Heartless Hunter: The Crimson Moth Duology, Book 1

Wow! This book was so gripping, I could not get enough! The story was fairly fast paced which was refreshing to not have a ton of lulling detail in a romantasy read. The world dynamic was intriguing and I hope we get more world building in the sequel. I also found the magic system to be an interesting one. Rune was a very likable FMC although I wish we got to see her in action more. I also enjoyed how she handled her own magic, albeit a little disgusting, I thought it was incredibly clever. Gideon grew on me throughout the book specifically during his POV chapters but overall I was very fond of him as our moody MMC. I did see some of the twists coming, but there were some revelations that surprised me at the end which I can always appreciate. I loved this book and I am glad we get a second book because I have not had enough of Rune yet!

THE ENDING

Who It’s For: Fans of morally gray characters, especially seductive villains with layers Readers who devour enemies-to-lovers dynamics and forbidden attraction Fans of From Blood and Ash, Throne of Glass, or Serpent & Dove Those who crave lush world-building with witch hunts, rebellion, and magic Romantasy readers looking for a fast-paced, tension-driven series starter Who It’s Not For: Readers who dislike romantic plots at the forefront of fantasy Those wanting hard magic systems or epic fantasy depth à la Sanderson If you prefer clean romances or don’t enjoy dark themes like betrayal and manipulation, this may not be for you Spoiler-Free Plot Summary: In a kingdom that burns witches alive, witches must hide in plain sight, and no one hides better than Rune. Born of magic, Rune has survived by denying who she is. Enter Gideon Sharpe: the King’s Witch Hunter and the empire’s most feared weapon. But Gideon isn’t the villain he pretends to be. When a string of disappearances threatens the delicate balance between power and rebellion, Rune must make a choice: remain invisible or embrace her truth, even if it means playing a deadly game with the man who’s supposed to destroy her. There’s magic. There’s betrayal. There’s a dance of enemies and longing that bleeds into obsession. It’s everything a romantasy lover could want in the first of a new series. Why I Gave It 4.5 Stars: This book hooked me from page one. I inhaled it. The pacing is addictive, the romantic tension is electric, and Ciccarelli nails the enemies-to-lovers trope with a dangerous elegance. It loses half a star only because some of the world-building, while atmospheric, felt under-explored. But make no mistake: Heartless Hunter is a standout in the new romantasy wave. What the Book Gets Right: Chemistry. The dynamic between Rune and Gideon is delicious. The tension simmers before boiling over in some of the most compelling scenes in the genre lately. A sexy villain who’s not all bad. Gideon is written with restraint and mystery, which makes him unforgettable. Fast pacing and high stakes. There’s no lull, you’re always sprinting from one emotional beat or plot twist to the next. Rune’s inner conflict. Her self-loathing, her fear, her desire; it’s raw and layered, which makes her feel real even in a fantastical world. Vibes. Gothic, sensual, dangerous. The aesthetic alone sells the story. What the Book Gets Wrong: World-building light. If you love fully fleshed-out kingdoms, detailed magic systems, and lore, this might feel thin. Side characters lack depth. Some supporting characters feel more like set pieces than individuals. Occasional over-reliance on familiar tropes. Some moments feel predictable if you’ve read a lot in the romantasy genre, but it’s still a thrilling ride. Final Thoughts: Kristen Ciccarelli has gifted romantasy lovers a new obsession. Heartless Hunter is seductive, atmospheric, and deeply emotional. It delivers what fans crave: danger, longing, betrayal, and a heroine on the brink of claiming her power. It’s dark, sexy, and full of potential. If this is just the beginning of the series, I can’t wait to see where it goes.

Great second half of the book, the ending was great! Loved how it ended with the two main characters, looking forward to reading the second book!

Great cat and mouse style telling of a witch and witch hunter.