This was one of my most anticipated sequels and when I saw it on NetGalley I requested it so fast and once I SOMEHOW GOT ACEPTED I started reading it almost immediately because The Crimson Moth was a 5 star for me so this had absolutely HUGE expectations and not only did it meet them it surpassed them. I really didn't think the sequel would be better but oh my lord it IS and I am absolutely stunned and speechless. THIS is how you do a sequel.

I read this within 24 hours and every moment I wasn't reading it I was thinking about how much I want to read it. I cannot wait till February as I am planning on doing a re read of The Crimson Moth and then a re read of this and annotating both because that is HOW GOOD THEY ARE.

The banter, the tension, the pining, the yearning, the characters, the plot, the pacing all absolutely PERFECT. I could not have asked for anything better truly? The stakes were high, the will they/won't they was strong, even the side characters were FULLY fleshed out and has their own personalities and plots it was absolutely PHENOMENAL.

The tropes include:
✨ Forbidden Love
✨ Fake marriage
✨ Who did this to you
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Dagger to the throat

And even though I strongly believe a book shouldn't be defined, judged or rated by its tropes it is FANTASTIC when the tropes also HIT. The plot kept me entertained and took me by surprise at points, Rune and Gideon are EVERYTHING TO ME. Their love and romance is EVERYTHING TO ME, their character and self development is EVERYTHING TO ME.

My heart was broken, tears were streaming down my face, I would love to read more from these characters but I also fully believe this is the PERFECT wrap up to the duology and I could not have asked for anything more. Thank you Kristen Ciccarelli for giving me that feeling and giving me these characters and their stories. This is what books are about and this is what reading is about.

I loved Heartless Hunter last year, so this has been one of my most anticipated 2025 book releases - and it did not disappoint. Rebel Witch is such a great conclusion to this duology. This book has great pacing, high stakes, political intrigue, a deliciously slow burn enemies to lovers romance, and complex, layered characters. If you enjoyed Heartless Hunter, you will love this one. If you haven't started this duology yet, what are you waiting for?!

wait, cause why was this so. damn. GOOD?! this book was a million times better than book one (which i did like), but the author somehow managed to fit so much into this without it feeling like there were pieces missing. words can’t describe how much Rune grew on me, her character arc was incredible and the romance was everything i wanted it to be and more. the plot is action packed and doesn’t let up, something about this duology is just so compulsively readable. all the stars.

i liked that the author didn’t keep Rune and Gideon apart for long, they’re at each others throats from the jump and there was a bit more of that cat/mouse dynamic that i loved from the first book. Rune went through a lot over the course of the story and it was really interesting to me to see her sort of broken down, especially since she had been seen by everyone around her as nothing other than a forced to be reckoned with. she also is the one who takes the initiative when it came to rekindling things with Gideon, even though he had his own ways of showing her his love and devotion. there’s so many scenes in here that stood out to me and a few reveals that i wasn’t expecting at all. the ending hit me right in the feels, the lengths these two would go to for each other and the things they’d be willing to give up to guide the other back into the light was genuinely killing me in the best (and) every way. i still am of the opinion that these read more NA than YA for several different reasons but I’m just so glad that i didn’t have any issues with the way the author chose to wrap up Rune and Gideon’s story. something about this book just worked so well for what i needed at the time.. obsessed bye!

Rebel Witch picks up where The Heartless Hunter left off. I still love the witch x witch hunter romance aspect. Rune and Gideon are true enemies and I absolutely love their banter and back and forth. Even though I didn’t love Rebel Witch as much as The Heartless Hunter, I thought this was a satisfying conclusion to the duology. This felt a little rushed. I think the plot could’ve been tidied up a little. There’s a ton of plot points and many of them were solved too easily and conveniently. Still a solid 4 star read and I can’t wait to see what Kristen Ciccarelli writes next!

The emotional turmoil I just experienced will not soon be forgotten. Everything that I loved in book one was completely amplified in book two. The tension, the stakes, the longing! Kristen Ciccarelli has done an amazing job at keeping me on my toes through out this duology. There were definitely some amazing surprises in Rebel Witch! I am honestly just sad that it’s over! I don’t want to leave this universe quite yet.

Kristen Ciccerelli completed Gideon and Rune’s epic fantasy romance and it did not disappoint. In the age where fantasy romance series go on and on for at least five books or more, I have to say that it was so refreshing to enjoy a two-book duology in The Crimson Moth series.

I was enthralled with the rebellious witch and the witch hunter who fell for her in Heartless Hunter and was so happy to see that these enemies could get their happily ever after in Rebel Witch.

Heartless Hunter was left on quite the cliffhanger and Rebel Witch picked right up with Rune trying to protect her fellow witches and Gideon set on assassinating her to prevent witches from returning to power. So in case it’s not obvious, Rebel Witch cannot be read as a standalone.

While Gideon and Rune were enemies in the previous book who happened to fall in love, in this book they are enemies once more though trying to manage their feelings that just won’t go away.
I loved how they both had to wrestle with feeling what was “right” to protect those they loved while also knowing that they had to betray the love of their life.

While it’s easy for me as the reader to just want to yell “just tell him/her how you feel!” it wasn’t so easy for them to do on the page so there was a lot of untrust and back and forth at the beginning.

I could honestly understand both Gideon and Rune’s position so you weren’t sure how they were going to solve the problem of Cressida, the evil witch, who Cicerrelli painted as truly evil without making me too uncomfortable.

Ultimately this book is about the warring emotions between Gideon and Rune which were clearly described on the page and had me hooked.

Pacing definitely increased towards the end of the book and I loved how evil was finally defeated. I would have loved to learn more about the Ancients however I didn’t feel like this book got bogged down with excessive world building which was refreshing.

If you are a romantasy lover looking for a quick series to devour, I recommend the Crimson Moth series.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This series is a fun, easy YA read. While I wish the world-building and magic system were explored in more depth, I appreciate this story for what it is. Its focus is on the characters and their romance and those parts are handled in interesting, enjoyable ways. The push and pull between the main characters and the double-crossing make for a perfect will-they-or-won't-they read.

The 3 stars here aren't a knock against the story in any way, I think this is a perfectly enjoyable book, but it was very straightforward. It is great for YA audiences and certainly belongs on lists for romantasy readers, but it doesn't provide the same level of depth (in terms of world and lore) as, say, a Fourth Wing or Sarah J. Maas book.

I was immersed from the beginning, there was nothing I could do as I let the story sink its claws deeper inside me, keeping me trapped until I flipped the last page. And what a last page it was. Explosive. Satisfying. Absolutely everything Rune and Gideon deserved.

Kristen has done it again and crafted such a wonderful masterpiece. She seamlessly wove both Rune and Gideon’s POVs together, making their perspectives flow effortlessly and maximizing the feel of the tension between them.

One of the things I loved was how Kristen Ciccarelli didn’t waste time keeping Rune and Gideon apart. No frustrating, dragged-out separation—no, from the moment this book started, it was instant yearning, and oh my gods, the banter was perfection. Every scene between them had me kicking my feet like an unhinged romantic, because the tension?? The emotion?? Immaculate.

This book was the exact, heart-racing, magic-infused finale these two deserved, and I’m so not ready to say goodbye. I’ll undoubtedly be re-reading and manifesting a spin-off. 😭✨

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I enjoyed this wrap up to the Crimson Moth duology. It gave the answers needed after the first book, and I found the wrap up to be satisfying.

It was clear it was the same world and characters. It was a bit repetitive, but the pacing was good due to the many ‘action’ sequences. Gideon and Rune’s thoughts about “does s/he like me, does s/he not” were a big part of this one, and much of the conflict could’ve been solved with clear communication. I would’ve liked them to have those conversations and work on the trust aspect but alas, it was not what happened. Their wrap up felt a bit rushed.

Fans of romantasy, books with witches, and books that give you a fun read will enjoy this one.

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025! Having enjoyed the first in this duology, I had high hopes that this one would cement it as amazing and wipe any doubts from my mind. Because although I enjoyed the first, I didn’t love it.

Unfortunately this one fell in the same category. So much potential, fantastic storyline and unique world of magic and witches. But it just never sparked. There was something missing - might have been the lack of an amazing setting, some more descriptive writing would have helped I think. Plus the main characters relationship felt a bit like a ping pong match (I hate you/I love you, I can’t stay/I can’t stay away etc) and I grew a tad tired of them.

Still, I can appreciate why this series is loved, it’s probably a mood thing and for some reason I just didn’t click with it. So many of my like minded bookstagrammers did so I am definitely in the minority here. Thank you to @wednesdaybooks for my early copy!

💛 Rebel Witch by @kristenciccarelli

🩸 “Love doesn’t sully you,” she said. “Love purifies you.”

🪡 If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell. Kissing Rune was like a realignment. There was before, when everything was off its axis. And there was after, when everything was steady and right.

💛 This book picks up right where Crimson Moth leaves off. The ending of Crimson Moth was brutal, and I think we’ve all been ready for answers. Trust me- You will get them!

🩸 The chemistry between Gideon and Rune is really the star of the show here. There’s forced proximity, one bed, fake relationship, betrayal, jealousy, and so much more. They have become one of my favorite book couples. This duology did enemies to lovers SO RIGHT. 👏🏻

🪡 As I mentioned in the graphic, you will not be bored! This book is so action packed. I had to force myself to put it down and go to bed, otherwise I would have been up until 2AM finishing this.

Do you ever have a book that you're committed to loving no matter what?

The Heartless Hunter was one of my favorite reads from last year and with the cliffhanger ending I have been dying for the next book. This books gets 5⭐️ for the vibes! Unfortunately, the plot wasn't quite there. I was not objective at all when reading this book, so I can't really give an objective review. I know I was willing to overlook pieces of the plot that I would normally be critical of because in my head I had already decided to love this book no matter what. A lot happened in this book. Maybe too much. The pacing was a little all over the place and the plot jumped around quite a bit. It wasn't what I expected but I did devour this book in one sitting.

I received an eARC of this book from Wednesday Books and NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This is such a great continuation of the series! I really enjoyed the politics of the two enemy sides fighting for power, with Rune and Gideon caught in the middle of it. It had great tension, and I was entertained all the way through.

I loved seeing Rune and Gideon's relationship grow too. They both have some great character growth separately that helps them become closer together. However, they stayed enemies for a little too long in this book for me. I wanted them to trust each other a lot sooner than they did.

Overall, this is such a great, witchy duology. I'm so glad I read it! I think so many people will love this conclusion.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Wednesday Books, for the arc!

Content: one open door scene

It's not very often that you can say book 2 of a series is just as good as book 1. But in this case, it definitely is! This had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! While there were times I was frustrated with the main character, that was intentional on the authors part. I really enjoyed the writing and story - this would be a great older YA and a wonderful anyone book!

"You get the world you're willing to fight for."

In the much anticipated conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, Ciccarelli brings us along a cross-continental adventure filled with a will-they-won't-they romance between a witch hunter and a witch.

This was a solid sequel, expanding the world, developing the relationships, and revealing hidden backstories. I was pleasantly surprised by how much tension there was left to squeeze in the romance after where book 1 left off.

Well, that was fun! The final installment in The Crimson Moth Duology did not disappoint. Rune and Gideon were back at it again and I had a blast following along in the -are they going to kiss each other or kill each other- saga. This was a perfect bingeable Valentine’s Day read and I am so thankful for the digital ARC wish granted by @netgalley and @stmartinspress!

Rebel Witch will be released on February 18 and I know readers will delight in the conclusion of this tale!

Thank you, Wednesday Books, St. Martins Press, and Netgalley, for the advanced copy.
I’m just a girl standing here screaming how much I loved this book!
Please note that this review is spoiler-free for both books in the duology, but the books absolutely need to be read in order.

With the world-building (and my emotional investment) well established in the first book, we return to an even higher-stakes conflict told in the alternating POV of Rune and Gideon.

Immediately, everything I loved about 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 has returned, and then some. The tension, the banter, fast- paced action filled plot, their cat-and-mouse dynamics as they try to outmaneuver each other while denying their ever-growing emotional connection—the complicated nature of their relationship is intoxicating—I couldn't help but binge this book!

I found myself smiling at Ciccarelli's clever plotting. She left us tiny breadcrumbs, and I ate them up! However, the twists had me stressing over how things would turn out.

The romance here felt even more anguished, with the multiplying, innumerable forces pulling them apart. This is true enemies to lovers, and it is delightful. This is YA/NA with some suggestive but nondetailed moments, which really allowed their emotional connection to shine.

Their relationship only added to the political strife centering the fantasy plot. I enjoyed learning more about the witches and their magic, and the ruling dynamics were easy to comprehend. The added layers in the second book made sense and helped drive the plot.

Overall, this delivered everything I could want in a conclusion and then some! I loved both books so much!

I just completely vibed with this book and cannot wait for you all to experience it!

A great follow-up to Book 1 - a lot of will they/won't they which got a teeny bit repetitive, but overall a fantastic romantasy novel. Would highly recommend to fans who don't want any open-door scenes. Would definitely read more of this author.

A deadly game of secrets, betrayals, and feelings unfolds in the stunning conclusion in the duology featuring a witch and a witchhunter caught between their lies, secrets, and the undeniable love between them... if only they weren't trying to kill each other and betray each other at every turn. Picking up where the first book left off, Rune is forced to join forces with Cressida, the very witch who tortured and abused Gideon, in order for Rune to try and regroup and find a way to save the other witches despite how much she dislikes Cressida. Gideon is recovering from Rune's betrayal and the fact that his brother died... and had been engaged to Rune, the witch he turned in and nearly killed... but also the very woman who stole his heart and crushed it. Gideon's new mission is to find and kill Rune or be labeled a witch sympathized and killed. When Gideon spots Rune again and they come to face one another... things get out of hand and Rune is forced to decide whether to save Gideon from Cressida's grip and face punishment or go along with it... and it's an easy chose for her because despite how much she hates to admit it, she still loves Gideon despite the fact that he tried to kill her. After rescuing Gideon, he tells her Cressida's true plans...that Cressida is determined to resurrect her two evil witch sisters but that means Cressida has to find the last remaining blood relative and kill her to go forth with the resurrection. Neither Rune or Gideon want that to happen so they must find a way to work together to stop Cressida.... but that means trying to trust each other and evade capture from both sides... and the fact that they both are hurting from their betrayals of each other yet yearning to be together. I loved this book and this series altogether. The romance, the tension, the angst, it was such a beautifully written fast paced story. The ending was perfect. I loved how much romance was in this one but also how much healing both Gideon and Rune had to do, they were perfect for each other. This was such an enchanting series that grabbed me from the very first page until the last. It was such a thrilling read and the way Kristen writes is so good. I truly couldn't get enough of this series and can't wait to see what Kristen writes next!!!

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[arc review]
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Rebel Witch releases February 18, 2025

This story takes place two months after the events in <i>Heartless Hunter</I>, with Cressida teaming up with the Umbrian prince to secure an army, and Rune attempting to locate the fourth Roseblood heir in order to stop the resurrection of Cressida’s sisters.

If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers duology with forced proximity, one bed, and faking a marriage, then this fits the bill. Personally though, I found that Rune and Gideon were too wishy-washy as characters and read like they were in a constant state of having an identity crisis.
Was she the shallow aristocrat? Or the rebellious witch who could challenge Gideon?
Did they want to commit to betraying one another while using seduction as a way to gain the upper hand? Or were they stuck second guessing their feelings, succumbing to their insecurities?
I honestly expected the main characters to have had a more established and definitive sense of self at such a late stage in the story.
The alternation of Rune and Gideon’s chapters became repetitive, and I wish there would’ve been a third pov from the opposing side (i.e. Cressida) to provide more dimension.

Furthermore, Gideon’s quick switch up from loyally participating in a genocide against witches, to then suddenly admitting that the New Republic has been ruling as a tyranny and him now wanting to live in a world as equals, was both laughable and disingenuous.
He’s not okay with the Republic’s authoritarian control and is hungry for something else? Where was this energy from him 50-100 pages ago?

So much of this installment consisted of me searching for a solid footing to land on, and it took way too long to get there.