Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli: A Spoiler-Free Review
Working Title: I LOVED this fast-paced finale to the Crimson Moth duology
For those of you hoping for some writing tips this week…sorry not sorry? While my plan was to write about showing vs. telling, after reading Rebel Witch I have to spend a bit of time fan-girling before I can settle down enough to put my book coach hat back on.
In the meantime, REBEL WITCH!!! Along with Onyx Storm, it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. Ciccarelli did not disappoint.
Going forward, I am adding a second favorite quote section to my spoiler-free reviews. I am exhausted by all of the dismissive comments thrown at romantasy. Part of the reason I love this genre is because it reminds the reader of the things in this life that truly matter. Being true to yourself. Taking a stand against oppression. The power of the divine feminine. Living in union with nature rather than stripping it bare. I hope you all enjoy this small but powerful addition to my posts.
Please be warned: This post contains spoilers for Heartless Hunter, book one of the Crimson Moth duology. If you haven’t read it yet, please head over to my spoiler-free review for book one and bookmark this to read after you’ve finished the first installment. If you prefer YA romantasy, this series is not to be missed. And now a pretty picture to keep you away from spoiler territory:
In the final pages of Heartless Hunter, Rune and Gideon were in dire peril. First, there was the reveal that Rune’s confidant Verity was actually the presumed dead Roseblood Queen, Cressida. Even worse, Rune’s best friend, Alex Sharpe, sacrificed his life to save his brother Gideon. In that moment of intense grief, confusion, and despair, our FMC and MMC turned on each other.
Gideon vows, “I will never stop hunting you, Rune Winters. No matter where you go, I will come for you.”
Enemies to lovers to enemies.
Rebel Witch picks up with Rune sailing away from the bloodshed towards the mainland port of Caelis. Queen Cressida is determined to take back her throne and make the Blood Guard pay for their treachery with their lives. Her plans involve Rune playing her vapid, socialite role in order to seduce a crown prince and secure an army.
The problem is that Rune wants nothing to do with Cressida’s revenge or Prince Soren. Her feelings for Gideon have not changed. If anything, they are stronger than ever.
Since he keeps to his vow to hunt her down, it isn’t too long until their paths cross. What follows is a bit more forbidden love rather than enemies-to-lovers as Rune attempts to escape both Cressida and the Good Commander. There is still a fair amount of the cat-and-mouse vibe in part two, combined with a fair amount of sexual tension and life-and-death stakes. New characters join the cast and mingle with those who survived from book one. Overall, it was a fast-paced read with a very satisfying ending.
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
Romance: 🌶️🌶️ 2 out of 5 hot peppers.
🚫Forbidden love
🔺Love triangle (sorta)
🛏️ One bed
Worldbuilding/Fantasy Elements:
🧙♀️ Witches
🕵️♂️Witch Hunter
🏰 Late 19th/Early 20th century French inspired secondary fantasy world
🩸Blood magic
❌ Cursed character
Trigger Warnings: The blood magic is often performed via careful cuts that leave images behind in the form of scars on the bodies of witches. They are described like pretty tattoos, but reader discretion is advised.
The Romance: Star-Crossed Lovers Vibe
This might be a bit of a spoiler, but I feel I must warn the folks that only read enemies-to-lovers. Despite the way the last book ended, this book has a star-crossed lovers vibe. You can hurt your enemy, even kill them if necessary. Rune and Gideon simply can’t achieve that from the very first chapters. Considering it is dual POV, this isn’t a surprise as the reader has access to both of their thoughts and deepest secrets at any given time. Their feelings go beyond mere attraction.
It doesn’t mean, however, that the cat-and-mouse vibes end. Rune and Gideon remain at the mercy of powerful leaders who are at odds. If anything, this adds an additional layer of angst that I found compelling. My favorite aspect of this book was how much Rune grows into her witchy self. The Rune of Heartless Hunter is constantly putting on a show for those around her. She isn’t even fully honest with herself. When she agrees to marry Alex to escape, she keeps telling herself that she will learn to feel passion for him.
LIES. Rune honey, you were lying to yourself.
Now that her identity has been revealed to Gideon, she has the opportunity to be more honest, at least to herself. This seems like something very new to Rune. The way Ciccarelli writes her internal arc was lovely. There is a hint of vulnerability beneath the bad-ass facade, and I am here for it.
I do have a tiny complaint about the love triangle aspect. While it was well-written in this volume, I wish there had been just a tiny touch of foreshadowing in the first installment. Perhaps it was an got cut, but at least a name drop would have made some of the feelings expressed within these pages resonate more with the readers.
The Fantasy: Blood Magic Part Deux
The magic and world of Rebel Witch expands upon all we were introduced to in the first volume. Readers who wanted more in terms of spell casting and information about what the witch world was like prior to the Blood Guard will be pleased to have questions answered. Rune powers up with her newfound access to Seraphine’s teachings and Cressida’s spell books, and it was a blast to watch her use her Crimson Moth wits.
The plot was exciting with some heist action. I am a fan of ship voyages, and the 19th century vibes appealed to my inner historian. It was a perfect YA novel that examined themes of loyalty, self-sacrifice for the greater good, and being true to your own heart.
My Favorite Steamy Quote
“We both know what you want to do to me, Gideon. Well, here’s your chance.” His gaze slid to her mouth. “You have no idea, the things I want to do to you.”
My Favorite Truth Bomb
“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.”
Final Thoughts
I am looking forward to a future reread with Rune and Gideon. The Crimson Moth duology was truly a delight. When a reader’s biggest complaint is that the book was impossible to put down, you have a winner. I usually prefer to savor my meals and anticipated reads, but I devoured this like a bag of Nerd Gummy Clusters (if you know you know. Addictive AF).
Have you read the Crimson Moth duology? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments!