Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli: A Spellbinding Sequel That Keeps the Sparks Flying

If you love young adult fantasy romance packed with high-stakes tension, swoon-worthy enemies-to-lovers romance, and a touch of forbidden love, then Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli is a must-read. The second and final book in The Crimson Moth duology delivers everything that made Heartless Hunter so addictive—fake dating, cat-and-mouse intrigue, and crackling chemistry between Rune and Gideon—while raising the stakes in a world of magic, rebellion, and betrayal.

*Read my review of Heartless Hunter here.

Synopsis: Rune is Back...And Now She's Engaged

Last we left Rune Winters and Gideon Sharpe, the duo had gone from enemies to lovers, and then back to enemies once more. Rune escaped the Republic with Cressida Roseblood (the evil witch queen and Gideon's worst nightmare), leaving Gideon to suspect that Rune was in cahoots with the queen all along.

Rebel Witch opens with Rune engaged to a prince who has agreed to provide Cressida with an army to take down the Republic in exchange for Rune's hand. Gideon, however, has no intention of allowing that to happen. He's out for revenge and has every intention of taking Rune into custody to face judgement for her crimes.

Stuck in a marriage of convenience, the Republic on the brink of war, and doubts about helping Cressida reinstate the Reign of Witches, Rune is forced to work alongside the enemy she can’t seem to resist. With her fate entangled with Gideon's once more, Rune must navigate treacherous alliances, magical secrets, and a masquerade of deception.

Their fake relationship might have started as a means to an end, but as danger closes in and their past clashes with their present, the line between pretending and feeling becomes increasingly blurred. With each twist and betrayal, Rune and Gideon must decide what—and who—they are truly fighting for.

Tropes and Themes That Shine

Kristen Ciccarelli delivers another page-turner by leaning into some of the most beloved romantasy tropes while keeping the tension at an all-time high. Here are some standout elements that make Rebel Witch an irresistible read:

• Enemies to Lovers – The slow-burning tension between Rune and Gideon continues, except for this time, they don't deny their undeniable feelings for one another. But this leads us to a classic trope that often has us pulling our hair out. And that trope is...

• Miscommunication — Yup, it's in Rebel Witch, and it's how Ciccarelli gets Rune and Gideon to, once again, enter into another fake dating experience. Their carefully constructed lies only make their feelings all the more complicated.

• Fake Dating – Like I said, fake dating is back! I won't tell you how we end up here (again!), but we do. And it gives rise to some delicious forced proximity situations that include only one bed. 😏

• Forbidden Romance – As their feelings deepen, Rune and Gideon find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous conflict (again 🙄), making every moment between them feel both urgent and forbidden.

• Cat-and-Mouse Dynamics – The constant game of power, wit, and survival continues, creating a thrilling push-and-pull dynamic that fans of the first book will adore.

• High-Stakes Rebellion – The fight for the freedom of the witches in the Republic escalates, with Rune caught between duty and desire, forcing her to make impossible choices.

More of the Same... But Different

Did you catch me using the word "again" a lot? That wasn't by accident.

One of the biggest strengths—and potential drawbacks—of Rebel Witch is that it closely mirrors the structure of Heartless Hunter. Readers who loved the first book’s mix of political intrigue, fake dating, and dangerous romance will find plenty to enjoy here. However, those hoping for a completely fresh take may feel a bit of déjà vu.

That said, the stakes are higher, the romance still heartwarming, and the world-building expands in meaningful ways. Ciccarelli takes what worked in book one and dials it up, delivering a conclusion that, while familiar, still packs an emotional punch.

Who Should Read Rebel Witch?

This book is perfect for fans of:

✅ Young adult fantasy romance with magic, rebellion, and betrayal

✅ Enemies-to-lovers tension that simmers

✅ Fake dating and forbidden love that keeps you on edge

✅ Fast-paced storytelling with plenty of action and twists

✅ Series that are fully completed (no agonizing wait for sequels!)

However, if you’re not a fan of:

❌ Plots that closely resemble the first book

❌ Tropes like miscommunication taking a primary role

❌ Minimal character growth and even some regression

…then this may not be the book for you. But if you’re in the mood for more of the intense push-and-pull romance and thrilling danger that made Heartless Hunter so compelling, Rebel Witch delivers.

Final Thoughts

Rebel Witch is an entertaining conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, offering readers another dose of sweet romance, high-stakes intrigue, and the kind of tension-filled relationship dynamics that make YA romance unforgettable. Kristen Ciccarelli proves once again that she knows how to blend romance, danger, and rebellion into a story that lingers long after the final page.

If you loved Heartless Hunter, you’ll find Rebel Witch to be a satisfying (if familiar) conclusion to Rune and Gideon’s story. Have you read it yet? Let’s talk all things fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and magical rebellion in the comments!