So often a sequel doesn't meet the ridiculously high expectations that I set for it, but not in this case! This was simply sublime. The characters, the angst, the twists and turns, the yearning, the drama, the feelings... What a perfect end to this duology. I know I will go back and reread these books time and time again.

My instant reaction from finishing this book was simply:

"I have a lot of feels right now, I need a minute to gather my thoughts.
But also, how is it over now??? I absolutely need more of this, I'm gutted its only a Duology"

The Crimson Moth was one of my top reads of 2024 and this book may very well be one of my top 2025 - it's definitely started me off strong! I loved it, honestly.

The chemistry between our two main characters was just electric, I have swooned, giggled, cried my way through the book and enjoyed every moment of their relationship together. The deeper dive into the supporting characters and the world building really allowed for me to visualise this whole story as I was reading it, which I loved.

The only real downfall for me was the slight rush in the ending, I really enjoyed the twists but it just seemed a little easy/anti-climatic compared to the tension and build-up throughout.

With that said, I would absolutely recommend this for any fans of romantasy - especially those who love a cat and mouse, real enemies to lovers situation!!

A perfect conclusion to this duology. Ciccarelli captured the turmoil and complexity within both Rune and Gideon in this story so well, and I read with such hope that everything would end well for these two. I loved these characters. And Seraphine's involvement, The relationship between Harrow and Juniper, Cressida's continued cruelty, The inclusion of Soren, it all added to the melting point of irresistible drama.
I did find that there was a repetition of Rune or Gideon getting captured, the other one going to save them, only to get captured themselves so they both could escape together. That happened several times, enough that it was quite noticeable to me at the end, but it did not take away from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is just as - if not more - enjoyable than book 1. No second book syndrome here! From start to finish, The Rebel Witch is addictive, fast-paced, and impossible to put down. I inhaled it in a day!

The romance between Gideon and Rune? Absolutely chef’s kiss. The tension, the push and pull, the butterflies, it was everything I wanted and more. While almost all the twists are predictable and several moments lean into convenient plot armour, none of that took away from my enjoyment at all! This book knows exactly what it is; it is a romance first and foremost and it absolutely delivers.

The plot is also super engaging, packed with action, and perfectly paced - I never once felt bored! The writing is solid, and the ending wraps up the duology beautifully. Satisfying, well-written, and exactly the conclusion I was hoping for.

I can’t recommend this enough, especially if you’re in a reading slump. If you’re looking to get effortlessly submerged into a simple and fast-paced romantasy duology, this is for you.

One line review - I knew this book would be spectacular after The Crimson Moth, but I was not expecting what I got!

I knew The Rebel Witch would be spectacular after reading The Crimson Moth, but it was even more than I imagined it would be! Honestly, I am absolutely speechless after finishing this book. I devoured it in just two sittings—having a job was the only thing that stopped me from reading it in one go. From the moment I started, this book was nonstop action, and I couldn’t tear myself away. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and my emotions were all over the place. The range of feelings I experienced—from stress and frustration to giddiness, tears, and everything in between—was overwhelming in the best way possible. The Rebel Witch packs one hell of a punch, and I don’t think anything I could say could truly prepare you for just how impactful it is.

There were so many moments where I didn’t want to turn the page, not because I wasn’t enjoying the story (I absolutely was), but because I was terrified of what would happen next. Kristen, the author, is a genius at keeping readers on edge, and I found myself dreading the twists she might throw in. I kept wondering if anyone was going to make it out alive because Kristen is one of those authors who doesn’t hold back. She’s not afraid to take her characters to their breaking point, and that’s part of what makes this book so enthralling.

The twists and turns in the plot were absolutely on point. Just when I thought I knew where things were headed, the story would take a sharp turn in a completely unexpected direction. The slow-burn romance, combined with the miscommunication and tension, had me hooked. It was like whiplash at times—one minute I was rooting for the characters to get together, and the next I was holding my breath, wondering how things would implode. The way the romance unfolded kept me on tenterhooks, and I was so invested in how it would all play out.

But it’s not just the plot and romance that make The Rebel Witch so incredible. It’s the author’s writing itself. Kristen’s ability to craft such a gripping, emotional, and unpredictable narrative is unparalleled. I’m now craving more, not just from The Rebel Witch but from Kristen as an author. I will read anything she writes from here on out because this series has completely blown me away. It’s on par with some of my favourite series, like Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing, which says a lot about the depth, complexity, and emotional intensity that Kristen brings to her work.

In conclusion, The Rebel Witch is an exhilarating, heart-pounding, and utterly unforgettable ride. It’s a book that demands your full attention and leaves you wanting more, both from the story and from the author. If you loved The Crimson Moth, this is an absolute must-read, but even if you haven’t read that book yet, The Rebel Witch stands on its own as a truly spectacular piece of fantasy. It’s a series that will stick with me for a long time, and I cannot wait to see what Kristen does next.

I was incredibly lucky to get this book as an Arc from Netgalley!! thank you thank you for allowing me to read this book!

I devoured this book, literally couldn't put it down!
The character growth in this story had me hooked!!

This is how you do a duology! perfect!
Five stars!

Another great read!

Definitely read the first installment in this duology - Heartless Hunter (or The Crimson Moth) - just so you understand what is going on.

I devoured the first book in this series, and the second one did not disappoint. I read it within 24 hours.

This is great if you love a slow slow burn with minimal spice, action packed and wanting to keep turning the pages.

The magic system within this duology is different and interesting as well as easy to follow.

This book will have you feeling all the feels and leave you satisfied with the ending.

This was a great end to the duology. Kristens' writing is so easy and bingeable i always struggled to put the book down.

Rebel Witch is packed full of tension and angst, enemies to lovers. forbidden love, will they won't they, and I was on the edge of my seat rooting for them the entire time. This is the type of romance I adore, and I could not get enough. The plot was fast-moving and full of twists and turns.

My only gripe would be how predictable I found this. I predicted basically all of the twists well before they happened, so I can't say any of them gave me the shock factor I would have liked. There were quite a few plot conveniences, and I would have liked the characters to go through a bit more of a challenge.

Having said that, though, it did not take away from my enjoyment from the story, and Rune and Gideon are amazing characters and so much fun to read about. I also enjoyed a lot of the side characters and overall had a great time reading. An excellent end to what has been a great duology!

OMG, if this isn't my favourite book of the year then there's something wrong. i would love 4 more books about these characters,

I really wanted to love this book, but sadly it just fell abit flat for me. Book 1 was amazing, yet I couldn't finish this one.

I felt the characters felt very shallow and there was too much pining over eachother with very little story line.

Heartless hunter was my favourite book of 2024 and this did not disappoint. Please pick it up!! Everyone needs to experience this duology

I really enjoyed TRW and for me it rates slightly higher than TCM because there is more angst in this book. The will-they-won’t-they is delicious and flipping between both POVs added to the feelings whilst reading. Both characters go through some emotions and grow individually which leads to a satisfying conclusion.

I enjoyed the timeline of events and there’s much more action in this book, the secrets revealed and how it’s done was effective to keep me gripped. In my opinion this was enemies to lovers done well and I ate it up. It’s actually hard to review this one without giving too much away so I’m keeping it very vague.

Overall I gave this book a 4.5⭐️ as I was really into the story so much but it wasn’t calling to me to pick it up at all times. If I was absolutely hooked it would’ve been a full 5⭐️ but I was happy to take some reading breaks. It was still addictive though and definitely a favourite of the month, but ions the twists predictable so I saw those coming early on.

i was so excited to dive into The Rebel Witch! after loving the first book, my expectations were pretty high. and while this sequel had its moments, it didn’t quite live up to 'The Heartless Hunter' for me. i really enjoyed the first half, and i absolutely love these characters. there were so a many genuinely heartfelt moments that had me smiling (and even tearing up a little). plus, the banter and tensions between certain characters? 10/10

but as the story progressed, i found myself struggling a bit. the plot started to feel a little chaotic, with too many twists and side plots that didn’t always feel necessary. it’s not that it was bad – it just lacked the focus and flow that i adored in the first book. by the end, I felt a bit drained rather than exhilarated.

that being said, i still think this is a good book. the characters are just as lovable, and there’s plenty of intrigue and tension to keep most readers hooked. while it didn’t hit the same highs as the first one for me, it’s still worth the read – especially if you’re invested in the story and want to see what happens next.

This was such a good sequel! I loved that the love story was dragged out too much, and we were able to enjoy them together for most of the book. The banter and teasing was top notch and I loved the jealousy 😍

The plot moved pretty quickly in the first half, and was a little hard to keep up with in parts, but it slowed down in the second half.

I did manage to guess the plot twists, but it still kept me entertained!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this book everything I hoped for and more? Yes. Is this now among my favorite YA duologies? Absolutely.

I don’t think there’s anything to criticise about Rebel Witch. The romance was perfect, the side characters and villains were perfect, I even loved the fact that it was quite predictable.

The usual romance tropes were brought out in full force and boy did I have a wonderful time reading them. I don’t think I can describe this book better than a brilliant ending to an already brilliant story

Rebel witch picks up right where the crimson moth ends, this was everything i wanted from the sequel and more. How can things work when you fall for the enemy?

The plot was gripping and fast paced, the first half of the book especially had me locked in. I loved that Rune and Gideon weren't kept apart for too long. The tension, the forbidden love, close proximity, fake relationship, the yearning for each other. Aahhh

There were some aspects of the plot I had sort of guessed but it was fun to see how they would be played out.

I had so many emotions reading this book, and I really think I enjoyed it more than the first. Its everything I wanted from a sequel, loved it!

STUNNING! Pure perfection! OBSESSED. This is how you do a duology! The pacing was perfect! The characters were perfect! The plot was perfect! I did guess a few things but i don’t care, I just felt like a great detective! I honestly just think this book is beautiful! I had never read a witchy book before now and , now I’m unsure if it’s made me want to read more or has simply ruined the rest of them for me! Well done Kristen! Smashed it! I love Rune and Gideon ❤️

5 stars - arc review. This was the perfect way to end this duology. I absolutely adored the first book and was so excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint. The plot was executed perfectly and I loved that it picked up almost immediately after where the first book ended. Rune and Gideon have my heart as well the tension and their special moments had me giggling and screaming the entire time. It was beautiful I’m so grateful for net-galley and magpie for letting me read this early because I read the first book too quickly and waiting a whole year was criminal so thank you again.

I absolutely adored this book... the character development between Gideon and Rune is astounding.. Learning to trust, learning to love.. I was on the verge of tears multiple times with my heart in my throat!! Love this series!! The whole storyline pulled you in and had your rootingmfoe them both throughout..

I'm not saying much plot wise as this is a sequel. But what I will say is this - if you enjoyed Heartless Hunter, you are not ready for what Rebel Witch is about to give you. My first 5 stars of 2025!