Audiobook Review: Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli

 

TITLE: Rebel Witch

SERIES: The Crimson Moth #2

AUTHOR: Kristen Ciccarelli

PUBLISHER: Wednesday Books

PUBLISHED: February 18, 2025

PAGES: 464

GENRES: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy

SOURCE/FORMAT: Audiobook

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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 joining forces 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.

Rebel Witch was one of my most anticipated sequels of 2025. The first book took my heart by storm and this story has been on my mind ever since. I (im)patiently counted down the release of this follow-up and was so glad to be back in this world with characters that captured my heart.

Kristen Ciccarelli is a master storyteller. She writes a mesmeric story that delivers in every way. She has a fluid writing style that is enticing and evokes various emotions. The premise for this story was highly intriguing and I am truly a hot mess for this kind of story. I love the witch/witch hunter vibes. It is totally my kryptonite. I loved the unique way that Ciccarelli wove her story. The plot was so addicting and cleverly crafted and I was totally enchanted. The world-building was detailed and atmospheric. The only thing keeping me from giving this book five stars was the ending. It felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic. Not necessarily how the story ended because I liked it, but the execution of the ending felt too quick with not enough oomph. Everything else was perfection. 

These characters were so magnetic. I felt drawn to them instantly because they were so vibrant and memorable. I adored the personalities of Rune and Gideon. Rune was so sassy and self-assured and Gideon was so conflicted and such a damaged hero but with a heart of gold. There was some fantastic character growth from both of the main characters in this book. I loved their personal journeys. I also loved all of the secondary characters and how they balanced things out with their contributions to the story. 

Enemies-to-lovers is a top-tier trope for a reason and Ciccarelli slays it. Everything about Rune and Gideon's relationship was perfect. The tension was sizzling, the chemistry was explosive, and their banter was to die for! And the "who did this to you?" vibes? OMG, yes please! I loved the evolution of their relationship. 

Overall, this was an exhilarating story with compelling characters and excellent world-building. If you are a fan of enemies-to-lovers romantasy with "kiss me or kill me" vibes then this series is for you. Kristen Ciccarelli is a marvelous storyteller and I can't wait for her next adventure!

Kristen Ciccarelli is the New York Times, Sunday Times, and Indie bestselling author of Heartless Hunter (Book 1 in The Crimson Moth duology), Edgewood, and the Iskari series. Before writing books 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 with her husband and daughter.

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This book was one of my top anticipated sequels for 2025. I even put this book on my 25 in 25 Challenge list. What are some of the books that you are/were most looking forward to in 2025?