I’ve been counting down the days to The Rebel Witch ever since I devoured The Crimson Moth last spring, and now that it’s over, I feel that bittersweet ache of finishing a book you didn’t want to end. While this sequel wasn’t everything I hoped for, it still hooked me from the first page and refused to let go.

Rune and Gideon are back, and their fiery dynamic? Even hotter this time around. I love that the author didn’t waste time keeping our lovebirds apart—they’re thrown together practically from the start, and the chemistry is palpable. If the enemies-to-lovers tension in book one hooked you, you’re in for a treat here. The snarky banter, the grudging trust, the lingering glances—it’s all there. Plus, we get some fan-favorite tropes: “only one bed,” “pretend marriage,” and even a curse to keep things deliciously complicated.

But while I adored the character-driven moments, I couldn’t help but want more from the world around them. Cascadia, the revolution-torn setting, begged for deeper exploration. The book dances around its mythology and history but never dives in, leaving some plot twists feeling a bit too convenient or vague. It’s a bit of a missed opportunity to make the story’s backdrop as vivid as its leads.

Rune’s character development was also a mixed bag. In book one, she was fierce, independent, and full of agency. In The Rebel Witch, she seemed more constrained, relying on Gideon for momentum. Don’t get me wrong—I love their partnership, but I missed the fiercely self-sufficient Rune who carved her own path in the first book.

The pacing was relentless in the best way. This was a page-turner through and through, packed with action, intrigue, and romantic tension. It made the book impossible to put down, but I’m aware that some might find the speed too brisk—especially when it glosses over details.

If you’re here for swoony slow-burn romance, captivating characters, and those delicious “forced proximity” tropes, The Rebel Witch will hit the spot. But if you’re hoping for deep, intricate worldbuilding and flawless plotting, this sequel might leave you wanting.

Favorite line? “If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.” Absolute chills. Every. Single. Time.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperVoyagerUK for providing me with this ARC!

“Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won’t recognize the light.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish. Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters. When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now he’s 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.

Rune is in a heap of trouble and isn’t sure where to turn. She’s heartbroken from being deceived yet can do nothing but focus on staying alive. I do think she is a great character because there is so much fire and tenacity in her, spurring her on to do great things. However, she did annoy me a little bit with her indecisiveness and constant running away from a situation. I didn’t feel like she did this much - if at all - in the first book so I was shocked to see it so much here. I totally understand that her world has changed dramatically and she has experienced a lot of loss and grief of many forms, but I felt like she lost something that gave her that extra bit of oomph.
Gideon is still a bit of a douchebag. I don’t think he’ll ever truly change. I did admire him trying to do his best for the many, not the few. He is a very capable leader with many charming qualities. I just wish he was perhaps a little more consistent? For a lot of this book, I struggled to predict where he was going with certain strategies and couldn’t entirely work out where he was being honest or not. If this is a deliberate choice, then props to the author but if not? It did frustrate me a bit.

I didn’t want to miss my shot with this one. To the point that I requested the ARC of this sequel before I’d read the first book. Wishful thinking that I’d enjoy it - so I was glad I did! The ending of the first book had me on edge so I was thrilled that I could jump into the sequel quickly. The plot wasn’t too bad! There aren’t massive time jumps which I appreciated as it allowed things to flow better. However, I do think it was missing a bit of a punch for a fair amount of the story. It felt a little bit like I was going through the motions - particularly in the first half - which does dull my enjoyment a bit. And then the big twist was something I could see from a mile away. I don’t know if I was just lucky in my guess or not, but I do wish it wasn’t quite so obvious. Overall, the cast of characters was once again great. We got to understand some characters better, particularly those who are close to Gideon, but again there were some missed opportunities in my mind. Particularly with Cressida. She took on someone else’s life to get close to Rune, she had such a deep connection with her and yet none of that is explored here! There was such a big chance for Cressida to really work her influence on Rune and be a bigger part of the story (and she’s the villain so that’s saying something!) yet it wasn’t taken which was a little disappointing. Understandably, there was a lot more angst than there was romance in this sequel. Things were not left in the best place at the end of the first book and they remain rocky for a long time here too. But when we did get the fluffier, sweeter moments, they were delightful to read! The ending was a pretty good conclusion to this duology. I don’t feel like I have any questions left unanswered which is always a bonus!

Overall, The Rebel Witch is a relatively solid sequel that I just wished for a little bit more from.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day. Available now on Goodreads.

A big thank you for letting me read this, I was really excited to share my thoughts.
I’m glad we picked up where we left it and the chemistry can do no wrong.
I will say the pacing felt a little bit off at points but maybe that was me wanting more conflict. I STILL REALLY REALLY ENJOYED IT

"Darling, I know you're scared. I know this is hard. But I need you. Who else can show them the way if not a witch and a witch hunter, fighting side by side?"

Kristen Ciccarelli has just delivered the most delicious ending to a perfect duology!
The Crimson Moth and The Rebel Witch are both sublime and I highly recommend them.
Rune Winters and Gideon Sharpe will officially live rent free in my head, forever more!

Once again it has all the ingredients you loved in the first book, the world building, the magic system, the characters, the stakes all return and are even better this time round.
Ciccarelli must be casting some magic of her own because this book was addictive, once it was in my hands I could not put it down. This book has ALL THE FEELS, prepare for everything, Chapter 74 damn near destroyed me! It was a fast paced wild ride, full of that enemies-to-lovers banter than we all love, the yearning, the forbidden love, the chemistry!!! I can not stress enough at how good Ciccarelli writes this, Gideon Sharpe still retains his Book Boyfriend status.

If you loved Crimson Moth, get ready to fall in love with Rebel Witch. If you haven't read Crimson Moth yet, what are you doing? Go read it now and then devour Rebel Witch straight after, you won't regret it.

I thought nothing could beat the first book, but I was wrong. I loved this one even more. A fantastic author and amazing writing!

5⭐️ Rebel Witch was EVERYTHING that I wanted in the second instalment of this amazing story.

Following Rune and Gideon after the betrayal where their interactions were complicated, their alliances constantly shifting and their intentions unclear.

Rebel Witch was just as action packed as Crimson Moth but the stakes were higher and my investment in the characters had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. It made every page matter.

Thankfully the ending was deeply satisfying, tying off all loose ends well.

Kristen Ciccarelli is a new auto buy author for me.

I am obsessed with her, this story had everything i needed. Romance, fighting and a beautiful world! It was character driven but that did not let the world-building down at all.

The romance didnt feel force and the enemies to lovers aspect was not over exaggerated or forced. I am awaiting her next work with bated breath!

I didn't think the first book could be improved upon but Kristen Ciccarelli managed it!!

How Rune and Gideon interacted with eachother was a sheer delight to read. Between the plot, tense and romantic feeling between these two this book will be one of the most popular for 2025.

This book had me going through multiple emotions from giddy to crying to stressed. I loved it.

And the ending *chefs kiss*.

I did not want to leave this world.

I really loved this! Not going to lie, I was a bit worried that it wouldn't live up to the first book but I was worrying for nothing! I couldn't put this down.
Conscious of giving spoilers, I'll keep this short. The tension, the chemistry. Chef's kiss. The perfect ending!! As much as I didn't want this to end, I loved how it did. Easily one of my favourite duologies.

୨⎯ 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒔 ⎯୧
rating: 4.5
plot: 4
characters: 4.5
writing: 4
romance: 4.5

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“You are far worse than a thorn in my side, You are a knife in my heart.”

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°•*⁀➷ what to expect
witch + witch hunters
enemies to lovers
second chance??
jealousy
best friends brother
forbidden romance
dual POV
gets a lil spicy but not explicit
lots of back and forth
BETRAYAL(S)(?)

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°•*⁀➷ the rundown
this was an incredible sequel to Heartless Hunter and an end to The Crimson Moth. i’m sad it’s over, i would have delightfully read any and every book of Gideon and Rune if it had their banter. The obvious attraction but betraying minds. They were hot and cold and gave everything and nothing. I devoured this and savored it and am still begging for more slivers of THEM!

”Rune was right about one thing: she wasn’t just a girl. Not to him. She was so much more than that. Rune was a sparring partner. Someone to fight with, and admire. Someone to match. Rune was a force. One Gideon could barely keep up with.”

anyways, i didn’t really care too much about the pacing of this duet, i read some reviews complaining about them but honestly i felt like they paced really well and got to the point which is what I enjoy. I didn’t have to skim too much and got to enjoy the story and get all the info at a timely manner. if i thought too hard maybe i’d ask questions or have comments but i was here for vibes and they were shining and shimmering with Gideon and Rune.

ohmygod the fuck it scene had me screaming!!!

Cressida is just as evil as she was in the first book, although I did expect more from her or the Blood Guard! this was a lot different than the first book, the atmosphere and the friendships or surrounding characters are not the same except for two of Gideons friends.

”If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.”

We get to see more casting rune scars and how witches usually sport them when not in hiding or undercover and honestly it’s so stunning. I sri wish there was more history or explanation to the casting runes mark, like why was Rune a moth?

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ᯓ 𝜗𝜚 thank you netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Magpie for an arc! I am so grateful to have been accepted for this arc, I loved reading Gieon and Rune fight their love for each other!!

The Crimson Moth/Heartless Hunter was one of my top reads of 2024 and so the conclusion to Rune and Gideon’s story has been highly anticipated. Rebel Witch, sadly, fell short for me in many ways. It isn’t *terrible* but it really just doesn’t hit the same. The first half dragged on for seemingly no reason, the overall pacing felt off, it is really repetitive and while the ending is *fine*, it doesn’t really have the payoff we want for Rune and Gideon. It almost feels like it could use with some additional development time. I would still recommend it for anyone who loved The Crimson Moth/Heartless Hunter, just be prepared for it to be a much different book than you’re expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Ciccarelli and publishers for allowing me the honour to read this much anticipated title before release. I am so grateful.

*This review does contain spoilers for The Crimson Moth (book 1).

Summary

The Rebel Witch is the highly anticipated sequel to The Crimson Moth/Heartless Hunter. A tale of an aristocrat witch (Rune) also known as The Crimson Moth as she tries her best to save her kind and survive as they are hunted down by The Blood Guard. The Blood Guard is led by Gideon Sharpe, a man set on revenge to take down the infamous Crimson Moth.

After the events at the end of The Crimson Moth this sequel jumps in right where book one ended. Characters are left dealing with the aftermath of destruction and great loss.

Rune is on the run after her true identity was revealed and now everyone wants her dead. In order to survive Rune has to ally with a notorious and cruel witch who's only goal is to rule over the republic with the reign of witches. After being betrayed by The Crimson Moth, Gideon is under pressure to take her down with haste before the witches can rule over all. "Every last witch must die. Especially Rune Winters".

Review

After falling head over heels for The Crimson Moth and leaving it a 5 star review, I just knew I had to read The Rebel Witch, and as soon as I could. There is not a single thing I can find fault with in this amazing Duology! I really didn't think that book 1 could be topped, goodness me was I wrong! And by a longshot.

The Rebel Witch was everything that I had wanted and far more. There was action from start to finish and the plot certainly did not disappoint. There was also really interesting character development as well as the addition to some beloved book tropes including the infamous enemies to lovers. And when I say this, I mean true enemies to lovers. The tension was written so well that I was literally on the edge of my seat while taking in every moment.

Kirsten Ciccarelli is an author that knows just how much to pull on our heartstrings to make us feel so invested in the characters and their journeys. And because of this talent, Ciccarelli is now an auto buy author for me. I felt every emotion possible when reading The Rebel Witch. I laughed, I was shaking with anticipation, I gasped in shock and I sobbed my little heart out while my tears fell like a rainfall. The last time I had felt this was while reading the infamous Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas.

I am so incredibly sad to see this story come to a close. However it will be one that I will be recommending and holding dear to me for a very long time. Dare I say it, The Crimson Moth & The Rebel Witch is a Duology that will be contently sitting within the top 5 of my favourite books series! And I have a feeling it will remain there for the for the foreseeable future.

I genuinely cannot recommend The Rebel Witch enough and I fear that my review will not be able to do it the justice that it deserves. A phenomenal, beautifully written story that deserves all of the praise it receives.

I will be purchasing The Rebel Witch upon it's publication to sit proudly on my bookshelf like a little trophy.

Thank you Kristen Ciccarelli for this absolute masterpiece, I will be sending my therapy bills your way.

3.75 stars

An enjoyable read, the chemistry between Rune and Gideon in this book was even better than the first book, but the magic system/ witch lore needed to be more developed.

The ending was also a little anticlimactic, Cressida was defeated too easy in my opinion.

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

I was so excited to read Rune and Gideon’s conclusion! I won’t lie I did get very frustrated with the miscommunication and was getting a bit of whiplash with the back and forth of whether they hated each other or not, but that was also part of the enjoyment as I was on the edge of my seat. All in all I think it wrapped up perfectly and I was emotional at the end knowing it was over 🥺

Okay. I devoured this book. It’s perfect. Enemies to lovers back to enemies? Perfection. I don’t know what to say without spoilers but this book lived up to the first one and honestly disappointed this isn’t going to be a series that ends up with 8 books. Kristen Ciccarelli makes sure you feel all the emotions and the tension throughout the book is better than the first. The growth of the characters and action is so good, I’m going to be recommending this duology to everyone I know and is now definitely one of my faves. Do I need multiple editions of this book? Absolutely every single one of them

This book was 🔥🔥🔥🔥.

I adore this duology for various reasons:

1. High stakes - pacy and gripping. I loved the end of chapter cliffhangers.

2. The tension will they/won't they Enemies to Lovers plot was perfect. I loved Rune's hesitation.

3. The villains were truly villain-ing!

4. The romance. Delicious slowburn.

5. The ending. I almost threw my kindle but I loved it. Emotional and epic.

Thank you for allowing me to read this incredible duology! 🩷

This was the perfect conclusion to a unique captivating world.

Ciccarelli's storytelling is both captivating and immersive, drawing readers in with magic, danger, and suspense. The characters are complex and well-developed, with both Rune and Gideon's growth and resilience shining brightly throughout. Themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and growth are woven into the plot, making for a compelling and engaging read.

The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, emotional moments, and suspense that kept me gripped from start to finish. Ciccarelli's writing is evocative and vivid, bringing her world and its characters to life in a way that is both enchanting and memorable.

At one point I was questioning how the book was going to wrap up in time, but honestly? Shame on me for doubting Ciccarelli's mastermind. It was the perfect conclusion to a masterpiece of a duology and I never wanted it to end.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou to Harper Voyager and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This duology deserves all the stars and more, the sequel didn't disappoint one bit. I will be recommending this to anyone and everyone. After the events of The Crimson Moth, there was no way I would've been able to wait until February to read The Rebel Witch so as soon as I saw it available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to get it and I was so happy when I got approved for my most anticipated book of 2025 and didn't hesitate to read it as soon as I could.

The Rebel Witch jumps right in as we see Rune and Gideon reunited for the first time since the events of The Crimson Moth. With the two at odds: one with orders to kill and the other siding with the enemy, they are soon forced to work together after a series of events unfold, and somehow try not to kill each other in the process. Their goal is simple: take down Cressida but can they really put aside their hatred aside? Can they really work together if they both have plans to betray the other?

I really didn't want this to end (secretly hoping for spin offs) because I am so in love with this world and the magic system, and of course Gideon and Rune. They are enemies to lovers at it's finest and their relationship throughout this duology is so fun to read. The constant back and fourth of "will they/won't they" was so entertaining, nobody does it quite like them. The tension? The angst? The yearning and longing? Give it all to me. I need more. They banter had me grinning and swooning despite what was happening.

I really felt for Rune in this book, after seeing her so brave and headstrong in The Crimson Moth to someone who is constantly burying her emotions because she is plagued with self doubt. Her decision making isn't always the best, but I loved seeing her growth. I would've liked to see have seen her learn more spells instead of relying on the three spells she knows and uses most. There were times that she could've done with having different spells at her disposal. If you follow me on Twitter/X then you just know my whole reading thread is just full of my love for Gideon Sharpe, that man can do no wrong. I loved reading him fighting between his heart and head, both wanting completely different things. I'm so glad that we got to see a different side to Gideon ion this book, showing how conflicted he was when it came to Rune and doing what he believed was the right thing. My heart broke for him after what happened in The Crimson Moth, it's really no surprise that he hates witches after everything he endured because of them. I was really rooting for his happy ending and I'm so glad that he got it.

The Rebel Witch was everything that I needed and more. It was the perfect sequel and if you loved the first instalment then you'll love this one just as much. If I didn't have work then I would've devoured this book in a day because I was hooked from start to finish, I didn't want to put it down. This duology isn't one to miss, I highly recommend to everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🔥 One of my favourite quotes - 'If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.' 🥵🔥

Firstly, thank you so much to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction (Magpie) & Netgalley for allowing me to read The Rebel Witch in exchange for honest feedback.

Wow, wow, WOW!! The Crimson Moth was brilliant, a 5-star read, but The Rebel Witch is on another level! 🔥 What an epic conclusion to this brilliant duology! From start to finish, I was absolutely ENGROSSED - I couldn't put my Kindle down, unless it was absolutely necessary! 🤭 The pace of the story was unbelievable, keeping me hooked from page 1, all the way through to the final page - I just couldn't wait to read more about Rune & Gideon, my favourite Witch & Witch Hunter. This is absolutely one of my top reads of the year, potentially of all time! ❤️

I finished the last 8% of The Rebel Witch during my lunch break at work, and oh my days, I struggled to contain my emotions because the ending was amazing - it was shocking but soooo good!! 🫣🥹❤️

Not only is the content of the book amazing, the cover is absolutely STUNNING and the art at the beginning of each chapter is beautiful 😍⚘️

Without a doubt, this is one of the best enemies-to-lovers books that I've read so far. Their relationship sucked me right in to the point I felt like I was the third-wheel, shouting at them to 'just get it on already!' 🤭 The tension, the burning hatred for each other, the drama they go through together, the desperate longing, the wee bit of spice 👀🔥 - it was phenomenal. Oh, and the epilogue is just perfection. As the blurb says, 'love has never been so deadly', but for who? 👀🫣

I don't want to say much more in case I give anything away... All I'll say is that if you love romantasy, witchy drama, a grumpy commander, forced proximity, brilliant supporting characters, a cat & mouse chase and lots of tension, drama and emotions, then this is the book for you! 🤌🏻❤️🔥

I read The Crimson Moth at the beginning of the year and absolutely loved it so I'm incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review this book.

Firstly, the world building and atmosphere continue to be strong, immediately immersing you back into the story of the character's journey. Rune and Gideon’s growth is compelling. However, I felt like some of the side characters and their plots could have been developed more. I would have liked to have paid more attention to these moments within the story, as I was intrigued to learn more.

While this book had its strengths and I was excited to return to this world, it lacked the spark that the first book captured so vividly and made it so captivating. It was an enjoyable read but not as satisfying as I had hoped going into this.