⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Book 2 in the Crimson Moth Duology. I enjoyed this series! This one had a little more enemies to lovers and on the run vibes than the first book. It’s set on a ship for the first half of it. The pace was fast and it’s easy to read.
If you enjoy witch + witch hunter books you will like it.

The stakes are higher than ever in Rebel Witch, the thrilling and romantic conclusion to Kristen Ciccarelli’s Crimson Moth duology. In this epic finale, Rune Winters, the witch who’s been on the run ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, betrayed her to their enemies, finds herself in a desperate alliance with the dangerous Cressida Roseblood. Cressida’s plan to reinstate a Reign of Witches is the only chance Rune has to survive. But allying herself with a woman as ruthless as Cressida comes at a price — one that could change everything.

Meanwhile, Gideon, the witch hunter who once loved Rune, is now determined to stop the witches at any cost, even if that means killing her. As the two are forced into a tense partnership, their old feelings resurface, and they are faced with an impossible choice: does Gideon sacrifice Rune to protect the world he fought for, or does he let her live and risk everything he’s worked for?

The plot is an intense mix of action, magic, and romance, with a focus on high emotional stakes and a gripping will-they-or-won’t-they tension between Rune and Gideon. The constant back-and-forth between these two characters, the betrayals, and the impossible choices they must make keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

As a huge fan of the first book in the Crimson Moth series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Rebel Witch, and it did not disappoint. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon is just as electric as in the first book, and I loved how the narrative picks up right where we left off, diving straight into the action and the complex emotions between our main characters. The banter, the tension, and the evolving romance between them were some of my favorite aspects of the story, keeping me hooked throughout.

What I really appreciated about this duology is its pacing. The world-building isn’t overly complex or overwhelming, and the story doesn’t drag on like many fantasy series tend to do. It strikes a perfect balance between depth and accessibility, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details. This makes it a perfect fit for readers who love a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy without the heavy world-building that sometimes makes other series feel tedious.

The conclusion is satisfying and emotional, with plenty of twists to keep things exciting. I was on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting how Rune and Gideon’s story would resolve, and I wasn’t let down. Ciccarelli does an excellent job of wrapping up all the character arcs while leaving the reader feeling fulfilled.

Overall, Rebel Witch is a fantastic conclusion to the Crimson Moth duology. If you enjoyed the first book, you’re sure to love this one as well. It’s a quick, engaging read with a perfect blend of romance, magic, and high-stakes drama. I’d highly recommend this two-book series to anyone who loves character-driven fantasy with heart, and especially for those who appreciate a good enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

For fans of the first book, you won’t be disappointed in how this series wraps up — and if you haven’t read the Crimson Moth duology yet, now is the time to dive in!

Rune is all set to marry a man she does not love for the good of helping her people fight back. Picking up months after the end of Crimson Moth, things appear to be going in the witch's favor as Cressida is on track to get an army, through Rune's fiancé, to take back their island home. Gideon, however, is eager to keep the evil that Cressida caused in the past from rising again. But is he strong enough to overcome the irresistible force that is Rune Winters? I almost wish this had been a trilogy so I could stay with Gideon and Rune a bit longer, but the pacing on this was perfect. Would I have put up with a man that on some level was willing to see me hanged and murdered? Absolutely not, but I think the way Ciccarelli wrote Gideon and Rune, it still worked. I liked seeing more of the world building in this and a fun reprisal of characters from the first book. Overall a very compelling read!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli is a captivating and atmospheric fantasy that plunges readers into a world of magic, rebellion, and self-discovery. Ciccarelli masterfully blends themes of personal growth, power, and identity with rich world-building and a gripping narrative. The protagonist’s journey to understand her magic and carve her own path is both relatable and inspiring, making for an empowering read.

Ciccarelli’s writing style is lush and immersive, with moments of tension and heart, while the secondary characters add depth and intrigue to the plot. Rebel Witch is a perfect choice for fans of character-driven fantasy with a strong, flawed heroine who faces not just external battles, but also her internal struggles.

I was so grateful to receive an ARC. thank you @kristenciccarelli, @netgalley, and @penguinrandomhouse

Heartless Hunter was one of my favorite books from last year so to say I was eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the story was an understatement. Once I picked this up, I could not put it down. Ciccarelli throws you back into the story so fast I had to go back and make sure I had started on the correct first chapter! One of my favorite things about this story is that it is a romance first and foremost. When the first book finished, I wasn't quite sure how she would get these two enemies turned lovers turned back to enemies back together. But I absolutely should not have doubted. Gideon is right on Rune's tail from page one and the back and forth, the cat and mouse game here was absolutely delicious. These two have a lot of issues to work through but I thought it was handled beautifully. We got so much forced proximity here I was foaming at the mouth. This is peak enemies to lovers and I wasn't sure until the last page that these two kids would make it work.

I do think in a lot of ways this story could have been a trilogy because there's a lot of information packed in here. At the end of the day though, the story here is a romance and in terms of the romance arc this duology absolutely delivered. I think my favorite part was the different arcs that Gideon and Rune take. They both have so much trauma and although we saw Gideon start to deal with is in the first book, Rune is really faced with everything head on in this book. Both characters remain just as smart and calculating as they were before and I loved how Ciccarelli found so many ways to pit them against each other. This book does not lack for sizzling chemistry and I also love the other characters we get to meet and the information that we get. And of course the couple of twists!

I adored this book and this duology and am absolutely sat for anything Ciccarelli writes in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was feral for Heartless Hunter. But with the way the cliffhanger went I thought there was going to be some world building necessary and I wasn’t sure this would live up to expectations. I was wrong. Ciccarelli found a way to bring the characters right back into the action while staying true to the cliffhanger. This was every bit as enjoyable as book one and solidified this series place into one of my favorite duologies category.

In a world where two-book series are so rare, Ciccarelli proves just how satisfying duologies can be.

Every scene felt so important to both books and, as a result, this was perfectly paced.

Rebel Witch picks up some time after the cliffhanger ending of Heartless Hunter. Once again, readers are dropped into the glamorous world of court intrigue and politics, glittering balls and dresses. The opening scene with Rune and Gideon is perfection - seriously, that’s how you start a book.

As they strike a deal and embark on a sea journey to solve a more short-term problem, they must quickly pivot to a higher-stakes conflict in the form of an evil Witch Queen…all while trying to deny their lingering feelings for one another and a curse meant to keep them apart.

Here’s what you can expect:
- Slow burn
- Espionage/double agents
- Sea voyage
- Enemies to lovers to enemies again to lovers
- Only one bed/forced proximity
- Unique magic

While I would recommend this book to any Romantasy lover, Ciccarelli’s duology would also be a great place for those new to fantasy/Romantasy to start. It’s accessible in its world-building, not *too* magical, and with excellent character work.

Thank you to St Martin’s and Wednesday Books for an eARC of this work in exchange for an honest review

I was absolutely hooked by the first book and was weary on how the second could follow up. Overall, Kristen Ciccarelli did not disappoint!
This is such a solid fantasy ya romance that will have readers devouring from first to final page.
I’m not the biggest third person storytelling fan, but this one is done well so you don’t feel like you’re being told instead of shown which wins big points from me.

I admit the first book didn't fully pull me in, but I wanted to see how the duology would conclude. I have to say the second book, Rebel Witch, hit it out of the park for me. The push and pull of will they or won't they between Rune and Gideon, the battle between witch hunters and witches, the continued world building, and so much more kept me deeply in the story this time. And that ending! I can honestly say I did not see it coming at the conclusion of book one.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

Also, the narration of the audio book (which I listened to after reading the ebook) is done very well.

4.5 Stars

Rebel Witch is a mesmerizing sequel to Heartless Hunter with even more tension, more stakes, and more banter and an ending that will satisfy readers.

This book is further proof that Kristen Ciccarelli is a master at balancing romance and fantasy. She doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the world-building or magic system in order to focus on the romance between Rune and Gideon. Instead, those elements help fuel the tension between these two. Add in excellent pacing and brilliant foreshadowing, and this book is definitely one of the best YA fantasy books I’ve read recently and one of the best romantasy books I’ve ever read.

While some plot threads were a little predictable, I think that just shows that Kristen did a great job setting everything up for the heart pounding climax and resolution. I also love that she was able to incorporate the “fake married couple” trope into the plot and give more depth to many side characters introduced in book one. It was so fun to see Rune five steps ahead of Gideon this time around.

There was a little bit too much back and forth between both Rune and Gideon and both of them constantly being captured/arrested by their enemies, then escaping, then being captured again only to find a way to escape. By the end it was a little exhausting. I also wish they had addressed the revelation about Rune’s magic more at the end, but overall, this is such a great sequel and I cannot wait to reread and revisit this world and these characters soon.

*Rebel Witch* by Kristen Ciccarelli had some interesting moments, but ultimately, I found it to be a bit predictable and frustratingly over-explanatory. The book's premise is solid, and there’s definitely potential in the story, but I could easily guess where things were headed, which made it hard to stay fully immersed. The lack of surprises or twists left me wanting more in terms of depth and complexity.

What really took me out of the story, though, was how the book explained things in a way that felt almost condescending at times. It often laid out ideas so plainly and repeatedly, as if the reader couldn’t figure things out for themselves. It took away from the sense of discovery that I was hoping for, and instead, it felt like the narrative was spoon-feeding me information rather than letting me interpret or engage with the themes on my own.

While *Rebel Witch* had some interesting concepts, the predictability and the overly explanatory tone made it hard for me to fully connect with the story. It’s an enjoyable read if you're looking for something light and straightforward, but it didn’t offer the kind of depth I was hoping for.

Overall, I loved this book.
After the ending of the first book, I was at a complete loss as to how Ciccarelli would continue the enemies to lovers trope without getting stuck in the enemies zone.

This book did not disappoint. I was actually surprised multiple times and wish that there were more books in this world!

Wow, what a conclusion!
I loved everything about this. The fast-pacing of this book kept me on my toes and Gideon and Rune finally coming to see eye to eye is so good and so heartbreaking at the same time.

I'm really really sad that this is over and I really wish we could get a novella of the world after the war has ended.

I'm excited to see what this author writes next. Usually, I bypass books with witches. Most of the time, I find they don't hold my interest. Heartless Hunter and Rebel Witch are very much exceptions to the rule.

Can't wait for it's official release!

I waited so (im)patiently for Rebel Witch since reading and absolutely loving Heartless Hunter. This book did not disappoint and was definitely worth the wait. The adventures of Rune and Gideon are such a wild ride and I love immersing myself in their story. It's the best kind of emotional rollercoaster, causing feelings of anxiety, joy, devastation, excitement, love and hate... It is so easy to sit down with this book and consume it in one sitting. Every chapter left me being unable to hold off on starting the next one, I had to know what came next. The world-building is immersive, the character arcs are complex, the plot is clever and addictive and I absolutely recommend Rebel Witch to any and all book lovers - be sure to read Heartless Hunter first!

Ahhhhhhhh!!!! I love this duet!!! This one was sooooo good!! I am HERE for the “will they - won’t they” and the forbidden aspect of the relationship which was very prevalent for most of this book as well!! The story moves along great! I just love this duet. :)

#1 New York Times Bestselling YA!!

This is a YA title I recommend for fantasy loving adults as well.

Congratulations @kristenciccarelli on your incredible bestselling duology The Crimson Moth!

𝒮𝓎𝓃𝑜𝓅𝓈𝒾𝓈

Rune Winters is in exile with the surviving witches under the cruel control of the witch queen Cressida Roseblood. Rune is to create an alliance through marriage so troops can be mustered to take back the Republic, but Gideon Sharpe is determined to end the cruel witch’s rule once and for all to protect everyone he loves. The only problem is that Gideon loves Rune. Will they sacrifice each other to get what they want?

𝑀𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈

Rune Winters is one of my favorite main characters. Fierce and fearless, I have enjoyed every heist and escapade. Rebel Witch had me on the edge of my seat, but I was very satisfied with the heart stopping and strong conclusion to this duology.
I will purchase this duology for my high school collection, and I recommend this as an entertaining fantasy world to escape into.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

QOTD: Do you consult best seller lists to inform your reading choices? What is your favorite place to get reading recommendations?

#newyorktimesbestseller #fantasybooks #thecrimsonmoth #heartlesshunter #rebelwitch #witchbooks #duologybooks #duology #bestsellingbooks #currentlyreading #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations

In my opinion, The Crimson Moth is one of the best duologies. 🙌 This is also the rare instance where the second book is even better than the first! Again, I loved the dynamic of what it is like to love an officer. While I guessed one of the twists about halfway through the novel, I did not see the ending coming. Just 🔥🔥🔥 all around. I'm sad to see this series go and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

"But it didn't matter, because so long as Gideon was on her side, so long as they were a team, there was nothing she couldn't do."

While it wasn’t AS good as the first book, and there was quite a bit of predictability, it was still excellent end to this duology! Another fast paced page turner. I just adore Rune and Gideon’s chemistry!

Rating: 4.5/5
I received the eARC for my honest opinion.

If you’re looking for a book that is a romantasy, YA, that has witches and witch hunters, great chemistry and enemies to lovers, you need to pick up this duology because wow this book went past my expectations. I loved the wrap up of the book, but I was ready for a wild and emotional road. This book picks up right where book one left off, and it really doesn’t slow down. I loved all the action/adventures that the characters had to do, I loved the romance in this book because it really was like enemies to lovers (I mean one of them hunts and kills the other kind). I found that I was able to connect better with the characters in this book.

I loved that in book 1, I was drawn in and I loved it but, in this book, I was fully immersed in everything that the characters were doing and all the secrets and betrayals that come to light in this book. I didn’t want this book to end, I loved all the twists and turns that the author took to really let the readers be able to connect with the characters and to feel all their emotions. I really felt for Rune and Gideon, all they wanted was to be with each other but everything and everyone was trying to keep them away from each other. I enjoyed the journey that they both had to go through in order to make it their happiness. I loved getting to see the healing that the characters had to go through, even the side characters and can we talk about that shocking revelation!!! OMG, I loved how that came out of the book. I was OMG, for real! I loved seeing the characters show their feelings and how much they mean to each other in this book.

I will cherish this book, and I can’t wait to see what this author will give us next.

I want to thank NetGalley and SMP for the opportunity to review this book.

If you like a good YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy that is a quick read, the Crimson Moth duology may be for you. Imagine The Scarlet Pimpernel if the Scarlet Pimpernel were a witch and Chauvelin is a witch hunter, but they fall in love instead of truly being enemies.