A fantasy plot in a totalitarian backdrop with witches and witch hunters playing their run and hunt— bit thrilling and quite cunningly plotted to me, love the alternate perspectives as well how the author grippingly executed the conflict, dynamic and glimpses of the New Republic in the eyes of its two main characters.

Meet Rune Winters, a witch hiding in plain sight after the devastating revolution that made her to surrender her own witch grandmother to be purged by the new regime. Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth; a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged and her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite. Due to one incident, Rune desperately needs to gain intel to find a captured witch and the notorious witch-hunter as well the blood guard, Gideon Sharpe fits to be used to help her on her mission.

I truly love the worldbuilding and the engrossing backstories for Rune and Gideon— both having their own motives and reasons that lured me to get invested. Of trust and betrayal as well their love-hate drama that eagerly making me go curious on which narrative would lead me to the truth. The blood-based magic of Rune was too enticing and I love how the author intertwined it into the conflict— it gets me nervous everytime Gideon trying to find the scar but was enthralled as it directly built up the romance in between him and Rune. Friendship part making me anxious even from the beginning as I was really not that fond with Verity. Too bad for Alex although much expected on the twists.

Bit intense nearly the end; too fast pacing but the chaos really unfolds a more wicked truth that pouring me with suspense and a sudden cliffhanger— foreseen, yet I wish book 2 would come out sooner (please!). It crafted so well for the trope (might be a cliche for an enemy to lover but still a fan, though) esp on the heroine vigilante arc as I like Rune’s dynamic and characterization a lot.

*Rebel Witch to my wishlist!

Thank you Times Reads for the gifted copy!