Crimson Rivers Review: A Tale of Brotherhood and Their Arduous Fight for Survival

Crimson Rivers is a Harry Potter FanFiction by Zeppazariel that revolves around a dystopian setting where Regulus Black, James Potter, and Sirius Black are involved in a brutal reaping system where individuals are chosen to participate in a life-threatening arena. Regulus is selected twice, and the story follows his determination to survive, even if it means facing off against his own brother, Sirius. James, on the other hand, wants to help Regulus escape the arena, even though it might cost him his life.

This fanfiction is a completed work with 75 chapters that wins more than 32K kudos and over 1M hits on the AO3 platform.

Join Regulus, Sirius, and James in the life-threatening battle for their lives and explore their complex relationships, the secrets they hold, and the sacrifices they are willing to make in Crimson Rivers fanfiction.

Author Introduction

The author behind the popular Harry Potter fanfiction, Crimson Rivers, is none other than Zeppazariel, also known as Bizarrestars on the AO3 platform. Zeppazariel, or Zar, as his fans call him, is a fanfic author who rose to stardom with his Harry Potter fanfiction. His other works include Best Friend's Brother, A Great, Big Tragedy, and Just Lovers, among others.

For a while, Zar removed all his works from AO3 due to some toxic behavior from fans that became overwhelming. Fortunately, this was a temporary measure, and now all his masterpieces are back in the Archives of Our Own! However, they are exclusively available to AO3 users, as the author prefers to keep his works within the platform and not have them spread elsewhere.

Theme

This fanfic delves into the themes of survival, sacrifice, and the complex nature of human relationships when confronted with extreme adversity. It explores Regulus Black's unwavering determination to survive at any cost as well as James Potter's selflessness and sacrifice. It also covers the intricate emotional bonds and conflicts that arise among characters as they are thrust into a life-threatening situation. Moreover, the narrative probes the themes of fate and destiny and the repercussions of decisions made in a high-stakes environment.

Main Characters

Regulus Black

Regulus, a young man who first endured the life-altering reaping at fifteen, now faces it again at twenty-five. His upbringing has been in a challenging environment under the shadow of overbearing parents. Regulus carries an unyielding determination to survive, no matter what it takes. Emotions like resentment and fear swirl within him as he confronts the daunting prospect of entering the arena. His relationship with his older brother, Sirius, is strained, marked by complexities and distance. Regulus also appears to have distanced himself from his once-closest friend, James.

Sirius Black

Sirius, the older brother of Regulus and a previous victor of the Hunger Games, carries the weight of a harrowing past. At just sixteen, he volunteered to take Regulus's place in the arena, and the scars from his experiences ran deep. Now, he's tasked with mentoring both his brother, Regulus, and his closest friend, James, as they step into the arena themselves.

Sirius is a complex character, torn between his deep love for both Regulus and James and his fierce determination to protect them. His past in the Hunger Games haunts him, and he is resolute in his commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of his beloved companions.

James Potter

James, a dear friend of both Sirius and Regulus, finds himself entangled in the looming reaping. He has lived in Victor's Village with Sirius and has a loving relationship with his parents. James is known for his selflessness and unwavering moral principles, which make him willing to lay down his life for the sake of those he holds dear. He is resolved to bring Regulus home safely, even if it means putting his own life at risk. James has a deep bond with both Sirius and Regulus and is fiercely committed to shielding them from harm.

Plot

Regulus Black's life takes a pivotal turn at fifteen when he first encounters the reaping, a moment that will reshape his destiny. A decade later, at twenty-five, fate returns him to that dreaded moment. Despite the changes over the years, Regulus's unwavering determination to survive remains constant. He is undeterred even by formidable adversaries like James Potter.

James Potter, on the other hand, has his plans centered on ensuring Regulus's safety, even if it means sacrificing himself. His motivations are deeply personal, and he's willing to risk it all to help Regulus. Meanwhile, Regulus's older brother, Sirius Black, previously volunteered to take Regulus's place in the arena when he was sixteen. Now, a decade later, he's tasked with mentoring both his brother and a close friend. The grim reality they face is that only one of them can emerge victorious from the arena, and the weight of this knowledge hangs heavily on their shoulders.

Two names were called at the reaping: a mentor teetering on the brink of collapse and a web of secrets and sorrow that binds them together. They're unprepared for the challenges ahead and the extreme measures they may have to take to overcome them.

Writing Style

Crimson Rivers is narrated in first-person point of view from the perspectives of different characters, such as Regulus, James, and Sirius. This way, the narrative provides an insight into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This fanfic work is written in a style that is emotionally charged and introspective, delving into the characters' inner struggles and conflicts as they face the prospect of the deadly arena. Furthermore, the language used is descriptive and vivid, compelling readers to connect with the characters on an intimate level and feel the tension and turmoil of their situations.

Hot Chapters

Chapter 40

James Potter visits Regulus Black on Regulus's twenty-sixth birthday. James brings with him a very old hat with a fluffy ball on top, a hat that Regulus hasn't seen in eleven years. This simple gesture of bringing back a cherished item from their past symbolizes the deep connection and history between James and Regulus.

Chapter 50

Sirius and Regulus become embroiled in a fierce, visceral, and emotionally charged altercation. This fight is a manifestation of their pent-up emotions, resentment, and history of conflicts, highlighting the complex dynamics between them as brothers.

Final Thoughts

Crimson Rivers, a Harry Potter fanfiction, undeniably stands as one of the greatest fanfiction of all time! Though it may be incredibly lengthy and its narrative profoundly heartbreaking, this work of art offers so much depth that the pain of reading it is unquestionably worth it. Readers are in for an emotional rollercoaster, as they will find themselves simultaneously captivated and moved by the story. This fanfic easily qualifies as a classic novel, having taken the Marauders fandom by storm!

Experience the incredible writing talent of Zar and immerse yourself in a world of expertly crafted foreshadowing, intricate relationships, and a plot that unfolds at a pace readers will relish. Feel the full spectrum of emotions, from love to pain, sacrifice, and more, as you bear witness to the brotherhood of Regulus, Sirius, and James in Zeppazariel's masterpiece, Crimson Rivers.

FAQs

Q: What is the fanfic Crimson Rivers all about?

A: Crimson Rivers is a Harry Potter fanfic that revolves around Regulus Black, James Potter, and Sirius Black, who are involved in a brutal reaping system where individuals are chosen to participate in a life-threatening arena. It follows Regulus's unyielding determination to survive.

Q: How many chapters does the Crimson Rivers have?

A: Crimson Rivers is a completed Harry Potter fanfiction with 75 chapters.

Q: Where can I read Crimson Rivers?

A: You can read Zeppazariel's Crimson Rivers on the Archive of Our Own (AO3) platform.