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Rigel Black #2
The Serpentine Subterfuge
Harriett Potter survived her first year masquerading as a pureblooded boy, but sinister forces are now moving through the wizarding world, and when something sinister starts moving through Hogwarts as well, Harry and her friends are pulled into another maelstrom—whether Harry likes it or not. Book two. Alanna the Lioness take on HP.
1352 pages, ebook
Published December 30, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 4, 2018
Update after second reread:
Everything I said below plus IM SCREAMING AND NOT READY FOR BOOK THREE AGAIN. Also, I never talked about Rosier in my review below, so let’s mention how much I dislike him here. Also, I swear in the first book, Violet said Alesana is one year older than Rookwood and Rosier, but she graduated this year meaning she’s two years older? Just some discrepancies.
Review of first read:
ITS LITERALLY NOT POSSIBLE TO RATE THIS BOOK ANYTHING LOWER
OH MY GOSH WHERE DO I START
SIRIUS, JAMES, AND REMUS KILL ME. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I CAN'T
LEO OH MY LORD MY NEW HUSBAND I AM IN LOVE HE IS THE ONE I WANT AND NEED MORE
CAN WE TALK ABOUT DRACO AND HOW ADORABLE HE IS????
"I WOULD NEVER HI-IT YOU." I CRY INSIDE THINKING ABOUT IT.
"DO I EAT BREAKFAST LIKE AN ABUSED PERSON." RIGEL IS SO SASSY AND AMAZING I LOVE HER
PANSY IS JUST PERFECT I WISH SHE WAS CANON
OMG SNAPE CARES SO MUCH WHY ISNT THIS THE REAL HIM
RIGEL CRYING ON DRACO I DEAD DEAD DEAD DECEASED I CANT DO THIS I NEED TO READ BOOK THREE BUT I ALSO CANT HANDLE THIS *cries for eternity*
Everything I said below plus IM SCREAMING AND NOT READY FOR BOOK THREE AGAIN. Also, I never talked about Rosier in my review below, so let’s mention how much I dislike him here. Also, I swear in the first book, Violet said Alesana is one year older than Rookwood and Rosier, but she graduated this year meaning she’s two years older? Just some discrepancies.
Review of first read:
ITS LITERALLY NOT POSSIBLE TO RATE THIS BOOK ANYTHING LOWER
OH MY GOSH WHERE DO I START
SIRIUS, JAMES, AND REMUS KILL ME. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH I CAN'T
LEO OH MY LORD MY NEW HUSBAND I AM IN LOVE HE IS THE ONE I WANT AND NEED MORE
CAN WE TALK ABOUT DRACO AND HOW ADORABLE HE IS????
"I WOULD NEVER HI-IT YOU." I CRY INSIDE THINKING ABOUT IT.
"DO I EAT BREAKFAST LIKE AN ABUSED PERSON." RIGEL IS SO SASSY AND AMAZING I LOVE HER
PANSY IS JUST PERFECT I WISH SHE WAS CANON
OMG SNAPE CARES SO MUCH WHY ISNT THIS THE REAL HIM
RIGEL CRYING ON DRACO I DEAD DEAD DEAD DECEASED I CANT DO THIS I NEED TO READ BOOK THREE BUT I ALSO CANT HANDLE THIS *cries for eternity*
April 13, 2020
I have a lot of feelings. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH AFHUEWHEWOFEHFH
AUGUST 2018 REREAD: I STILL HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS
April 2020 Reread: I just really love this series a whole lot. This book was also frustrating because Draco is a really good friend to Rigel, and I miss that so much in TFF.
AUGUST 2018 REREAD: I STILL HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS
April 2020 Reread: I just really love this series a whole lot. This book was also frustrating because Draco is a really good friend to Rigel, and I miss that so much in TFF.
May 21, 2024
I'm obsessed, it's so good, I'm going blind
June 4, 2018
As the follow up to The Pureblood Pretence, this follows the actual plot of The Chamber of Secrets a little more closely and therefore is a bit more predictable than the first installment but is still a riveting read. The building of backdrop characters into fully fledged and living beings is superbly done and the entirety of Slytherin house receives quite the makeover, whilst staying true to the original canon. On occasions it does seem like the author becomes a tad lazy; the dueling club and the overly manufactured reliance on a canon scene that really didn't quite ring true being one... but perhaps that was just a favourite scene for the author... I know that feeling!
What didn't I like about it? Well, I found the early chapters that surround the holidays slow and a little boring; I was very much waiting for the beginnings of the Hogwarts adventure to start. Whilst Leo is interesting as a character, he didn't grip me in the same way as those within the halls of Hogwarts and the political underside of Knockturn Alley wasn't really my cup of tea either. But once we got to Hogwarts, I was fully back in the swing of things and really intrigued to see how Rigel manages to juggle quite so many things and aspects without seriously dropping some balls.
I also wasn't all too keen on the sheer length of the chapters; some of these beasts must top 30,000 words, making them a novella in their own right. The fic would have been far easier to read and keep track of where you are with chapters not exceeding the 12,000 maybe 15,000 word mark. As it stands, most chapters could easily be split into three sections each and actually this would enable each chapter to have a specific push and pull dynamic with the fic as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading it, but there's a reason most authors chapters tend to float around the 4000 to 10,000 word mark. When you get too far beyond that it becomes cumbersome. This 14 chapter piece could easily be 40 long yet manageable chapters and it would undoubtedly make it easier to read.
Even with these minor niggles pulling this down to a four star rating, this is still one of the better fanfics I have had the pleasure of reading over the years. The author comes to interesting alternate explanations and reasoning behind the existence of the diary and the basilisk, making them fit quite neatly with the puzzle pieces of the re-imagined world that has created. I like the fact that this builds on the magical world and the theories within it; this is most noticeable within the potions world, but there are other small aspects as well that give added depth and background. Some I don't necessarily agree with - the basilisk having power over whether to kill or petrify for example - but I respect the authors right to play with what has been given in canon, and certainly have to say that it is done with great ingenuity.
What didn't I like about it? Well, I found the early chapters that surround the holidays slow and a little boring; I was very much waiting for the beginnings of the Hogwarts adventure to start. Whilst Leo is interesting as a character, he didn't grip me in the same way as those within the halls of Hogwarts and the political underside of Knockturn Alley wasn't really my cup of tea either. But once we got to Hogwarts, I was fully back in the swing of things and really intrigued to see how Rigel manages to juggle quite so many things and aspects without seriously dropping some balls.
I also wasn't all too keen on the sheer length of the chapters; some of these beasts must top 30,000 words, making them a novella in their own right. The fic would have been far easier to read and keep track of where you are with chapters not exceeding the 12,000 maybe 15,000 word mark. As it stands, most chapters could easily be split into three sections each and actually this would enable each chapter to have a specific push and pull dynamic with the fic as a whole. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading it, but there's a reason most authors chapters tend to float around the 4000 to 10,000 word mark. When you get too far beyond that it becomes cumbersome. This 14 chapter piece could easily be 40 long yet manageable chapters and it would undoubtedly make it easier to read.
Even with these minor niggles pulling this down to a four star rating, this is still one of the better fanfics I have had the pleasure of reading over the years. The author comes to interesting alternate explanations and reasoning behind the existence of the diary and the basilisk, making them fit quite neatly with the puzzle pieces of the re-imagined world that has created. I like the fact that this builds on the magical world and the theories within it; this is most noticeable within the potions world, but there are other small aspects as well that give added depth and background. Some I don't necessarily agree with - the basilisk having power over whether to kill or petrify for example - but I respect the authors right to play with what has been given in canon, and certainly have to say that it is done with great ingenuity.
April 20, 2026
I am amazed how people can come up with these works.. Just pure greatness!
February 22, 2021
Diagon Alley, handsome guy - book 2, so... Lockhart? 'Hazel eyes' - wait wait wait a minute - '...in the lower alleys...': George.
So, to say the least, I was very, vary happy with the Song of the Lioness elements introduced in this book. Like, super duper happy. Like 'I involuntarily squealed every time a Tamora Pierce element showed up suddenly' level happy. This continues to satisfy me - and also the chapters continue to get longer and longer!
I'm quite entertained by Rosier (Aldon) and... the relationship prospects he has in Rigel (also I saw the Golden Eyes and I was like wait you too). But at the same time, I know George had Hazel, not Golden eyes, so sad :( but oh well Leo is also great, and nice and caring (better than Jonathan by far, so I'm happy). But I just also sort of wanna see Harry x Aldon a lil' more?
The ultimate reveal gave the fanfic its interesting twist, and also now there's sorta three parties vying to block the others so more deviation from plot possible and all-around 'yay!'.
I just can't wait to keep reading, and I really want someone to find out Harry's secret already for more interesting dialogue (oh did I mention how much I enjoyed the political/social discussions in this?) but then I know murkybluematter probs won't reveal it until at least the latter half of fourth year ~ fifth year at earliest. And this sucks cos I really want Aldon to find out. But he'll be gone by fifth year. And besides he's from a dark family and his intention isn't clear still, so it'll be way too risky to reveal, forgetting the how uncomfortable Rigil would be to do so. But I can say I want something then turn around and say, but it's probably not for the best so I'll be sucking back up my tears. And so, I'll continue to read...
So, to say the least, I was very, vary happy with the Song of the Lioness elements introduced in this book. Like, super duper happy. Like 'I involuntarily squealed every time a Tamora Pierce element showed up suddenly' level happy. This continues to satisfy me - and also the chapters continue to get longer and longer!
I'm quite entertained by Rosier (Aldon) and... the relationship prospects he has in Rigel (also I saw the Golden Eyes and I was like wait you too). But at the same time, I know George had Hazel, not Golden eyes, so sad :( but oh well Leo is also great, and nice and caring (better than Jonathan by far, so I'm happy). But I just also sort of wanna see Harry x Aldon a lil' more?
The ultimate reveal gave the fanfic its interesting twist, and also now there's sorta three parties vying to block the others so more deviation from plot possible and all-around 'yay!'.
I just can't wait to keep reading, and I really want someone to find out Harry's secret already for more interesting dialogue (oh did I mention how much I enjoyed the political/social discussions in this?) but then I know murkybluematter probs won't reveal it until at least the latter half of fourth year ~ fifth year at earliest. And this sucks cos I really want Aldon to find out. But he'll be gone by fifth year. And besides he's from a dark family and his intention isn't clear still, so it'll be way too risky to reveal, forgetting the how uncomfortable Rigil would be to do so. But I can say I want something then turn around and say, but it's probably not for the best so I'll be sucking back up my tears. And so, I'll continue to read...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
2020:
every time, i think i won’t get emotional, but here i am, having finished my fourth read, EMOTIONAL.
i need time to recover therefore i will be starting TAA immediately because i need Summer Harry (and Leo) (and CAELUM) to cleanse my soul. but i should probably sleep first
(i have no idea how i once read this in two days??? it took me over a week this time wow)
every time, i think i won’t get emotional, but here i am, having finished my fourth read, EMOTIONAL.
i need time to recover therefore i will be starting TAA immediately because i need Summer Harry (and Leo) (and CAELUM) to cleanse my soul. but i should probably sleep first
(i have no idea how i once read this in two days??? it took me over a week this time wow)
December 24, 2019
HP/Alanna the Lioness fanfiction #2. The emphasis on magical theory was, frankly, quite enjoyable. Don't know if this magical theory is compliments of JK Rowling or just the author's own take, but either way, definitely enjoyed it. This book/fanfiction was my guilty pleasure all of finals week, and I have no regrets about it.
September 3, 2019
with each book i feel everything just as intensely as the first time I read it (maybe even more than) so haha the ambiguous artifice is dEFINITELY GOING TO BE THE DEATH OF ME
February 20, 2022
This fic is absolutely monstrous and I love it! I was kind of skimming toward the end but those ? Stopped me in my tracks (I saw some comments saying it's a typo, but it happened at least three times within the last chapter so I guess I'll have to see!). I am probably starting book three tonight lol. Still so many questions, like !
also Snape characterization is *chef's kiss* almost forgot I wasn't reading Lamentadorn :P
also Snape characterization is *chef's kiss* almost forgot I wasn't reading Lamentadorn :P
August 27, 2021
AAHHHHH THIS BOOK IS PERFECT THEIR IS NO OTHER WORD FOR IT.
SNAPE AND RIGEL ARE SO PURE I CAN'T--- WHY ISN'T THIS CANON??
PANSY AND DRACO AND LEO AND EVERYONE IS JUST SO AMAZING!!! THE CHARACTER DEPTH IS UNBELIEVABLY GOOD. SO IS THE PLOT.
I cried. T.T It's not easy to make me cry, but this book did it.
I've reread it a thousand times by now and every. time. hits. the. same.
SNAPE AND RIGEL ARE SO PURE I CAN'T--- WHY ISN'T THIS CANON??
PANSY AND DRACO AND LEO AND EVERYONE IS JUST SO AMAZING!!! THE CHARACTER DEPTH IS UNBELIEVABLY GOOD. SO IS THE PLOT.
I cried. T.T It's not easy to make me cry, but this book did it.
I've reread it a thousand times by now and every. time. hits. the. same.
June 11, 2021
I just, god, I love Harry so much? Such a fun fanfic. I can't recommend it enough.
It's a jumble of so many things I love to see in fanfiction and once I finish this series I'm going to need to take a break from fanfic because everything will feel a little meh right after this
It's a jumble of so many things I love to see in fanfiction and once I finish this series I'm going to need to take a break from fanfic because everything will feel a little meh right after this
August 28, 2025
[2025 reread]
Well, I just finished the book, and oof, I'd forgotten how it felt to read the monster chapter. No chapter should be 70k words long. I do love it though, of course.
Anyway, of all the books, I continue to think that Book 2 is my least favorite. the start of it always give me a little of a reading slump, which is SO STRANGE because we learn so much cool things, and Leo is finally introduced (I love you Leo, you're the best character after Harry/Rigel), and there's so much potions. (I always want more potions, Violet writes them so interestingly)
You could say that maybe it's because of the writing, but book 1 is much rougher and I don't get this feeling.
Anyway, I have no problem from the middle to the end, and I just love following Rigel's (mis)adventure. There's also so much cool foreshadowing for the later books, it's always so fun to read.
-----
[2nd read of 2021]
I just love this book so much, there's so much stuff that happens concerning Rigel (as every other books but this one in particular with the relationship part of her life). Having read the first chapter of MM and seeing how it was at the start is SO STRANGE. I was grinning and fighting back tears all the time…
-----
[original review]
Well, I didn't know you could find Fanfictions on Goodreads! Now I can finally truly show how much I read the Rigel Black Chronicles! And that makes more books for my 2021 reading challenge. I read it a lot, okay. That's my emotional support fanfiction. The best one ever. Go read it, you fool. You don't know what you miss. (And yes, I'm translating it in French on FFnet because it's so good.)
Well, I just finished the book, and oof, I'd forgotten how it felt to read the monster chapter. No chapter should be 70k words long. I do love it though, of course.
Anyway, of all the books, I continue to think that Book 2 is my least favorite. the start of it always give me a little of a reading slump, which is SO STRANGE because we learn so much cool things, and Leo is finally introduced (I love you Leo, you're the best character after Harry/Rigel), and there's so much potions. (I always want more potions, Violet writes them so interestingly)
You could say that maybe it's because of the writing, but book 1 is much rougher and I don't get this feeling.
Anyway, I have no problem from the middle to the end, and I just love following Rigel's (mis)adventure. There's also so much cool foreshadowing for the later books, it's always so fun to read.
-----
[2nd read of 2021]
I just love this book so much, there's so much stuff that happens concerning Rigel (as every other books but this one in particular with the relationship part of her life). Having read the first chapter of MM and seeing how it was at the start is SO STRANGE. I was grinning and fighting back tears all the time…
-----
[original review]
Well, I didn't know you could find Fanfictions on Goodreads! Now I can finally truly show how much I read the Rigel Black Chronicles! And that makes more books for my 2021 reading challenge. I read it a lot, okay. That's my emotional support fanfiction. The best one ever. Go read it, you fool. You don't know what you miss. (And yes, I'm translating it in French on FFnet because it's so good.)
July 1, 2025
Reread czerwiec 2025 r. To już ponad 5 raz który to czytam
Druga część jest jeszcze lepsza niż pierwsza. Historia Rigela jest o wiele lepsze niż oryginał i choćbym czytała, to piąty szósty raz tak samo będę zaskoczona, jak za pierwszym.
Nadal jestem zdziwiona, że nikt nie zauważył ich zamianę. Ale biorąc pod uwagę kontakty Harry i rodzice to wcale się temu nie dziwię.
Wiadomo im dalej, tym lepiej, więc teraz od razu przechodzę do trzeciej części.
Druga część jest jeszcze lepsza niż pierwsza. Historia Rigela jest o wiele lepsze niż oryginał i choćbym czytała, to piąty szósty raz tak samo będę zaskoczona, jak za pierwszym.
Nadal jestem zdziwiona, że nikt nie zauważył ich zamianę. Ale biorąc pod uwagę kontakty Harry i rodzice to wcale się temu nie dziwię.
Wiadomo im dalej, tym lepiej, więc teraz od razu przechodzę do trzeciej części.
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