Where do I even begin? Terror at the Gates is everything I crave in a dark fantasy—gritty, immersive, and utterly unputdownable. Scarlett St. Clair has crafted a richly detailed industrial world with a haunting magic system that drew me in from the very first page. The atmosphere is thick with tension and mystery, and every element—setting, plot, and character—feels purposeful and masterfully executed.

The pacing was perfect for a slow burn, but don’t be fooled—this book burns. It had me blushing, swooning, and clutching my chest in equal measure. This book had my heart pounding and I constantly needed to put it down to take a breath before I dived back in!

Now, let’s talk about Zahariev Zareth. Oh. My. Gods. This man is the very definition of devoted. Scarlett knows exactly how to write a male lead who commands the page and the reader’s heart. Zahariev is officially on my list of all-time top book boyfriends. Every moment with him had me melting. He is a storm and a sanctuary all at once—and yes, I am feral about him.

Beyond the romance, the mystery and suspense in this book are absolutely gripping. The action scenes were so intense that I could see every and feel every movement. The stakes are high, and the twists kept me on edge in the best way.

And that cliffhanger? Absolutely cruel—in the way that only the best books are. I’m not okay. I will absolutely be counting down the days until the sequel. I might actually lose my mind waiting, but it will be worth every second.

Thank you to Scarlett St. Clair, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks for the eARC. I adored every page of this dark, delicious, heart-pounding masterpiece.

“I would go to war for you”

Zahariev Zareth, the man you are 😭

this book was EVERYTHING. feminist rage, slow burn, one of the best fmc’s i’ve read about.

I was biting my nails the last 10%.

Oh Scarlett my darling. You’ve done it again! Lilith embodies femine rage in the best possible way, the way she carries herself is absolutely perfect. I love a badass woman who takes shit from no one including a man! But in comes Zahariev and wow. He was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. The way he compliments Lilith and her personality is perfect. He does not play when it comes to her and will stop at nothing. And omg. The world building. It was absolutely perfect. I’m sure this book has put me in a hangover. I need the next one now!

I wish I could give a review without the star rating because honestly I DNFed this book pretty early on. I'm not usually much of a DNFer but I just could not get into this book and I did try a few different times. This is my first book by this author so maybe that plays into it. The characters just weren't grabbing my interest and the poor set up was a tad confusing. Please take what I say with a grain of salt since I didn't finish the book.

The world building and the plot of this book was fantastic. I enjoyed this! Lilith being the main character was amazing and brought a very strong leading presence. The dynamic between Lilith & Zahariev was super fun. Their relationship was the heart of the story. Can’t wait for the other books!

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for the arc of this book.

I have been a longtime reader of Scarlett St. Clair’s. I remember when she released a Touch of Darkness. Her latest book, Terror At The Gate, left me speechless. It is AMAZING! The growth of the female main character from the rules that tried to shackle her into a woman who stands on her own two feet with her own power has stuck with me long after I finished the book. It has light a flame of self identity within myself that I did not know needed lit. Thank you Scarlett St. Clair.

Oh, and I also tossed my Oasis in the hamper multiple times.

How do I even put my thoughts into coherent sentences! This book has my brain firing on all cylinders, shooting out words and thoughts that I can't organize. Scarlett St Clair has created a masterpiece with Terror at the Gates. I've been obsessed with her since A Touch of Darkness and let me tell you the obsession has grown stronger. Talk about female rage, systemic reprogramming in the form of religious indoctrination (raised highly religious so I know a thing or two); the ever present and highly prevalent double standard regarding women in the social structure. I mean DAMN. This book has it all. I started the book cautious, then came rage, and ended it feeling wickedly empowered and a little vicious. 10/10 on all fronts. Spice ✔️ Slow burn ✔️ Badass babe ✔️ Tons of Mystery ✔️

i love scarlett st clair so much

arc rating & review

4.75 - 5 🌟

overall. this was outstanding. it reminded me of her touch of darkness series but it was also wildly different. her writing in this has to be some of her best work. i was blown away. absolutely floored.

first of all, the religious commentary was immaculate. it touched on so many aspects of religion and what it’s like to have it forced on you. how they can take something and twist it to use it as hateful and almost like rules you have to follow to be worthy or holy. it touches on every aspect of religion that was forced on me and what i hated about the hypocrisy of it all. i’m NOT saying religion is bad or that you’re wrong for believing in it, im saying i’ve had very similar experiences in my life and it is trauma that i would never wish upon anyone. and the way she comments on how women are viewed and treated was phenomenal. it was almost like she took very frustration and fear that women have in this world and wove it into her story. it was like reading a news article (as in, so realistic and unfortunately very true to today’s society).

Again she wove in that religious trauma and how women are seen and just made a beautiful and powerful story out of it. and LILITH!! she is truly who i aspire to be one day. i felt so deeply bad for her and had felt like she was written for me. like scarlett took my brain matter and put into words. and zahariev..this MANNNNNNN. and he is a true MAN!! he was so protective and grumpy. ugh i loved the banter him and lily had. “little love” CRYING. i also loved Gabriel oh my. him and esther were so unbelievably sweet and i wish i had a couple like them in my life. i loved all the characters (besides lisk and her mom, fuck them fr)

thank you bloom & netgalley for the arc!

What an absolute delight! This book is absolutely gripping. It pulled me in and I legit could not put it down. I love a good urban fantasy and this was the perfect mix of modern day dark fantasy, touch her and die romance, and suspenseful who-done-it. I also loved the integration of the dark side of christianity. Some people may be mad, but it's an undebatable fact that there is an irl dark side and I grew up in it. Seeing that on page was actually very therapeutic for me. I'm a huge SSC fan and this is unlike any of her other work. It just might be her best book to date.

My first Scarlett St. Clair book — but definitely not my last.

This is a dark romantasy that pulls no punches. The story follows Lilith, inspired by the Lilith of Jewish folklore (iykyk), set in the sin-soaked city of Nineveh. Lilith uses her magic to survive, stealing and selling religious artifacts. But one relic changes everything — people start dying, mysterious creatures appear, and Lilith begins having disturbing visions.

She reluctantly teams up with Zahariev, her childhood crush, in a world where women are subservient, commodified, and denied agency over their own lives. The chemistry simmers between them, but it unfolds in a world built on control, violence, and faith twisted into fear.

This book is rich in dark themes and trigger warnings — misogyny, religious trauma, violence, and systemic oppression — so tread carefully if you're sensitive to those elements. But if you're drawn to deep, layered world-building with a sharp edge, this one might hit you right in the soul.

It takes the blindfold off systemic religion and exposes its darker underbelly — the hypocrisy, the misogyny, and the way belief can be used as both shield and sword.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bloom books and Tantor Audio for the eARC and ALC. Laura Horowitz is the perfect Lilith and this was my first time hearing Tristan Warden breathe life to his character. Absolutely recommend reading Terror at the Gates and can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and Bloom books for the opportunity to read this arc!

Every now and then, a book’s characters completely pull me in—and this one did exactly that, thanks to its unique world-building and atmosphere. The blend of urban fantasy with mafia-like elements is absolute perfection.
The slower pacing felt intentional and meaningful, which made the book feel more immersive. We're dropped right into the middle of Lillith and Zahariev’s story, and rather than feeling lost, I was immediately intrigued. Knowing this is a retelling of Lillith’s version of creation has me so invested in where the story will go next. The exploration of religious trauma stood out and resonated deeply with my own experiences. And Zahariev? He’s the kind of book boyfriend I love. He gave that "he falls first-touch her and die" vibes along with being commanding, yet still willing to yield to the woman he respects and trusts. The tension between these two was the best kind of edging. It was taut with their chemistry, and doused with the forbidden. I freaking love this kind of chemistry.

I did not see those twists at the end coming, and now I’m counting down the days for the next book!

*4.5 stars*

SCARLET! I devoured this in a day. The slow burn was slow burning but it was delicious and tension filled and when that spice hit it was *chefs kiss*. The way Lilith was such a badass and Zahariev just let her be herself. Lilith is a survivor and it was refreshing to see her be herself and not be changed by her surroundings and the things that happened to her. I am so confused by the ending and what part Lilith plays along with the gods. I am hoping book two is being written because I have so many questions I need answered.

Terror at the Gates is one of the best and most unique books I've ever read, I loved it.

I really enjoyed that all the world building was not done at the start, instead Scarlett St Claire explains more about the world as the book goes along. This meant that even thought at first I didn't understand quite everything (location wise and about the religion) I was able to enjoy the story without an information dump. I think that's what made this book hard to put down, I just wanted to know more! I loved the characters, suspense and romance in Terror at the Gates and I cannot wait to dive back into this world for book 2 and discover what happens next to Lilith and Zahariev.

Summary: Outcast Lilith finds a cursed blade, drawing her into deadly intrigue with powerful families, a ruthless church, and forbidden love.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

YESSSSSSSS!

Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted advance copy. I literally devoured this in one day!

I could eat Z as a whole-ass meal, but Lilith is the real badass here.

The premise of this hits real close to real life right now, with people using religion to control women. We love a good feminine rage and this shit is that.

Fantastic tension, little bits of comedy, wonderful side characters, and a fucking kitten. Hell. Yes.

This might be Scarlett’s best work yet!

I ate this up.

This was such perfect introduction into the series, with the perfect balance of world building, action & romance. The story grips you from beginning to end.

It’s a gritty Lilith re-imaging, filled with female rage, mafia politics, slow burn tension set in a urban romantasy setting

This version of Lilith, is meant to be difficult and intended to be desired, lusted after and the author captured this perfectly. It took me a few chapters to warm up to her because she is a little ‘bratty’ but she is meant to be. Her behaviour becomes understandable once more of her backstory is unveiled. She doesn’t take shit from anyone, strong willed, incredibly frustrating but still relatable.

Zaddy.. sorry I mean Zahariev… the MAN that you are!!! 🧎🏽‍♀️🫠🙂‍↕️
I’m obsessed & in love. He is the perfect amount of morally grey, there is nothing I love more than a man who would burn the world for his woman.
Patient?!? Caring?!? Possessive?!? - Spectacular gimme 14 of them right now

The tension in those book had me GIDDY, and the banter between the two had me GIGGLING.

I loved the fact that at the end of every chapter you got his POV, it like having a little insight into his mind, I ate it up every time.

I do wish we got more insight into the magic system, but I feel like that will come with book two. Which I need ASAP because THE ENDING?!?!

Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks & Bloom Books for the arc x

“You are unshakable. A menace.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a huge Scarlett St. Clair fan, I knew I would love Terror at the Gates. Lately, I have been gravitating towards books that have an element of feminine rage, so I was so excited when this NetGalley approval came through. This book did not miss the mark.
Terror at the Gates is an urban fantasy reimagining of the biblical story of Lilith set in a near-dystopian society controlled by a Patriarchal government.
Lilith, the only daughter of a prominent and influential mafia family, is running out of time. In a final effort to marry her off so her magic can be utilized, her father and the church agree to give her a year of freedom. Zahariev, the head of a rivaling family, allows her to stay within his territory. The two have obviously been yearning for years and have some of the best banter to show for it. Lilith refuses to be palatable and Zahariev is more than ready to choke on her.
This is a slow burn romance, one of the slowest I’ve read in a long time. But, trust me, it is worth the wait. There is so much pining, yearning, and tension that you won’t be missing the spice. As always, though, St. Clair manages to make you sweat no matter what. When we get there, WE. GET. THERE.
With the added elements of found family, religious trauma, and self-discovery, this book manages to be both devastating and touching. It creates a conversation about where we draw the line on bodily autonomy and what happens when women are regarded as tools, or something distinctly less than human.
”Forgiveness is overrated. It’s just something churchgoers shove down your throat so they can beg for it when they sin.”
Perfect for fans of:
🖤Phantom by HD Carlton
🖤1996 Romeo & Juliet
🖤Desperate Measures by Katee Robert
🖤Lilith by Nikki Marmery
Side note - please do check your trigger warnings on this one. It can be incredibly heavy at times.

I loved everything about this book! Scarlett’s writing style is superior. I loved the slow burn of this storyline and I also loved the plot. It’s a unique and refreshing romantasy! I think this can be triggering for some with religion trauma but I had no issues with this book personally! Thank you so much for an ARC of Terror At The Gates!

***Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for this ARC. *** First of all, I enjoy Scarlett St. Clair's books and was excited to see that she had written a new book about Lilith. It does not disappoint. I appreciate the modern take on this biblical character as she was resurrected in St. Clair's world of religious corruption and treachery. This setting follows the black sheep of an opulent family as she lives in another family's territory under the watchful eye of Zahariev. Lilith is a bit of a hot mess, but he's always there to pick up the pieces and their back and forth is quite entertaining. Women are the only one's that have magic and they're suppressed to use it only with the permission of their husband or father, but Lilith decides that her magic, sex magic, could be useful as she strikes out on her own. A powerful thief, she is a menace to the men that lust after her, but when she's faced with her abuser, the head of the church, she is frozen with panic. Will she be able to fiaght back against those who would make her submit to an arranged marriage and worse? As with St. Clair's other books, this is is spicy and she does a great job drawing out the inevitable. Well written from both perspectives. Very enjoyable read.

The book hangover this left me with….

This has very quickly become my favourite Scarlett book. It’s twisty and turny, it’s sexy and sassy, it made me laugh, it made me cry and that ending just straight up made my jaw drop.
It stuck in my head for a good while after finishing and left me twitchy to read the next book.

Tropes & themes:
🩸 Lilith vibes
🐈‍⬛ Urban Fantasy
🔥 Slow Burn, He Falls First
⚔️ Frenemies-to-Lovers
🌆 Noir / Sin City Vibes
⛪ Religious Corruption & Rebellion
💔 Female Rage, Trauma, & Healing
👁️ Morally Gray Protector MMC


If you’re looking for your new obsession book, she’s right here.

How can I love this book so much? Thank god, past Eva was smart and preordered the edition with the overlays. I need to reread this the moment that hardcover gets in my hands.

Me after chapter one ended and before chapter two began: “WHAT WAS THAT?” The pacing of the book was incredible, it gave the characters time to grow and change, to show is different sides of themselves in a multitude of situations. It gave the reader time to get attached...and then Scarlett decided 'oop- I did do that? Good luck!' because this world takes no prisoners and it doesn't care about feelings. It's a wild ride I'll get on again and again because I trust Scarlett to make it all better in the end.

Lilith and Zahariev were the best couple. The chemistry between them was already palpable by chapter three, and I was already hot and bothered by these two. I don't know how they lasted so long as frenemies when both of them were itching to rip the clothes off the other. I lived for the little moments, the looks, the silent connection, even the fucking 'i hate you' s from Lilith were giving me life.

Now, Zahariev was hot and incredibly smart and cunning. He was everything I wanted and more...but he's not the one who had me in love from page one. That was Lilith and Cherub. She was everything I needed. The rage, the logic, but emotion, the questioning, but still trying to maintain an open door to her father, how she needed to escape and be her own person, in a world that was designed to make it impossible. She found a way, and I know Zahariev played a huge role in that, but she took that leap, she made her escape, made a new life for herself, and grew real connections and friendships with people that weren't forced on her. I loved her mind, her actions, her thinking. She was raw, real, and a mess, which is what made her feel human.

And the plot? I was hooked from the very first page. Questioning, connecting, and scheming like I was part of the story. Needing answers that created more questions. The way my heart was racing the whole book. This plot was unique and perfection. What more could you want than heartbreak, mystery, religious trauma, gods and monsters, and a slow burn, filled with tension and longing?

The religious setting/history was the right choice. There's so much that lies on blind faith that was crafted to fit the male desires and cage women. And Lilith was one of those things, but the funny thing? Other women clocked that and called it out. Making Lilith the real and iconic figure we know today.
As a girl named Eva (Eve in Spanish) who has had to learn about religion exclusively to defend my name, I have never once doubted that Eve didn’t bite the apple, or that if she did, she didn’t doom us. Men wrote the book, men controlled the book, and men edited and changed the book to fit their desires. And you mean to tell me, they wouldn’t erase or change anything, maybe even write it like that, to benefit them and their control over women? Yeah, Eve and Lilith were the first women, and I’m sure beyond belief their rage is still alive today.

Great research with references and statistics to back up the arguments. Scarlett, you are giving a powerful voice to those who have gone unheard. I know I already told you this, but you should be proud, beyond proud, because this book is not only a great fictional story, but also a powerful message in the times we are living in.

Beyond thankful to Netgalley, Scarlett, and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the opportunity to read this ARC, best believe I'll be first in line for whatever comes next!

Quotes:

Forgiveness is an invitation to sin. It will be our ruin.
I'd rather be a sinner than a hypocrite.

We were not responsible for lust in men. We existed, and they desired.

Don't give away your secrets, Lilith, Zahariev had advised me long ago, so I didn't, even when they involved him.

"You were on a list. Untouchable."

“Will you…hold me? I just…”
“You don’t have to ask,”

Smoking kept my mind busy. Occupied.
Without it, I craved other things.
Untouchable things.

Fucking brat.
She meant everything.

"If you harm one hair on her head, I'll end you. And just so we're clear, that's not a threat. It's a promise."

"What are you thinking?"
"That you've fucked me up, little love."

That was a lie.
It was never going to be easy.

But I would break every rule for her if she said she wanted more.

"Hold me tighter, Zahariev,"
"Anything for you, little love,"

"I knew you'd be greedy,"

There was nothing in the world like hearing unfiltered pleasure from Zahariev Zareth's mouth and being the one responsible.

This pleasure was unholy, and I was possessed, utterly altered from the inside out.

"I'd follow you anywhere."

"Touch is a rather tame word for what I want to do to you."

"That's not true. I pay attention to you,"

"I could have remained invisible to you, and my devotion to you would be unchanging."