative.

My only complaint was falling into "Rune is the chosen one" trope, as it was so clear to me who she was going to be. I wish it had been hidden a bit more, but that is just a tiny complaint in the grand scheme of things.

So sad to report that this was disappointing 😭 Heartless Hunter was one of my favorite books I read last year and I had such high hopes for this book. The characters felt different and more immature, and the storyline felt repetitive and predictable. It wasn’t a bad book by any means, but it just fell flat for me 😕

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
.
The second book is the Crimson Moth duology picks up shortly after the events in Heartless Hunter. We again follow both Rune and Gideon as they each are on a quest for a better life in their home. Can they trust each other or are they each still lying?
.
Ok. Ok. This book was better than the first one. No, seriously. It was straight 🔥🔥🔥
.
I listened to the audio to this one as well as the first and absolutely loved it. The whole last 10% of the book I was anxiously walking because this ending had me STRESSED. There was action, and lies, and secrets, and danger, and passion, and love, and I was completely enraptured by this half of the story.
Loved, loved, loved how it ended.
.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ IMO one of the better duologies in recent years.

I was OVERJOYED that the sequel lived up to the bingeable hype of the first book.

Rebel Witch picks up a short time after the events of Heartless Hunter, grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

I was under its spell from the first few chapters and this was just some good old cat and mouse games type of fun. This relationship began on a crumbling foundation and so it only makes sense that it’s going to take time to build that trust back up. And boy do I just love these characters.

The back and forth, love to reluctant loathing was such a good time. While the plot was “tropey”and predictable at times that in no way inhibited the amount of fun I was able to experience along the way. I think this speaks highly to the characters and world that the author has created for me to be able to get go of things that would normally bug me and just have fun.

I cannot wait to see what the author gets up to next, because I will most certainly be there. The audio production was also fantastic for those interested.

Finales to series are typically not great, in my experience. BUT BUT BUT! Kristen Ciccarelli NAILED it with "Rebel Witch"!

I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster reading this book with all the feelings I was going through. It was such a stunning book filled with drama, TENSION, and heartbreakingly beautiful moments. I cannot recommend this duology enough!

I missed Rune and Gideon so much!! This was the perfect sequel. Kristen did an excellent job carrying the plot and not just repeating the same plot that sometimes the romantasy sequels fall victim to. I also feel like so much happened in this nonstop action! Rune and Gideon tension and yearning was even better in this!

EXCELLENT! This was a great conclusion to the series and I absolutely loved it. The twists and turns were great, even if I could see some of them coming. Rune was a lovable hero and I'm so happy that she got her HEA.

Kristen Ciccarelli, you’ve done it again! This is an epic fantasy duology, one of my favorites in a while. The first book is Heartless Hunter, which was one of my top reads last year and also a 5 star read for me - and I loved this one even more! Rebel Witch is packed with so much action and excitement that I had trouble putting it down and flew right through it. Rune is such an amazing FMC and I love having the dual POV from both her and Gideon. It’s nice to see what each of them is thinking and feeling the tension build throughout. I wish they would communicate with each other better but also understand why it’s hard for them to trust each other. I found myself rooting for both of them even though they’re technically on opposing sides. There are a few major twists in this book, especially toward the end. And when I’m telling you my jaw dropped at the ending! Such a crazy, emotional, satisfying conclusion to an incredible duology. My only complaint is that it’s over now. HIGHLY recommend this one! Five glowing stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Ciccarelli, and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC. This is a voluntary and honest review.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for this e-ARC of the conclusion to one of my favorite series, The Crimson Moth duology. I loved this book, but I think I'm in the minority where I feel like this book was not as good as the first. There was a lot more action, but I felt like the book's plot just dragged on. And I'm sorry, I just cannot keep being introduced to another girl that Gideon has hooked up with. There was only one other one, but the series' man antagonist was also another girl that he loved (and abused him, but still. Major plot point is just something in the romantic sphere for Gideon). I love Kristen Ciccarelli's writing, but my favorite part of the series also proved to be the one that gave me the most grievances, which is Gideon. I know Gideon loves Rune, and it's clear he would do anything for her and it was not just lust for her body that spearheaded his love, but I think everything just got too messy with him with Kristen putting too much of the emotional labor on Rune to carry in the relationship. I know Gideon is the woe is me, dreadfully sad and traumatized hero of our story, but I wish that there was more emotional weight that he was carrying, especially navigating and coming to terms with his love for Rune, since this is a romantic fantasy at the end of the day. I think it didn't help that the plot was just all these mini quests and traveling all over the place. I do love a non-linear plot, but it just felt like we were going in circles and nothing really served a purpose towards our end goal. I did enjoy this book overall, though, and I can't wait to see what Kristen is writing next.

This was the BEST sequel I've read this year! I loved Gideon's perspective even more and Rune's development had me hooked and THE ENDING WAS BEAUTIFUL. The author delivered and left no crumbs and it remains one of the best duologues I've ever read!!

The exciting conclusion to a duology that I will definitely be recommending and re- reading for years to come. I absolutely loved Heartless Hunter and immediately picked up Rebel Witch as soon as I finished book 1. I love these characters and their story and I felt that it wrapped up so well with twists and turns and also their love story. Will be recommending!

From the moment I finished The Heartless Hunter, I was ready for the sequel, and Rebel Witch did not disappoint! I loved the tension between Rune and Gideon, and their interactions throughout the book, especially considering where the first one left off. It's a quick read that keeps the reader interested from start to finish.

I'll do this one short and sweet because this is book 2, and I don't want to spoil anything if you haven't read the first book yet. Let's just say that book 2 lived up to the anticipation for me.

After the ending of book 1, I was eager to see how things would go from there. It started right away with lots of angst, action and high stake situations. This second instalment was full of betrayals, forced proximity, a heart melting slow burn and even one of my favourite tropes that I did not expect to see there, but I was so here for it.

The tension and push and pull between Rune and Gideon was absolutely delightful. I liked seeing them having to interact and fighting this attraction between them. It was chef's kiss. The story kept me on my toes at all times, and even though I did guess some of the plot twists, it was still delectable, and I enjoyed every second of it.

This is a must-read duology for any fan of fantasy and especially if you enjoy a true enemies-to-lovers trope because it is well done in this one!

Huge thanks to RaincoastBooks and WednesdayBooks for my copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Just as good as the first one! Very suspenseful and exciting from the first page. What I really loved about this one was Gideons character growth, and development.. the love story between the two characters was so sweet and also infuriating at times, but definitely a must read !

I finished heartless hunter then immediately went into Rebel Witch and then finished half of it in the same sitting. This series is super addictive and I really feel for anyone who had to wait for the sequel to come out. To me this is a real potato chip series, while it's no literary masterpiece that will change your life, it is full of super delicious empty calories. I think it helped that I had low expectations going into the series so I was pleasantly surprised while reading. I really enjoyed the side characters and that each of that actually had something to contribute to the story. Although I expected the twist I thought it was still well done and fun to read.



Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this e-ARC that I chose to read and review

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review (which I am late at giving!).

What a great sequel! I am a huge fan of duologies because they aren't as long of a wait to finish the series and you don't risk the second one being more of filler or not as good.

Rebel Witch does not disappoint. I loved the dynamic still between Gideon and Rune. The enemies-to-lovers was still as strong as ever in this book. The tension was...yes. As much they both felt betrayed by the other, it was impossible for them not to understand the others motives and ultimately work together. Despite his anger towards her, Gideon always had that pull that he couldn't get away from. He would do anything to protect and help Rune. And Rune...she is so strong willed, but even she can't resist how she feels about Gideon.

The plot was fast paced and picked up right where it left off. I was dying to know what happened after the cliffhanger from book 1 and book 2 did not disappoint.

Highly recommend both books!

Thank you to St. Martins Press for letting me review the second book in this duology. I liked it, however at times felt like the story was rushed but then felt like there were lulls, which is odd. I truly enjoyed The Crimson Moth and thought about it all year looking forward to this one. It gave me Powerless vibes at times so kind of felt like I was reading a story I had already read... However, the last 25% of the book was a slam! It really was going to be a 3 star for me then that ending got it right back up to 4 star for me. Thank you!! I look forward to reading future Kristen Ciccarelli books!

Rebel witch gave everything that heartless Hunter gave and more. I'm so excited to be back in the world set by Kristen Ciccarelli.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC.