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

*I received a digital advance reading copy of this book from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

Rebel Witch

(The Crimson Moth #2)

by Kristen Ciccarelli 

February 18, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

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.

Review

I know a lot of readers are obsessed with Heartless Hunter but for me, Rebel Witch is the stronger book out of the two. The story just felt much more connected and developed in this final installment.

Fast-paced with plenty of action, yearning and twists, Rune and Gideon were quite the busy bees in Rebel Witch. As sworn enemies, they formed a tentative partnership- each looking to benefit themselves. Harsh words were exchanged and schemes were devised. Ironically, this fragile alliance of theirs ended up saving a whole lot of lives. 

Rune and Gideon’s complicated relationship led to some real angsty moments. Confrontations between them were tense and full of unspoken feelings and naked lust. So much longing! However, as much as I loved seeing Rune and Gideon together, I disliked the various nicknames he called her. They were extremely cheesy and just kind of unnecessary?

If there was any foreshadowing to Rune’s identity, I missed it. But I wasn’t all that surprised when the big reveal came. It felt organic, almost meant to be. Also, I didn’t expect Rune to kill Soren but good riddance! Rune didn’t need any help although Gideon aided her quietly. His self-sacrificing way annoyed me a little but I’m glad he came through for her when it counted.

While things were far from perfect at the end of Rebel Witch, the world was left in a more ideal place than it was at the beginning of Heartless Hunter. Rebel Witch is a brilliant sequel and the perfect end to The Crimson Moth duology!

*I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.