Rebel Witch coming February 18th, 2025 from Wednesday Books; 464 pages
Content Warning: Gun violence, death, sexual assault, some sexual content
About the Author: “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” (Bio from author’s Goodreads profile).
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In the romantic conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, Rune and Gideon are once again at odds with each other. Rune is on the run from the Republic after Gideon exposed her as a witch. She’s forced to ally with Cressida Roseblood, the cruel former witch-queen who tormented Gideon. Cressida needs Rune if she wants to take back the Republic, but Gideon is determined to right his wrongs and defeat them both. He was deceived by Rune, and he is prepared to kill her in order to protect the world he built. However, Rune approaches Gideon with a deal that could benefit them both. They have to work together to accomplish their goals, and Gideon starts to realize his feelings haven’t disappeared. Now, he’s forced to choose between the girl he loves and the world he’s fought so hard to protect.
Rebel Witch is the perfect sequel to Heartless Hunter. It has been a long time since I have read a fantasy book that took my breath away, but Rebel Witch did. The Crimson Moth duology is one of the best YA fantasy series I’ve read in years. Oftentimes, books are marketed as enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn romances, but they fall short in execution. However, Ciccarelli makes you wait for it. Rune and Gideon were completely at odds at the beginning of Rebel Witch, and even when they worked together, there was this dark cloud of betrayal hovering above the two, waiting to rain down on them. I could feel the tension and yearning as if I was standing right next to them, which is the hallmark of a remarkably well-written romance. Both Gideon and Rune recognized the reasoning behind each other’s actions, even when they didn’t 100% agree with them. I felt like this was so important and ensured that they fell in love with the other’s true self, not an idealized version of them. I do wish the ending had been lengthened because the resolution seemed to happen quite fast. Other than that, I thought this novel was a masterpiece and a must-read for anyone searching for the perfect YA fantasy romance.
Rebel Witch releases on February 18th, 2025.
Pine Reads Review and Sam Yanis would like to thank NetGalley and Wednesday Books for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Sam Yanis, Pine Reads Review Lead Writer