“Love and loyalty collide in a perilous game of cat and mouse.”
~ Surajit Roy
Heartless Hunter is the first book in the Crimson Moth duology by Kristen Ciccarelli, the author of the internationally bestselling Iskari series and Edgewood. The 416-page hardcover will be issued on February 20, 2024. It’s one of the year’s most anticipated fantasy releases, and for good reason. Love, treachery, and magic in a world where witches are pursued and witch-hunters are lured make Heartless Hunter an intriguing and addicting narrative.
Book Review Summary
| Book Title | Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth #1) |
| Author | Kristen Ciccarelli |
| Genres | Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Witches |
| Category | Fantasy Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Paranormal, Retellings |
| My Rating | 4.7/5 |
About The Author
Kristen Ciccarelli wrote Heartless Hunter, The Crimson Queen, Iskari, and Edgewood. Growing up on a grape farm, she dropped out of college and performed numerous jobs before becoming a novelist. She worked as a baker, potter, and community bread oven coordinator. With her husband and toddler, Kristen lives on Canada’s Niagara Peninsula. She likes fantasy, feminism, dragons, reading, writing, and baking.
Book Synopsis: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
The story revolves around the opposing viewpoints of Rune and Gideon, two adversaries caught up in a perilous game of cat and mouse. In a republic where a deadly revolution has wrecked everything and robbed witches of their status and power, Rune, a witch, must hide her identity. She lives a double life as the shallow socialite that she is by day and the vigilante that she is at night—the Crimson Moth—saving her fellow witches from being cleansed. Witch-hunter Gideon is devoted to the revolution and the Queen, her leader. He is a gorgeous, sly, and vicious man with a particular grudge against the Crimson Moth, who has been smuggling witches out of the republic using Rune’s merchant ships.
Rune chooses to use Gideon as a means of gathering information and distracting him after her most recent rescue attempt fails. She makes small talk and acts as though she’s interested in him in an attempt to entice him to divulge his secrets. However, she quickly discovers that Gideon has a charm all his own that makes her heart skip a beat and that he is not as simple to control as she once believed. The desire Gideon feels for Rune, however, overcomes his mistrust of her and her intentions. In an attempt to reveal her identity as the Crimson Moth and hold her accountable, he chooses to go along and court her. But he quickly finds out that Rune is more than simply a gorgeous face—that is, that she shares his heart and thoughts.
As their relationship deepens, they start to doubt their emotions and allegiances. Though they are aware of how ideal they are for one another, they also understand that they are fighting on opposing sides of a conflict that might destroy them. They have to choose whether to love or despise one another, whether to trust or betray one another, and whether to be comrades or rivals. They also have to do it before the Crimson Moth’s true identity is discovered and the Queen’s evil schemes are made public.
Book Review Highlights
A Gripping Tale of Intrigue and Passion
Heartless Hunter is a book that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. It is a fast-paced and thrilling story that is full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, passion, and danger. The plot is well-crafted and engaging, with a perfect balance of action, romance, and intrigue. The world-building is rich and immersive, creating a vivid and realistic setting that draws you in. The magic system is original and fascinating, exploring the different types of witches and their abilities, as well as the consequences of their waning power. The book also tackles themes such as oppression, rebellion, loyalty, identity, and choice, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Complex Characters Steal the Show
The characters are the highlight of the book, as they are complex, flawed, and relatable. Rune and Gideon are both strong, smart, and brave, but they also have their weaknesses, doubts, and fears. They are both driven by their goals, but they also have their morals, values, and emotions. They are both loyal to their causes, but they also have their doubts, regrets, and hopes. They are both enemies, but they also have similarities, connections, and chemistry. They are both compelling and likable, but they also have their secrets, lies, and betrayals. They are both humans, and they both make mistakes. They are both heartless, and they both have hearts.
A Captivating Romance Amidst Adversity
The romance between Rune and Gideon is one of the best I have ever read. It is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance that is full of tension, banter, and sparks. It is a romance that makes you feel everything, from frustration and anger, to amusement and laughter, to butterflies and swoons, to heartache and tears. It is a romance that challenges and changes the characters, making them grow and learn from each other. It is a romance that is realistic and believable, but also magical and unforgettable. It is a romance that will make you fall in love with the characters, and with the book.
My Rating
This book receives 4.7 stars from me. It is among my favorite books of the year and among the best books I have ever read. You will be left speechless and craving more after reading this fantastical romance masterpiece. I will always have this book on my bookcase and will revisit it numerous times. I will recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading, and I will discuss it with anyone who will listen. You won’t be sorry to read this book, so you should do so as soon as you can. It’s just an incredible book.
Conclusion
You should read Heartless Hunter if you enjoy romance, fantasy, or both genres. This book will evoke strong emotions, thoughts, and dreams in you. You will be surprised, delighted, and broken by this book. You’ll think about this book long after you’ve finished reading it. You will be compelled to read The Crimson Queen, the sequel, as soon as you finish this book. It is a novel that will make you a fan of Kristen Ciccarelli, if you are not already. This book is deserving of all the acclaim, excitement, and affection that it receives. I heartily endorse this book.
Content Warning: This book has references to alcohol and explicit material, along with a few violent, bloody, and deadly sequences. Mature readers who want dark, erotic fantasy romance should read it.
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