Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This was a nice and quick easy read! I would rate this a solid 3 stars. To be honest, it was alright, but nothing spectacularly amazing. It was a very average copy of other similar witch/witchhunter books. Guessed the ‘betrayal’ (if you can call it that, it was more of a hidden identity) very quickly, so it had very little payoff.
Maybe it’s because I’ve read lots of similar books or maybe it’s just not my style of book. But this one was very similar to a lot of other YA books I’ve read and because of this I felt kind of bored by it. I didn’t gel with any of the characters as they were all quite one dimensional. I won’t be reading the sequel.

How was this so good?

I was quite worried when I started this book. The blurb sounded pretty similar to Serpent & Dove, having the whole witch x witch hunter plot and while I did enjoy that trilogy, I have no need of reading the exact same thing again. I also wasn't that big of a fan of Kristen Ciccarelli's The Last Namsara, so overall my expectations were low.
Oh, what a surprise I was in for.

The plot is relatively simple and the blurb explains it well. There weren't many surprises, but it was very well written. Beautiful language, lots of emotion, amazing descriptions. I expected to spend quite a long time on this, but I couldn't put it down.

I really loved the world building. Witches aren't something new or special, but the way of working spells by using blood was very nicely done. I liked the signatures, I liked the casting scars. I liked the little things Rune did to hide her magic. Very good.

The relationship between Gideon and Rune was fantastic! I loved how smart both of them were. This kind of plot often gets build up by characters making stupid mistakes or simply not realising what's right in front of them, but the two of them were absolutely brilliant! It was so much fun to see them plot and try to trick the other.
The romance was also beautiful and I loved it. There wasn't any surprise to it either, it went exactly as I expected it to, but it was so good anyway!

The ending, while overall not that surprising, did have a couple of nice (or perhaps not that nice) twists and now I really want to read the next instalment!

This book was a huge surprise for me and I'm really happy with the way it went.

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Everyone has been talking about this title and I was so excited at the chance to review this before book release. I loved the premise..witch and a witch hunter going head to head and falling in love? Sign me up for every enemies to lover story haha. I enjoyed the banter and the backstory development. But where it lacked a bit lustre for me was the plot development.

The villain (aka Cressida) is described so heinous and I love a really evil villain to challenge the MCs. But somewhere in between she stopped being a terrifying creature and the focus went in a different direction. The miscommunication trope felt bit cliché and derailed the story for me. And I think the juxtaposition of the old meets new world building kept me wondering in which time period the story was set it. The language read very modern while the setting seemed more old timey.

Overall still an interesting take on witches, I will pick up the sequel to see how it ends.

Special thanks to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for providing me an advance copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review!

SO GOOD!!!! What am I going to do now until book 2????? Thank you for the opportunity to read The Crimson Moth. I’ve already uploaded a tiktok about it, and posted a separate good reads review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great story, if you're looking for a book with:

✅️ Enemies to lovers
✅️ Witches and witch hunters
✅️ slow burn romance
✅️ Realistic magic system

This story is based around Rune, a witch hiding who she really is in a world where witches are purged. She hides herself as an upper-class girl who only cares about material things when underneath it she's nothing like that and is helping to try and save her kind from being killed. The fact that in this book the magic system was different to what you find in a lot of other stories really helped too, I like the fact there's not just unlimited power and that all magic and spells has a cost. None of the characters in this book are perfect and all have their own faults which is refreshing and the story is told so well that you can see the good and bad points to both sides of this fight. You start off wanting to dislike Gideon, but as you learn his story you begin to see why he is like he is and the sweet side of him hidden behind that gruff blood guard exterior. There's plenty of close calls and twists throughout and the ending leaves you wanting more as Gideon and Rune once again become enemies. I can't wait to see how the story continues in the next book and see how Gideon and Rune's story concludes.

Thank you so much for the chance to read this ARC, the above review has been left on goodreads already and will be posted on Amazon a few days after release once reviews are able to be left on there.

<i><b>”I will never stop hunting you, Rune Winters. No matter where you go, I will come for you."</b></i>

Enemies to lovers duology that will leave you wanting more!!


<u>Tropes</u>
• Enemies to lovers
• Slow burn
• Steamy Cat & Mouse game
• Forbidden magic
• Dual POVs
• witch hunt



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really liked this novel a lot and really connected with Rune on being/feeling different and trying to pretend to be someone you aren’t to fit in. I loved her bada** personality and becoming a witch vigilante, known as the Crimson Moth. The slow burn romance was killing me between Rune and Gideon but it was so perfect for the story. There were so many twist and turns that left you in disbelief and some leaving you second guessing! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy and I’m in need of the second novel!!

<b>Thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Ciccarelli, and Harper Collins UK for the chance to read and review this e-arc in exchange for an honest review! All thought and opinions remain my own.</b>

Unfortunately this book didn't work for me and I didn't finish it. Here are a few reasons why:
- I found the writing to be repetitive, especially when it came to plot points being rehashed;
- I didn't feel any real connection to the characters and I wish they would have been more layered and complex;
- The plot was predictable;
- The romance didn't do anything for me.

All in all I wasn't the right reader for it. I'd still recommend (with caveats) to YA readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers fast-paced stories.

In the mesmerising narrative of 'Crimson Moth,' we are immersed in a realm where the aftermath of a revolution has transformed witches from powerful rulers into persecuted outcasts. Rune, the central character, manoeuvres through this dangerous terrain, adopting a dual identity – a seemingly superficial socialite during the day and the enigmatic Crimson Moth, a nocturnal witch vigilante. The plot takes a fascinating twist when Rune, confronted with the challenges of her covert mission, chooses to engage Gideon Sharpe, a notorious witch hunter devoted to the revolution. Thus, the intricate dance between Rune and Gideon begins, driven by unexpected emotions, tension and heart-rendering longing, an aspect of the book which I found to be so compelling and introduces us to layers of complexity to this super dynamic story. Moreover, as the characters grapple with their own biases and allegiances, the boundaries between hero and villain become increasingly blurred. In my opinion, Cicarelli adeptly blends fantasy, romance, and suspense, crafting a vivid tapestry of a world where magic and intrigue intersect. I really liked how the narrative maintains a dynamic pace, holding readers in suspense as Rune's dual life gradually unfolds, and I loved how this was paired with some really great character development, with Rune and Gideon revealing concealed dimensions beneath their initial facades.

Although, I must admit that my heart truly belonged to Alex and Rune’s unconditional friendship that was just so intricately crafted and I absolutely fell in love with their dynamic. And did I mention that Alex is my favourite character?!?! I just have a thing for the good loyal guys who aren’t mysterious or morally grey but are the ultimate green flag! For me, Alex’s character was a beautiful embodiment of what it means to love someone wholeheartedly and truly. No spoilers, but I cried at that ending.

Overall, Crimson Moth stands out as a captivating exploration of identity, love, and family. The author's prose effortlessly transports readers into a realm where beauty and darkness harmonize, leaving them eagerly anticipating the unfolding of the narrative and screaming for the next book to be released.

I'm actually shocked how much I enjoyed this.

Because I've been reading more bad ARCs than good lately, I anticipated this to be just as lackluster. But then I really started to get into the worldbuilding, the hard magic system, and the dynamic between the leads. This absolutely consumed me.

One thing especially that got to me was how morally gray the world was. The witches previously were the ruling class in this world until the common people usurped them via bloody revolution. In Rune's perspective, this revolution was a tragedy because it was the eradication of her people and her culture, but in Gideon's POV, we start to learn how oppressive they were to the common people, the cruelty inflicted upon him and some others (Only one other character is confirmed to have had a abusive relationship with a witch, but it's implied this was how it was generally between witches and non-witches before the story) being what drove the revolution in the first place. This was a interesting twist on their dynamic, because both have valid reasons for upholding/dismantling the New Republic. I only wish it was explored a little bit more, going further in depth of what the world was like before the revolution. I'm hoping it'll be explored more in the sequel, but what we got by itself got me hooked.

It is because of this worldbuilding that made Rune and Gideon's romance so good. Between the cat-and-mouse game they're playing and the genuine feelings they grow due to coming to understand why one hated the other, I actually found myself enjoying an enemies-to-lovers pairing, which is huge, considering my vocal distain for them in the past.

All in all, this is such a good read that'll sink its teeth in you. There is a lot of gore, self-harm (For magic purposes), and discussions of past sexual abuse, so if you are okay reading that, then I fully recommend you pick this up, as it could be a contender for being amongst the best romantasy books this year.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely loved this book and wow was I not expecting the twist at the end.

The female main character is perfect in every way. So many layers.

I love the fact she's a witch, he's a witch hunter and each of their back stories and how it brings them together.

The tension is spot on and I cannot wait to read the 2nd book and see how it's all going to unfold.

Fantasy romance done right5 stars

The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli is the first book in a duology about a witch and a witch hunter in a fake courtship. It is fast paced romantic fantasy with my all time favourite trope: enemies to lovers. The premise reminded me of Serpent and Dove and whilst fans of that series will definitely enjoy this book, I found The Crimson Moth to be incredibly unique and superbly executed.

The Crimson Moth follows the story of Rune, a witch who has taken up the role of vigilante. In a world where being a witch is punishable by death, Rune seeks to save other witches from the Blood Guard. She makes the decision to seduce the Captain of the Guard, beginning a game of cat and mouse.

I absolutely adored this book, from the world building to the character development, I was completely entranced! I am highly looking forward to reading the sequel.

2 years ago, revolutionaries killed the witch queens in their beds and brought in the age of the New Republic. In the bloodshed, Rune Winters turned her own grandmother over to the blood guard and marked herself as a republic hero and traitor to witches. Now she atones by smuggling witches off the island while maintaining a ruse as a shallow socialite. In order to obtain intel on where the bloodguard are keeping a witch, Rune must court the bloodguard captain, Gideon Sharpe, without losing her heart.

I loved how both Rune and Gideon were written. They were each very grounded, and have backstories that make it difficult to say whether the witches or revolutionaries are wrong. The side characters - especially Rune's friends Verity and Alex - felt well written with their own agendas instead of just supporting the main characters.

I really liked how the romance played with the enemies to lovers trope. I actually think it's better described as the Dating Catwoman trope - romantic in public, enemies in secret. It's an interesting dynamic that I don't see a lot of in YA and I loved the cat and mouse game they played.

I finished the second half in one sitting as I was so invested! I could see some of the reveals coming, but others took me by surprise. My first thought when I finished was "I can't believe I have to wait for the next book".

As for the audience, this is definitely for upper YA. There's some triggers to be aware of before reading (sexual abuse, physical abuse, substance abuse) plus a small bit of spice.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins/Magpie for the ARC!

I'm still buzzing and all the emotions are swirling inside me into one emotional mess after finishing The Crimson Moth.
Taking a deep breath and starting with the basics. The Crimson Moth is the first installment of the series, with an absolutely stunning cover!😍 This captivating story immerses us in a time when a revolution leaves all witches and their sympathizers persecuted and purged by the Blood Guards. Living with her regrets and burden from that dark day, Rune is making it her mission to save every witch that she can by sneaking them from under the Blood Guards noses. Playing the vain and shallow aristocrat is the perfect ruse for her mission and the vigilante, The Crimson Moth.
Gideon is a feverish follower of the revolution and the most dangerous witch hunter there is.
But ironically, they both have to get close to each other to get what they want….the game of cat and mouse begins….but with dangerous consequences for the smallest misstep.
The amazing backstory of the characters that not only pulls your heart strings in all possible ways, but also makes the misunderstanding situations so wonderful and natural because of their past and the way it shaped their character and thinking. All that combined with dual POV gives us the full and immersive feeling to enjoy the story to the maximum.
As I said, so many emotional moments, with plenty of twists and turns and outsmarting the enemy, but also breathtaking chemistry between the love interests that I can only describe as deliciously painful. Because being together for them is a dance between opening old wounds, one of them or both getting hurt…while stealing small precious and tender moments between them❤️
After that heartbreaking ending, I need book two as a lifesaver, and I'll count the days to dive back in this world❤️

Thank you for giving me this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review post to all places will be posted close to release date and licks will be added here.

Absolutely 5/5 🌟

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I loved the characters and the setting.
This was enemies to lovers, witches and witch hunters, blood magic fantasy, the magic system I really loved, imagine doing these magic spells on your body with blood and the scars become white tattoos. So cool!

The book was so well written, great characters that were all fleshed out superbly as well as location, you could imagine being there.

I really liked that this was an enemies to lovers but not a spicy book, so it was bubbling away nicely but the focus was on the main blood magic witch/witch hunter world.

I couldn’t stop reading, the story was brilliant and I cannot wait ( it’s going to be hard) to read the second book after the ending on this…

ARC Rating 5/5 ⭐️

Wow. Wow. Wow!! Loved this story, but it ended on such a big cliffhanger 😭😭😭

This is the first book in the romantic fantasy duology, of an Enemies-to-lovers, witch and witch-hunter, story.

The blood based magic is so interesting and I hope to see more about it in the next book. Also the casting spell scars sound so fucking cool and can't wait to see some fan art with them!

I really really enjoyed this book and the characters depth and backgrounds. It's so interesting to find out more about the main characters heartaches and motivations. And you feel for both of them and their plights.

And I can't wait to read the next one in the series!

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins and Kristen Ciccarelli for sending this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

OKAY buckle up because I LOVED this book! It ticked all the boxes for me; enemies to lovers, magic, secrets, a great setting… I thought it was really well-paced, and I managed to zoom through it in under a week.

I thought the fantasy world of the book was very well written, and the idea of casting a spell leaving a mark is very cool - then turning those into the equivalent of tattoos?? Veryyyy cool!

I will 100% be waiting for the sequel - I need to know what happens!

I loved the romance between Rune and Gideon. I love the enemies to lovers trope and this does not disappoint. I loved every moment they had together, both of them more alike than they realise.

The magic system is blood based and very interesting. I loved all the aspects of this, the way to increase power, the downsides and the different ways people can tell magic is happening or has happened.

The characters are so well written, I feel connected to all of them. I completely understand why they do what they do and how their world has changed around them because of this. Both sides of the story pull me to their way of thinking; Gideons back story makes me think their world needs this, but Runes makes me crave a revolution. I think Gideons side has pushed things too far, but then again so did the witches. I'm so torn!

That ending! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins Publishing and also to Kristen Ciccarelli for allowing me to an early access version of this title via NetGalley.

I absolutely devoured this book!
I was initially drawn to this title because the plot sounded somewhat similar to Serpent & Dove. Which I also loved. I am so glad that I read The Crimson Moth!

The Crimson Moth was just "wow!" It is a story that will stay with me for a good while as it is one that I just cannot stop thinking about.

Book summary:

The Crimson Moth is a fantasy book which follows Rune aka The Crimson Moth (this is not a spoiler). After feeling immense feelings of guilt and betrayal after turning over her 'grandmother' to the authorities, Rune is on a mission to save fellow witches from being captured and purged by The Blood Guard.

The man leading the Blood Guard is Captain Gideon Sharpe, a witch hunter who is determined to rid their world of witches and their evil ways once and for all. And he definitely has his reasons why.

However Rune and Gideon's paths are entwined in more than the way of witch and witch hunter. Although he suspects Rune of being the Crimson Moth, Gideon does not know for sure without concrete evidence. Gideon also happens to be the older brother of Rune's best friend Alex (who does know exactly who she is).

In this story Rune and Gideon end up having to seduce one another to find out more information about each other's causes which creates an intriguing enemies to lovers (to enemies) fake courting sub plot. So this is definitely a story for all of the romantasy readers who love the aforementioned tropes.

Review:

The plot was very fast paced and filled with constant tension, which inevitably left me feeling on edge desperate to get to each next page to find out more. The monumental amount of twists and turns towards the end of the book was so exciting to read, there would be moments where I would try to predict what was waiting ahead for me, (some I did manage to predict correctly) and then times of pure shock where my mouth was gaping open while my hand covered it. The Crimson Moth really is such a rollercoaster of a ride and made me feel a huge array of emotions as a reader. By the way, you may need a box of tissues for this one.

The characters are very well written, with not only the two main characters (Rune and Gideon) having such detailed back stories, but also the side characters too which was great to help build the whole picture.

The world building was really interesting and I was fully able to immerse myself within this tale with ease.

I cannot explain how much I love this book! And in all honesty I still don't know which side of the fence I am on, the witches or the witch hunters. But what I do know is that I could not find fault with this story, and I need everyone I know to pick up a copy of The Crimson Moth so I can talk to them about it. I also know that I cannot wait for book 2!

This duology could easily become one of my favourite duologies ever (yes, I mean ever!) and I already know that The Crimson Moth will be one of my top reads for 2024!

I loved this book, it ticked so many of my personal review boxes. Strong lead, romance, action, love to hate characters and a push and pull that had me changing sides, I still don't know what side I'm on.

This is a slow burn read in many ways, the character building takes its time and makes you love some and love to hate others. The romances are slow and interwoven throughout. The action and tension runs throughout and I suppose its what keeps you turning each page. It didn't end how I wanted or how I expected and I suppose that keeps me wanting more but leaves me with unresolved feelings that I can't put on the shelf with the book.

A great read but a slow burn.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Absolutely brilliant! I devoured this. I feel like I should be saying “And that’s how it’s done!” Especially for a YA this was perfectly executed enemies to lovers. I cannot fault it. this book will be the next big thing! And definitely deserves to be . Amazing! 10/10 recommend.
I just have no idea how on earth am I supposed to wait for next book after that cliffhanger.