Crimson Moth Book Series Recap: A Kristen Ciccarelli Masterclass in Enemies-to-Lovers Romantasy

After the overthrow of the witch queens, the Republic’s new regime has turned witches from rulers to hunted prey. Rune Winters navigates this dangerous world through a carefully constructed double life: vapid socialite by day, the masked Crimson Moth by night, rescuing persecuted witches from public executions.

In this world, witchcraft requires blood magic—a practice that traditionally leaves telltale silvery scars when witches cut themselves for spellcasting. The Republic’s witch hunters use these marks to identify and capture their targets. Rune, who discovered her powers after the purges began, has developed a brilliant solution: using her menstrual blood for magic, leaving no visible scars and allowing her to operate undetected.

When a mission to gather intelligence goes wrong, Rune changes tactics. She sets her sights on Gideon Sharpe—the Republic’s most feared witch hunter—and initiates a calculated courtship to access information while maintaining her cover. What she doesn’t realize is that Gideon harbors his own suspicions. Believing she’s connected to the Crimson Moth, he returns her attention with an agenda of his own: to uncover her secrets and bring the vigilante to justice.

What begins as mutual deception gradually transforms into something neither expected. As they spend time together, each glimpses the complexity beneath the other’s façade. Their growing attraction creates a dangerous complication, challenging their loyalties and forcing them to question deeply held convictions.

Complicating matters is Alex Sharpe, Gideon’s younger brother and Rune’s trusted friend. Unlike his brother, Alex knows Rune’s secret and protects it, creating an impossible position as he tries to shield her while maintaining his relationship with Gideon, who has always protected him.

The story reaches its explosive climax during a public witch purging when Verity de Wilde—a close friend to both Rune and Alex—is revealed to be Cressida Roseblood, the supposedly dead youngest sister of the former witch queens. The truth emerges that during the revolution, Alex had encountered Cressida but, knowing her only as his brother’s former love and not understanding her true cruelty, chose mercy and spared her life—a decision he kept secret from everyone, especially Gideon.

This revelation proves devastating, as Gideon was personally tortured by Cressida before the revolution—trauma Alex never knew about. In the chaotic confrontation that follows, Alex sacrifices himself trying to protect those he loves.

The first book concludes with a magical sundering that physically splits the land. Rune finds herself trapped on an island with Cressida, separated from Gideon by both geography and betrayal—creating the perfect setup for the complex alliances and impossible choices that drive the second book.

The second book opens in the aftermath of Alex’s death and the magical sundering that divided the land. Rune is now trapped on an island with Cressida Roseblood—the queen whose reemergence shattered everything. To survive, Rune must play a dangerous game: appearing loyal while secretly working to protect vulnerable witches from Cressida’s ruthless ambition.

Cressida arranges Rune’s betrothal to Prince Soren Nord in exchange for military support, positioning herself to reclaim the Republic. At the same time, she hunts for the last surviving Roseblood heir, whose blood is needed to complete a forbidden resurrection spell. Rune’s world shifts again when she uncovers the truth—she is that heir, a secret her grandmother took to the grave.

On the other side of the divide, Gideon is left reeling. Grieving his brother’s death and burdened by betrayal, his resolve to destroy the witch threat only hardens. Yet the clarity of his hatred begins to falter as long-buried truths come to light, challenging everything he once believed.

When Rune and Gideon are forced into reluctant cooperation, their fractured bond resurfaces, layered with resentment, guilt, and an undeniable connection. Their alliance is fragile—born of necessity, tempered by heartbreak, and haunted by everything left unsaid.

As the final confrontation looms, another revelation shifts the balance of power: Seraphine is revealed to be Wisdom—one of the seven ancient forces behind the original witch monarchy. With her help, Rune and Gideon face Cressida for the last time.

The series ends on a hopeful, if imperfect, note. With both the Republic and the reign of the witch queens dismantled, the possibility of a new future emerges—one built not on vengeance or control, but on hard-won trust, forged through sacrifice, and the hope that enemies might one day choose peace.