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The Crimson Moth #2
Rebel Witch
The stakes are even higher in this epic, romantic conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Crimson Moth duology.
A WITCH...
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.
A WITCH HUNTER...
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.
AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE...
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.
In Kristen Ciccarelli's Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.
A WITCH...
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.
A WITCH HUNTER...
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.
AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE...
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.
In Kristen Ciccarelli's Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2025
12098 people are currently reading
196858 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ciccarelli
9 books8,906 followersKristen Ciccarelli is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Crimson Moth duology, A Dark Forgetting, and the Iskari series. Before writing stories for a living, she dropped out of college and worked as a baker, a potter, and a bookseller. She currently resides in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 27,105 reviews
February 26, 2025
4.25 stars!! Loveeee the chemistry between Gideon & Rune. I'm going to miss them so much😭
SUCH high stakes! If you love enemies to lovers, I seriously cannot recommend this duology enough.
I also love that we delved a lot more into the fantasy and magic plot in this book.
The onlyyyy reason I wouldn't rate it 5 stars is because I did predict a few of the twists/reveals. BUT LOVE THIS DUOLOGY WITH MY WHOLE HEART.
Now I want another enemies to lovers witchy romantasy! Why do witchy books always have immaculate vibes?
SUCH high stakes! If you love enemies to lovers, I seriously cannot recommend this duology enough.
I also love that we delved a lot more into the fantasy and magic plot in this book.
The onlyyyy reason I wouldn't rate it 5 stars is because I did predict a few of the twists/reveals. BUT LOVE THIS DUOLOGY WITH MY WHOLE HEART.
Now I want another enemies to lovers witchy romantasy! Why do witchy books always have immaculate vibes?
February 26, 2025
Not much to say on this one other than: super predictable but equally fast paced and entertaining (didn’t even care that I knew where everything was going I was having a great time). I lovedddd Gideon in this one + both of his and Rune’s internal struggle between their love and their loyalties. The perfect mix of romance & fantasy with really great scenes + a high stakes plot (which made the forbidden-ness of their romance that much better). I love me a duology!!!
November 24, 2024
heartless hunter walked, so this could RUNNNN
March 17, 2025
Final Edit: Oh my heart, this was so good. I screamed, I cried. I wanted to bargain my life for Gideon and Rune's happy ending at one point, but thankfully didn't have to. The author did the sequel a justice.
This book made up for the original atmosphere in book one in the form of the devotion both of these had for each other. Yeah, the pacing might have been a little off at points, but I really can't complain, cause 90% of this book was so freaking good.
Loved it so much! And I would DIE for my own Gideon Sharpe <3
If Gideon and Rune don't end up together, I'll riot.
Edit: Goodreads now shows February 18, 2025 as the release date 👀👀👀👀
Edit 2: IT'S CALLED REBEL WITCH!!
Edit 3: THE COVER AND THE BLURB IS OUT AHHH!!!
This book made up for the original atmosphere in book one in the form of the devotion both of these had for each other. Yeah, the pacing might have been a little off at points, but I really can't complain, cause 90% of this book was so freaking good.
Loved it so much! And I would DIE for my own Gideon Sharpe <3
If Gideon and Rune don't end up together, I'll riot.
Edit: Goodreads now shows February 18, 2025 as the release date 👀👀👀👀
Edit 2: IT'S CALLED REBEL WITCH!!
Edit 3: THE COVER AND THE BLURB IS OUT AHHH!!!
March 2, 2025
3 Stars
I enjoyed this one - but idk after the cliffhanger in book 1... I was expecting FIRE and a Rebel Witch for real going into this one, but it felt lukewarm and inadequate.
Less than enthused about writing a full review for this one. I might come back and edit later.
➽──────────────❥
Slight detour on the current reads again 🤭 totally forgot this one was coming out today, and, well, obviously I'm dying of suspense since the last one ended!
Here I go! 🤸🏻♀️🕳️
╰⪼ 🦋Enemies Team Up
╰⪼ 🦋All the Banter
╰⪼ 🦋Found Family
╰⪼ 🦋Only One Bed
╰⪼ 🦋Enemies to Lovers to...?
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
I enjoyed this one - but idk after the cliffhanger in book 1... I was expecting FIRE and a Rebel Witch for real going into this one, but it felt lukewarm and inadequate.
Less than enthused about writing a full review for this one. I might come back and edit later.
➽──────────────❥
Slight detour on the current reads again 🤭 totally forgot this one was coming out today, and, well, obviously I'm dying of suspense since the last one ended!
Here I go! 🤸🏻♀️🕳️
╰⪼ 🦋Enemies Team Up
╰⪼ 🦋All the Banter
╰⪼ 🦋Found Family
╰⪼ 🦋Only One Bed
╰⪼ 🦋Enemies to Lovers to...?
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
March 23, 2025
4.45!
“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.”
The author ate with this series because oh my god?!?!? this was such a stellar duology! I enjoyed this book literally as much as I enjoyed book. Yes, there were a few predictable scenes but the overall journey that this book took me on was just amazing!! like I loved it so much an it had me hooked from the start to the end!! I finished this duet so fast that im afraid my slump ran away. The writing was so easy to follow, this book picks up right after the events of book 1 and we all know how heartbreaking the end of book 1 was so I bet you can imagine how amazing, thrilling and sad the beginning of this book was. Like honestly if it was a 1000 pages I would gladly devour this and honestly I need to read more of Kristen's books because what do you mean she's been writing bangers without me noticing?!?! Criminally offensive behavior. I feel like she put all her blood, sweat and tears into this and it paid off!!
“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes. It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it's tougher than steel. Love can't be controlled. Love can't obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants. Love is the real enemy of the regime, and that's why you despite it. It's why Cressida tries to crush it. Because you both know, deep down, it has the power to topple you.”
Rune, If you found her to be 'not that badass' in book 1, you'll be surprised in this book because Rune did everything, she aced this book and uff I loved her point of view so much, the way she thought about Alex broke my heart, her interactions with Gideon were something that literally burned my heart. Her overall thoughts and just being in her head felt so good that I honestly wish that this was a series instead of just a single book :(( I loved her. Gideon, AHHHHH I take back being confused over Rune's love interest because Gideon is perfect! Gideon was written so well, he gave me a hard time in the first half but I always swooned when he showed up, his inner turmoil, his thoughts and his actions!! I loved them so much. These two are so much precious to me because no one has stood out to me like these two character have over the span of two books! Do yourself a favor a read their story, it's so worth it!
“I may not know Rune Winters, but I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.”
The romance in this book was amazing, like enemies to lover to enemies to lovers is sooooo hard to pull off but she executed it so well, the tension between out main characters was sizzling and it felt so good to read, the forced proximity in this book made the romance so much better like that one bathroom scene at the start and multiple like that scattered across the book, it just hit so well, the spicy scenes although minimal served so muchhh, These two are perfect for each other, the angst and the chemistry that they share make them seem like fated lovers!! AND I love to read books with the hunt x hunted vibe so that just added into my enjoyment level.
“Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won't recognize the light. You'll become like the monsters you hate.”
The plot overall was so well done, the way it developed and unraveled and then finally got executed?? perfection, I also loved how fast paced and action packed it was! I wasn't bored once, I just hoped the world building and the magic system was explored a bit more but besides that this was an outstanding sequel to Heartless hunter.
Overall, I would recommend!
__
Easily one of my favourite duologies!
_
Finished book 1 right in time for book 2's release and I need to see what happens next because that cliffhanger was so brutal.
Buddy reading with Roxy
“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.”
The author ate with this series because oh my god?!?!? this was such a stellar duology! I enjoyed this book literally as much as I enjoyed book. Yes, there were a few predictable scenes but the overall journey that this book took me on was just amazing!! like I loved it so much an it had me hooked from the start to the end!! I finished this duet so fast that im afraid my slump ran away. The writing was so easy to follow, this book picks up right after the events of book 1 and we all know how heartbreaking the end of book 1 was so I bet you can imagine how amazing, thrilling and sad the beginning of this book was. Like honestly if it was a 1000 pages I would gladly devour this and honestly I need to read more of Kristen's books because what do you mean she's been writing bangers without me noticing?!?! Criminally offensive behavior. I feel like she put all her blood, sweat and tears into this and it paid off!!
“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes. It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it's tougher than steel. Love can't be controlled. Love can't obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants. Love is the real enemy of the regime, and that's why you despite it. It's why Cressida tries to crush it. Because you both know, deep down, it has the power to topple you.”
Rune, If you found her to be 'not that badass' in book 1, you'll be surprised in this book because Rune did everything, she aced this book and uff I loved her point of view so much, the way she thought about Alex broke my heart, her interactions with Gideon were something that literally burned my heart. Her overall thoughts and just being in her head felt so good that I honestly wish that this was a series instead of just a single book :(( I loved her. Gideon, AHHHHH I take back being confused over Rune's love interest because Gideon is perfect! Gideon was written so well, he gave me a hard time in the first half but I always swooned when he showed up, his inner turmoil, his thoughts and his actions!! I loved them so much. These two are so much precious to me because no one has stood out to me like these two character have over the span of two books! Do yourself a favor a read their story, it's so worth it!
“I may not know Rune Winters, but I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.”
The romance in this book was amazing, like enemies to lover to enemies to lovers is sooooo hard to pull off but she executed it so well, the tension between out main characters was sizzling and it felt so good to read, the forced proximity in this book made the romance so much better like that one bathroom scene at the start and multiple like that scattered across the book, it just hit so well, the spicy scenes although minimal served so muchhh, These two are perfect for each other, the angst and the chemistry that they share make them seem like fated lovers!! AND I love to read books with the hunt x hunted vibe so that just added into my enjoyment level.
“Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won't recognize the light. You'll become like the monsters you hate.”
The plot overall was so well done, the way it developed and unraveled and then finally got executed?? perfection, I also loved how fast paced and action packed it was! I wasn't bored once, I just hoped the world building and the magic system was explored a bit more but besides that this was an outstanding sequel to Heartless hunter.
Overall, I would recommend!
__
Easily one of my favourite duologies!
_
Finished book 1 right in time for book 2's release and I need to see what happens next because that cliffhanger was so brutal.
Buddy reading with Roxy
August 29, 2025
let me start by saying that even though I love heartless hunter i was still scared this book might flop because, well.. second book syndrome. But mother Kristen is not playing around.
if you want a fierce, badass witch who will give you everything you want and a relentless witch hunter who really moves to take her down, then stop everything and devour this duet.
i usually write long, detailed reviews especially for the ARCs I get, I break down the characters, the plot, and the writing style—but not this time. why? because everything was perfect. period. This is, hands down, one of the best enemies-to-lovers story I’ve read in very long. a witch and a witch hunter. I’ve said it before that all these enemies to lovers romantasy is not hitting lately because they’re literally all the same but not this duet.
the main characters were written so well, so deeply layered, that I was completely hooked from start to finish. Their emotions, motivations, and struggles felt incredibly so so real, making every moment between them hit even harder and I just wanted to scream at how much I love them.
the slow burn? flawless. the tension? Insane. the way their dynamic evolves? absolute perfection.
the pacing- because wow. the story unfolds at just the right speed, I was glued to the pages without a single dull moment. every reveal, every twist, every piece of the plot fits together beautifully, making them unforgettable.
I don’t have a criticism even if I tried to find one.
“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”
“And you’re a wolf I can’t outrun,” she whispered, closing her eyes against his touch. “Not even in my sleep.”
AND HE KISSED HER SCARS YALL!!! THIS COMING FROM THE GRUMP GIDEON IS BIG!!! the “who did this to you” vibes!! The jealousy vibes!! The yearning glances and touches!!! End me right fucking now.
stop all your current reads and read this!!!! It’s for your own good. chapter 43 you will be in my soul!!!!
Cause of death: overdosing on rune and Gideon.
also this is my first 5 stars read of 2025 🥹❤️
— ARC provided by the publisher Wednesday Books.
if you want a fierce, badass witch who will give you everything you want and a relentless witch hunter who really moves to take her down, then stop everything and devour this duet.
i usually write long, detailed reviews especially for the ARCs I get, I break down the characters, the plot, and the writing style—but not this time. why? because everything was perfect. period. This is, hands down, one of the best enemies-to-lovers story I’ve read in very long. a witch and a witch hunter. I’ve said it before that all these enemies to lovers romantasy is not hitting lately because they’re literally all the same but not this duet.
the main characters were written so well, so deeply layered, that I was completely hooked from start to finish. Their emotions, motivations, and struggles felt incredibly so so real, making every moment between them hit even harder and I just wanted to scream at how much I love them.
the slow burn? flawless. the tension? Insane. the way their dynamic evolves? absolute perfection.
the pacing- because wow. the story unfolds at just the right speed, I was glued to the pages without a single dull moment. every reveal, every twist, every piece of the plot fits together beautifully, making them unforgettable.
I don’t have a criticism even if I tried to find one.
“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell”
“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”
“And you’re a wolf I can’t outrun,” she whispered, closing her eyes against his touch. “Not even in my sleep.”
AND HE KISSED HER SCARS YALL!!! THIS COMING FROM THE GRUMP GIDEON IS BIG!!! the “who did this to you” vibes!! The jealousy vibes!! The yearning glances and touches!!! End me right fucking now.
stop all your current reads and read this!!!! It’s for your own good. chapter 43 you will be in my soul!!!!
Cause of death: overdosing on rune and Gideon.
also this is my first 5 stars read of 2025 🥹❤️
— ARC provided by the publisher Wednesday Books.
Want to read
August 3, 2024I can't wait for it to be Feb already. Enemies to lovers to enemies is going to be so angsty 🤭🤭
March 17, 2025
18/03/2025: this was so fun and it wasn't over for me. only issue i have is why tf did we NOT get the wedding scene????
-
betrayal trope so sexy but i need gideonrune to be endgame or its over for me
20/04/2024 update: WE HAVE A COVER LETS GOOOO
-
betrayal trope so sexy but i need gideonrune to be endgame or its over for me
20/04/2024 update: WE HAVE A COVER LETS GOOOO
March 30, 2025
"You get the world you're willing to fight for."
Ah. We've now come to the exhilarating conclusion of The Crimson Moth duology, and let me tell you, my friends, it does not disappoint.
We start off soon after the end of the first book, and it's as if I've never left. Everything I loved is back—the characters, the enemies-to-lovers romance, the unbelievably high stakes and the even bloodier conflicts. And just like its predecessor, Rebel Witch was unputdownable from the first page to the last, and I couldn't have been more thrilled with how it all went down.
One of the things that impressed me the most about this series is the ease in which one can just slip into this world and its magic system. When it comes to reading fantasy, there is nothing worse than onerous or confusing worldbuilding, all happening at the expense of the reader's ability to be fully immersed. So I'm always delighted when I open the first page of any book, and I'm immediately sucked in.
I have to talk about the enemies-to-lovers here. It's a trope lots of books try, but hardly any get right. That's because it's hard to come up with a reasonable premise in which two people who hate each other could not only grow to love each other, but would actually have the time and opportunity to do so. Enter this duology and its searing romance, taking that trope and totally hitting it out of the park.
Romantasies can really run the gamut in terms of how much fantasy versus romance they each have. Some are predominantly fantasy with just a smidge of romance and some have lots of romance with nary a whiff of fantasy. This duology really strikes the perfect balance between the two. Both are crucial to the story, but neither overshadow the other. As a result, I do feel like you have to be able to enjoy some romance in order to appreciate this series, though maybe you don't necessarily have to be a huge fan of fantasy, if that makes sense.
Also, let's not beat around the bushes here. It's clear a big reason why this was such a riveting read is that it's two books and we're done. I hope it's not blasphemous to say in a genre and era dominated by ever longer multi-book series, but I like them succinct. It's not always better to have more books, especially when there isn't more content. So it's refreshing to come across standalones and duologies that get to the point, where every scene matters and the narrative is motivated to move forward at a snappy rate.
The one thing to note (and I thought the same about the first book) is that this very much feels like an adult story even though it is marketed as YA. The themes in here are undeniably mature, including scenes of violence, torture, death, blood, and sex. Honestly, there are plenty of adult books tamer than this. So watch out if your young 'uns want to read this, is what I'm saying.
It's hard not to get caught up in the story here. Every component, while not super unique, comes together and clicks so well, you're just swept away into the world of witches and the New Republic. I think if you're looking for a fun romantasy, you can't reasonably ask for more than this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. Heartless Hunter
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
May 17, 2025
5 Stars ★
"If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell."
While Hearltess Hunter left me in shambles with a broken heart this one did what I needed it to and healed my heart.
Rebel Witch is the second installment in the Crimson Moth duology. The magic and world-building were top-tier and add to that the action, fast pace, and slow burn I was entranced from beginning to end. She had me guessing at so many turns and I was excited to find out what would happen next. Stop because why did this make me cry at certain scenes that I wasn't expecting?
Rune is on the run after being outed for who she is. The only choice that she feels that she has is to ally with the cruel witch queen. Gideon follows her with one thing in mind to capture her and follow out his precious orders. However, Rune has a plan that Gideon is unable to refuse and they must join forces to succeed at the one goal they agreed on.
Rune Winters showed herself to be even stronger here and she did shine. She is so clever, kind, and brave. We get to see how truly layered she is and the depth that she has. I loved watching her grow and learning more about herself and who she is. Watching her come into her own and learn her powers was one of my favorite things about her. Another was seeing her face her fears, not giving up, and coming out stronger. She is the perfect character in my eyes.
“The Crimson Moth only ever pretends to be prey. In truth, she’s the predator.”
Gideon Sharpe appears to be gruff and uncaring but once you peel back his depth and layers he is kind, compassionate, and even has vulnerabilities and weaknesses. We get to see here that he truly is a tortured soul as we watch him battle his inner turmoil of whether he should continue on the path of doing what he set out to do or what he feels is right. He exuded so much growth. I just love everything about him. Can we talk about when he gets jealous, protective, and the "Who did this to you?" This combination had me swooning even harder for him.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing with my wife?”
Rune and Gideon were the perfect combination. They evened one another out with their cat-and-mouse dynamic. The way that enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers was done so perfectly making the romance chefs kiss. Their constant banter had me cracking up at every turn. And my gosh the tension, angst, betrayal, secrets, and longing was so good. Throw in the mix their chemistry and the way that it all just fits together and was built up to make the perfect romance between them. I loved the way their love for one another overcame everything that was thrown in their direction. It was the perfect balance.
“It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it’s tougher than steel. Love can’t be controlled. Love can’t obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants.”
The found family aspects of this were so good. Rune and Gideon each had their form of found family and they became more and more one as the story was nearing the end. There were a couple that had me wanting to see more of them at some point. The relationship between Harlow and Juniper has me intrigued. I would love to see their story. Then there is Bart and Antonio who seem to be the sweetest couple. From what we see of them they balance one another out well and Antonio is wise with knowledge and insight. I need their story as well.
This being a duology was perfect! However, I would be lying if I said that I didn't wish that we got more of Gideon and Rune. I would love to see them years later. Who knows maybe someday she will give us crumbs of them and I would be happy with that. This kept me guessing at times and on the edge of my seat for what was going to come. I wasn't expecting the twist towards the end that had me a sobbing mess on an airplane, since I read the last 20 percent leaving for my vacation. I was then left with happy tears after the heartbreak, which I'm thankful for. Anyway, go read this duology if you haven't, you will not be disappointed!
Favorite quotes and moments
“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.”
"There was a part of Rune’s soul— most of it, maybe— that yearned for adventure. That craved a challenge. That liked a little danger."
“I’m not a girl to you, am I? I’m a witch, and always will be. Something to be hated and hunted down. Not cherished or protected. Not loved.”
“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.”
“Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won’t recognize the light,” he told her. “You’ll become like the monsters you hate.”
“Because I was stupid enough to fall in love with a witch hunter. Stupid enough to hope he might love me back. And if he did, I wasn’t going to let anything come between us again.”
“Sometimes our paths must diverge from those we love. But if love is the highest power, our paths will converge again—if not in this world, then the next.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
Jumping right into this after the last book left me a mess 😭 please heal my heart Gideon ❤️
"If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell."
While Hearltess Hunter left me in shambles with a broken heart this one did what I needed it to and healed my heart.
Rebel Witch is the second installment in the Crimson Moth duology. The magic and world-building were top-tier and add to that the action, fast pace, and slow burn I was entranced from beginning to end. She had me guessing at so many turns and I was excited to find out what would happen next. Stop because why did this make me cry at certain scenes that I wasn't expecting?
Rune is on the run after being outed for who she is. The only choice that she feels that she has is to ally with the cruel witch queen. Gideon follows her with one thing in mind to capture her and follow out his precious orders. However, Rune has a plan that Gideon is unable to refuse and they must join forces to succeed at the one goal they agreed on.
Rune Winters showed herself to be even stronger here and she did shine. She is so clever, kind, and brave. We get to see how truly layered she is and the depth that she has. I loved watching her grow and learning more about herself and who she is. Watching her come into her own and learn her powers was one of my favorite things about her. Another was seeing her face her fears, not giving up, and coming out stronger. She is the perfect character in my eyes.
“The Crimson Moth only ever pretends to be prey. In truth, she’s the predator.”
Gideon Sharpe appears to be gruff and uncaring but once you peel back his depth and layers he is kind, compassionate, and even has vulnerabilities and weaknesses. We get to see here that he truly is a tortured soul as we watch him battle his inner turmoil of whether he should continue on the path of doing what he set out to do or what he feels is right. He exuded so much growth. I just love everything about him. Can we talk about when he gets jealous, protective, and the "Who did this to you?" This combination had me swooning even harder for him.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing with my wife?”
Rune and Gideon were the perfect combination. They evened one another out with their cat-and-mouse dynamic. The way that enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers was done so perfectly making the romance chefs kiss. Their constant banter had me cracking up at every turn. And my gosh the tension, angst, betrayal, secrets, and longing was so good. Throw in the mix their chemistry and the way that it all just fits together and was built up to make the perfect romance between them. I loved the way their love for one another overcame everything that was thrown in their direction. It was the perfect balance.
“It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it’s tougher than steel. Love can’t be controlled. Love can’t obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants.”
The found family aspects of this were so good. Rune and Gideon each had their form of found family and they became more and more one as the story was nearing the end. There were a couple that had me wanting to see more of them at some point. The relationship between Harlow and Juniper has me intrigued. I would love to see their story. Then there is Bart and Antonio who seem to be the sweetest couple. From what we see of them they balance one another out well and Antonio is wise with knowledge and insight. I need their story as well.
This being a duology was perfect! However, I would be lying if I said that I didn't wish that we got more of Gideon and Rune. I would love to see them years later. Who knows maybe someday she will give us crumbs of them and I would be happy with that. This kept me guessing at times and on the edge of my seat for what was going to come. I wasn't expecting the twist towards the end that had me a sobbing mess on an airplane, since I read the last 20 percent leaving for my vacation. I was then left with happy tears after the heartbreak, which I'm thankful for. Anyway, go read this duology if you haven't, you will not be disappointed!
Favorite quotes and moments
“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.”
"There was a part of Rune’s soul— most of it, maybe— that yearned for adventure. That craved a challenge. That liked a little danger."
“I’m not a girl to you, am I? I’m a witch, and always will be. Something to be hated and hunted down. Not cherished or protected. Not loved.”
“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.”
“Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won’t recognize the light,” he told her. “You’ll become like the monsters you hate.”
“Because I was stupid enough to fall in love with a witch hunter. Stupid enough to hope he might love me back. And if he did, I wasn’t going to let anything come between us again.”
“Sometimes our paths must diverge from those we love. But if love is the highest power, our paths will converge again—if not in this world, then the next.”
︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ Pre-read
Jumping right into this after the last book left me a mess 😭 please heal my heart Gideon ❤️
March 11, 2025
3.5 stars
what i liked:
- rune and gideon omg they are the HOTTEST 🤭
- the second half of the book was super super fun and it kept me hooked.
- their adventures
what i didn't really like:
- the plot twists were suuuuper predictable. like, SUPER predictable.
- the first half of the book was kinda boring 😩
overall, this was a solid ending to the duology and i enjoyed reading about rune and gideon again 🧡.
what i liked:
- rune and gideon omg they are the HOTTEST 🤭
- the second half of the book was super super fun and it kept me hooked.
- their adventures
what i didn't really like:
- the plot twists were suuuuper predictable. like, SUPER predictable.
- the first half of the book was kinda boring 😩
overall, this was a solid ending to the duology and i enjoyed reading about rune and gideon again 🧡.
April 5, 2025
rtc
This duology got me out of a slump but I fear this may have put me in another because what will compare to this??
——
Immediately starting this one after finishing the first! I’m HYPED
This duology got me out of a slump but I fear this may have put me in another because what will compare to this??
——
Immediately starting this one after finishing the first! I’m HYPED
February 25, 2025
PERFECTION 😩
This duology has my whole entire heart. I couldn’t love Gideon & Rune more if I tried. Everything about it from the plot, world building, and magic to the romance, tension, and banter is top notch. I will forever be re reading these books until the end of time bc I will never accept that it’s over 😭
This duology has my whole entire heart. I couldn’t love Gideon & Rune more if I tried. Everything about it from the plot, world building, and magic to the romance, tension, and banter is top notch. I will forever be re reading these books until the end of time bc I will never accept that it’s over 😭
Read
March 18, 2025ᝰ.ᐟ pre-read: ᯓᡣ𐭩୭˚.
Had to start this one immediately after reading that ending in heartless hunter😭
I’m currently obsessed with Rune and Gideon🤭🤭 excited to read this one
- Buddy reading with my loveee hoda❣️
Had to start this one immediately after reading that ending in heartless hunter😭
I’m currently obsessed with Rune and Gideon🤭🤭 excited to read this one
- Buddy reading with my loveee hoda❣️
April 7, 2025
3.75 stars
I found myself enjoying Rebel Witch more than I expected, even more than Heartless Hunter! While the plot was fairly predictable, it kept me entertained and fully engaged throughout. The pacing was quick, and there was enough excitement to make the reading experience fun, even if I could often guess what was coming next.
The characters were definitely the highlight of this book. They were so well-developed and layered that I quickly became invested in their emotional journeys. Their motivations, struggles, and growth felt incredibly authentic, and every interaction carried emotional weight, making the stakes feel high throughout.
The romance was, without a doubt, my favourite part of this duology. The tension between Rune and Gideon was executed flawlessly, with each moment between them feeling earned and rewarding. The chemistry between them was electric, and their connection was filled with complexity—torn between love, loyalty, and conflicting desires. This added a unique emotional depth to the story, blending fantasy and romance in a refreshing way. Their forbidden love was made even more intense by the high-stakes plot, making every moment between them feel even more significant.
The pacing of the story was spot-on I really don’t think there was ever a dull moment. Each twist and turn in the plot flowed seamlessly, keeping me hooked until the very end. I found myself eager to turn the pages to see what would happen next.
While the conclusion of the duology was solid, I didn’t love it as much as I had hoped. The major plot twist was a bit predictable (which I had anticipated), which dulled some of the impact for me. I also found myself feeling a bit restless during the first half of the book, though the strong character dynamics and atmosphere kept me engaged!
Despite these minor issues, I would still recommend this duology it’s a highly entertaining ride, and the romance alone makes it worth the read!
“If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.”
I found myself enjoying Rebel Witch more than I expected, even more than Heartless Hunter! While the plot was fairly predictable, it kept me entertained and fully engaged throughout. The pacing was quick, and there was enough excitement to make the reading experience fun, even if I could often guess what was coming next.
The characters were definitely the highlight of this book. They were so well-developed and layered that I quickly became invested in their emotional journeys. Their motivations, struggles, and growth felt incredibly authentic, and every interaction carried emotional weight, making the stakes feel high throughout.
The romance was, without a doubt, my favourite part of this duology. The tension between Rune and Gideon was executed flawlessly, with each moment between them feeling earned and rewarding. The chemistry between them was electric, and their connection was filled with complexity—torn between love, loyalty, and conflicting desires. This added a unique emotional depth to the story, blending fantasy and romance in a refreshing way. Their forbidden love was made even more intense by the high-stakes plot, making every moment between them feel even more significant.
The pacing of the story was spot-on I really don’t think there was ever a dull moment. Each twist and turn in the plot flowed seamlessly, keeping me hooked until the very end. I found myself eager to turn the pages to see what would happen next.
While the conclusion of the duology was solid, I didn’t love it as much as I had hoped. The major plot twist was a bit predictable (which I had anticipated), which dulled some of the impact for me. I also found myself feeling a bit restless during the first half of the book, though the strong character dynamics and atmosphere kept me engaged!
Despite these minor issues, I would still recommend this duology it’s a highly entertaining ride, and the romance alone makes it worth the read!
May 5, 2025
how many times is Kristen Ciccarelli going to make me take a bullet through the heart??? and how many times must i endure whiplash??? (do it again.)
dual POV, yearning, and enemies-to-lovers will do it for me every. single. time.
i’m just a girl. 🎀🤍
Gideon + Rune forever
◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥
book club read!
read with us here ♡
◣──•~❉᯽❉~•──◢
dual POV, yearning, and enemies-to-lovers will do it for me every. single. time.
i’m just a girl. 🎀🤍
Gideon + Rune forever
◤──•~❉᯽❉~•──◥
book club read!
read with us here ♡
◣──•~❉᯽❉~•──◢
February 4, 2025
MY FIRST 5⭐️ OF THE YEAR!!! (and new favourite fantasy duology)
This was somehow even BETTER than the Crimson Moth... which is a fantasy book that I already hold in such high regard. I'm often hesitant that sequels won't carry the weight of its first part but oh my The Rebel Witch did it tenfold. If you're ever looking for a witch x witch hunter duology I CANNOT recommend this enough
The tension! the political intrigue! the stakes! the yearning!!!! I'm convinced that nobody does it like Kristen Ciccarelli
watch me actually cry over this book: https://youtu.be/LJFHSloVQ_k?si=XHU8ajtXd2sIPfSY
This was somehow even BETTER than the Crimson Moth... which is a fantasy book that I already hold in such high regard. I'm often hesitant that sequels won't carry the weight of its first part but oh my The Rebel Witch did it tenfold. If you're ever looking for a witch x witch hunter duology I CANNOT recommend this enough
The tension! the political intrigue! the stakes! the yearning!!!! I'm convinced that nobody does it like Kristen Ciccarelli
watch me actually cry over this book: https://youtu.be/LJFHSloVQ_k?si=XHU8ajtXd2sIPfSY
April 14, 2025
₊⊹⁀➴ 5 stars
no notes. absolutely no notes. utter perfection. this duology has no flaws.
no notes. absolutely no notes. utter perfection. this duology has no flaws.
March 19, 2025
“Sometimes our paths must diverge from those we love. But if love is the highest power, our paths will converge again—if not in this world, then the next.”
OMGGGG THIS WAS SO GOOD LIKE OMG!!! I loved it sm. I loved the first book but Omg this was something else!!! The way i was hooked from the very beginning and i never lost interest the whole time i was reading and i be reading some other book beside this but find myself thinking about this one and wondering what is gonna happen next ad yes even tho the plot was very predictable it didn’t bother me because i was having the best time still reading about everything and the characters and the romance, the angst, the longing everything was sooooo good!!
” If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell. Kissing Rune was like a realignment. There was before, when everything was off its axis. And there was after, when everything was steady and right.”
RUNE & GIDEON I lOVE THEM!!!! No because you don’t understand the way they went from enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers was so perfectly done and omg their struggles to trust each-other in this one and their plans against each-other had me screaming like omg!!! The longing and their love for each-other perfect perfect perfect!!!! GIDEON MY MAN WHY YOUR SO FINE PLSSS I lOVE HIM SM 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 the last couple of chapters had me crying because like what was happening in there 🧍♀️🧍♀️🧍♀️ the way they kept suffering I WAS SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS FOR THE SUFFERING TO STOP 😭✋🏻 i loveelovelovelove them my babessss🤍🤍🤍 Harrow & juniper i was sooo invested in their story as well it seemed so angsty i wanted more 😭🫂🤍
Overall i really loveeed this and indefinitely recommend i had the best time reading it with maria and sharing my thoughts and crying and screaming over everything with her such a fun time 😌🤭💋
“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes. It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it’s tougher than steel. Love can’t be controlled. Love can’t obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants.”
March 17, 2025
It’s been an honour, captain.
February 11, 2025
”If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this this was sin, let him be damned to hell.”
wait, cause why was this so. damn. GOOD?! this book was a million times better than book one (which i did like), but the author somehow managed to fit so much into this without it feeling like there were pieces missing. words can’t describe how much Rune grew on me, her character arc was incredible and the romance was everything i wanted it to be and more. the plot is action packed and doesn’t let up, something about this duology is just so compulsively readable. all the stars.
”Darling,” he said, walking backward. “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 witch hunter, fighting side by side?”
DARLING? FROM MR GIDEON SHARPE? SEDATE ME
i liked that the author didn’t keep Rune and Gideon apart for long, they’re at each others throats from the jump and there was a bit more of that cat/mouse dynamic that i loved from the first book. Rune went through a lot over the course of the story and it was really interesting to me to see her sort of broken down, especially since she had been seen by everyone around her as nothing other than a forced to be reckoned with. she also is the one who takes the initiative when it came to rekindling things with Gideon, even though he had his own ways of showing her his love and devotion. there’s so many scenes in here that stood out to me and a few reveals that i wasn’t expecting at all. the ending hit me right in the feels, the lengths these two would go to for each other and the things they’d be willing to give up to guide the other back into the light was genuinely killing me in the best (and) every way. i still am of the opinion that these read more NA than YA for several different reasons but I’m just so glad that i didn’t have any issues with the way the author chose to wrap up Rune and Gideon’s story. something about this book just worked so well for what i needed at the time.. obsessed bye!
”She’ll kill us both.” Gideon stared at her. “Then it will be an honor to die at your side.”
➵ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
wait, cause why was this so. damn. GOOD?! this book was a million times better than book one (which i did like), but the author somehow managed to fit so much into this without it feeling like there were pieces missing. words can’t describe how much Rune grew on me, her character arc was incredible and the romance was everything i wanted it to be and more. the plot is action packed and doesn’t let up, something about this duology is just so compulsively readable. all the stars.
”Darling,” he said, walking backward. “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 witch hunter, fighting side by side?”
DARLING? FROM MR GIDEON SHARPE? SEDATE ME
i liked that the author didn’t keep Rune and Gideon apart for long, they’re at each others throats from the jump and there was a bit more of that cat/mouse dynamic that i loved from the first book. Rune went through a lot over the course of the story and it was really interesting to me to see her sort of broken down, especially since she had been seen by everyone around her as nothing other than a forced to be reckoned with. she also is the one who takes the initiative when it came to rekindling things with Gideon, even though he had his own ways of showing her his love and devotion. there’s so many scenes in here that stood out to me and a few reveals that i wasn’t expecting at all. the ending hit me right in the feels, the lengths these two would go to for each other and the things they’d be willing to give up to guide the other back into the light was genuinely killing me in the best (and) every way. i still am of the opinion that these read more NA than YA for several different reasons but I’m just so glad that i didn’t have any issues with the way the author chose to wrap up Rune and Gideon’s story. something about this book just worked so well for what i needed at the time.. obsessed bye!
”She’ll kill us both.” Gideon stared at her. “Then it will be an honor to die at your side.”
➵ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
July 20, 2025
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . 5.0 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ re-read ⪼ ┆15-Mar-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ this hit even harder the second time and I cannot explain into words how much I am going to miss all of these characters and this world 😭
ㅤ This might be a terrific year considering it is just March and I have already read two 5-star books! It is no surprise that I liked the first book in this duology more than I did air, so my expectations for this one were sky-high, and Kristen Ciccarelli obviously did not disappoint. This book was just beautiful and the epitome of lovely tension. Okay, maybe it was not completely flawless, and I am exaggerating a little, but I had the best time of my life, devoured every single page of this book, and fell in love with these characters beyond words.
ㅤ ㅤ “Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won't recognize the light. You'll become like the monsters you hate.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ "The Rebel Witch" wraps up the witchy shenanigans with Rune, our on-the-run, gorgeous witch, who basically playing a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with everyone, and Gideon, her dear witch hunter, who's having a serious "are we enemies or are we...something else?" crisis. They're forced to team up because nothing says "we should work together" like a history of trying to capture each other, and of course their goal is to stop both Cressida and the Blood Guard from ruining their entire world.
ㅤ Their relationship? Oh, it's complicated. Think awkward silences, lingering glances that could start a bonfire, and the constant, nagging question of "can I trust you, or are you going to stab me in the back?" It's a real rollercoaster of emotions. We get to see Rune really grapple with her powers and her past, while Gideon has to confront his own prejudices and figure out where his loyalties truly lie. There's a lot of soul-searching, a lot of magic, and a lot of moments where you'll be yelling at the characters to just kiss already.
ㅤ It's a delightful mix of "save the world" action and "will they/won't they" drama, with enough betrayals and magical mishaps to keep you flipping pages.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I was overjoyed to finally get more of the magical side of this story and an insight into how some of the spells actually operate. This book and duology are clearly more on the romantic side than the magical, fantasy one, therefore my expectations were not that great in this aspect. However, I believe that this book achieved a better balance between these two components and did an excellent job of bringing to light additional parts of world building.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Fortunately, this book was able to clarify a lot of things, and it did an excellent job of bringing every piece of information to light and connecting every new story thread together at the end. I enjoyed how every enigmatic piece of information that was presented at one point eventually got explained. There were no plot gaps or simply items that were overlooked in the novel.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The writing in this duology is really lovely. We are talking about a really easy-to-read register that nonetheless perfectly fits the period and overall ambiance of the book. If a book can make me want to re-read passages because they are so well written, it automatically earns my full respect.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Do not even get me started on the romance; this novel has some of the best tension-filled scenes I have ever read. True, I became little frustrated with the constant push and pull between Rune and Gideon, but even those scenes had their own enchantment, and their entire tale just suited so well for this novel.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The book's ending is just excellent. Despite my sadness that the story is finished, I adore it when a series, or a duology in this case, gives the ideal conclusion to its events. The Rebel Witch successfully ties up all loose ends and provides the reader with much-needed, pleasant closure.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ Give me reluctant allies and an even more reluctant found family and I will be entirely sold to a book in terms of characters. I have found myself entirely falling in love with the characters in this book.
ㅤ ⛥ Rune - Ever since I first read the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, I found myself utterly in love with this type of delicate protagonist who is still proving to be such a powerful and resilient character when needed. Rune is currently one of my favourite characters ever, and I have completely fallen in love with her. It is true that Rune is a witch, but she didn't have the opportunity to actually learn and practice the entire vastness of her magic, so you don't get to meet a fearsome and powerful witch. Instead, you discover that her strength lies in other things. She is extremely smart; she is cunning and compassionate at the same time; she sacrifices herself constantly for those dear to her; she puts herself in danger to save others; and, even when her own fears threaten to suffocate her, she finds the strength to overcome them. Rune Winters is definitely one of the most relatable yet magnificent characters ever.
ㅤ ⛥ Gideon - I want to make it very clear that I still do not entirely agree with his nameand I still think it is quite ugly, but it started to grow on me, and somehow it suits him so perfectly. In case it wasn't already clear from all of my updates for this book, I love this man in an unexplicable manner. If I were a witch, I would let him hunt me down across three continents. His character undergoes such stunning development and progress. The way he ends up battling for what is right; the way he commands respect from everyone and everything and persuades others to follow his lead; and the way his kindness shows through everything is breathtaking. I was already in love with his character from book one, but The Rebel Witch confirmed that much more.
ㅤ ⛥ Laila, Harrow, Felix - these three were the perfect examples of how the smallest sign of kindness can actually entirely change a person and the outcome of their actions. It was so beautiful to watch them abandon their beliefs and fight for the right thing instead.
ㅤ ⛥ Seraphine and Juniper - it is so beautiful to watch characters understand that it takes great courage to go against something you fear and that self-sacrifice and patience bring the best results. They are the witches that managed to entirely show everyone that not all the witches are the same and that the courage and kidness that Rune showed actually live in so many more of their kind.
ㅤ ⛥ Bart and Antonio - i really need more of these two because they were the best thing that happened in the third part of this book, and I just cannot get over them.
ㅤ ⛥ Cressida and Noah - Good riddance, you psychos.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ Yes, certainly; please go read it. If you enjoyed the first book in this duology, you are sure to love the second. I am not sure who I would recommend this to or how I could better explain it, but if you enjoy insane tension, a small pinch of miscommunication that only serves to bring the characters closer together, and a vast ocean of yearning and pining, then this book and duology are perfect.
ㅤ And now...What shall I do with my life? How do I get over this?
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆01-March-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!! I can't even express into words how insanely excited I am for this! I am coming, Gideon!!!🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ re-read ⪼ ┆15-Mar-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ this hit even harder the second time and I cannot explain into words how much I am going to miss all of these characters and this world 😭
ㅤ This might be a terrific year considering it is just March and I have already read two 5-star books! It is no surprise that I liked the first book in this duology more than I did air, so my expectations for this one were sky-high, and Kristen Ciccarelli obviously did not disappoint. This book was just beautiful and the epitome of lovely tension. Okay, maybe it was not completely flawless, and I am exaggerating a little, but I had the best time of my life, devoured every single page of this book, and fell in love with these characters beyond words.
ㅤ ㅤ “Live in the darkness too long, and eventually you won't recognize the light. You'll become like the monsters you hate.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ "The Rebel Witch" wraps up the witchy shenanigans with Rune, our on-the-run, gorgeous witch, who basically playing a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with everyone, and Gideon, her dear witch hunter, who's having a serious "are we enemies or are we...something else?" crisis. They're forced to team up because nothing says "we should work together" like a history of trying to capture each other, and of course their goal is to stop both Cressida and the Blood Guard from ruining their entire world.
ㅤ Their relationship? Oh, it's complicated. Think awkward silences, lingering glances that could start a bonfire, and the constant, nagging question of "can I trust you, or are you going to stab me in the back?" It's a real rollercoaster of emotions. We get to see Rune really grapple with her powers and her past, while Gideon has to confront his own prejudices and figure out where his loyalties truly lie. There's a lot of soul-searching, a lot of magic, and a lot of moments where you'll be yelling at the characters to just kiss already.
ㅤ It's a delightful mix of "save the world" action and "will they/won't they" drama, with enough betrayals and magical mishaps to keep you flipping pages.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I was overjoyed to finally get more of the magical side of this story and an insight into how some of the spells actually operate. This book and duology are clearly more on the romantic side than the magical, fantasy one, therefore my expectations were not that great in this aspect. However, I believe that this book achieved a better balance between these two components and did an excellent job of bringing to light additional parts of world building.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Fortunately, this book was able to clarify a lot of things, and it did an excellent job of bringing every piece of information to light and connecting every new story thread together at the end. I enjoyed how every enigmatic piece of information that was presented at one point eventually got explained. There were no plot gaps or simply items that were overlooked in the novel.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The writing in this duology is really lovely. We are talking about a really easy-to-read register that nonetheless perfectly fits the period and overall ambiance of the book. If a book can make me want to re-read passages because they are so well written, it automatically earns my full respect.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Do not even get me started on the romance; this novel has some of the best tension-filled scenes I have ever read. True, I became little frustrated with the constant push and pull between Rune and Gideon, but even those scenes had their own enchantment, and their entire tale just suited so well for this novel.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ The book's ending is just excellent. Despite my sadness that the story is finished, I adore it when a series, or a duology in this case, gives the ideal conclusion to its events. The Rebel Witch successfully ties up all loose ends and provides the reader with much-needed, pleasant closure.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ Give me reluctant allies and an even more reluctant found family and I will be entirely sold to a book in terms of characters. I have found myself entirely falling in love with the characters in this book.
ㅤ ⛥ Rune - Ever since I first read the Once Upon a Broken Heart series, I found myself utterly in love with this type of delicate protagonist who is still proving to be such a powerful and resilient character when needed. Rune is currently one of my favourite characters ever, and I have completely fallen in love with her. It is true that Rune is a witch, but she didn't have the opportunity to actually learn and practice the entire vastness of her magic, so you don't get to meet a fearsome and powerful witch. Instead, you discover that her strength lies in other things. She is extremely smart; she is cunning and compassionate at the same time; she sacrifices herself constantly for those dear to her; she puts herself in danger to save others; and, even when her own fears threaten to suffocate her, she finds the strength to overcome them. Rune Winters is definitely one of the most relatable yet magnificent characters ever.
ㅤ ⛥ Gideon - I want to make it very clear that I still do not entirely agree with his name
ㅤ ⛥ Laila, Harrow, Felix - these three were the perfect examples of how the smallest sign of kindness can actually entirely change a person and the outcome of their actions. It was so beautiful to watch them abandon their beliefs and fight for the right thing instead.
ㅤ ⛥ Seraphine and Juniper - it is so beautiful to watch characters understand that it takes great courage to go against something you fear and that self-sacrifice and patience bring the best results. They are the witches that managed to entirely show everyone that not all the witches are the same and that the courage and kidness that Rune showed actually live in so many more of their kind.
ㅤ ⛥ Bart and Antonio - i really need more of these two because they were the best thing that happened in the third part of this book, and I just cannot get over them.
ㅤ ⛥ Cressida and Noah - Good riddance, you psychos.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ Yes, certainly; please go read it. If you enjoyed the first book in this duology, you are sure to love the second. I am not sure who I would recommend this to or how I could better explain it, but if you enjoy insane tension, a small pinch of miscommunication that only serves to bring the characters closer together, and a vast ocean of yearning and pining, then this book and duology are perfect.
ㅤ And now...What shall I do with my life? How do I get over this?
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆01-March-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!! I can't even express into words how insanely excited I am for this! I am coming, Gideon!!!🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
March 16, 2025
✩ 4.75 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ One Bed
➼ Witch x Witch Hunter
➼ Magic
➼ Reluctant Allies
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Mutual Pining
➼ Miscommunication
➼ Who did this to you?
➼ Hidden Identity
➼ Third Person POV
It’s official, I’m obsessed with this duology! I personally want to thank Kristen Ciccarelli for writing two amazing books and not dragging this series out with extra books or hundreds of unnecessary pages which seems to be the norm these days. I LOVED book one, but Rebel Witch was even better! This is easily my favorite witch series of all time, it’s just perfection!
This series is a true example of enemies-to-lovers, but it’s written in a way that still made Gideon Sharpe completely swoon worthy even as he repeatedly tried to unalive Rune. Every bit of the story was well plotted and made logical sense, and both of their motivations felt completely justified based on their worldview and personal experiences. I’m always nervous to read the second book in a series because they so often suffer from the syndrome, but K.C. really rose to the occasion and wrote a phenomenal book! Did I mention I love this book? 🤪
I usually hate miscommunication, but there was just enough included to enrich the plot and not piss me off. It was mainly that neither believed that the other could truly love them based on their history and both were trying to sacrifice for the other. They were really just so similar and perfect for each other. This series features so many of my favorite tropes and the author did all of them so well! Honestly, the only thing that might have improved this series would be for it to have been written in first person POV. Mostly I just would have really loved to be inside Gideon’s head, but we still get a good sense of his thoughts and feelings in third person POV.
Don’t put this one off! Totally worth the read! I’m just sad that it’s over. 😩
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
26% Is her calling herself “Kestrel” a nod to The Winner’s series? They do have the moth thing in common… 🤔
Pre-read: Starting Rebel Witch on International Women’s Day just feels right. ✨✨✨
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ One Bed
➼ Witch x Witch Hunter
➼ Magic
➼ Reluctant Allies
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Mutual Pining
➼ Miscommunication
➼ Who did this to you?
➼ Hidden Identity
➼ Third Person POV
It’s official, I’m obsessed with this duology! I personally want to thank Kristen Ciccarelli for writing two amazing books and not dragging this series out with extra books or hundreds of unnecessary pages which seems to be the norm these days. I LOVED book one, but Rebel Witch was even better! This is easily my favorite witch series of all time, it’s just perfection!
This series is a true example of enemies-to-lovers, but it’s written in a way that still made Gideon Sharpe completely swoon worthy even as he repeatedly tried to unalive Rune. Every bit of the story was well plotted and made logical sense, and both of their motivations felt completely justified based on their worldview and personal experiences. I’m always nervous to read the second book in a series because they so often suffer from the syndrome, but K.C. really rose to the occasion and wrote a phenomenal book! Did I mention I love this book? 🤪
I usually hate miscommunication, but there was just enough included to enrich the plot and not piss me off. It was mainly that neither believed that the other could truly love them based on their history and both were trying to sacrifice for the other. They were really just so similar and perfect for each other. This series features so many of my favorite tropes and the author did all of them so well! Honestly, the only thing that might have improved this series would be for it to have been written in first person POV. Mostly I just would have really loved to be inside Gideon’s head, but we still get a good sense of his thoughts and feelings in third person POV.
Don’t put this one off! Totally worth the read! I’m just sad that it’s over. 😩
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
26% Is her calling herself “Kestrel” a nod to The Winner’s series? They do have the moth thing in common… 🤔
Pre-read: Starting Rebel Witch on International Women’s Day just feels right. ✨✨✨
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
April 12, 2025
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿💖 12/04/25
5 stars, RTC. Ladies & gentlemen, now this is HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL!!😌🙌🏻 the rollercoaster ride of emotions I was in OMG!!🤯 i'm so obsessed with Gideon & Rune now 😭💘 THE ENDING WAS *chefs's kiss* This duology is a MASTERPIECE Y'ALL!!! GO READ IT NOW!
⤿💖 09/04/25
*mic drops🎤* Yup, onto the next one after the first book turned me into a sobbing mess!🤧💔 I'm ready to be hunted by my man, Gideon again 🥰🤭💘 KRISTEN CICCARELLI, YOU BETTER NOT MESS WITH MY FEELINGS THIS TIME 😒🔪
⤿💖 12/04/25
5 stars, RTC. Ladies & gentlemen, now this is HOW YOU WRITE A SEQUEL!!😌🙌🏻 the rollercoaster ride of emotions I was in OMG!!🤯 i'm so obsessed with Gideon & Rune now 😭💘 THE ENDING WAS *chefs's kiss* This duology is a MASTERPIECE Y'ALL!!! GO READ IT NOW!
⤿💖 09/04/25
*mic drops🎤* Yup, onto the next one after the first book turned me into a sobbing mess!🤧💔 I'm ready to be hunted by my man, Gideon again 🥰🤭💘 KRISTEN CICCARELLI, YOU BETTER NOT MESS WITH MY FEELINGS THIS TIME 😒🔪
March 13, 2025
I am just obsessed with this book.
The ultimate enemies-to-lovers push and pull, I couldn’t 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 received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
The ultimate enemies-to-lovers push and pull, I couldn’t 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 received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
August 3, 2025
First, let me start by saying this: I'm not Heartless Hunter biggest fan. I liked that book, but I didn't love it. It was decent, but definitely not great. I've acknowledged its very flaws on my review about it, back in the day.
And yet, I was invested enough and cared enough, that I jumped into this one right away, without too much thinking.
I wish I had listened to my gut feeling and stayed away from the sophomore of a series I didn't actually adore in the first place.
I wish I have never read this.
I'm sorry to those of you who clearly enjoyed this book, but I just can't understand the hype.
I also can't comprehend how some people can rate this book as high as five stars, when it clearly doesn't deserve anything more than one or two. Three if you´re feeling utterly generous.
But I'm even more perplexed at the fact that some well known and followed reviewers on this community dared to give this nightmare of a book high ratings, while at the same time giving Onyx Storm low ones, when they're both as equally as bad, to be honest. Sorry not sorry.
To put it simply, this is nothing more than a train wreck. At least, on its defense, Heartless Hunter managed to be decent. This.....I still don't know what the hell was going on through the head of the writer when she wrote this.
From the plot twist you can actually see it coming miles away (oh, there's a missing Roseblood heir no one knew about till now. How......convenient). Guess what? I've already figured out who's the missing heir from the get go. Suffice to say that I also foresaw this was the direction the author might go with from the previous book.
To the unnecessary tropesiation (if I'm allowed, in lack of a more proper word to describe it) of almost.... everything. Was it really necessary to throw almost every single trope that there is in existence into this book? (the teeny tiny bed, the forced proximity, the fake marriage, the ex lover.... you name it and this book probably has it). It feels too cliche, too much of the same.
To all the bloody repetitiveness. Like seriously, have a little faith in your reader's cell brains.
I don't know why lately authors and publishing houses alike have been treating readers like dummies, feeding us on a silver platter. Let me infer things by myself, I'm a big girl. I don't need to be reminded of the exact same things at every turning page. It's exhausting and boring as hell. It's like being forced to go back at square one every time you're about to hit the finish line.
A little piece of advice for potential writers out there: dual or multiple POVs are of use to tell complex stories happening simultaneously in different places at the same time, because a same character can't be at two places at said same time, unless the people in the world you've created already invented cloning or teleportation. Period.
So, please, please, for God's sake, if both your characters are coinciding, just refrain from using dual POVs if what I'm going to read is a copycat from a scene I've already read in the previous chapter, but from a different perspective. To force a reader to go through this is like torture.
I didn't need to know the recap of the scene I've just read from the other character.
I won't elaborate on the romance, or better the lack of it, 'cause I've already fleshed out my thoughts on that topic on my Heartless Hunter review.
Just so you know, I still stand on my ground that they lack chemistry. I don't buy it.
And just because we're on topic, another word of advice for potential writers out there casually reading this: repeat after me. Miscommunication is not an interesting trope. Miscommunication is not an interesting trope.
You can ask Iron Flame about it.
But seriously, writers. Level up your game at creating real drama. Don't be so lazy and force me to read 400 pages of grown ups misreading and misinterpreting each other because they can't sit like real adults to talk it all out.
All in all, another failed reading, another failed follow up who can't live up to the expectations set up by its predecessor.
Venture into this only if you loved Heartless Hunter with all your being. If that book left you with mixed feelings, well, don't expect that would change much if you hop into this one.
Quality based rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)
Liked based rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)
And yet, I was invested enough and cared enough, that I jumped into this one right away, without too much thinking.
I wish I had listened to my gut feeling and stayed away from the sophomore of a series I didn't actually adore in the first place.
I wish I have never read this.
I'm sorry to those of you who clearly enjoyed this book, but I just can't understand the hype.
I also can't comprehend how some people can rate this book as high as five stars, when it clearly doesn't deserve anything more than one or two. Three if you´re feeling utterly generous.
But I'm even more perplexed at the fact that some well known and followed reviewers on this community dared to give this nightmare of a book high ratings, while at the same time giving Onyx Storm low ones, when they're both as equally as bad, to be honest. Sorry not sorry.
To put it simply, this is nothing more than a train wreck. At least, on its defense, Heartless Hunter managed to be decent. This.....I still don't know what the hell was going on through the head of the writer when she wrote this.
From the plot twist you can actually see it coming miles away (oh, there's a missing Roseblood heir no one knew about till now. How......convenient). Guess what? I've already figured out who's the missing heir from the get go. Suffice to say that I also foresaw this was the direction the author might go with from the previous book.
To the unnecessary tropesiation (if I'm allowed, in lack of a more proper word to describe it) of almost.... everything. Was it really necessary to throw almost every single trope that there is in existence into this book? (the teeny tiny bed, the forced proximity, the fake marriage, the ex lover.... you name it and this book probably has it). It feels too cliche, too much of the same.
To all the bloody repetitiveness. Like seriously, have a little faith in your reader's cell brains.
I don't know why lately authors and publishing houses alike have been treating readers like dummies, feeding us on a silver platter. Let me infer things by myself, I'm a big girl. I don't need to be reminded of the exact same things at every turning page. It's exhausting and boring as hell. It's like being forced to go back at square one every time you're about to hit the finish line.
A little piece of advice for potential writers out there: dual or multiple POVs are of use to tell complex stories happening simultaneously in different places at the same time, because a same character can't be at two places at said same time, unless the people in the world you've created already invented cloning or teleportation. Period.
So, please, please, for God's sake, if both your characters are coinciding, just refrain from using dual POVs if what I'm going to read is a copycat from a scene I've already read in the previous chapter, but from a different perspective. To force a reader to go through this is like torture.
I didn't need to know the recap of the scene I've just read from the other character.
I won't elaborate on the romance, or better the lack of it, 'cause I've already fleshed out my thoughts on that topic on my Heartless Hunter review.
Just so you know, I still stand on my ground that they lack chemistry. I don't buy it.
And just because we're on topic, another word of advice for potential writers out there casually reading this: repeat after me. Miscommunication is not an interesting trope. Miscommunication is not an interesting trope.
You can ask Iron Flame about it.
But seriously, writers. Level up your game at creating real drama. Don't be so lazy and force me to read 400 pages of grown ups misreading and misinterpreting each other because they can't sit like real adults to talk it all out.
All in all, another failed reading, another failed follow up who can't live up to the expectations set up by its predecessor.
Venture into this only if you loved Heartless Hunter with all your being. If that book left you with mixed feelings, well, don't expect that would change much if you hop into this one.
Quality based rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)
Liked based rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)
February 21, 2025
1⭐️
The first book is a standalone and this is….just ignore
All the characters were doing this book is having “banter” and pulling-pushing each other over and over and over. Rune gets trapped, Gideon gets trapped. They escape and they argue over the same shit and they make up. Their “enemies” phase lasted like 4-5 chapters? Like once during their mission when they were on a supposed dangerous mission Rune LITERALLY talked to him ab how many kids she wants when they were supposed to be enemies???
This book was INSUFFERABLE. I don’t know what happened with characters I liked in the first book, but I guess the author was inspired by Powerless series bc as I heard the second book of that series was the same shit over and over. And this is it too.
The plot is not relevant AT ALL. All they do is go from one place to another, argue, make up, and go again and so on. Like who do you think you are? Frodo and Sam?
Plot starts at 90% and it is such a lazy revolution I have never seen in a million years!! The writing is somehow worse in this book and the pacing is out of pocket.
Like I am gonna pretend this book never happened. Play along!
Pre-read:
Oh the cover was revealed!!!!
The first book is a standalone and this is….just ignore
All the characters were doing this book is having “banter” and pulling-pushing each other over and over and over. Rune gets trapped, Gideon gets trapped. They escape and they argue over the same shit and they make up. Their “enemies” phase lasted like 4-5 chapters? Like once during their mission when they were on a supposed dangerous mission Rune LITERALLY talked to him ab how many kids she wants when they were supposed to be enemies???
This book was INSUFFERABLE. I don’t know what happened with characters I liked in the first book, but I guess the author was inspired by Powerless series bc as I heard the second book of that series was the same shit over and over. And this is it too.
The plot is not relevant AT ALL. All they do is go from one place to another, argue, make up, and go again and so on. Like who do you think you are? Frodo and Sam?
Plot starts at 90% and it is such a lazy revolution I have never seen in a million years!! The writing is somehow worse in this book and the pacing is out of pocket.
Like I am gonna pretend this book never happened. Play along!
Pre-read:
Oh the cover was revealed!!!!
May 10, 2025
threesome with gideon and rune when???
Want to read
December 27, 2023i need this now
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