Such a great ending to this duology! I was so happy to find myself back in this world with Rune and Gideon. This one didn’t wow me as much as the first one but it was still an excellent read and I will definitely recommend it. I felt like it was missing some of the grittiness that the first one had. But overall, really enjoyed it!

I very rarely think that a sequel is better than the first book in a series, and while I loved Heartless Hunter, Rebel Witch completely took it up a notch 👏🏻🤩

While Heartless Hunter is enemies to lovers, Rebel Witch takes us through a whole slew of complicated relationships: enemies, lovers, adversaries and reluctant allies just to name a few 😅 But I’m not saying what order they happen in! You’ll have to read to find out 😉

I love how Ciccarelli structured the dual pov. Getting to see how Rune and Gideon both have to overcome deceit and betrayal in order to find some semblance of trust between one another added so much depth to their characters. They’re conflicted and it shows. It takes time to heal those wounds, especially as new ones are being made in the process.

While the tension between them was ever-present, their romance did take a bit more of a backseat to the “saving the world” problem at hand. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how everything played out, where they found allies and how magic played a role.

If you loved the first book in The Crimson Moth series, you won’t be disappointed in this conclusion 🌟 Will have to get a physical copy for my home library! 4.5 stars!

Thank you SO SO much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for the digital arc copy of Rebel Witch to review.

Rebel witch starts with a bank, right where Heartless Hunter/The Crimson Moth leaves off. I was so happy that this book hit the ground running and when I tell you it was hard for me to put this book down...I was daydreaming through my work days waiting to pick her up again.

This book was FULL of pining. We thought we had back and forth in banter in the first book, this one takes it to another level because they have HISTORY now. So good. Rebel Witch is also one of the first books that uses a miscommunication trope in a way that I didn't find utterly obnoxious. They consistently worked to find common ground around the assumptions they were making about each other and I was loving it.

The plot was fast paced and twisty, we got to meet some new people and got to see old characters in a new light in a similar way that we had reveals in the first book which I loved! I really like when an author can work in circles this way, tying in characters and plot lines together to create tidy and intricate bows of story lines. I was so happy with how the plot and the characters evolved, the ending was so stressful but SO worth the cold sweat.

This was in my top 5 highly anticipated reads of this year and I am SO happy with how it unraveled. It will go down as a favourite duology of mine and I cant wait to pick it up one day and read it again.

ladies and gentle-giants, if you thought Crimson Moth was intense, buckle up—this right here takes everything to another level. betrayal, heartbreak, impossible choices ALL OF IT DAMN IT

in this sequel Rune is in survival mode. after being sold out by the guy she loved, she’s forced to team up with the ruthless Cressida Roseblood, who’s determined to bring witches back into power. Rune doesn’t trust her, but she also doesn’t have a choice. meeeeeeaaaaanwhile, Gideon Sharpe is still reeling from Rune’s betrayal—only to find out she’s now working with the very witch who made his life hell. he’s sworn to wipe out witches to protect the Republic, but when Rune makes him an offer he can’t ignore, the two are forced to work together, but that’s where things get complicated.....*SCREAMS IN AGONY*

their CHEMISTRY is electric, the kind that makes your heart ache. every interaction is dripping with tension, love, hate, longing, regret. their relationship is messy in the best way, full of emotional weight and lingering wounds. but beyond the romance, the book delivers high-stakes action, moral dilemmas, and a dark, immersive world where every decision has consequences. the writing is cinematic and gripping, making it impossible to put down. it’s the kind of story that keeps you on edge, wondering how it could possibly end in anything but disaste yet hoping for a miracle anyway.

if you love star-crossed lovers, intense political intrigue, and books that rip your heart out (in the best way), this finale is it. A MUST READ!!!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 FREAKING STARS!!!!!
thank you so much St. Martin's Press for granting me this wish. i can go to sleep happy now!

Thank you so much to Net Galley for an ARC copy of this book! It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, so I was so thrilled to get the ARC and dive in before release day. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but for me, Heartless Hunter is definitely my favorite of the duology. I'm starting to realize that there is a specific plot point that when combined with the miscommunication/lack of good communication trope just isn't my favorite, so because of that there was a small portion of the book that was a little slow for me, BUT, I know that so many people are going to absolutely love that! Once I hit the halfway point of the book I absolutely flew through second half! Yes, there were some things that were a little predictable, but that is something I typically expect with a YA book anyway, so I wasn't bothered by that. I had a good time with this book and will definitely continue to recommend this duology to our customers.

All you need to know is a witch and a witch hunter are in love. This series is so good. I think this one was even better than Heartless Hunter. If you like forbidden romance and good fantasy, this series is for you.

4.5 stars rounded up

The Heartless Hunter was one of my surprise favorites of last year, and when the Rebel Witch came available, I leapt for joy, excited to immerse myself in the world of Rune and Gideon again. The second installment in this duology did not let me down, as it is even more action packed than the first and was a very satisfying finale to the duology.

The tension between Gideon and Rune continues throughout this novel, with each of them alternating loving and hating the other during most of the book and the relationship coming to a heartstopping finale in the final chapters. The action was nearly non-stop as the two were relentlessly escaping one after another situation, culminating in a final scene that was terrifying and heartbreaking. My only criticism revolves around the finale, which I could not believe Gideon and Rune did not see coming--it was that obvious what was happening. Nonetheless, the ending was terrific, and I will continue to recommend both books to all my romantasy-loving friends.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC of Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli. The opinions in this review are my own.

This was a great finale, but the middle was admittedly a bit of a slog to get through. The beginning and ending were full of the banter, tension, intrigue, and fire that we all loved from the first book, but then towards the middle there was too much miscommunication and too many internal monologues, which put a damper on my fun. I got verrrrry sick of Rune and Gideon’s self-deprecating thoughts.

I mean… Gideon would basically get a boner from smelling Rune’s armpits, and then Rune would be like, “Omg, he is so disgusted by me because I’m a witch!” Meanwhile, Gideon would be like, “Man, if only she wasn’t in love with my brother and didn’t see me as poor trash.” It just kept going on and on for a while, and every time either of them said otherwise, they thought the other was lying. 🙄 It was frustrating and not fun (to me). I know these internal thoughts made sense based on the ending of the first book, but good grief—they were both salivating over each other every time they were anywhere near each other and just didn’t pay attention for way too long.

Then, from the middle toward the end, it got sooo much better. It was very predictable, but oh-so enjoyable. This became fun again, and I easily overlooked how I guessed every “twist.” At the end of the day, this duology is a hell of a lot of fun, and if you love enemies-to-lovers, witches, and exciting fantasy worlds with high stakes and lovable characters, then this will work for you!

Thank you, NetGalley & Wednesday Books, for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 🫶🏻 Also, thank you, Penguin Random House Audio! The audiobook was AMAZING for both this one and the first book. I highly recommend audio for this series (though maybe the internal monologues were even more insufferable to listen to on audio than they would have been in print—who knows).

I thoroughly enjoyed the lush world of this novel. Great characters and a compelling plot. A wonderful follow-up to the first book.

I received a temporary digital copy of Rebel Witch from NetGalley, Wednesday Books and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After leaving with Cressida, Rune finds herself engaged to the Continent's prince in exchange for an army to take back the Republic. Gideon will not be deceived again; with orders to kill on Rune on sight, Gideon is more than willing to kill her and ensure the witches do not take the Republic. However, in a moment of hesitation, Rune offers a partnership Gideon can't refuse. When confronted with the terror Cressida brings, one must question - is there a better option? Can a third path be forged for the Republic and its people?

Rebel Witch is a great ending to Rune and Gideon's story. The Crimson Moth series is fantastic and I highly recommend the series!

I AM SUCH AN EMOTIONAL BABY FROM LIKE ENTIRE LAST FOURTH OF THIS BOOK!
firstly, I will be forever grateful for receiving an ARC for Rebel Witch, thank you, thank you, thank you, truly. Quite literally made my entire year and will never get over it.

NOW, I loved this book & duology so so much. I was thoroughly hooked from the beginning to the end of this book and couldn’t put it down. I was holding off on reading Heartless Hunter until Rebel Witch came out, which Im so glad I did because, cliffhanger of course, but once I saw I had the ARC, I dove right in & read both of the books in less than 48 hours. UGH I LOVE LOVE LOVED THEM BOTH SO MUCH.
I loved Gideon & Rune and their dynamic. Loved their story and the enemies to lovers to enemies and BACK to lovers plot, ofc I was hoping for a happy ending but HONESTLY you never know, Im convinced one of these days Im going to be absolutely crushed by a storyline ending with only pain. And although I had a feeling Rune would be brought back to life by using Cressida to do it I WAS STILL GRIPPING MY PILLOW ALRIGHT. I was telling myself it’ll be a happy ending but I fully kept trying to convince myself that she will remain dead and we get no happy ending for Gideon & her. WHICH WOULDVE SUCKED OBVIOUSLY because of the emotional damage, but like what a heroic little ending it wouldve been. However I loved the whole scene with Seraphine & how she was the ancient Wisdom, then after saving Rune & how she was able to move on after. I figured she was there for a purpose involving Rune after she spoke to Rune about how something awoke in her early on, but idky I thought the ancient Wisdom was Antonio originally and not her😭😭😭 so I lovedddd with her coming in and saying “Little queen, I am incorruptible. I’m Wisdom, and Ive waited a long time for this.”
I wish we got to learn more about Rune’s abilities with her seeing the future, but I like books sometimes leaving certain aspects of the story left up to the readers own interpretations too. And I LOVED her seeing her future with Gideon & their three children, warmed my little fluttering heart. <3
Also chapter 33 was my favorite, it was just too good.

“Rebel Witch” wrapped up the Heartless Hunter duology well. It picked right up where book 1 ended, and finished the storyline with a nice bow on top. I did feel that it was more suited to be a “new adult” rating than a young adult fantasy. The language was overall mild, but the steamy scenes were a bit much in how they were described. The angst between Gideon and Rune was definitely young adult.
I felt like some of the reveals towards the end were almost the result of “Oh no! We need to add LGBTQ representation, and Seraphine’s true identity “. It didn’t feel like it was genuinely supposed to be there?
Overall, worth the read, and youth will be happy.

This book was everything I needed and more. Rune is seriously the badass bitch I strive to be everyday. And Gideon is just always so adorable and for some reason gives me the “can I keep you?” Vibes from Casper and I’m not mad about it either. On a serious note, I’m obsessed. Kristen always does such a phenomenal job bringing the stories to life and making you fall in love. And coming back in from that banger of a cliff hanger from book 1? It was perfection. It was an angle I was not expecting but wouldn’t have it any other way. This book was the perfect wrap up to such an amazing duology. I’m so thankful I was able to get this book early from netgalley. If you guys haven’t checked out this duology yet, go and read heartless hunter first and thank me later!😉

I might’ve liked this even more than the first book! Sure, some parts were predictable, others totally unexpected—but THIS is how you wrap up a duology. It’s YA, and yeah, a few moments felt repetitive, but I couldn’t put it down. Action-packed, edge-of-your-seat suspense, characters you’re fully invested in, and a perfect ending. What more could I ask for? Hunters, witches, magic, danger, banter, suspense, and side characters I actually connected with! SOLD!

Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press and Wednesday Books for providing an advanced reader’s copy 🤎

Thank you to @kristenciccarelli @stmartinspress @netgalley for the #gifted e-book and @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook.

The stunning conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology.

This book seamlessly picks up right where Heartless Hunter left off, thrusting us into the thrilling pursuit of Rune by Gideon. In a shocking twist, Gideon discovers Rune engaged to a prince who’s critically aligned with Cressida, the formidable Witch Queen, as she schemes to reclaim her city. With stakes higher than ever, Rune and Gideon unite to thwart Cressida’s plans for total domination.

The palpable tension between Rune and Gideon is electric. Each time one of them finds themselves in a perilous situation, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see how they would maneuver their way out. The story bursts forth with intensity and maintains its grip on the reader throughout. Packed with danger and intrigue, the pacing is expertly crafted to keep your attention rapt. I particularly appreciated how the characters were faced with morally challenging decisions, making their journey all the more compelling. The dual POVs of Rune and Gideon added profound depth to the narrative, immersing us deeply in their thoughts and emotions.

Having the opportunity to read and listen to this book was nothing short of incredible. The narrator truly brought the characters to life, infusing the story with her emotion and voice, enhancing the overall experience.

If you're a fan of fast-paced, exhilarating tales, this duology is a must-read.

Rebel Witch picks up a few months after the end of the first book, and we are immediately thrown back into captivating action and tension with Gideon and Rune. I love the dynamic between these two so much. They are peak enemies to lovers in that they actually want to, and try to, kill each other. The second book does have quiet a few more trope-y parts to their relationship, but I felt like these were incorporated well with the stories and weren’t just thrown in there to be in there. I was on the edge of my seat nearly the entire time I was reading this, and was shook at the ending. Both books in this series were five stars for me!

Having loved Heartless Hunter, I was thrilled to receive an eARC for Rebel Witch. This book picked right up where Heartless Hunter left off and it was the perfect conclusion.

I was immediately drawn right back into the world of Rune Winters, and I enjoyed seeing more of it as her and Gideon traveled throughout.

I liked the multi-faceted rebellion against Cressida and the coming together of groups of people who had been so sworn against one another.

My love for Rune and Gideon did not falter. The enemies to (again) lovers gripped me and I was so happy to see them end up together.

The ending felt whole and well written, with no unanswered questions or leaving me wanting.

This is a world I will miss but will surely revisit!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for my review.

Such a fun romantasy duology! Both books are fast-paced and easy to follow along. Definitely recommend this series if you want to dip your toes into romantasy.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

As much as I enjoyed book 1, I think book 2 is even better! The tension and banter is so delicious 🤤 this was a wild af ride and I devoured this! The ending was complete perfection!

My first publisher wish granted??? I have to start by saying that I was absolutely gutted that I couldn’t request this ARC as Heartless Hunter was absolutely one of my favourite reads last year and I legit recommended it to everyone! So I want to take the extra time to thank the publisher for granting my wish and allowing me to read this ARC.

I absolutely fell in love with Rune and the world building/magic system in the previous book and this absolutely did not disappoint in any way. I LOVED reading about Rune in Gideon in this sequel that was filled with suspension, tension and high stakes. Sequels have really been disappointing for me the last year so I’m so happy this was just as magical (pun fully intended) as the first book. The way in which the author creates romantic tension between these two mortal enemies is just so divine and watching Gideon slowly come around was so well done. This book had just the right amount of spice in it and I really appreciate an author that can write so much chemistry between two characters that it almost jumps off the page. I really liked how this book covered all the plot points established, wrapped them up nicely and left no loose ends. My sole criticism is that I WISH THERE WAS MORE TO READ 😭. I’m legit just so in love with this magic world and find it so unique. I would love to see another novel take place in this world or even a prequel book because I just want so much more time.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. “Rebel Witch” will be published February 18, 2025.