The Crimson Moth was one of the first fantasy books I had read in a decade and a half. It got me back into reading and the fantasy genre. Book 2 lived up to the first book. There was a great pace throughout the book. Characters and the world building were built upon even more in this book.
There was great tension and passion between the two main characters. I was also invested in the side characters. Rune is such a strong lead character but it was good seeing that she wasn't perfect. She had flaws and weaknesses but they just made her more relatable and likeable.
The book finished the duology with a satisfying ending.

I was so excited to be accepted for an ARC of Rebel Witch.

The Crimson Moth had me in a chokehold and honestly nothing could compare to it and I absolutely thought the same with this!

Rune and Gideon have my heart and always will. Their story was fast paced and beautiful and no matter where in the world or what is happening in the world, you’ll always find love.

When the witch hunter falls in love with the witch he’s been sent to hunt, he as to figure a plan to keep them both alive so they can be together whilst unearthing some dark secrets. Will Gideon sacrifice himself for Rune? Will Rune sacrifice herself for Gideon? Or can they live in a world where witches will never be hunted again and can live united together?

This duology was incredible. There was so much tension in this book and you could see the characters struggle to fight their feelings. The enemies to lovers is done so well. The plot is just as good as the first one and it continues on really well. I loved everything about it.

Firstly, a huge thank you to Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction and Magpie for the arc of The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Confession first – I adored The Crimson Moth and have been waiting for the sequel to be published, with both high expectations and an absolute desperation to see how Gideon and Rune’s story turns out – a doomed romance between a witch and a witch hunter, combined with the 3rd wheel of the witch hunter’s brother, poor Alex. Of course, as soon as I was approved to read The Rebel Witch, every other book in my TBR took second place – this was a total NEED!
Was book 2 in this duology what I was expecting? No. Was it less? No. Am I sad now that I’ve read it? Yes! Absolutely yes, I adored Rune and Gideon, their story is so heartfelt and emotional, with huge hurdles, secrets, and hidden past events and damage to overcome. From page 1 this book had me on edge, nothing was as it seemed and the tension at times was truly unbearable! I was unable to put this book down, and that included sacrificing desperately needed sleep!
From start to end Rune and Gideon are rarely parted, and when they are, they will take on heaven and hell to be reunited! Their romance is beautifully crafted, from the enticement of close quarters, to the overwhelming yearning and forbidden love between the two that continued the themes established in The Crimson Moth (book 1,) aided and abetted by such marvellous scenes where jealousy definitely tips the balance.
This is where Ciccarelli used the dual PoV telling of the story to continue keeping the reader informed of so much more than Rune and Gideon actually told each other, only enhancing the frustration and desperation for them to truly communicate and stop hiding behind secrets and plots, but, of course, if they did so, that would only have ended the book sooner, and that was definitely something I didn’t want!
Like the plot, their emotional conflict, misunderstandings, emotions and feelings continue to escalate as the book continues, leading to an almighty conclusion that will truly blow your socks off! Bearing in mind that this is a duology and not a trilogy, it is understandable that there weren’t a raft of moments of fun and levity, these were very few are far between. This is probably my only disappointment, as I think there are definite moments of fun and banter that would have perfectly rounded their relationship.
I will say that whilst I loved the plot, it was a tad ideal in its view of sacrificing a few for the good of many and acceptance that people will act in the worst way for the best reason but, ultimately, as an enemies to lovers, doomed love story, Ciccarelli excels in writing beautiful prose that truly captures their frustrated emotions, and I absolutely adored the growth displayed by both Gideon and Rune as this amazing book reached its conclusion.
My only regret now is that my sojourn in their world is over, and I now have to return to the real mundane non-magical world where politics, economics and reality are a total come down. Should Kristen Ciccarelli ever revisit this world in short story, novella or other form, I’ll be here reading to revisit and rediscover where Rune and Gideon head next!

After such a dramatic ending to The Crimson Moth I was really excited to read the sequel and it didn't disappoint. I loved the will they/won't they between Rune and Gideon and the sort of missed communication aspect. There was a nice amount of romance without being too spicy, mostly just hinting at what was happening rather than being too detailed. There were a nice amount of twists to the story without being overly complicated, having said that I would say some of the twists are very typical of the genre so it was kind of easy to pick up on the hints at what was going to happen. I did find that there were some slight conveniences in the story but I think this is somewhat expected within a fantasy book.
Before reading this I wasn't aware that this series is a duology, but I found that The Rebel Witch resolved everything nicely. We get a great happy ending and I think there is a potential for another maybe novella that could be about the new government, but this isn't necessary at all as the series works really well as a duology.

WOWWW. I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to read The Rebel Witch prior to the release date. This book was absolutely phenomenal and a great ending to one of my most favorite duologies. Kristen Ciccarelli has such an incredible eye for detail and there isn’t one thing that isn’t beautifully tied at the end of this book and absolutely no questions.

I am so excited for what she has coming up next. She will always be an automatic buy for me and someone I recommend for reading.

Thank you so much to HarperCollins UK for granting my wish and NetGalley for the opportunity for reading this.

One of my favorite reads this year!

I loved this book so much! This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read all year. This book provided me with laughs and tears. I’m not sure if a 3rd book will be coming out but if it does, I will need it ASAP. Seriously great job!

This was a brilliant plot that was both captivating and memorable, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and the time I spent reading the enemies to lovers that is witch and witch hunter Gideon and Rune.

I have this a 5 star and it was well deserved both book one and book two are phenomenal.

This duology is so elite, it has easily become one my favourite romantasies. This book is a great follow up to The Crimson Moth.

Following on from the events of book 1, we get no rest bite as book 2 picks up with our favourite MMC and FMC immediately. I truly missed their conflict, flirtation and tension. Throughout this story we get to see both characters grow and determine what path is right. They go through so much and at points I honestly thought there’s no way this will work out.

We get some huge revelations regarding Cressida, her sisters, Rune and some of the side characters. This book had so many things I enjoyed, I honestly have no complaints except for I wish the epilogue was longer.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I LOVED this duology! The Rebel Witch was the perfect conclusion to the events set up during The Crimson Moth. Easter eggs laid along the way to had me making theories, but twists and turns kept surprising me.

Enemies to lovers
Witches
Unique magic system
High stakes

Note: The Crimson Moth is marketed as a YA romantasy duology. The Rebel Witch does contain some spice 🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Harper Collins for this earc in exchange my honest thoughts

4 stars.

I am absolutely obsessed with Rune Winters. She so kind, caring, headstrong, yet so vulnerable and scared too. She just wants to belong somewhere and be herself without fear.

This ending was beautiful, everything happened for the exact reason it should. I was kept engaged throughout and wanted to know more.

My only gripe is the ending happened too quickly? It was absolutely dramatic but it also felt lacklustre, like it needed something else. I also got frustrated a few times with both Rune and Gideon, just communicate!!

I rated The Crimson Moth 5 stars and somehow, this was better. I ADORED this book. It consumed my every waking thought. I fully wanted to abandon all responsibilities and binge this, but I also didn’t want it to end.

I experienced every single emotion you could think of reading this book - I laughed, sobbed, squealed, and was stressed beyond belief, but I would turn straight back to page one in a heartbeat. This was the PERFECT ending to a phenomenal series. I cannot wait for it to be out in the world so I can talk to everyone about it!!

Thank you so much to Harper Collins and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in return for an honest review ❤️

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest revirew. Unfortunatley, I really wanted to love this, as the first installment was an obsession of mine, but it was only a great disappointment. The entire plot is a series of continuous back and forth of void dialogues between Gideon and Rune. Moreover, the miscommunication trope (which I actually DESPISE) had no bounds. I hate it when characters can't admit, even to themselves, that they have feeling for someone... It was a pain to constantly be in their head.
Also, I didn't like the fact that the author kept repeating memories and events that happened in the previous chapter... why?
I'm so sorry, this failed to deliver and to conclude a beatufiul start of series.

Ahhhhhh my heart burst - what an epic follow on to The Crimson Moth!
I finished it a couple of days ago and I still can’t get it out of my head. I need me a Gideon Sharpe - someone who won’t give up to do what’s right.
I am struggling to put it into words how much I loved it. It’s left me in a reading slump massively although I’ve just seen that Harper Collins have put some new books out on NG so hopefully one of those will get me out of it 👏🏻

I've finished this book about a week ago already, but I couldn't get my head together enough for a review. And I'm not even sure why.
Partly I didn't want to admit that this series is finished and over.
Partly I was aware that this was one of my most anticipated releases and I wasn't able to manage my expectations beforehand.
And partly I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book.

It was so good to be back in this world, with these characters that really gotten under my skin in book 1. So in a way it was like coming home. With all the ache and heartbreak included.

Reading on though it felt like this story threw in all the favorite tropes and plot twists for the fun of it.
Weirdly enough it still worked, at least in a way that it was highly entertaining and bingeable.
Don't get me wrong though, there are also important political and personal messages in this book, and the author managed to bring everything to a really good conclusion in the end.

The book left me satisfied, and yet it does not hold that special place in my heart that book one did.

Overall, it is a really really good read, and I'll definitely read more from the author.

4/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollins for the eARC!

#RebelWitch #CrimsonMoth #Netgalley #Bookstagram

‘The Crimson Moth’ was one of my top 2024 reads and so I was overwhelmed at being given the chance to read the sequel early! A huge thank you to Kristen Ciccarelli, Magpie/HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the honour of receiving this ARC!
After the delicious tension between the two main characters Rune and Gideon in book 1, The Rebel Witch had a LOT to live up too! I’m not sure how it was possible, but Ciccarelli has outdone herself and readers will be blown away by the sequel!
The tension between Rune and Gideon is just as torturously addictive if not more so through the entire book and readers are constantly left wondering whether or not our favourite witch and witch hunter will get the happy endings they deserve.
The storyline is just as creative and original second time around with so many twist and turns that the book is totally unputdownable from start to finish!
I loved this world and the characters Ciccarelli has created, in a time where series seem to be 5 books long, this duology was perfect! It captured my heart and left me wanting to stay with these characters a little longer whilst also leaving me comforted with its ending.
This duology is perfection and The Rebel Witch truly is a masterclass in how to write a sequel.

this was a perfect conclusion to the duology! i loved every single second of it! theres not too much i can say without spoiling book one, but i enjoyed how the story and relationships continued in this book! im sad i had to say goodbye but im excited for whataver kristen comes out with next!

Well, this book was EVERYTHING! The perfect continuation of the Crimson Moth, which as you know leaves you in a huge cliffhanger and all the mysteries are resolved in this book.

We follow Rune and Gideon's adventures, feeling the tension between both of them while they all try to trick and outsmart the other one. We are also given more information about some of the other characters we were introduced to in book one.

The political development that goes on at the same time definitely adds to the book, giving you the chance to understand two very political views and all the consequences of supporting either of them, and how maybe there's a middle ground that should be achieved.

The writing is addictive, the story is written in a way that won't let you put the book down until you're done and even then you'll keep thinking about the books days later.

The Crimson Moth and Rebel Witch are definitely the perfect duology. If there is a fantasy romance you're going to pick up, let it be this one.

Thank you SO MUCH NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving the chance to review this book ahead of publication, I can't be more grateful!

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest opinion!

I have been looking forward to reading this book since last April, when I read the Crimson Moth and truly loved it: the characters, the plot twists, the secrecy, got me hooked almost from page one. It has been a pleasure to be back with Rune and Gideon, once again torn apart by events, fate, their pride and their prejudices (Gideon would be an excellent Mr Darcy): the development of their relationship is a bit of a bumpy ride but I was there for it.
What I wanted from book two, apart from the romance to be fully developed, was a bit more insights on the worldbuilding and I found it lacking. While in book one the setting didn't need to be fully fledged - yet, I would have liked more depth regarding the culture and customs before and after the revolution - The Rebel Witch needed more details on Cascadia's history and mythology. Some twists felt convenient while others couldn't be fully understood because of the writing style that does not indulge in descriptions and digressions, even when it should. The pace is fast, the writing is a real page-turner, keeping you constantly on edge but eventually it does not suffice in making certain scenes feel actually relevant.

Do I recommend this duology? If you're looking for well-developed characters, romance, slow burn and actual enemies to lovers, this story is for you; if the fantasy plot is what matters most to you, the second book may disappoint.

I was really looking forward to this book as I did enjoy The Crimson Moth but sadly I fear this did not live up to my expectations.

We find Rune caught between a rock and a hard place. Wanting to save her fellow witches left behind but having to work for Cressida, a witch whom she hates.
Gideon and Rune having to form a rocky truce to work together and save both their skins and stop Cressida’s master plan for regaining the throne.

Unfortunately with this book the romance became the main focal point and the plot became secondary. A good 30% of the first half of the book had a bunch of cliched romantasy tropes thrown at it - forced proximity, fake marriage and one bed. The romance and angst also became very repetitive. The same conversations seeming to be had all the time and I felt myself losing interest.
The writing style is very easy to read and we get short chapters to keep the pace moving, but everytime it started to pick up with some action, it was slowed down for more flirtations. It took over half the book before they got on with their mission and then many parts were somewhat anticlimactic. The last 10% redeemed the story slightly but still left an underwhelming aftertaste.

As always reading is subjective and if you enjoyed the first book and other series such as the Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts, you will more than likely love this. Sadly for me this was a disappointing conclusion to a duology that had so much promise.

Thankyou to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

My review is on Goodreads already and will be posted to my instagram page on 21/11/24