#crimsonmoth

I know that I literally just said I would try not to review series that are unfinished but I am going to start with this Kristen Ciccarelli unfinished duology.

Art taken from Dmueret on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1900024838983209/

Heartless Hunter was so good that it had me waiting on the edge of my seat for the Rebel Witch second installment. Heartless Hunter was a new take on an old story to me and I always enjoy a good heroine. The FMC was strong, independent, and truly did not need a man beyond what society needed from her. Rune is a beautiful, smart, and kind young woman navigating the world after the death of her grandmother with the assistance of very good friends. She is also a witch and a witch-savior in a society that is deeply afraid of blood witches. She uses the power of her femininity to her advantage in more ways than one (iykyk).

Then she meets her heartless witch hunter who is so fueled by hate and anger that he can't see what is right in front of him... until it's too late. In the way that all great love stories go, if they had just taken their heads out of their asses for a minute and looked around. When they finally realize it, they are too late.

Rune sacrifices so much of herself for the good of her people, the people she loves, and ultimately a society that deems her unworthy of safety and kindness in more ways than one. This was so frustrating to me as someone who saw so much of myself in Rune. Her heart was so filled with love and kindness but it was overshadowed with the obligations she felt she had to fulfill.

There are so many wonderful twists and turns in book 1 that are devastating and so real even in a book that has very little in the way of fact. (There are some historical facts and witch-hunt validity here).

With all of the love I felt for book one, when book 2 released I jumped on it. I was visiting my boyfriend over the long winter break and read the entire thing in one sitting while he was sleeping. I finished it around 4 am on the couch and have been meaning to go back and reread it. Unfortunately, upon the first read it fell short for me. I was so disappointed that Rune lost so much of who she was. I know this is typical for a second book and that if there is a third book hopefully Rune becomes who she was or develops into a stronger and more robust character.

The series does give me a very strong feeling of disappointment at this time though.

I am giving is a 3/10 at this point for a total score.

Book 1 "Heartless Hunter" gets a very solid 6/10 from me. It was not my favorite book but it sucked me in, let me get to know the characters, and fall in love the same way Rune did.

Book 2 "Rebel Witch" unfortunately gets a 0/10 for me upon the first read. This is subject to change after I finish my finals for my masters program and ultimately have more time to reread.

I am not saying DON'T read the book. Please please please read the book and argue with me and tell me your perspective. I would love to hear it. Read book 1 and book 2 and let me know how you felt about it. Tell me I am wrong. Make me put it back on my tbr. I will update when I get time to read the second one again.