Heartless Hunter Audiobook – Crimson Moth, Book 1

Sometimes, on a gray Portland morning when rain patters against my window, I reach for an audiobook that promises to sweep me into another world—and Kristen Ciccarelli’s “Heartless Hunter” did exactly that. Wrapped in a blanket with my coffee growing cold, I was completely spellbound by the sweeping romance and revolutionary stakes of this YA fantasy. As someone who adores stories where love and danger tangle together, this one had my heart racing from the very start.

What struck me most about “Heartless Hunter” is its unapologetic embrace of classic enemies-to-lovers drama—delivered with real heat and a dash of magical intrigue. Rune, our heroine hiding her witch identity after witches have been toppled and targeted post-revolution, instantly resonated with me. Her duality as both privileged socialite and daring vigilante called the Crimson Moth reminded me of how we all sometimes wear masks—though hers are quite literally life-and-death. The tension between surviving versus living authentically felt familiar; haven’t we all hidden some vital piece of ourselves at one time or another?

The atmosphere Ciccarelli builds is lush—a city simmering with paranoia and opulence reminiscent of revolutionary France but crackling with spells instead of sabers. I could practically hear the swish of velvet gowns at candlelit parties while somewhere close by, shadows whispered threats against magic-blooded folk like Rune. It made for immersive listening—even though (and here’s a rare downside) I found myself wishing for a narrator who might truly breathe extra life into these sumptuous scenes; unfortunately, no official audio performer is listed yet, so it looks like fans will be waiting or perhaps settling for reading aloud to themselves.

Rune’s relationship with Gideon Sharpe—the infamous witch hunter—is absolutely electric: every scene between them glimmers with banter, distrust, longing…and genuine peril if their secrets slip. Their chemistry pulled up old memories for me: high school debates where tension danced just beneath competitive words; first dates electrified by what wasn’t said as much as what was spoken aloud. Watching two fiercely loyal people wrestle their convictions (and feelings) gives this romance stakes far beyond swooning.

But it’s not without flaws: some sections sag under too many descriptions of lavish balls rather than furthering the action—pacing stalls right when you want momentum to build! And side characters swirl around Rune more like props than partners in revolution; their fleeting presence left me wanting richer backstories or sharper dialogue so they’d stick in memory alongside our leads.

Additionally, while I’m usually forgiving about flexible magic systems (as long as the emotional arc sings), even I found myself occasionally puzzled here—Rune seems hemmed in by her abilities until suddenly she isn’t? Still, none of that detracted too much from my enjoyment because what really kept me hooked were the book’s moral complexities: neither hero nor villain stands on simple ground. Rune commits acts out of desperation and conviction that force hard questions about means vs ends; Gideon’s prejudices are deeply rooted but not unchangeable—and watching both struggle toward understanding gave the story surprising depth.

The cliffhanger ending? Let’s just say it had echoes well after my phone switched off—I may have groaned out loud knowing there’s still months before Book Two arrives!

Overall: “Heartless Hunter” spins vivid settings and fraught emotions into an addictive package perfect for anyone who loves dangerous love affairs set amid political upheaval (think Leigh Bardugo meets classic superhero vigilantes). It isn’t flawless—but its beating romantic heart makes those imperfections easy to forgive.