The Crimson Moth Duology Review: The Ultimate Witch Hunter Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

If you're searching for your next enemies-to-lovers romantasy obsession, The Crimson Moth duology by Kristen Ciccarelli deserves a place at the top of your reading list. This #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured the hearts of fantasy romance readers worldwide, and for good reason. Here's everything you need to know before diving into this addictive witch and witch hunter romance.

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What is The Crimson Moth Duology About?

The Crimson Moth duology consists of two books: Heartless Hunter (published February 2024) and Rebel Witch (published February 2025). Inspired by the classic tale The Scarlet Pimpernel, Ciccarelli delivers a gender-swapped reimagining set in a world where witches are hunted and persecuted following a devastating revolution.

The series follows Rune Winters, a wealthy socialite hiding a dangerous secret; she's a witch. By day, she plays the part of a vapid heiress. By night, she becomes the Crimson Moth, a vigilante who rescues witches from execution and smuggles them to safety using her family's merchant ships.

Enter Gideon Sharpe, the ruthless captain of the Blood Guard and a notorious witch hunter. When Rune decides to court Gideon to gather intelligence, and Gideon inserts himself into her life to expose the Crimson Moth, neither expects to fall for their enemy. What follows is a deadly game of cat and mouse where the stakes couldn't be higher.

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Book One: The Crimson Moth / Heartless Hunter

Heartless Hunter introduces readers to this richly imagined world in the aftermath of revolution. Witches, once powerful rulers, are now outcasts hunted for their waning magic. The dual perspective narrative alternates between Rune and Gideon, building delicious tension as both characters deceive each other whilst developing genuine feelings.

The blood magic system proves innovative and compelling; magic is fuelled by blood (the caster's own or another's), leaving distinctive silver scars that serve as telltale marks of witchcraft. This creates constant danger for Rune as she navigates high society whilst hiding her casting scars.

The first book delivers high-stakes political intrigue, opulent ballroom settings, and a slow-burn romance that combusts spectacularly. Ciccarelli masterfully portrays both sides of the conflict with moral complexity; neither witches nor witch hunters are painted as wholly good or evil.

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Book Two: Rebel Witch

Rebel Witch picks up after the devastating conclusion of book one. Rune is on the run, forced into an uneasy alliance with Cressida Roseblood, a dangerous witch queen plotting to reclaim power. Meanwhile, Gideon grapples with his conflicted feelings, torn between his duty and his heart.

The sequel raises the stakes considerably, forcing Rune and Gideon into reluctant partnership as they navigate treacherous politics, a cruel curse, and the question of whether their love can survive betrayal. The tension and yearning throughout are masterfully executed, delivering a satisfying conclusion to this addictive duology.

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Key Tropes and Genre Classification

The Crimson Moth duology hits several beloved romantasy tropes that readers searching for these elements will adore:

• Enemies-to-lovers – The central romance between a witch and the witch hunter sworn to destroy her kind

• Slow-burn romance – Tension builds gradually across both books with excellent payoff

• Forbidden love – Their relationship defies everything both characters believe in

• Fake dating/Fake courtship – Both parties pretend to court the other for their own purposes

• Dual POV – Alternating perspectives between Rune and Gideon heighten dramatic irony

• Hidden identity – Rune's secret life as the Crimson Moth drives much of the plot

• Morally grey characters – Neither protagonist is without flaws or difficult choices

• Touch her and die – Protective romantic tension throughout

• Love triangle – A secondary romantic interest adds complexity

This duology sits firmly in the romantasy category, blending fantasy worldbuilding with a romance-driven plot. It's often shelved as young adult fantasy romance, though the themes and content suit new adult readers equally well.

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Spice Level: What to Expect

For readers wondering about the heat level, The Crimson Moth duology features moderate spice (approximately 2-3 out of 5). The romance includes open-door intimate scenes described with some detail, though the focus remains on emotional connection rather than explicit content.

Heartless Hunter contains one spicy scene that develops naturally from the slow-burn tension. Rebel Witch features similar content, perhaps slightly more graphic but still tasteful by most romantasy standards. If you've enjoyed the spice level in books like Divine Rivals or One Dark Window, you'll find comparable heat here.

The romance prioritises tension, yearning, and emotional intimacy over explicit content, making this duology perfect for readers who prefer their fantasy romance on the sweeter side of spicy.

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Content Considerations

The duology contains mature themes including violence, blood magic, references to past abuse, grief, and war. There are scenes depicting execution, imprisonment, and a brief attempted assault in book two. Past trauma affecting main characters, including references to sexual coercion, features in Gideon's backstory. Readers sensitive to these elements should approach with awareness.

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Similar Books You'll Love

If The Crimson Moth duology appeals to you, or if you've already devoured it and need more, consider these comparable reads:

For more witch and witch hunter romance:

• Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin – Another witch/witch hunter enemies-to-lovers romance with similar forbidden love elements

• The Bone Crier's Moon by Kathryn Purdie – Features magical women and the men destined to oppose them

For similar enemies-to-lovers romantasy:

• One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig – Dark, gothic atmosphere with a slow-burn romance and magic system

• Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross – Epistolary romance with wartime tension and beautiful prose

• The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent – Enemies-to-lovers with high stakes and excellent tension

• The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem – Enemies-to-lovers featuring hidden identity and political intrigue

For readers who enjoyed the political intrigue:

• The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen – Political marriage, deception, and enemies-to-lovers

• A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen – Norse-inspired romantasy with strong world-building

If you love Sarah J. Maas: The Crimson Moth duology has been compared to the Throne of Glass series for readers wanting similar emotional beats in a shorter format. It's frequently recommended as an entry point for those new to the romantasy genre.

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Why You Should Read The Crimson Moth Duology

This duology succeeds because it delivers everything romantasy readers crave: a compelling romance between complex characters, a fascinating magic system, political intrigue, and emotional stakes that keep pages turning. The complete story in just two books makes it perfect for readers who want satisfaction without committing to a lengthy series.

Kristen Ciccarelli's writing captures the tension between Rune and Gideon with precision; their banter crackles, their chemistry sizzles, and the moments of vulnerability feel earned. The plot maintains momentum throughout both books, with twists that genuinely surprise.

Whether you're a seasoned romantasy reader or looking to explore the genre for the first time, The Crimson Moth duology offers a thoroughly entertaining reading experience. Just be prepared to finish Heartless Hunter desperate for the sequel; the cliffhanger is legendary.

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The Crimson Moth Duology Reading Order:

1. Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth #1)

2. Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth #2)

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

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