You know a book has hit hard when the words on the final chapters blur, and you just can’t seem to unstick those tears from your eyes.

A.K.A, I was cryin’, y’all! I was cryinggg!

Just like its predecessor, this book so wholly consumed me. I couldn’t bear to put it down, I was bewitched by it, pun intended. I actually harbor this weird regret, a regret that it's all over. That the end came and I did have to put the book down. It's over, and I don't want it to be! I want to immerse myself back in the story so I can live in its world just a little longer. I want to savor it more, I want to read it like its the first time again. I have read a lot of books I've come to love, but when I get this type of feeling it's because the love I have is on an entirely different level. Rebel Witch is an infinity stone in my collection of precious gems. I'm going to remember it forever and love it forever.

I continue to love the alluring world-building, the dynamic cast of characters, and the well-paced, well-thought out plot. But, what I love most is what's at the heart of this duology: Rune and Gideon's story.

They deserve all the hugs for what they've gone through, they are irrevocably changed due to the events of the first book's ending. Their individual paths begin on shaky convictions and once brought back together they must either fortify said convictions or find new beliefs. The path is not easy, there is the danger of betrayal at every corner, yet you want to see them march on, to move forward together even if they remain on either sides of a line.

There's more communication issues between Gideon and Rune, but I found it was never off-putting. Yes, I wanted to scream at them through the pages, I was frustrated many times, but all that only served to encourage me to root even harder for them. Their miscommunication never waned my attention, instead it intensified it. Their push-and-pull solidified how much I love them and how much I believe in their love story. How much I wanted to continuously protect it (especially from the likes of Abbie, ha). How much I wanted, hoped, and prayed they'd reach forgiveness, give trust, and forge their happily ever after.

I can't tell you if they did, but I can tell you that every emotion they felt, from their anger, to their passion, to their grief, to their resolve, and to their love, I felt too. These characters came to life so vibrantly off the pages, their journey was riddled with hurdles and high stakes, and it all consistently took my breath away. They took my heart and they took my tears.
I gladly leave it all there with them. And that alone makes it all worth it.

Rune and Gideon's story is so worthwhile, and this duology is one to forever cherish and acclaim. Read it, read it, read it!

Gorgeous Rebel Witch, we part far too soon! You're imprinted in my heart forever and I plan to revisit you time and time again.

Top tier favorite, a core memory, the all-around gold right here!

Thank you so very kindly to St. Martin's Press Early Readers and NetGalley for the complimentary arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.