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Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth, #2)

Kristen Ciccarelli

Start date: March 1, 2025

Finish date: March 31, 2025

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What Members Thought

Mar 24, 2025 Alicia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: witches-sorcerers-mages, so-excited-cannot-wait, gods, fantasy, historical, pre-orders, fighty-chicks

This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025, and it did not disappoint. Rune and Gideon bring so much to this story on their own, let alone once they collide. There’s a huge amount going on, and so many repercussions from the previous book. The quiet strength that shines through, and the sacrifices each are willing to make without rigmarole or need for announcements of even acknowledgement. Even when they’re trying to destroy each other, they can’t help but prop the other up and the dynam ...more

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Dec 31, 2024 Rose Walker rated it really liked it

it was ok...

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Nov 30, 2024 Vippi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, witches, netgalley, enemies-to-lovers, romantasy

I’ve been counting down the days to The Rebel Witch ever since I devoured The Crimson Moth last spring, and now that it’s over, I feel that bittersweet ache of finishing a book you didn’t want to end. While this sequel wasn’t everything I hoped for, it still hooked me from the first page and refused to let go.

Rune and Gideon are back, and their fiery dynamic? Even hotter this time around. I love that the author didn’t waste time keeping our lovebirds apart—they’re thrown together practically fro I’ve been counting down the days to The Rebel Witch ever since I devoured The Crimson Moth last spring, and now that it’s over, I feel that bittersweet ache of finishing a book you didn’t want to end. While this sequel wasn’t everything I hoped for, it still hooked me from the first page and refused to let go.

Rune and Gideon are back, and their fiery dynamic? Even hotter this time around. I love that the author didn’t waste time keeping our lovebirds apart—they’re thrown together practically from the start, and the chemistry is palpable. If the enemies-to-lovers tension in book one hooked you, you’re in for a treat here. The snarky banter, the grudging trust, the lingering glances—it’s all there. Plus, we get some fan-favorite tropes: “only one bed,” “pretend marriage,” and even a curse to keep things deliciously complicated.

But while I adored the character-driven moments, I couldn’t help but want more from the world around them. Cascadia, the revolution-torn setting, begged for deeper exploration. The book dances around its mythology and history but never dives in, leaving some plot twists feeling a bit too convenient or vague. It’s a bit of a missed opportunity to make the story’s backdrop as vivid as its leads.

Rune’s character development was also a mixed bag. In book one, she was fierce, independent, and full of agency. In The Rebel Witch, she seemed more constrained, relying on Gideon for momentum. Don’t get me wrong—I love their partnership, but I missed the fiercely self-sufficient Rune who carved her own path in the first book.

The pacing was relentless in the best way. This was a page-turner through and through, packed with action, intrigue, and romantic tension. It made the book impossible to put down, but I’m aware that some might find the speed too brisk—especially when it glosses over details.

If you’re here for swoony slow-burn romance, captivating characters, and those delicious “forced proximity” tropes, The Rebel Witch will hit the spot. But if you’re hoping for deep, intricate worldbuilding and flawless plotting, this sequel might leave you wanting.

Favorite line? “If this was weakness, he wanted to be weak. If this was sin, let him be damned to hell.” Absolute chills. Every. Single. Time.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperVoyagerUK for providing me with this ARC!

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Jul 15, 2025 Cass☀️ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: physical-tbr

I accidentally read this one first, but I blame jet lag, lack of sleep and near constant traveling. I loved it! Now I’m reading book 1 even though I am fairly certain I know everything that happens lol

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