This was literally the perfect ending to The Crimson Moth duet. Kristen Ciccarelli gave us EVERYTHING! Angst, jealousy, betrayal, pining, soulmatism and a love story that is unforgettable 😭😭

I loved how perfectly she wrapped up the story, from the romance with Gideon and Rune, to the plot with the witches versus the hunters. Everything was just spectacular and I devoured the book in one sitting.

I loved how were just thrown right back into the thick of the story from the get go. I personally loathe the slow exposition and buildup when it comes to a sequel, so the Ciccarelli doesn’t beat around the bush and gives us Gideon and Rune content from the first page was the perfect way to start the book because I was gripped by them from the beginning. Their push and pull from all the betrayal was just so juicy and angsty, and realistic too after everything they’d done to one another. That’s ultimately why this duet is so perfect, especially as an enemies to lovers— because Ciccarelli doesn’t rush things. The pacing of Gideon and Rune’s relationship across the two books is so satisfying, leaving us right on the edge but not completely hanging by depriving us of interactions. She finds the perfect balance of angst and hope between them that just leaves you desperate to finally see them together.

And gosh was it worth it 😭😭😭 I can’t describe how much I love them. They’re one of my favourite couples of 2024, hands down!! I’m tempted to give Ciccarelli’s backlist a go after loving this duet with my whole heart.

Just perfect perfect perfect!! I truly can’t rave enough about the epic conclusion to Rune and Gideon’s story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ever since that ending in book one, I have been counting down to see what happens next with Rune and Gideon as we are once again back to enemies!

This time, we start across the sea, away from the new Republic in part of the world where witches aren't hunted. We have Rune trying to secure an army for the witch queen so they can go reclaim their home from the blood guard. As the story plays out, we see relationships change, some from enemies to reluctant allies to friends and some from friends to enemies. The story keeps you hooked as drama unfolds and secrets are revealed.
I absolutely loved this book. It does come with a happy ending, but it doesn't come easy!

I was so happy to receive the arc of this book. It was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025, so to get to read it early was amazing.

-This review has been posted on goodreads and waterstones and will also be posted upon release on amazon.

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the first book (the crimson moth) and I loved this second book as well. Rune is truly a brave witch who never stops fighting for others. I loved the story lines of all characters and the relationships between the different encounters. That you so much NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending me an early access ebook. I enjoyed it so much

OMG never have a loved a fantasy duology where both books are phenomenal since I read The Dark Sheppard duology.

This book picks up a few months from where book 1 left us, Rune & Gideon are back to where they started being witch and witch hunter only this time, they can't quite find it in themselves to do what needs to be done.

There were so many times where I just couldn't put this book down and needed to keep reading to find out what happens next. The tension between Rune & Gideon was just delicious with so many amazing twists and the fact that it was in the last 5% you still didn't really know how it would turn out just made this a perfect example of how you end a fantasy duology.

I'm bereft, I'm not ready to leave Rune and Gideon behind yet.

The Crimson Moth was one of my favourite reads this year (on track to be top read of the year), and I was very excited to delve into the sequel. The Rebel Witch definitley lives up to my expectations and I absolutley loved it - the perfect end!

Picking up 2 months after the end of The Crimson Moth, Gideon Sharpe has tracked Rune Winters to a new Kingdom, where she's currently courting a Prince in order to secure an army for Cressdia. Gideon has been tasked with killing Rune, scuppering Cressida's attempts to gain an army for her war and to prove that he's a loyal Blood Guard. However, there's one problem, Gideon can't bring himself to pull the trigger. Despite what he tells himself, his feelings for Rune still linger.

Meanwhile, Rune is acting as the perfect socilaite - a ruse she is well versed in. Courting a Prince, pretending his kisses don't make her recoil, all to help Cressida - who she still isn't a big fan of - gain an army for her war.

However, when Gideon is caught by Cressida Rune risks it all to free her from his clutches. And, when she learns of Cressida's true plan, Rune calls a temporary truce with Gideon to stop her. But, with their history can Rune and Gideon trust eachother?

What ensues is an adventure back to the heart of the Republic all while they battle their feelings.

I absolutely loved this book and did not want it to end. It's fast paced, action packed, full of tension, and of everything I was looking for.

First of all, there is an art in knowing when to end a story. Would I have loved to spend more time with these characters? Absolutely! Is it perfect as a duology? Yes! Had the series been extended to a trilogy I think it would've ruined some of the magic of it. It's short and sweet, doesn't drag, and isn't filled with unnecessary scenes to pad out a book.

Secondly, the tension, the pining, the yearning, the unspoken feelings - I felt all the emotions while reading this book. And they're the books that really stick with you right? The books that make me feel are often my favourite as I really connected with the characters and/or the story. I had to read this book fast because I had to know how it ended, my emotions couldn't bear not knowing the end!

Thirdly, the characters. They have my heart. I'm not sure I can put into words how much I love Rune and Gideon. I fell in love with them in book 1 - they're both characters fighting for what they believe in while struggling with feelings for "the enemy", and doing what they think is right - and I fell further in love with them in book 2. You get to see them navigating their interactions now that most of their secrets are out in the open, you see Rune figuring out who she really is, and you watch Gideon grapple with his role in the Blood Guard come to odds with his simmering feelings for Rune.

I also appreciate that while there is a main villain, the flaws of the Republic are also made clear, and you understand why people would fight for both sides.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I loved this book and will forever recommend it!

Rune and Gideon's cat and mouse journey continues in The Rebel Witch and it does not disappoint. It takes The Crimson Moth and steps it up a level, delivering an incredible conclusion to the duology. High energy, high stakes, wall to wall action and sizzling hot tension. This is enemies to lovers done to perfection. It's hard to say more without spoilers but know this - if you loved The Crimson Moth, you will love The Rebel Witch!

I jumped up and down so much when I got accepted for this ARC, thank you, thank you!

This duology is EVERYTHING. Once again I was wrapped up in the mystery and intrigue of this world, rooting for Rune and Gideon to find a way to each other against all odds.

What to expect:
Political strife
Witch x Witch Hunter
War
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity/only one bed
Found Family
Who did this to you?

Reeling from each other betrayal, we pick up just after we left off from the last book. The dynamic between Gideon and Rune was fantastic, they really complement each other. Gideon deep down loves everything Rune is, not the person she's has been forced to portray sometimes to save herself. And Rune feels the same way for Gideon.

I said this about the first book but I just think the worldbuilding is fantastic, and so is the magic system. The unique way the witches draw on their casting marks and how they are a unique signature for each Witch.

I did feel like the ending came around very quick after all the build up, but the author fleshed out the story well so the romance didn't feel rushed or unbelievable, so I didn't mind the abrupt ending so much. I think most duologies are like this, as there is alot of story to pack into 2 books. And the rest of the pacing was great, the author revealing the right amount of information as we went along so I didn't feel confused or lost in the plot at any moment.

There were a few mysteries and twists in this one and I had a great time trying to guess them.

This being YA, there was tiny bits of steamy moments but this was perfect for this story, and I loved it, but if you are looking for absolutely no spice then this might not be for you.

I 100% recommend this duology to anyone that loves a good romantasy, honestly one of my favourite witchy books ever, the vibes and the tension are perfection.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book to review. Forever grateful.

I did enjoy it but not as much as the first one (Heartless Hunter/The Crimson Moth). I was obsessed with The Crimson Moth and gave it 5 stars.

In the most non-spoiler free way I will try to explain my reasonings:

> I enjoyed reading/being back with Rune and Gideon, the first book ended at a huge cliffhanger and you start this book right where the first book left.

> I enjoyed the plot, I found it did move very fast. Though I just found the challenges to be resolved very quickly.

> I don’t know what it is, but I couldn’t get into the book after page 280 or so, I just wasn’t captivated.

> There is definitely huge tension between Gideon and Rune and I really enjoyed the first 260 pages or so, but afterwards… not so much. I found the dialogue repetitive and some actions were questionable (I’d love to give an example but it would be a spoiler, I just feel like a character wouldn’t ask this in the first book, that’s all).

* I received this book as an e-ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion and review of the book. Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager for the advanced copy.

Kristen Ciccarelli, you are magic.

The action starts at the beginning! You’re immersed straight into the action. Two months have passed since the Crimson Moth fled with Witch Queen Cressida (what a B***H!) and Rune is betrothed to the Prince of Umbria, Soren, and it’s quickly discovered that this is a plot set up by Cressida so that Soren will partner with them to take war to the New Republic.

Gideon, our man, is ready in the wings, he’s been sent to exterminate the Crimson Moth, our girl, Rune 😖 but when he follows her to the bathroom and raises his weapon… he just can’t do it, it’s *his* Rune (swoon).

There’s sooooo much tension throughout, I found myself tensing at the idea they may not get their happily ever after 😢 but it’s there in all its gorgeous glory!


“You’re a knife in my heart”

“She was always out of your league Sharpe”
“*I know*”😭😭😭


I absolutely loved how Gideon’s character evolved, especially how his love for Rune became more and more obvious. He’d moved from a Republican set on removing every single trace of witches to realising that this wasn’t right, not all witches were like the witch queens, and least of all Rune.
He sacrificed himself for her at each opportunity, laying himself on the literal railroad so that she could have the chance of living the life she thought she needed.

Turns out, she just needed him, and his love adding to her strength to do the ultimate display of love.

Absolutely wonderful, brilliant, beautiful, heart wrenching, suspenseful, turbulent, sensational duo. I hope we see more from the New *new* Republic in the future, even a novella?! A Christmas special?! Please? 🥲

This novel picks up not long after the events of the first book in the duology and follows the perspective of both Rune and Gideon throughout.

I enjoyed this fun, and fast-paced sequel. The writing style was engaging and the tension between Rune and Gideon was well written. My main critique would be that the ending felt rushed, and didn't resolve all of the plot threads I'd been hoping it would do.

Overall, I'd give this four stars and would definitely read other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book.

And i knew because of that ending i had to get my hands on the second book and when i saw that i got approved for the arc it changed my week completely. If the first book is everything, the second one IS EVEN BETTER, reeling after a betrayal, hating ( or not??) each other, forced to team up, the yearning ( BRING BACK MEN WHO YEARN IN BOOKS), the found family, the action, the emotions, MY GIRL RUNE I LOVE U LIKE A CRAZY AMOUNT
ALSO THAT VISION????? 🥹 🥹
The way these two idiots complete each other and Gideon lets Rune be just herself it made my heart burst, you guys have no idea how much this duology means to me now.
The magic system in both books made you think you are right there with the characters, i love the idea of the scars and moths also, i love how the action progressed throughout the second book and i absolutely adored the found family are u kidding me, those last chapters made me cry( but good tears, half of them, don’t worry)
Thank u to the publisher for the arc i had a blast

This was a fun and satisfying sequel to The Crimson Moth. It grabs you right from the start, and I loved that the characters were not separated for too long in the beginning (Although at times the constant backwards and forwards on do I love them vs can I trust them felt a little overdone). Despite the predictability of some of the plot points, I still enjoyed watching it all unfold.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an e-ARC of this book to review.

(4.5 stars rounded up)

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC! The Crimson Moth was one of my absolute highlights of 2024 so far and I was super excited to read its sequel a couple of months early. So much so that I had to bring it to the front of my TBR list, because I couldn't possibly wait to dive into it!

The Rebel Witch definitely lived up to my expectations, delivering a fantastic finale to this excellent romantasy duology! It picks up shortly after where we left off at the end of The Crimson Moth, with Rune and Gideon on opposite sides of an impending war between witches and witch hunters. Rune is supposed to marry a foreign prince in exchange for his support of the witches' cause, while Gideon is determined to stop the return of the witch of his nightmares, the Witch Queen ready to lead her witches back to the New Republic. But it turns out their interests might somewhat align, and a deal they make forces them to spend enough time together that their feelings for each other return to the surface. Now Gideon is faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

This final book of the duology is action-packed and constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat. You can never take a moment to breathe, because an obstacle is always around the corner. I loved that, although I sometimes wish I could have a moment longer to enjoy some reprieve after a particularly difficult situation or two! The pacing is fast, especially in the first half of the story, and the plot twists frequent! While I was able to guess quite a few, that didn't take away from my enjoyment as they were still beautifully written.

The romance between the MCs was excellent, too. The tension between them is constantly sizzling, whether they're on the same or opposite side. The pull that keeps bringing them towards one another is tangibly irresistible. This second book included a lot more tropes (ie. one bed, fake dating, etc) - I don't necessarily need that, especially in a fantasy romance, but it did make for an exciting read anyway. The fake dating plot was definitely a fun one! I also enjoyed how their relationships with other characters developed, especially Harrow.

Overall, in case it wasn't clear yet, I'd definitely recommend this duology to all romantasy lovers! It's a compelling tale of witches, witch hunters, enemies, allies, love and betrayal, and you're sure to find yourself drawn into this magical (bloody) world.

A great conclusion to this witch x witch hunter romantasy duology. This was wrapped up very neatly, maybe a bit too perfectly… but still the characters got their happy ending which was entertaining to read.

My one gripe is that the author kept highlighting the height difference between the MCs and I hate the teeny tiny woman and big strapping strong man trope.

I loved this duology so much! Rune and Gideon are the ultimate enemies to lovers and I adore their relationship almost as much as I love the setting of a fantasy rebellion pitching witches against ordinary people. This book is brilliantly written with incredible world building and I intend to reread it regularly!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

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

I am absolutely speechless, I devoured this book in 2 sittings, having a job was the only thing that stopped it from been 1 sitting. This book was non stop action from the get go. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I was full of emotions from stress, frustration, giddiness to tears and everything else in-between. This book packs one hell of a punch and I don't think anything I could say could prepare you for it. There were so many times ididnt want to turn the page because I didn't want to know what happened next incase it went a twisty a way because Kristen is one hell of author and can not be trusted to let everyone get out alive.

The twists and turns where on point and omg the slow burn and whiplash of the miscommunication and romance was something else!

I need more, and I don't mean more from this book, but more from this author because I will read anything she writes because this entire series is beyond words! It is on par with TOG and Fourth Wing!

This book was a wonderful and such an awaited journey that I devoured it! I loved reading abour Rune and Gideon again and seeing their relationship go through different stages, i also loved some of the tropes the author used in this book for them! (Iykyk)
Moreover, their group of friends was a winning aspect of Rebel Witch, together with lots of action packed scenes and the tension that made Heartless Hunter so popular towards readers.
Furthermore, we assist to the character development of both the hero and the heroine which is a perfect end for their story. I will miss these characters dearly but i’m glad i got the chance to read an e-arc of this book.

Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for a free copy of Rebel Witch, all opinions are my own!

KRISTEN YOU HAD NO BUSINESS BREAKING ME LIKE THAT.

*cough* Sorry…. Anyway….

Infinity stars. I don’t even care about my minor gripes with it at this point because the VIBES were VIBING.

This book had me hooked from the first page. Nearly 500 page book polished off in 2 after work sittings ✅

This is the real deal enemies to lovers with some other tropes we go feral for such as: Who did this to you? And one closet/cabin/bed/horse


I laughed, I cried (a lot), I giggled and kicked my feet, it got a tiny bit steamy.

This could’ve been a 10 book series and I’d have hung off every word.

Bravo 👏🏻

There’s SO many quotes I could leave you with but here’s a favourite:

“There’s a better world waiting to be born, Rune. A world that belongs to all of us. But it will never arrive if we don’t fight for it” 🖤

In The Rebel Witch, we excitedly return to Kristen Ciccarelli' world of magic and mystery. And, I couldn't be more excited to this exhilarating journey with Rune and Gideon.
Our protagonist is Rune Winters, a young society woman with a dangerous secret - she is the mysterious Crimson Moth, not just a witch but the woman responsible for freeing witches from the clutches of the New Republic government. A few years prior, witches were outlawed. The powers that be keep hunting and rounding up witches to be sent to their death.
Rune quickly proves to be an inspirational figure for witches in the country, but she she struggles with her own dark history and the pain of loosing her Nan to the Blood Guard some years earlier.
In The Crimson Moth (aka Heartless Hunter), Rune decided to court the captain of the guard in order to learn the secrets of where some witches are being hidden. However, Gideon has his own agenda and has become involved with Rune to get closer to the infamous Crimson Moth. With a witch and witch hunter, dating each other in order to betray the other, The Crimson Moth was full of tension and a true rollercoaster ride.
Now, Rune and Gideon know the truth about each other and the terrible betrayal, they have both committed. And with their homeland
being ripped apart by war and opposing struggles for power, they must both fight for their beliefs and true love.
With tension rapidly building, and war imminent, The Rebel Witch is a heart pounding race from the opening page.

4.5/5 stars
Thank you, thank you, thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-arc of this book. It’s one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and I was so excited for it!
It’s been a while since I’ve been feeling like I’m growing out of YA, but apparently anything written by Kristen Ciccarelli is the exception. I devoured this book. The Rebel Witch was everything I was expecting from this sequel. The tension, the romance, the pace, the feeling of everything being at stake. Perfection.
The only thing that made me lower my rating half a star is that the resolution felt a little bit rushed. I would have liked more story about some side characters and about how things are after that ending (maybe a longer epilogue, a novella, or even a spin off wouldn’t be so bad…). I got so attached to the characters that it was difficult to let them go.