The first book in the Crimson Moth series, published by Wednesday Books, is available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook, at local libraries, and through the Libby app.

Ciccarelli introduces her readers to great world-building in this book full of forbidden magic. Rune Winters is a witch. No one can ever know. In the New Republic, admitting witchcraft would see her stung up, throat slit to bleed out for all to see. Witches are the worst type of traitors and hunted by the blood guard and easily identified by the marks on their bodies left behind by the cuts necessary for their magic. To avoid detection, Rune denounced her beloved grandmother as a witch and watched as she was ‘purged’ from society.

Gideon Sharpe, captain of the blood guard, is lethal in his pursuit of witches, and when he believes his brother is in trouble, he suspects Rune is a witch. To gain confirmation, Gideon infiltrates the elite circle by courting Rune. The enemies-to-lovers romance is a game of cat and mouse, each hiding their true intent as they play a lethal game.

Rune and Gideon’s wits clash as they have to outmatch one another, attempting to stay a step ahead of the other. Rune approaches obstacles with smarts and courage; she doesn’t always feel. The stakes grow higher for both of them.

The ending. Perfect cliffhanger.

A clear magical system, unblurred lines to understand your enemy. Ciccarelli provides a thrilling romantasy where treachery lurks everywhere. A wonderful 4-star read.