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adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Homophobia, Kidnapping
Minor: Genocide, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Classism
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The perfect conclusion to the first book 🥰
I loved the first book and worried this book wouldn’t live up to it, but it had all the same adventure, emotion and fieriness I loved in the first book.
🦋🩸🦋🩸
Premise:
Picks up 2 months after the last book, where Rune is planning to marry a foreign prince to secure an army for Cressida’s cause. And Gideon sets out to hunt her down for her crimes.
But when Rune realises Cressida has far more nefarious plans than she expected, her and Gideon find themselves in a temporary truce to stop her. And end up sneaking onto a ship to sail back to the republic, under the guise of newlyweds!
🦋🩸🦋🩸
The start is fantastic! I loved that we were thrown straight back into a Rune and Gideon dynamic instead of showing them both apart and pining. Their banter and chemistry is everything. Especially with a few added elements of jealousy this time around.
And there were so many little twists along the way. From Cressida’s curse early on to quite a big reveal at the end. One twist you will probably see coming but it was still an enjoyable plot development!
And I feel this book had me liking the wider characters a lot more. We saw more of Harrow’s backstory and emotions, which I loved! And strangely Bart became one of my favourite side characters!
The ending was fab! I got a bit emotional in the big climax I must say! And I enjoyed the little epilogue to see them finally happy.
All in all, I loved it! And am kind of sad it’s all over! But I will definitely read whatever KC writes next!
🎧 Audiobook notes: It’s the same narrator as book 1 who I loved! I’m always impressed by her range of character voices, especially for the men!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Blood, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book! Not surprising though since I loved the first one as well. I had some issues with this book but the vibes were immaculate, so I'm overlooking them and still giving this 5 stars.
The plot, the characters (except Gideon is meh), the writing, the magic! I also binge-read this book. I had to stop reading around 2am on a weekday. Ended up finishing this the first chance I got at work the following morning!
When I first started reading Heartless Hunter, I really wasn't expecting to love the book as much as I did and then I had to very impatiently wait for this book to drop. I'm so glad that this left me feeling the same way.
The characters were lovable, with exception to Gideon (lol). I honestly was thoroughly annoyed with Gideon in both books. His character rubbed me the wrong way. He constantly had the chance to be reassuring to Rune but his internal struggles with being a brainwashed soldier, held him back. I understand that this was enemies-to-lovers but sheesh, he irritated me! Book 1, we had him struggling with Rune and then book 2 we ended up with the same thing. I found their romance to be underwhelming and it felt a bit forced to me (on Gideon's end).
Rune I think was much more likable. Though she had her own flaws and struggles, she would still openly choose Gideon even though she had an inherent dislike for his "kind" as well. Rune really pulled this series for me. The writing and pacing was fantastic. There really weren't any moments where I found myself losing steam for this book.
I will say, I wish there was more magic and conflict though. I was a bit underwhelmed in this regard. Although there was a war, I feel like we really didn't see much of it on the page. Most of the conflict was implied and happened off of the page. Cressida also wasn't as up front in this story as I expected her to be. We saw her strongly in the beginning and then also in the end, but within the middle of the story, she wasn't present. Also, around 7% I was able to figure out what the "twist" of this book's ending was. I'm really not sure if it was meant to be obvious, but to me, it was both obvious and predictable. It still didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I thought the ending was a bit predictable but it was still satisfying to me. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed and less developed than the rest of the story. Even so, I still loved this book. If a bit more time and effort was put into the ending, I think it could've been stronger though and left me feeling more solid in the story ending.
Definitely not a perfect story by any means, but it was addictive to me and the characters kept me wanting more. I felt great while reading this and I think that's partly what is driving my high rating.
Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7332722963
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/44e2d0f6-55f3-4e86-ba20-360f14475972/share"
The plot, the characters (except Gideon is meh), the writing, the magic! I also binge-read this book. I had to stop reading around 2am on a weekday. Ended up finishing this the first chance I got at work the following morning!
When I first started reading Heartless Hunter, I really wasn't expecting to love the book as much as I did and then I had to very impatiently wait for this book to drop. I'm so glad that this left me feeling the same way.
The characters were lovable, with exception to Gideon (lol). I honestly was thoroughly annoyed with Gideon in both books. His character rubbed me the wrong way. He constantly had the chance to be reassuring to Rune but his internal struggles with being a brainwashed soldier, held him back. I understand that this was enemies-to-lovers but sheesh, he irritated me! Book 1, we had him struggling with Rune and then book 2 we ended up with the same thing. I found their romance to be underwhelming and it felt a bit forced to me (on Gideon's end).
Rune I think was much more likable. Though she had her own flaws and struggles, she would still openly choose Gideon even though she had an inherent dislike for his "kind" as well. Rune really pulled this series for me. The writing and pacing was fantastic. There really weren't any moments where I found myself losing steam for this book.
I will say, I wish there was more magic and conflict though. I was a bit underwhelmed in this regard. Although there was a war, I feel like we really didn't see much of it on the page. Most of the conflict was implied and happened off of the page. Cressida also wasn't as up front in this story as I expected her to be. We saw her strongly in the beginning and then also in the end, but within the middle of the story, she wasn't present. Also, around 7% I was able to figure out what the "twist" of this book's ending was. I'm really not sure if it was meant to be obvious, but to me, it was both obvious and predictable. It still didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I thought the ending was a bit predictable but it was still satisfying to me. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed and less developed than the rest of the story. Even so, I still loved this book. If a bit more time and effort was put into the ending, I think it could've been stronger though and left me feeling more solid in the story ending.
Definitely not a perfect story by any means, but it was addictive to me and the characters kept me wanting more. I felt great while reading this and I think that's partly what is driving my high rating.
Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7332722963
Fable Review: https://fable.co/review/44e2d0f6-55f3-4e86-ba20-360f14475972/share"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I heard some mixed reviews but I loved getting to jump back into this world and story right where the last one left off. Were pieces predictable? Yes. Was it still twisty and enjoyable? Also, yes. I think I actually enjoyed this one more than the first (Crimson Moth).
The enemies to lovers trope continues and it felt quite strong on the enemies side for quite a while. Very much appreciated.
The sacrificial element of love is seen in this book and it is beautiful.
The enemies to lovers trope continues and it felt quite strong on the enemies side for quite a while. Very much appreciated.
The sacrificial element of love is seen in this book and it is beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Rebel Witch picks up a couple months after the end of Heartless Hunter with a very similar theme: the witch being hunted by the witch hunter, but the dynamic between the FMC and MMC is much different in this book. I loved seeing their love blossom and get tested.
This book offered up more lore and world building than the first and I truly enjoyed it. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I saw how many pages were left and worried how it would wrap up, and the ending fell a bit flat. There was a lot of build up and storyline that left open that could have been further explored.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and I'm so grateful to have gone on this journey with Rune and Gideon.
This book offered up more lore and world building than the first and I truly enjoyed it. My only complaint is that it ended too soon. I saw how many pages were left and worried how it would wrap up, and the ending fell a bit flat. There was a lot of build up and storyline that left open that could have been further explored.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and I'm so grateful to have gone on this journey with Rune and Gideon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
the tension A+
the plot and intrigue A
the miscommunication F
the plot and intrigue A
the miscommunication F
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s not the book…it’s me. Rebel Witch was one of my most anticipated books this year. However, this just didn’t click for me like Heartless Hunter did. Maybe I missed all the cat and mouse action that happened in the first book. This sequel had too much angst/internal conflict/miscommunication with Rune and Gideon and not enough plot. Even though this book didn’t work out, I will gladly pick up another book by this author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence
Minor: Cursing, Sexual harassment
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this was a satisfying follow up to Heartless Hunter/The Crimson Moth. I felt much more invested in the romance (and it succeeding) in this book for various reasons, and I think it was because of generally improved writing for the two main characters overall. you can absolutely see where the story will inevitably conclude but it's still a good read that keeps you in, whereas I think there was so much setup and "who can outwit the other more" in the first book that the pacing kind of dragged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This finale was absolutely fantastic. I adore Ciccarelli's writing so much and this sequel did not disappoint!
I love the characters and how everything played out to culminate in the finale. The banter and the PINING were peak, and the confusion and mistrust just added to it all - these people are truly all enemies and they have to learn to trust each other, despite all of the betrayals. And there are more betrayals of various varities, all the better for the story!
I think what pulled me in is that there is almost this dystopian element to the story - these people are all struggling with the world they live in, wanting a better one, and it's figuring out how to trust each other after all of the lies, violence, betrayals to get there.
I will say that the ending was a little rushed. I loved how it all wrapped up, but I thought that part would be drawn out just a bit more.
I love the characters and how everything played out to culminate in the finale. The banter and the PINING were peak, and the confusion and mistrust just added to it all - these people are truly all enemies and they have to learn to trust each other, despite all of the betrayals. And there are more betrayals of various varities, all the better for the story!
I think what pulled me in is that there is almost this dystopian element to the story - these people are all struggling with the world they live in, wanting a better one, and it's figuring out how to trust each other after all of the lies, violence, betrayals to get there.
I will say that the ending was a little rushed. I loved how it all wrapped up, but I thought that part would be drawn out just a bit more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail