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adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i really enjoyed the book overall. my biggest gripe is the age - i can understand why the author chose to go with an 18 year old FMC since the societal standards in this world seem similar to that of england/america in the late 1800s to early 1900s.
characters
characters
- rune: honestly she wasn't insufferable and had some good growth and character development. she wasn't very... anything though. her personality felt pretty normal if not slightly boring, but i think that's because she was realistic to reality.
- gideon: okay first off all why that name? it's so bad. but his character was the most interesting and i loved his perspective throughout the book, i wished there was more of it. he was complex and interesting and the ending left me wondering the most about him.
- alex: classic golden boy, nothing wrong with him but he was boring! rip buddy
- verity: i guessed about halfway through what her true identity was and i'm a little bummed it was that easy but still a solid twist and great plot device
writing
the writing style was good, not overly flowery or unnecessarily descriptive. there were a few times where i needed more description of the scene but not many, for the most part i had really clear visuals of what was happening.
plot
while i guessed the biggest plot twist fairly early on, i still really liked the plot and world. the ending left me wondering what will happen next, and not fully convinced of any particular ending which i like!
world
the magic was so cool, i wish it was explained a little better on how the spellmarks work but i really enjoyed it. i also hope to see more world expansion in the next book considering how this one left off, the mainland gets mentioned quite a bit so i'm interested to see what that looks like and how it plays out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Blood, Police brutality, Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Child death, Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed the plot and elements of the writing. I just wish it was more polished, there’s many sections of copy paste from previous dialogue, lots of reiterating things that are implied/overstating, showing not telling. But then there are other elements that are well written and shown not told.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Crimson Moth was such a good read! It does start off a little slow but it picks up. The characters are structured nicely, with the reasons behind doing things very strong. There’s strong enemies to lovers x fake dating here but in a more intense way.
Also, that’s one way to solve a love triangle 😂
I immediately opened book 2 to start it.
Also, that’s one way to solve a love triangle 😂
I immediately opened book 2 to start it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Genocide, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, War
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
4/5!
Witch hunter falls for an undercover witch, enemies to lovers and kind of a slower burn.
It took me a while to really get into as I found it quite slow and a bit uninteresting but by 20% I couldn’t put it down. Rune and Gideon’s rare little banter moments were my favourite to read.
If you’ve read Powerless by Lauren Roberts and Kingdom of the wicked by Kerri Maniscalco You would probably enjoy this book as it’s faintly a mix of both.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Blood, Murder
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Alcohol
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Crimson moth is a fantasy, slow burn romance book. Our main character Rune is a witch, not Harry potter style, more needs blood to be able to cast spells witch. The Crimson Moth takes you through Runes world. Where Rune lives it is shaped from a recent uprising and witches are being hunted and slaughted like cattle. This book beautifully paints Rune's presents while also giving you drips into her and other characters pasts. There are political aspects that shape the world around Rune as she navigates doing what she believes is right while dancing a dangerous line. Spice meter: 🌶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Alcohol
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sooo. There is some spice. Not like... SPICY, but spicy. There's a scene in which the "due" is described, but it's not extremely graphic. I didn't even know YA could have spice, but I guess this may show my lack of experience or knowledge of the boundaries of YA vs Adult content.
I'm sorry if this counted as a spoiler. Some people are real touchy about the temperature, and that is totally okay and understandable, so it is right above the content warnings.
I haven't read YA in a while, nor have I read a Romantasy recently. This may be one of my favorite genres, but I don't like to read them too often, so I don't burn out on them.
I seen two separate popular Booktubers rave about the fairly new **Rebel Witch**, so I had to try out **The Crimson Moth** duology.
This was a very fast read with 3rd person multi perspective between two characters labeled throughout the chapters. I appreciate when the character of perspective is the chapter name, especially when there are more than 2 characters represented. I'm glad this book only has the two perspectives, because it creates a bit of suspense and mystery.
I absolutely loved the characters. The main characters are so smart! I love it! I love to see intelligence.
*Kristen Ciccarelli*, the author, creates pretty deep connections and exposition between the characters in a short time. I'm excited to read the sequel soon!
I found the setting very intriguing. By setting I mean more so the current time and circumstances that have come to pass rather than the actual location. I love that there are balls to dance to and no cell phones to ring.
I love the witch hunters purging after the revolution. I can really get behind the trope of a corrupt system, especially, when the system believes they are correct. I love that one system overcame another, but it's not necessarily true that the system improved.
I was a little bummed that the cover literally spoiled the "Enemies to Lovers" trope, but the book doesn't waste any time getting into that anyways! I'm one of those who barely likes to read the synopsis, if I can get away with it! Nothing says enemies to lovers like one (or both) partys intent on killing the other!
I was highly engaged with the main romantic situation.It's got the Enemies to Lovers, forbidden lovers, and rich girl / poor boy, brothers friend/crush, I've been hurt before things working for them!
I love how polite the sexual content pursued is. It's very conscientious and courteous.
There was a scene that actually gave me watery eyes. I'm a bit sensitive, but that doesn't mean that this happens too often either.
I actually really love that Gideon fashions silk flowers for Rune. This is so unique and sweet.
I'm sorry if this counted as a spoiler. Some people are real touchy about the temperature, and that is totally okay and understandable, so it is right above the content warnings.
I haven't read YA in a while, nor have I read a Romantasy recently. This may be one of my favorite genres, but I don't like to read them too often, so I don't burn out on them.
I seen two separate popular Booktubers rave about the fairly new **Rebel Witch**, so I had to try out **The Crimson Moth** duology.
This was a very fast read with 3rd person multi perspective between two characters labeled throughout the chapters. I appreciate when the character of perspective is the chapter name, especially when there are more than 2 characters represented. I'm glad this book only has the two perspectives, because it creates a bit of suspense and mystery.
I absolutely loved the characters. The main characters are so smart! I love it! I love to see intelligence.
*Kristen Ciccarelli*, the author, creates pretty deep connections and exposition between the characters in a short time. I'm excited to read the sequel soon!
I found the setting very intriguing. By setting I mean more so the current time and circumstances that have come to pass rather than the actual location. I love that there are balls to dance to and no cell phones to ring.
I love the witch hunters purging after the revolution. I can really get behind the trope of a corrupt system, especially, when the system believes they are correct. I love that one system overcame another, but it's not necessarily true that the system improved.
I was a little bummed that the cover literally spoiled the "Enemies to Lovers" trope, but the book doesn't waste any time getting into that anyways! I'm one of those who barely likes to read the synopsis, if I can get away with it! Nothing says enemies to lovers like one (or both) partys intent on killing the other!
I was highly engaged with the main romantic situation.
I love how polite the sexual content pursued is. It's very conscientious and courteous.
There was a scene that actually gave me watery eyes. I'm a bit sensitive, but that doesn't mean that this happens too often either.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Self harm, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Confinement, Drug use, Suicide, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Self harm, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
At first I was not eager to start the audiobook, but that faded, because the story was nice.
I had a good time and the story unfolded itself over time amd was not forseen by me.
I had a good time and the story unfolded itself over time amd was not forseen by me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Toxic friendship
Minor: Vomit, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol
adventurous
dark
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Maybe I'm totally biased when it comes to Kristen Ciccarelli, but the truth is that I really like her writing. And it brings me immeasurable pleasure to see her getting the recognition she deserves.
The Iskari trilogy is one of my favorite fantasy trilogies, and I even got to know the author because I was so in love with the books a few years ago.
I'm immensely happy to know that her writing is still as good (if not better) than her first books.
Heartless Hunter is super interesting and hooks you from the first page. One of Kristen's greatest strengths is knowing how to write conflicts and tension that carry you through the entire book. It was like that in The Last Namsara, and it continues in Heartless Hunter.
One thing I also really like is how she works the background and depth for all of her main characters. I remember Asha being super complex, and I think Rune is the same way. I deeply love the way she writes her FMCs and misunderstood female characters.
And I like that she touches on very feminine subjects.
The fact that Rune, a witch, uses menstrual blood is very interesting to me. Not only because there is still a stigma surrounding menstrual blood but also because of the meaning.
Compared to her first book, I think Rune and Gideon are much better developed than the characters in The Last Namsara, although that book is also without flaws regarding this.
I think Heartless Hunter is a much darker book by Kristen, and even though it is YA, I still think it has a great atmosphere. The burden that Rune and especially Gideon carry is out of this world. The things they have both been through... I kinda can't get over Gideon's fucked up story and how strong he is for a 20 year old.
I can't explain it, but the gray and heavy atmosphere lasts throughout the book. I can feel the melancholy and oppression in the pages.
This book is much more refined than the author's previous books, and I love this evolution. I remember not liking how the miscommunication plot was handled in The Caged Queen, and I think she improved a lot on that here.
Everything is very consistent, and you can perfectly understand each choice the characters make.
There are no flaws or holes in the story that could diminish its value.
If I had to say something that could be improved, I would say that Gideon and Rune's first real interaction is very quick. I think Rune feels trapped by Gideon's charm too quickly.
Still, I can't give this story less than 5 stars.
It's a dark YA full of revolution, rage, action, espionage, betrayal, and a love formed by hate.
It's also a story about forgiving and accepting past mistakes without letting the hurt consume you. Like other stories by the author, it's a book that moves towards a resolution to accept who we are, even with our flaws and seemingly unredeemable traits.
The Iskari trilogy is one of my favorite fantasy trilogies, and I even got to know the author because I was so in love with the books a few years ago.
I'm immensely happy to know that her writing is still as good (if not better) than her first books.
Heartless Hunter is super interesting and hooks you from the first page. One of Kristen's greatest strengths is knowing how to write conflicts and tension that carry you through the entire book. It was like that in The Last Namsara, and it continues in Heartless Hunter.
One thing I also really like is how she works the background and depth for all of her main characters. I remember Asha being super complex, and I think Rune is the same way. I deeply love the way she writes her FMCs and misunderstood female characters.
And I like that she touches on very feminine subjects.
The fact that Rune, a witch, uses menstrual blood is very interesting to me. Not only because there is still a stigma surrounding menstrual blood but also because of the meaning.
Compared to her first book, I think Rune and Gideon are much better developed than the characters in The Last Namsara, although that book is also without flaws regarding this.
I think Heartless Hunter is a much darker book by Kristen, and even though it is YA, I still think it has a great atmosphere. The burden that Rune and especially Gideon carry is out of this world. The things they have both been through... I kinda can't get over Gideon's fucked up story and how strong he is for a 20 year old.
I can't explain it, but the gray and heavy atmosphere lasts throughout the book. I can feel the melancholy and oppression in the pages.
This book is much more refined than the author's previous books, and I love this evolution. I remember not liking how the miscommunication plot was handled in The Caged Queen, and I think she improved a lot on that here.
Everything is very consistent, and you can perfectly understand each choice the characters make.
There are no flaws or holes in the story that could diminish its value.
If I had to say something that could be improved, I would say that Gideon and Rune's first real interaction is very quick. I think Rune feels trapped by Gideon's charm too quickly.
Still, I can't give this story less than 5 stars.
It's a dark YA full of revolution, rage, action, espionage, betrayal, and a love formed by hate.
It's also a story about forgiving and accepting past mistakes without letting the hurt consume you. Like other stories by the author, it's a book that moves towards a resolution to accept who we are, even with our flaws and seemingly unredeemable traits.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Grief, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Classism