I’m speechless… this was even better than the book one, Heartless Hunter. The chemistry between Rune and Gideon was palpable and the stakes were sky high in a totally brand new way. Witch vs witch hunter - the reward is greater than ever and so is the fall. It's clear to Rune and Gideon that despite their love, there will only be a winner and loser in this war.

I have to add, this is the best betrayal trope book I've read, maybe ever (no this isn't a spoiler). The barbs, the fights, the unadulterated chemistry. The one bed trope! I literally descended into a fit of giggles when this micro trope presented itself in this book. There's also something Gideon learns just after part 2 of this book, and his reaction to it made my heart absolutely swoon.

Also - Rune Winters! She really comes into her character in this book. She is so incredibly smart and cunning, I'm so happy we got the Crimson Witch in all her glory even without her previous anonymity.

5 stars, I love this duology and Kristen Ciccarelli a LOT. So excited for what's to come for this author!

The Rebel Witch
Kristen Ciccarelli

She was the Crimson Moth.
A rebel witch.

“Just remember: I don’t need you willing, Gideon. I only need you obedient. And I will have your obedience…”

The stakes are even higher in the much anticipated epic conclusion to the bestselling Crimson Moth duology.

The battle grounds have been set. Rune Winters, a witch, is on the run. Ever since the man she loved, Gideon Sharpe revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands to be purged.

“Is that what it was between us?” She lowered her gaze to her wine. “Something for you to survive?”

For Rune to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood who has dark plans to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches.

Gideon refuses to allow the Republic to fall to the Witches and be plunged back into their nightmarish reign. The way to protect this new world he fought for; to kill every witch - especially Rune Winters!

“I was worried about you. Afraid you were falling prey to some cad, when I should have known better.” His gaze flickered over her face. “The Crimson Moth only ever pretends to be prey. In truth, she’s the predator.”

This was everything I hoped for and more. Action packed, with the stakes much higher, the enemies more deadly and the consequences absolutely dire. This book has tension, drama, romance and intrigue whilst being dual POVs and twists to keep you guessing.

I have missed yearning so very much! Thank god I got it in spades.

“I know a lie lived over and over will destroy a person.”

This felt like such a wonderful conclusion to this duology.

“Don’t play dumb. Cressida told me all about it: she intends to raise Analise and Elowyn from the dead. It will be everything you witches want: psychotic murderers back in charge.”

(Review posted on 20th February 2025.
Can add to Amazon after release.)

I’m so sad this duology is over!

The way Kristen writes is just magical! She pulls me into the world she’s created right away and I can’t help but love the characters.

I loved Heartless Hunter so much and Rebel Witch was one of my most anticipated reads for the year and it did not disappoint!! I loved the Rune and Gideon were brought back together right away and how even in their “hatred” they still worked together but they just work so well together!!! Gah! I love them so much!!

I really enjoyed all the side characters and their additions to the story as well! Hate Cressida but she was a perfect villain so it was a love to hate you vibe.

I can’t wait to see what Kristen does next!

Thankyou to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Magpie Books & Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest thoughts.

What an amazing and fitting conclusion to this YA romantasy duology.

The Rebel Witch picks up a short time after we left Rune and Gideon in the Crimson Moth, and they are back to full blown enemies again. Trusts have been betrayed and intentions are out in the open. But no matter the perfect opportunity, Gideon still finds himself unable to put an end to the thorn that is Rune Winters.

The enemies dynamic is absolute perfection, and in no time at all we have them pushed together in another fake courting/ forced proximity situation and it is the recipe for some optimal tension and perfect banter.

This was a great YA duology, and potentially will make its way to one of my favourites ever. I also think it would have been amazing as an adult series, so I hope the author explores this genre in the future.

“You are far worse than a thorn in my side”, he said, his dark eyes gleaming at her “you are a knife in my heart”

The plot was fast paced for the most part, and the character development met expectations (there was one direction I wasn’t a fan of, but it didn’t affect my reading experience). Some of the plot points were predictable, but they were well executed and balanced.

Tropes:
- Fake courtship
- One bed / one horse
- Heist
- Enemies to lovers
- Secret bloodlines
- Forced proximity

Narration: Dual POV, third person POV

Similar titles:
- Serpent & Dove
- these violent delights
- Divine Rivals

Thank you so much to for sending me this e-ARC of The Rebel Witch in exchange for a review! To avoid spoilers I'm reviewing the duology as a whole
This is *the* blueprint for romantasy- the world-building is strong and the fantasy and political elements hold their own, but the romance is so so so well done I could talk about it forever. No cringey dialogue here, no weak plotlines that would fall apart if they didn't fancy each other, no weak little FMC who needs saving. The premise is witch x witch hunter but don't worry- Gideon has incredibly valid reasons to dislike witches, it isn't a case of 'this one witch is pretty so I'll let her off', and our wonderful heroine Rune gives him a hard time

Two of the most stand out things about this duology for me: it is full of lots of 'typical' romantasy tropes without coming across tropey (does that make sense?) or like we've read it all before, and every character mentioned has a purpose. The romance in this is delightful, delicate and steamy even though the book itself isn't smutty, and the whole enemies thing doesn't end as soon as they realise they fancy the pants off each other. Often with fantasy there are names thrown around everywhere and it can be hard to keep track of, but not a single character that Kristen Ciccarelli created was wasted or there for the sake of it.

This is the perfect duology in that both books hold their own- book 1 ends in a way that sets up perfectly for book 2 while still feeling like a complete story, and book 2 collects every little thread left behind and wraps it up perfectly without being dragged out too long (as romantasy often is).

What! A! Great! Finale!!!
I can only repeat: why didn't I start this series much earlier?
Even though I liked The Crimson Moth even better, The Rebel Witch, the final volume, is only a tiny bit behind it. Nevertheless, the book is a clear 5-star read for me!
It's exciting, nerve-wracking, full of emotion and everything the fantasy romance heart desires and probably needs.
After Gideon handed Rune over to the witch hunters and she was sentenced to execution, it was Cressida of all people, the cruel witch queen who was believed to be dead, who saved Rune from death. Cressida wants the witches to return to power and secretly bring her sisters back from the dead, but for this she needs the lost and believed dead Roseblood sister.
Rune and Gideon have to work together to defeat Cressida and this is proving to be a very difficult task.
Not only do they have to put their twist aside, they also have to learn to trust each other and look straight into the eye of their feelings for each other, which rage like a storm inside them. And last but not least, they have to form an alliance between witches and witch hunters, because alone the endeavor is doomed to failure.
Gripping! Captivating! And fantastic!

I absolutely loved and adored The Crimson Moth so this was highly anticipated for me, as much as I did enjoy this book and was hooked, it did fall a tiny bit short for me but nothing major..

The plot was interesting and it continued well from the first book, slightly predictable but otherwise it was a quick read and concluded the duology well!

It was the most perfect sequel ever written!! The romance and the plot and the fantasy was perfect and you wouldn’t want to change a thing but this immaculate duet.

The characters development in the romance development and the fantasy plot was 10/10 !! Highly recommend

Wow, The Rebel Witch absolutely took me on a ride! Rune Winters is the kind of character you can’t help but root for, even when she’s in a tangled mess of danger, deceit, and betrayal. And then there’s Gideon. The chemistry between them is electric, but this isn’t just a romance; it’s a battle of loyalty, power, and trust that will have you second-guessing everything you thought you knew about them. I was hooked from the very first page, not just for the action, but for the emotional pull. The tension between the characters is intense, and the way their feelings evolve while everything around them crumbles is just incredible. The ending? I’m still thinking about it. Just perfection.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 4.75 stars
The Rebel Witch is the sequel to Crimson Moth and follows the story of Rune and Gideon, a witch and a witch hunter faced with an impossible choice!

“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes.”

I adored everything about the first book and oh my god that ending had me seriously screaming! I loved the emotions I went through and needed to know how the story of Rune and Gideon would continue after the betrayal and the reveals!

First off, the writing style for this duology is amazing! The way the books are written makes it super easy for me to get lost in the story and be truly emerged in what’s happening on the pages! It reads super quickly, is addicting from the very beginning and impossible to put down once you start. There was a slight lull in the middle where it started to become a bit repetitive, but luckily that was over quickly.

The plot is a bit more predictable that the first, but that didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy all that was happening! I loved the progression, the ups and downs and the build-up towards another ending that had my heart breaking in a thousand pieces!

Rune goes through a lot in this book and I did not expect her journey to be like this! She comes out so much stronger after all of it, even with the little hiccup in the middle. She is the Crimson Moth through and through and it was beautiful to see her journey back to herself. Gideon is slowly starting to question all he does and if he made the right choices and I loved seeing him unravel throughout!

Rune and Gideon are true soulmates in my eyes! Their chemistry, the passion and the pull between them is palpable and I loved every second of it! True enemies-to-lovers and amazingly written. I think the highlight of their love was actually shown at the very end! You’ll know what I’m talking about when you read it😉

The ending was EVERTHING I wanted from this book! It was heartbreaking and had me crying and screaming in the middle of the night when reading it! And then the little twist that had me pumping my fists came after that hahahahaha. It was the best and most satisfying ending to this duology!

Overall, Rebel Witch is a perfect sequel and a perfect example of what I love in romantasy books! I would highly recommend this duology for everyone who loves romantasy books, high stakes and enemies-to-lovers!

“I may not know Rune Winters,” he whispered, his mouth an inch from hers. “But I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.”😩

The Crimson Moth was a phenomenal 5* read for me last year & when said book ended on the biggest cliffhanger going I was absolutely dying to get my hands on the sequel (thank you so much for the e-arc HarperCollins UK💖). Rebel Witch picks up right where the first book ended. We have forced proximity bitterness between these two characters & SO MUCH YEARNINGGGG (the slow burning tension was at an all time HIGH). I cannot recommend this duo enough. I’m sad that this story has come to an end but I have to say it wrapped up so beautifully!🫶

4.5 ⭐️

Wow, this was a lot. It was so fast-paced that it almost felt like it could have been a trilogy.

I'm so happy that we got to see more of the magic system in this one. We really got to see the true power of the witches and of Rune.

The romance was definitely the best part of this one. The enemies to lovers to betrayal was so well done. I was concerned at the start that they wouldn't have a lot of page time together, but the chemistry was off the charts, and the way they wind up stuck together was very well done.

Plotwise, as I said, a lot happened. Especially towards the end, almost too much. I wish we had spent a little more time on the people vs. cressida. The twists were very easy to guess, but given the plotline it tends to be. I liked the ending. It was somewhat poetic, and Runes choices were very in character for her after struggles around who she is throughout the course of the book.

I think a spinoff following Harrow would be interesting. Covering what happens when she heads back to the capital and the aftermath. It feels a little abrupt on our end as our POV characters weren't in the same place as her.

Overall, I really enjoyed the duology, and I'll absolutely be checking out other books by the author.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This was a really good follow up to book one. I was so excited for it bc book 1 ended on such a cliff hanger and whilst this series isn't my favourite of all time or anything its still such a good time

I was so lucky to get approved for this book back in November, and as soon as I saw it on my NetGalley shelf, I couldn’t wait to dive in. I hadn’t long finished The Crimson Moth, and I knew this was going to be the perfect follow-up. So, of course, I bumped it straight to the top of my reading list. I’m beyond thrilled to finally be able to talk about this incredible book.
After finishing The Rebel Witch, I honestly don’t know how it surpassed The Crimson Moth in every way. While the first book had me gripped, this sequel took everything to the next level. Whether it was because I was already familiar with the characters or because I just needed to know what happened next, I couldn’t put it down.
The story picks up right where The Crimson Moth leaves off, diving straight into all the raw emotions, betrayal, and tension. From the very first page, Rune and Gideon’s interactions had me on the edge of my seat, and I loved how the author didn’t drag out the tension between them. It made their relationship feel even more real and immediate.
The plot is such a rollercoaster! It’s full of danger, twists, and tough decisions that really make the characters grow. There’s this great mystery about who the true enemy is, and it kept me guessing and hooked the whole time.
The best part, though? The romance. It’s just swoon-worthy! I loved every moment of it. The action, the romance, the emotions—everything played out so clearly in my mind, and I found myself laughing, crying, and literally kicking my feet in the air at times. The Rebel Witch has easily become one of my all-time favorite romantasy series, and I can't wait to dive back in and experience it all over again!

Loved it. Every second of it. Perfect continuation to Crimson Moth, I’m so happy I got the chance to read it!

After the tragedy that hit at the end of book 1, we find Rune away from the Republic and in a safe place alongside someone who she thought was her friend. She wants to stay but she also wants to go back but being the Crimson Moth would get her killed, and loving a certain Blood Guard Captain would only cause more trouble.

She believes he’s back in the Republic, forgetting her and letting go of what little they had. What she doesn’t know is that he will never stop hunting her, he would follow her anywhere just to end her life for all the misery she’s caused him. But will he actually be able to pull the trigger when it comes down to it? There’s more at cost now, his traumatic past has returned to haunt him, and they will not rest until Gideon Sharpe is buried under the ground.

Will Rune save him from his monsters or will she save her skin and other witches over him?


I simply devoured this second book in the Crimson Moth duology, I’m so sad to see these characters go but I’m also so happy I got to experience all the emotions I felt whilst reading it. I can’t wait for it to hit the shelves on the 27th February!


Thank you to Harper Insider and NetGalley for the advance copy!!

I was so excited to read Rebel Witch after devouring the previous book, Heartless Hunter.
The story started a few months after the ending of book 1, and I was hooked right from the beginning, seeing Rune and Gideon once again working in opposite sides.

The first half part had me intrigued and also relieved seeing Rune and Gideon wasn’t separated for most part of the book.
However, the second half part feels slightly rushed with new characters introduced and plotting to make a better world for witches.
I would’ve loved to see more Gideon and Rune working on the same team.

Rune and Gideon epitomize the slow burn enemies-to-lovers trope!
They’re back to arguing and plotting against each other in this book too, but it’s nice to see them slowly working out to be together, learning to trust and be vulnerable with each other again.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this conclusion, the author has a great way of bringing surprised to the readers in the very last parts of the book.
The final duel had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the outcome!
Suffice to say, it was what I expected, even though I doubted for a moment there….

Overall, I love this whole duology. This sequel is as enjoyable and entertaining as the first despite the pacing issues because I finished it in just 2 days!
I’m definitely looking forward to more books written by this author in the future.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: blood, death, violence, gun violence, torture, sexual content, sexual assault

It was a good decision to make this book series a duology rather than a trilogy. I think this book had a pretty satisfactory conclusion and I must admit that this sequel exceeded my expectations.

Rune and Gideon's paths after the end of the first book went in different directions. However, as a witch x witch hunter they undoubtedly had to meet again at some point. A war is coming, and each side moves its pieces strategically. An expected confrontation between Rune and Gideon will set the plans in motion and new alliances will be forged. They have no choice but to work together to defeat a common enemy but who said it would be easy when there are secrets, feelings, and lack of trust involved.

The plot, although predictable and repetitive at times, was entertaining and enjoyable. I wasn't bothered by the pacing of this one, I believe it was the right one for a sequel otherwise the story would have felt a bit dense and dull. I liked the character development of both Rune and Gideon. Both had to face their demons and overcome obstacles in order to find themselves. Moreover, I specially loved Rune's arc because her journey of highs and lows leads her to realize who she really is and accept herself. I also loved Rune and Gideon's romance, especially that it has been explored beyond them being at each other throats. The yearning, the tension, and the angst in their relationship was endearing and genuine.

This sequel gave me what I was expecting from the first book: more Crimson Moth, more action — packed scenes, magical system to the fullest and a great wrap up.


Thanks Netgalley for this ARC

This dialogue in general was not for me even though I'm a hard-core enemies to lovers girlie. Maybe because it was hyped for me or I had some wild expectations, who knows 🤷‍♀️

I am just obsessed with this book.

The ultimate enemies-to-lovers push and pull, I could help but read frantically, desperate to find a good outcome. I adore their constant out-manoeuvring of each other, the layers upon layers of plans and betrayals, and wanted to scream at all the trust issues. It’s the best type of frustration to have, as it only meant it all felt so real, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the page.

The Rebel Witch is a satisfying finale to this wonderful duology, and I already want to turn right back to page one and experience it all again.

I was so happy to finally be back with Rune and Gideon ! As soon as you start the book, you're immediately thrown in full action scenes. There are no dull moments. It was tense, sad, mysterious, angsty, and I'm glad I got to read this beautiful duology. Witches and witch hunters are among my favorite duos. I did like the first one better, but that's on me, I tend to like the first book in a series more. It felt like the ending was a bit rushed compared to the rest of the story, but still, I will never recommend this duology enough !