“She is the beginning and the end.

She is peace and chaos.

She is terror knocking at the gates.”

This was my first time reading this author and it certainly won’t be the last! This urban fantasy retelling of Lilith was such an adventure filled with mystery and amazing characters

Lilith herself was a perfect FMC, so strong and resilient. It takes so much courage to run from a harmful past, I think a lot of people will relate to her story. (Please check the trigger warnings.) And Zahariev was such a swoony MMC who will do anything for her and is in love with her long before she realizes. His little glimpses of POV between each chapter were SO good

Eden was a really interesting city to explore, I hope we see more of it in the future! The seedy underdark we get to see in this book is an awesome backdrop for this story

I loved all the mysteries and tense moments, trying to figure out what is going on with this cursed relic and people’s odd behavior. I really enjoyed where it went and can’t wait for more!!

Thanks to the publisher for the copy.

4.5 ⭐️ i support women’s rights and women’s wrongs and also feminine rage. hell yeah.

i LOVE lilith. i loved that she was full of (rightful) rage, i loved that she was a flawed character. she was a survivor, impulsive, rash, occasionally self-absorbed (not in a malicious way, but in one that i felt added so much depth/realism to her “privileged” background), loved her friends, was prickly when irritated, but also righteously angry at the institutions that harmed her. her push/pull with zahariev was *chef’s kiss*

zahariev had me on the FLOOR. a MAN. he is so patient with lilith, even when she is (sometimes rightfully, sometimes not) irritated at him. his interludes said so much with so few lines. the way that he loves her & shows up for her & protects her is just **bites fist** GOD. PERFECT.

this is the kind of urban fantasy that i love — scarlett st clair pours so much love and research into the mythology and world-building of her books. i docked half a star because it felt like at some points the pacing just felt a little slow and drawn out, but i am holding out hope that some of the tangents are going to be important later (and with how scarlett writes, i am sure they are).

(although scarlett i don’t know if i will ever forgive you for esther, how dare you do this to me)

thank you @ netgalley for this ARC — i also did partially listen on audiobook, and dual narration was also fantastic. i cannot wait to see where this series goes!!!

I have read St. Clair's other series and so I already had high hopes for what this book would be but I was not expecting it to be this good. I love Lilith's character and how she is so authentically herself no matter who it pisses off. She is such a strong women and usually with a character like this you would see them soften as the story goes on but this one was different. Yes we see her grow closer and more open with other characters but she does not stop being the strong women she is to do so. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and I absolutely could not put it down. I cannot wait to continue this series and see where the story line goes because that ending was perfection! Another amazing romantasy series to obsess over.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin for the advanced reader copy!

I’ve been sat here staring at a wall since finishing this book, because OHMYGOD.

I didn’t think @authorscarlettstclair could topple the Hades x Persephone/A Touch of Darkness series from my favorite of hers but boy was I wrong.

Thank you Bloom and Sourcebooks for the gifted copy.

I haven’t encountered too many reimaginings of the story of Lilith but the story has always resonated with me. Scarlett does such a fantastic job of weaving in the religious elements with fantasy and modernity. She had me exclaiming ‘yes, goddess!’ and many unrepeatable expletives when it came to the scenes with Zahariev. IYKYK 🥵

This is a bit too romantasy for me if you know what I mean, but it was a fun read. I don't think I'll read the next book, but I was entertained. Terror at the Gates is a retelling/reimaging of the story of Lilith. Lilith lives in Eden in a patriarchal society ruled by the church. She has magic and can use her sexuality as a weapon to control men who are attracted to her. She uses that power to steal for a living, but longs to dance for a club owned by the sort of mafia king Zahariev. They are forbidden to be together because of family politics, but they are drawn to each other all the same. One day, Lilith uses her power to steal a dagger from a man. When she tries to pawn that dagger, the shop owner dies almost as soon as he touches it. She calls Zahariev for help and the mystery starts here!

read in one sitting very fun!!!! i was immediately gripped. love the concept. scarlett st clair is simply always going to do it for me period

Gritty, seductive, and steeped in political intrigue, Terror at the Gates delivers a dark fantasy where sin is survival and trust is the most dangerous currency of all. Lilith Leviathan, a disgraced daughter of power, carves out a living in Eden’s vice-ridden district—until a cursed dagger draws her into a deadly conspiracy. With the enigmatic and dangerously powerful Zahariev at her side, she’s thrust into a web of lies, forbidden magic, and treacherous alliances. The tension crackles both in the shadowy streets and between its complex leads, making this a riveting blend of high-stakes intrigue and slow-burn passion.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

Scarlett St. Clair and a romantasy series…say no more, this is book ONE of the Blood of Lilith series! I ate this up and left ZERO crumbs. This was GOOD. If you love a good urban fantasy that packs a punch with secrets, magic, politics, a strong female FMC and an MC (who I think it going to have everybody straight on their face and will be everybody’s newest dreamboat book boyfriend), I’m CERTAIN this is a read you need to pick up right away. The character development, dynamics, chemistry was top tier, the world and storyline/plot was perfection, everything about this actually was the best! You have multiple POV, steady pacing yet a slow burn for sure, you have banter, tension and man can you feel it to your core. I just have nothing but the best things to say about this book honestly. Just pick this up and thank me later because this is going to be such a great series.

𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Banter, Tension, Multiple POV, Magic, Politics, Strong FMC, Romantasy Series, Slow Burn

Large thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books

Thank you so so much to Netgalley, Bloom Books and Tantor Audio for allowing me to read the ARC and listen to the ALC of Terror at the Gates.

I think this book soothed something in me I didn't realize was so angry and at the same time fueled that rage.

Lilith has moved out of her family home and is living in the sinful while under the protection of Ninevah's leader, Zahariev. Using her magic, she's able to easily steal trinkets to pawn off and make her ends meet without asking for help, until she steals a dagger that leaves a trail of bodies for just touching or being in its presence and unearths hidden history and motives.

I absolutely loved Lilith's character. She just wants to be free to live true to her self, to love who she wants, to not hold back, and I feel for her so much. That rage just circles and circles looking for an outlet. I did not know this was a retelling in anyway if it was, but having religion in my childhood, there was a lot of familiar pieces and it was so easy to just love Lilith and relate with her mindset. That slow burn, SLOW... BURNED... but it was so delicious with little chapter endings form Zahariev's POV or part and just seeing both sides made the angst and yearning so good. It was modern, and mysterious, and emotional. I just loved it, whole heartedly. I loved it so much I bought myself a physical copy lol, I didn't even want to wait for a special edition.

I did do an immersive read, I was able to listen to the audiobook, and Laura is a vocal artist like no other. She gave Lilith such sass and emotion. Tristan played such a great smooth but stern voice to Zahariev and really helped firmed his character for me even what Laura was doing his characters' parts. No notes, it was wonderful! It is a dual audiobook, so to recap the narrators will voice both their character and others but I found both narrators to be fantastic in their skills, it didn't distract from the story at all and would absolutely recommend it if it interests you.

I can't wait for the next book. The last 15% had me on the edge of my seat and the ending was just totally a shock! I didn't see most of it coming, I had no idea going in to it what to expect, and I really recommend it, going in with just a blank slate, minor assumptions. It's a fun wild ride, and I can't wait to go back!!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes
• Political/Religious Intrigue
• Slow Burn
• Prophecies/fates
• Chosen One

Scarlett St. Clair knocked this book out of the park. It's gritty, it's dark, it gives Lilith a voice, and is a scathing take on the harm and hypocrisy of organized religion, especially in their treatment of women. Once I started reading, I didn't put this one down. I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait for book 2!

As soon as the author started posting promo content for this book, I was feral for it- which is surprising, because I'm not always St. Clair's biggest fan. However, I could tell that this was going to be a darkly funny, unique story in one of my favorite genre settings, urban fantasy. It did not disappoint! When I reached about 70%, I found a local indie bookseller who still had signed copies and ordered one ASAP. It's now sitting beautifully displayed in my home library. I also made sure to tell my library's selections manager that it was my favorite read of the summer, and it's now advertised as a staff pick on our website. Our main characters have great banter and unabashed pining that's top tier. Also, they each have confidence as individuals, which is super fun to read and I think complements them well as a couple. The world-building was also great at keeping my attention. There's just enough familiar elements spun in a new and interesting way that I'm invested in the social/religious/magic systems and even the physical layout of the world (which I usually never care about- I am not one of those readers who gets excited at maps!) I could go on and on about all the positives I found with this book- it is definitely a contender for favorite read of the year.
* [ spoiler alert] My only tiny gripe is that we wait so long for them to get together, and the moment felt so basic! With all that build-up, I was hoping for something a little more mind-blowing. Still, it was a more realistic example of relationship building and later, similar interactions were more dynamic!

4.5 so rounding to 5


I really enjoyed Lilith’s journey to discovery, love, acceptance.

The line at the end “I am a survivor” was so powerful and moving. Lilith learned to survivor and having a found family who love her no matter what. She stood up for herself in a land where women have no rights and came out on top.

Cherub is the best kitty and seeing uncle Z with baby Liam was so adorable. The slow burn however was slowww and so full of tension.

I loved the power of this book and the reminder that we are all strong.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books

1.25

I didn't like this. I feel like this book was promoted as a Romantasy or fantasy romance. It does fall under those subcategories but I genuinely had zero interest in our characters progression through the story. I found them to be a bit bland and kind of annoying. Lilith for most of the first 100 pages is just plain annoying. She really does build as a character but I just wasn't interested by that point.

📖: 3/5 stars
🎧: 3/5 stars
🌶: 2/5 stars

First off, let me express this WILL be a reread for me, especially if there is another book on the way.

However, by the time I was done with this audiobook, I wasn't even sure how I felt. I wish I had gotten a physical copy, I think more of the story would have hit harder and stuck with me.
Lilith's story is the most important part, very feminist, very strong, and independent. This bold author stoked the already feminist fires that are being started all over the world. Women are starting to fight back, starting to live for themselves, putting themselves first for once. You get to walk through life as Lilith in this book. Chastised and abused as a child for her individuality, her rebellious attitude, and her stubborn need to ask questions. When in reality she just didn't want to conform to someone else's idea of perfection.

Now the slowest burn romance in the history of EVER. Zahariev's and Liliths' ongoing infatuation with one another waited until the perfect time for the good stuff was an "eh" moment for me. I'd been waiting so long I pretty much decided halfway through it. It was going to be anticlimactic if it even happened.
BUT Zahariev with baby Liam, OMG, my ovaries betrayed and overrode my brain too, girl!!! Lilith and I had the same reaction. Goodness, could he be anymore of a perfect daddy figure!!! Something about a man having all the confidence Zahariev did with a newborn baby...🥵🥵🥵
With all the biblical references throughout this book, there is bound to be a decent chunk of backlash to this novel. I dont believe the author was trying to bad mouth any religions. Just trying to get Lilith's oppressed story to the world! Lilith is an icon, a goddess, a leader, not a follower. I truly believe her story could help so many women fighting the urge between settling and becoming who they wish to be!
If you were hoping this book would have all the smutty, I would look elsewhere. But if you want Liliths story, you want the independent woman rage, you want that newest feminist fantasy, look no farther!

I was so excited to see that St. Clair had a new book hit the shelves!!! I love her previous work and knew I had to read the arc for Terror at the Gates. Although, I wasn’t too intrigued with this book. The storyline was interesting, as were the characters. However, I didn’t connect with it as much as I wanted. It was easy to follow and fast paced, which is something I do like. The ending really did it for me and makes me want to read the next one in the series!

I love Scarlett St.Clair- I’ve enjoyed many of her books, so I was excited to jump into this one!

Zahariev was such a great MMC. He was a man of few words, but always says the right thing. He’s very dry & intense & I just loved his vibe. His dialogue made me laugh & there were so many notable quotes by him- he was definitely my favorite part of the book.

I also really loved his “POV” - instead of whole chapters, it would be like a paragraph or maybe a page of his POV before going back to the FMC. Something about that layout was really fun & unique to me.

I enjoyed the modern day fantasy/sci-fi vibes- it was cool & just something I didn’t expect.

I’m also starting to love black cat side kicks in books
🐈‍⬛

Overall, I did enjoy the book, it felt unique to me- but I will say I took me a month to finish. While sitting back & thinking about it after reading it, it was really good. It was just missing something throughout that kept me intrigued enough to binge it. Wasn’t a “couldn’t put it down” type of book for me. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thankful to NetGalley & the publisher for the arc! 🖤

Absolutely freaking phenomenal. 6 stars. The world was so interesting, the characters were amazing, like I need the next book yesterday. I cried at least 3 times bc there was just so much emotion and you fell in love with the characters in such a short time. One of the best books I’ve read of 2025 so far.

Lilith and Zahariev's story was INCREDIBLE. The banter and tension between the two was hilarious and delicious. Lilith is a fiesty FMC who is fed up with the way women are treated in her society. Zahariev is a quiet, brooding, supportive man who will do anything to support his life long friend. I absolutely adored this book and can't wait for the next one.

This is my favorite Scarlett St. Clair book yet! The writing was beautiful, the world was interesting and brave. I loved this one, and I can see so much of Scarlett's heart and grief in it. She should be writing slow burns more often because this was chef's kiss! I can't believe I have to wait for book 2!

This was an amazing urban fantasy that really dives into religious trauma and the church. Basing her fantasy world off of Christianity and biblical figures was a brave move, but I think she pulled it off in a way that will allow many to heal. The plot behind the story really kept my attention and I cried several times. (That wasn't very nice, Scarlett).

Terror at the Gates is a searing first installment in a new romantasy series by Scarlett St. Clair that’s as fierce as it is vulnerable. With a dark urban fantasy backdrop and threads of religious trauma, institutional power abuse, and forbidden magic, this is a gritty feminist narrative cloaked in high stakes and even higher tension.
Lilith is the kind of heroine who refuses to be palatable—flawed, angry, and deeply wounded. Zahariev, her enigmatic counterpart, is equally complex. Together, their relationship simmers from frenemies to something far deeper, and the romantic tension is both satisfying and believable.
The prose is cinematic and sharp, with noir-like vibes. Themes of female rage, religious hypocrisy, and the commodification of power are woven into every page. While the magic system could’ve been explored more deeply, the social commentary gives this book weight and impact.
⚠️ Content Warnings include: off-page child sexual abuse by clergy, child abuse, religious trauma, pregnancy-related body horror, misogyny, and violence.
Highly recommended for fans of grimdark romance, myth-inspired fantasy, and feminist storytelling. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.