I am officially staring at my wall in a state of complete emotional ruin. You know that feeling when you close the final page of a duology and you’re not quite sure if you’re happy, devastated, or just desperately need to go back to page one and start the whole journey over again? That is exactly where I am after finishing Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli.

If you thought Heartless Hunter (which, by the way, I have a full review for coming out on May 6!) left us on a cliffhanger, Rebel Witch takes that tension, douses it in gasoline, and lights a match. It is the perfect, high-stakes conclusion to Rune and Gideon’s story, and I am absolutely vibrating with things to say about it.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

The story picks up right in the thick of the chaos. Rune Winters is no longer the socialite playing a part; she’s a witch on the run, branded a traitor, and forced into an alliance that is as dangerous as it is necessary. After the gut-wrenching betrayal at the end of book one, Rune is desperate. She aligns herself with Cressida Roseblood, a former witch queen who is basically the definition of "morally grey" (leaning heavily into the dark grey).

Cressida’s plan? To put witches back on top and reclaim the throne. Rune’s role? She has to seduce Crown Prince Soren Nord. Yes, you read that right. Our girl is playing a massive game of political chess while her heart is still bleeding over Gideon.

The "Enemies-to-Lovers" Pain is REAL

Let’s talk about Gideon Sharpe. Oh, Gideon. My poor, tortured, revolutionary soldier. He’s now working for the New Republic, and his mission is simple but soul-crushing: find Rune and stop her before she can help Cressida take over.

But here’s the kicker, and Kristen Ciccarelli is truly cruel for this, Cressida has placed a curse on him. Every time Gideon touches Rune, he doesn’t see her; he sees Cressida’s face, and it causes him literal, physical agony. Talk about "look but don't touch." The yearning! The angst! The sheer longing in this book had me clutching my chest.

Have you ever read a book where you just want to grab the characters by the shoulders and shake them? That was me for a solid 60% of this read. Their chemistry is still electric, but now it’s layered with layers of hurt, betrayal, and a curse that makes even a simple hand-hold a death sentence. It’s the ultimate "star-crossed lovers" trope turned up to eleven.

A World on the Brink

While the romance is definitely the heart of the story for me, the political intrigue in Rebel Witch is top-tier. We’re moving beyond just "witches vs. hunters" and looking at the messy, complicated reality of a post-revolution society. Can people who have spent centuries killing each other ever actually live in peace?

Rune is caught between two extremes: the New Republic, which wants to control or eliminate witches, and Cressida, who wants to rule with an iron fist and return to the "Reign of Witches." Watching Rune navigate this middle ground, trying to find a path that doesn't involve more massacres, was so compelling. She grows so much in this book. She’s not just surviving anymore; she’s leading.

The Ending (No Spoilers, I Promise!)

I won't give away the ending, but I will say this: it is bold. Kristen Ciccarelli doesn't take the easy way out. There are sacrifices made that had me tearing up, and the climax is a whirlwind of magic, blood, and desperate choices.

The theme of "sacrifice for the greater good" is woven throughout the entire duology, but it really comes to a head here. Rune has to decide what she’s willing to lose to save her people, and if Gideon is part of that price. The way the magic system evolves and the truth behind the Crimson Moth symbol is revealed… chef's kiss. It was so satisfying to see all those little breadcrumbs from book one finally lead somewhere meaningful.

Why You Need This on Your TBR

If you’re a fan of romantasy, this is a total must-read. It has everything:

• Enemies-to-Lovers: The tension is thick enough to cut with a dagger.
• Political Intrigue: Smart, fast-paced, and genuinely surprising.
• A Badass Protagonist: Rune is one of my favorite recent FMC’s. She’s smart, flawed, and incredibly brave.
• Magic that Feels Dangerous: The cost of magic in this world is high, and you feel it in every chapter.

I picked up the first book almost as a goof because I liked the cover, but I ended up falling head-over-heels for this world. This duology is perfect for anyone who loved The Serpent & the Wings of Night or Fourth Wing but wants something a bit darker and more focused on the cost of revolution.

Final Verdict

Rebel Witch is a rare sequel that actually improves upon the first book. It expands the world, deepens the stakes, and gives our characters the ending they deserved (even if it put me through the emotional ringer to get there). It’s easily one of my favorite reads of 2026 so far.

If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Go grab Heartless Hunter right now so you're ready for the Rebel Witch chaos. And if you've already finished it, please come find me on the Brooke's Shelf tag pages so we can scream about that ending together!

My Rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Are you team Gideon or do you think Rune should have just run off and started her own witch kingdom? Let me know your thoughts!

Happy reading,
Brooke