I adore this duology. Heartless Hunter was one of my favorite reads last year, and Rebel Witch is on the list for this year. It’s so well written; the plot is fast-paced and filled with deception and betrayals, the magic is unique, the war between witches and witch hunters is high stakes, and the forced proximity, forbidden love is excellent. This is enemies to lovers done right. Gideon is a witch hunter and Rune is a witch. They are supposed to hate each other, but something keeps drawing them together. Their relationship is bursting with tension, chemistry, and a little bit of angst. I loved this book and if you haven’t picked up this duology yet, you absolutely need to!
🗡️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️ 1.5
🗡️
Read if you like:
▫️witch x witch hunter
▫️enemies to lovers
▫️second chance
▫️forbidden love
▫️reluctant allies
▫️dual POV
🗡️
Thank you to Wednesday Books, Kristen Ciccarelli, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Starting with Heartless Hunter, book one, and concluding with Rebel Witch, the Crimson Moth series...I get to this point in my review, and then I get stuck, because what can I say that conveys just how much I love this series, that Rune and Gideon are perfect characters, that it was everything I wanted it to be? This is not a start with book two series. This is a start with Heartless Hunter before Rebel Witch and prepare to binge read. If you're anything like me, you won't be able to put them down until the last stunningly perfect page.

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli is a captivating read from start to finish and an incredible conclusion to the duology. Ciccarelli’s writing is lyrical and vivid, drawing you into a world filled with magic, danger, and unforgettable characters. The pacing is spot-on, balancing action with emotional depth in a way that keeps you fully engaged. I found myself completely immersed in the richly crafted world, unable to put the book down.

One of the most powerful aspects of this book is the central theme of self-acceptance and the struggle to embrace who we truly are. Rune Winters, the protagonist, is a fierce, complex character who, at first, feels like an outcast because of her witch heritage. Her journey is not just about discovering her magical abilities but also about embracing the parts of herself that make her different. The moment when Rune finally accepts that she doesn’t have to hide who she is, especially in a society that tries to suppress her, was so moving and resonated deeply with me. The culmination of her arc, where she steps into her power, is nothing short of inspiring.

The twists and turns in the plot had me gasping, especially the shocking revelation about Rune’s family and her connection to the rebellion. The choices Rune makes to unite different factions and lead a movement that challenges oppressive systems left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next book. While some of the story’s developments are somewhat predictable—like Rune’s inevitable rise as a leader and her connection to key characters—it never detracts from the overall experience. In fact, these predictable moments serve as a solid foundation for the deeper, more unexpected emotional beats that truly shine in the story.

What I love most is how this story taps into the universal desire for acceptance and freedom. It’s a poignant reminder that our true strength lies in embracing what makes us unique and not being afraid to stand up for what we believe in—even if it means going against the grain. Rebel Witch is a perfect blend of magic, adventure, and an empowering message, and it wraps up the duology in a satisfying and meaningful way that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Five stars all the way!

Rune and Gideon are back in a fast paced game of cat and mouse. Cressida Roseblood wants the crown back and will stop at nothing to get it back. What will follow is a chase of lethal proportions to stop Cressida from mass chaos. When witches are seen as evil and the hunters are just the same, Rune will have to make a choice. What does she love the most, Gideon Sharpe or those she holds dear.

This was a perfect conclusion to the duology. Rune and Gideon have serious trust issues and they don't know when to be honest about their plans. They continue to fall down and pick each other back up. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Honestly, this is how a second story should be written.

Immediately you are thrust into action and IT. DOES. NOT. STOP.

In book one, we have the true enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies cat and-mouse chase.

Here, while we are back to the enemies, we have their confusion over how they feel woven into every decision they make. I said this in my review of book 1, and it still holds true. Their enemy stance makes sense and makes you sympathetic to both Rune and Gideon. This was not a situation where better communication would get them past the enemy phase. Only truly earning the trust of the other will do this.

In Rebel Witch, though Gideon's ultimate goal is to capture Rune, they have to work together to accomplish both of their goals. Rune to liberate the witches and Gideon to eliminate the witches. Unless they can find a common goal. And common enemy. They need each other in a way that requires both trust… and manipulation.

Absolutely devoured this series! Devoured, I tell you. I love Rune and Gideon with my whole heart, and this is exactly the reading experience I want for this type of story! All. The. Swoon. with a fast-paced plot and zero confusion. All the freaking stars.

This will forever be the series I recommend to anyone considering the romantasy genre. And it will be the series I push on anyone who doesn’t want to try it. Basically, I will just push this on everyone.

Thank you, @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for this ARC in exchange for my (always) honest opinion. Thank you @kristenciccarelli for these books!

This is true enemies to lovers, with high stakes and so much sizzling tension! The impossible situations Rune and Gideon find themselves in had my heart in my throat and my eyes brimming with tears. On opposite sides of a war they’re each invested in, they’re forced to confront the contradiction between the person they’re coming to know and the enemy they’ve perceived. The character growth as they’re forced to face their own prejudices is beautifully done.

The pacing for both books is excellent, with not a single dull or wasted moment. I have a new autobuy author! If you haven’t started this series yet, run, don’t walk. You won’t be disappointed!

**Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy! All opinions are my own**

*Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the Earc*
I enjoyed this book but had some frustrating moments! I understood why Rune kept running but after the third time of her leaving and going back to Gideon I started to get frustrated. I wanted the strong Crimson Moth who went head first into danger. She did end up reverting back to her real self which was nice. I was also disappointed because the two twists were pretty obvious. Wasn't too hard to figure out who the fourth sister was and once Serapine said she had a mission she had to finish before she could go home it was obvious who she was.
Even with those disappointments I ate this book up. I'm so happy to have gotten an E-arc and can't wait to see what the author does next!

REBEL WITCH picks up right where the brutal ending of Heartless Hunter left us, with our beloveds once again back to hating each other. Unfortunately for them, they have to team up together to defeat the bad guys. Fortunately for us, their tenuous partnership leads to some fantastic banter, some delightful romance tropes (enemies to lovers, forced proximity to name a couple), and one heck of a suspenseful ride.

The stakes are much higher this time around and both Gideon and Rune have so much to lose. I was expecting this to be filled with loads of tension, both the stressful kind and the romantic kind, but I wasn’t expecting it to be overflowing with emotion. Both characters are put through the wringer in terms of emotion and that definitely transfers across to the reader. My heart broke alongside theirs on several occasions and I’m just glad that these two end up how they do (no spoilers!). Rune especially deserves happiness, and I’m glad she finally gets some. All told, a fantastic conclusion to this duology. Pick this up if you enjoy:

⇢ Dual POV
⇢ Enemies-to-lovers
⇢ Forced proximity
⇢ Witch x witch hunter
⇢ Found family
⇢ Betrayal and backstabbing
⇢ Banter and bickering

This is such a wonderful series! The forbidden romance between Rune and Gideon was executed so well. It had just the right amount of tension, angst, and drama to keep me hooked. While some parts of the plot were predictable, the author threw in a few surprises that kept things interesting. The darker, witchy scenes were some of my favorites, and I wish we had more of this magical world. At times, Rune and Gideon’s back-and-forth was a bit too much, but overall, it was a solid balance.

One thing I really appreciated was how easy this book was to follow, especially compared to some other fantasy series. The world of The Crimson Moth was so vivid and immersive, it was so easy to get lost in it. The tension between Rune and Gideon was truly palpable. This duology wrapped up beautifully, making for a very satisfying read.

Read if you like:
- Forced proximity
- Witchy reads
- Cat-and-mouse books

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book blew me away, it kept up with the same brilliance of the first book and it was just absolutely gorgeous and I will definitely be keeping up with this author to see what other magical creations they make!

A standout sequel in a heart-stopping duology!

Following the events of the previous installment, “Rebel Witch” picks up with Rune and Gideon as they pair up to protect their people.

Ciccarelli’s conclusion to “The Crimson Moth” duology is as captivating as its predecessor, if not more so. I tore through its pages like a mad woman, completely engrossed by Rune and Gideon’s sizzling connection that only grows stronger despite living in a society that is determined to keep them apart. The stakes are even higher as their lives and love are put on the line and I could not look away.

With all sense of trust lost and betrayals still fresh, Rune and Gideon war against each other and their own hearts. Ciccarelli cleverly uses the circumstances of their temporary truce as a way to rekindle their relationship. The forced proximity is next level—I squealed watching them to pretend to be husband and wife as part of their plan to escape Cressida’s clutches! Their fake relationship opens the door to so much heartache and yearning. Both are incredibly stubborn, so it was extremely satisfying to see them slowly but surely give into their feelings as they resurfaced. Their verbal sparring matches relieved some of the tension that kept me on edge, while also adding elements of humor that I clung to.

I thoroughly enjoyed further immersing myself in Ciccarelli’s fictional world through the myths and diary entries at the beginning of each part alongside new historical tidbits shared about the Ancients. This information coupled with the new spells that Rune learns to enhance her magic add depth that piqued my interest.

Ciccarelli wraps up her duology nicely. Her well developed characters, all-consuming love story, and fascinating magic system will have a lasting impact on me and I know that I’ll revisit both books often!

LOVED! I really enjoyed this book! I love Rune & Gideon and would love more of them…..might have to reread this duology sooner than i expected!

There was some parts I felt dragged on at points, and I feel like the ending was slightly rushed together. But I loved the story and how Kristen writes. I will read anything by her!

One of my fave fantasy series!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc !

It’s always a thrill when the second book in a duology is even better than the first! Picking up where Heartless Hunter left off, this final installment brings Rune and Gideon’s cat-and-mouse game to a satisfying close as they fight for a more peaceful world. But this time, instead of trying to evade each other, they team up against a common enemy. I really enjoyed this partnership dynamic, which felt like an improvement over Book 1, especially when it came to justifying the romance.

Similar to Heartless Hunter, the world building was a major highlight. I loved learning more about the blood magic system and witch history, which helped raise the stakes for our characters. However, I felt that some major elements, like the Ancients, never quite reached their storytelling potential. I would have traded several romantic scenes for more details about the OG witches and their role in establishing Cascadia!

I also wished that the main villain, Cressida, had more of an arc. She came across as evil for the sake of being evil, which fell flat for me. Thankfully, Rune more than made up for her shortcomings! I’m all about complex heroines and had a blast following our FMC’s epic journey towards realizing her worth.

Duology’s can be tricky to land and sometimes leave readers wanting more. But I found this one pretty darn solid, thanks to a unique magic system, bingeable pace and a hopeful message about the power of love in a divided world.

My most anticipated release for 2025 did not disappoint! Worlding building - fantastic. Character growth - fantastic, Plot twists - double fantastic! The story featured political strategizing, intense cat-and-mouse pursuits, friendships fraying and shifting, and, of course, the slow burn between Gideon and Rune. Their relationship often played out with frustrating miscommunication, but there were also tender moments in the dark and glimmers of understanding that showed how deeply in love they were, despite society's disapproval. I was constantly struck by how much the political turmoil in this book mirrored our own current political climate. It makes me laugh when people say books aren't political; they are filled with themes of political strife, warring kingdoms, and the persecution of those who are different. I’ll leave you with this quote: “There is a better world waiting to be born Rune. A world that belongs to all of us. But it will never arrive if we don’t fight for it.” Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this advanced reader copy.

Thank you to PRH for the #gifted audiobook of Rebel Witch. Heartless Hunter was one of my standout reads of 2024, and after that cliffhanger, Rebel Witch became a need. This sequel picks up seamlessly, raising the stakes while deepening both the characters and their relationships.

Rune and Gideon’s dynamic is enemies-to-lovers at its finest, and as their connection strengthens, it does so in a way that feels both earned and compelling. I loved how it all came together. I chose the audiobook edition, and the narrator’s performance was fantastic—capturing both voices with precision and nuance. If you're looking for a series that blends tension, mystery, and intrigue, this one is well worth your time.

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli is the thrilling, high-stakes conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology and wow, does it take you on a ride. If Heartless Hunter hooked me, this one completely consumed me. From the very first page, the pacing is relentless, dropping you right back into the chaos with no time to catch your breath.

The tension between Gideon and Rune is everything. Their push and pull, the constant battle between trust and betrayal, is the beating heart of this book. I was on edge the entire time, second-guessing every move they made. I get that some might think the back and forth was a bit much, but honestly? It worked. Every choice, every twist felt shaped by their tangled emotions, and I couldn’t get enough.

he emotional weight, the action, the sheer intensity it was all there. And somehow, I loved this one even more than Heartless Hunter.

This duology is something special, and Rebel Witch was a wild, emotional, and deeply satisfying conclusion.

"If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell."

If you loved Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli, then you will devour and become obsessed with Rebel Witch!

“You are far worse than a thorn in my side. You are a knife in my heart.”

The stakes really are higher, the chemistry and tension are explosive, the banter was chef’s kiss, and the enemies to lovers vibes are ON POINT! The plot kept me on my toes the entire book, and it was so cleverly done. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love YA fantasy.

I could not get enough of the romance between Rune and Gideon. They kept me so giddy with all their interactions! These two wanted to unalive each other so much, but their feelings kept getting in the way, and ahhhh! So delicious!

I am now in need a novella. I neeeeed more from Rune and Gideon!

- enemies to lovers
- witch x witch hunter
- forbidden romance
- end of a duology
- ya romantasy

5 stars. No notes. I’m so unwell I fear the crimson moth duet is going to become apart of my personality!! I am very down bad for Rune Winters & Gideon Sharpe!! 🫠

This is the sequel but reasons you should read this duet:
☺︎︎ Enemies to Lovers to Enemies…and so on
☺︎︎ Witch & Witch Hunter
☺︎︎ Mega Trust issues
☺︎︎ knife to the throat 🔪
☺︎︎ Slow burn romance
☺︎︎ there’s only one bed
☺︎︎ Tons of Banter, Sass & fights 🤭

I loved heartless hunter so I was so excited to jump into Rebel Witch!

Kristen Ciccarelli did an incredible job expanding the world that she has created. I fell in love with Rune & Gideon all over again. The plot was fast paced, the vibes were so immaculate and there was never a dull moment while reading. Rebel Witch is packed with action, non stop scheming and twists right from the first chapter.

Rune, my girl, her development is phenomenal especially seeing her rise above all her trauma and pain 😭 Gideon, I loved (and hated him) in Heartless Hunter but in Rebel Witch he solidified his spot on my book boyfriends list. WOW. He’s so hot, protective and this book was full of unforgettable moments with Rune that had me BLUSHING 🤭

If you love high stakes fantasy romance with intense chemistry and edge of your seat danger, The Crimson Moth Duet is a must read!!

Kristen Ciccarelli’s Rebel Witch delivers the high-stakes, angst-filled finale we’ve been waiting for—brimming with magic, betrayal, and just the right amount of will-they-won’t-they tension between Rune and Gideon. 💥🔥

💔 The Drama: Rune and Gideon’s relationship? A slow-burning, stabby, enemies-to-lovers-to-maybe-something-more masterpiece. Their chemistry is undeniable, but with literal life-or-death stakes, trust is a luxury neither of them can afford.
✨ The Magic & Action: The plot moves FAST. Political intrigue, deadly magic, and a rebellion that could reshape their entire world. Ciccarelli keeps the tension high, and the magic system continues to shine.
🎁 The Ending: Here’s where I struggle—everything wrapped up a little too neatly. After the chaos of book one, I expected a messier, more unpredictable conclusion. Don’t get me wrong, it was satisfying! But it lacked some of the gut-punch moments that made The Heartless Hunter a full 5-star read for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5—An exciting, beautifully written, and swoony finale that ALMOST reached the heights of book one. If you loved The Crimson Moth, you’ll be turning these pages faster than a witch on the run!

Big thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

When I say I want Romantasy, THIS is what I mean!! Enemies to lovers!! Magic!! Darkening eyes!!

We even got a “who did this to you?” and I may have squealed aloud (super embarrassing since I was secretly reading this at the office)

This also proves that we need more duologies vs 5-10 book series. You can still do a lot in 2 books! The plot moved along nicely and we got a resolution and I don’t have to sign up for the next 3-8 years of my life to be waiting to find out the ending