A review by natashaleighton_
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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

5.0

With witches, witch hunters and plenty of enemies to lovers tension to go with the cat and mouse dynamics, this was such an incredible read. I honestly can’t believe it took me soo long to pick up! 

The prose was decadently lush and the dual POV characters (Rune and Gideon)  were fabulously complex in a flawed, morally grey kind of way that I found utterly unputdownable. 

I loved the sharp tongued Rune, who uses her flirtatious socialite persona to hide her blood soaked alter ego, The Crimson Moth. An infamous vigilante (and resistance fighter) using her magic to save fellow witches from imprisonment and execution. 

However, it was her emotional complexity as she tries to overcome the guilt surrounding her (witch) grandmother’s execution (and the role she played in it) that kept me soo invested. 

Well that, and the sizzlingly addictive,  slow-burn chemistry she has with witch hunter, Gideon. Our morally grey (and brooding) second POV character whose lethal precision at detecting (and capturing) witches took me a while to warm to. But peering behind his callous mask, (to the loss that has shaped him) really helped me to understand him (and his need for vengeance) a little better. 

Plus the scorching intensity of their enemies to lovers dynamics—and the conflicted feelings they both face was soo deliciously swoon worthy! And THAT ending! I need to grab a copy of Rebel Witch immediately 🔥

There’s not much else I can add without spoilers. So I’ll just say, this was a nuanced, plot twisty and politically charged tale of identity, grief, vengeance, survival and love. That fans of witchy Romantasy or the Serpent & Dove series should definitely consider checking out. 
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