Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really, really wanted to like this one, but I didn’t. It wasn’t bad, but after the great reviews I’d seen, I felt a bit let down!

This story is set in a Biblically inspired world, with our main character, Lilith, being in Nineveh - the most sin-driven region in Eden, despite coming from a prominent governing family. When she discovers an intriguingly beautiful but deadly blade, she teams up with Zahariev, the head of yet another prominent family, to discover what’s going on. Naturally, the two discover their feelings for each other as they go on this journey.

The plot had me captivated, but there were too many side plots that just fell away. Lilith has a pretty cool form of magic, but we don’t see her use it very often. There’s this big emphasis on the plot line of her dancing for Zahariev, which just falls away. It’s very fast paced as well, which made for a fun read, but watered down some of the more serious moments, as I wasn’t that invested in the characters.

I think Lilith was supposed to be a strong female protagonist, but she wasn’t. She didn’t really do anything except take stupid risks that put her life (and the lives of her loved ones) at risk, and then wait for Zahariev to save her. I feel like she never took responsibility for the role she played in some of the tragedies. Her relationships with her supposed “best friends” also felt very weak, not well fleshed out, and lacking a lot of context.

The world was fascinating, and I wish we’d had more time to explore its history and magical systems, but I feel like that aspect was often glossed over in favour of the romance, which I also found to be lacking. I just didn’t feel the chemistry - but I am definitely in the minority here as everyone and their mother seems to be drooling over Zahariev.

The writing was really easy to read, making this an accessible fantasy, but I did find it slightly immature. Again, this is a me thing, as I felt the same about another book by this author (although that was a young adult novel, so the writing was more justified than it was here.)

I realise that this sounds like a horrible review, but I did actually enjoy my time reading this book, and I’d definitely be eager to continue with the series, especially given that ending! I think it’s a strong start to a new world, and while it lacked some of the polishing I was looking for, it was an enjoyable read, and I think a lot of romantasy readers will like this, as it’s a relatively unique take on the genre.

I also think that many of the flaws could be explained by the fact that it’s the first book in the series, so hopefully we’ll learn more about the world, characters, and relationships as the story goes on.

Terror at the Gates was such a vibe: I loved the imagery, the forbidden romance, and the chaotic plot. It was dark, it was spooky, it was unsettling, and it was compelling as heck. I loved the romance between the FMC and the MMC. You could cut the tension between them with a knife and you just KNEW from the beginning that they were meant for each other. They both come from the same world, but of course there are societal rules that prevent them from acting on their feelings. I swear there were so many moments in this book that had me absolutely gobsmacked and shocked to my core. What a fun, traumatic, wild ride from start to finish!

I am genuinely so excited to see what happens in book 2! That ending had me so shocked I had to stare into the abyss forever after I finished it.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
• dark urban fantasy (still its own world, but they have cell phones and such)
• rivals to lovers (it’s giving mafia family vibes)
• quippy banter
• society centers around the religion (yikes and it’s dark)
• hurt/comfort
• shocking and twisted on page scenes (please check CW/TW)
• spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (on page, graphic scenes)

A huge thank you to the publisher for access to this one.
Final rating - 4.25/5 stars.

I really liked it. I thought it was well-paced and really enjoyed the agonising slow burn romance and chemistry between Lillith and Zahariev. The ending was good - I thought the final image we were left with was epic and will lead brilliantly onto the sequel!

I am obsessed! This book was so fun and fresh! The concept was so intriguing, and I loved every minutes of it! Highly recommend

ARC Review: Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair
Short Summary:
Lilith doesn’t like being told what to do. Especially by any of the 5 ruling families or the religious institute, both of whom would prefer women stay silent. Lilith finds refuge in Nineveh, a district in Eden which is devoted to sin.
Lilith finds herself in trouble after stealing a gorgeous blade from a hideous man. Now, she’s running from more than her family. She runs to the safest person she knows, her dearest friend and family foe, Zahariev.
Lilith and Zahariev begin a fight of their lives; a fight for love, life, death, and revenge.

My Thoughts:
I love the very intentional and lyrical word choice through this book! Despite this retelling being an urban fantasy, i still felt the religious connotation of Lilith’s story and the weight that holds for women.

As a big Scarlett St. Clair fan I knew I would love this book but I wasn’t prepared for this book to become my new obsession. It feels like sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. Perhaps it was that Nineveh reminds me of a certain red light district, or because Zahariev runs a provocative dance club, or because theres sex magic and cigarettes and hot alt-inspired mafia men and a woman who won’t confine herself to societal standards; BUT I LOVED IT OKAY. IT WAS A VIBE.

I was halfway through the book when I found out this week be a series. I’m not sure where I missed that memo but I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series. I love Lilith’s character however i’m not sure how she didn’t notice that Zahariev was down BAD for her from the start. The word ‘devotion’ is used throughout the story and I cant think of a better word to describe how Zahariev treats Lilith. He started as a good friend who always had her back, even when he knew he loved her. He was there when she needed him most and held her though all the insanity and upset and anger. He’s a real one for never wanting to tame her.

I wasn't entirely sure the plot behind this book. There seemed to be so much happening and nothing at all at the same time...

The multiple different storylines took away from the main plot of the book. There seemed to be characters that played little to no role in the book, like the cat, who I understand was a familiar, but had no significance past that.

There seemed to be a lot of crying for a character who was so clear she hated crying, and someone always came in and fixed the situation for her or cleaned up her mess.

I found it confusing with the different levels of society and different realms/territories. I think if the worldbuilding was explained better, or was simpler, the message of the book would have gotten across better.

The promise of this book was great but I was disappointed in the execution.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters and plot pulled me in from the beginning. Scarlett St. Clair really does love leaving her readers on a cliffhanger. I need the next book stat!!

Anything Scarlett St. Clair writes, I love! This was a very unique story unlike anything I’ve read before. I love the plot and action in this as well as the slow burn romance

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

I think I might be in the minority on this one, but I had a bit of a hard time finishing this book. It started off strong and thr beginning really hooked me, but the plot felt like it lost some momentum as the book went on. The world itself was interesting and had a unique setup, but there wasn’t much world-building to support or expand on it. I wanted more explanation about the different cities, heirs, families, etc. Even though I was interested at first, the lack of clarity around the world and the FMC’s relationships with the side characters made it harder for me to stay engaged.

I also wasn’t a big fan of the romance, though that might just come down to personal preference, as I tend to enjoy more of a slow burn. It’s pretty clear early on that they’re into each other (kind of? he’s back, but not really?), and what threw me off more was finding out they’d been close since she was a teenager while he was an adult. That protective older guy/soft FMC dynamic just didn’t work for me, especially with that age gap relationship build up being baked into their history. That said, I think the overprotective, soft spot for only her, “touch her and you die” energy will appeal to a lot of readers.

I did enjoy the religious plot line and its exploration of morality. It also had a ~dark romance mafia~ vibe that could be a fun modern fantasy plot to explore. Overall, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I can definitely see it working for others. I might revisit it down the line to see if a reread changes my mind.

I loved this book SO much! It was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. Lilith and Zahareivs angst and tension was palpable on page. I loved the world that Scarlett created and seriously couldn’t put the book down until I finished it! The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I’m freaking out waiting for the next book! 5⭐️ 2🌶️

Scarlett St. Clair began painting another dark, fantastical world for her readers to explore and play in with Terror at the Gates. A story of the dangers of power, religion, corruption, and darkness, our eyes into the world - Lily - is an interloper in areas where she should not be. Her family wields power like a knife and Lily is expected to fall in line and do as she's told. That's not her jam. Instead, she makes a life for herself - friends, job, and suspect activities - in a less savory area of town and reluctantly accepts the protection of a family "friend" - Zahariev. Does she love him? Hate him? Find him useful? It depends on the day. However, as she uncoils the tangled web her family has woven, she finds that his support may be the only thing keeping her alive. Magic, slime demons, a kitten side kick, and spice galore. I thoroughly enjoyed this new world - Scarlett St. Clair has sucked me in again!
While the brief peaks into Z's mind were glorious, I wish we had more of his POV...maybe in book 2!

This is an urban fantasy retelling of Lilith's story. Many know her as a feminist icon, but few truly grasp the rich, complex lore behind her legend. St. Clair delivers a powerful story that digs deep into those origins, crafting a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply personal.

The book plunges us into the world of Eden, a place where a powerful and ruthless Church controls everything. We meet Lilith, a young woman on the run from her past, her family's money, and the suffocating grip of this oppressive system. For much of the book, her past is a mystery, hinted at through her emotional scars and her fierce independence. She's a survivor who has turned her back on her birthright, but everything changes when she comes into possession of a magical dagger. This isn't just any blade; it kills everything it touches, except her. When the Church seizes her new weapon, Lilith is forced to confront her past and reclaim her power with the help of her brilliant and infuriatingly loyal friend, Zahariev.

Their dynamic is the kind of slow-burn romance that will have you yelling at the pages for them to just get together already. Lilith’s reluctance to open up is palpable and deeply rooted in her fear of relying on a man, a fear that stems from a lifetime of being controlled. Her journey is a captivating blend of political intrigue and a personal quest for liberation.

The world-building is where this book truly shines. In Eden, the Church is more than a religious institution; it's a brutal mechanism of control. The story provides a brilliant and necessary critique of how power structures, often dressed in the guise of religious righteousness, are weaponized to oppress women. We see how faith is twisted for personal gain, and how men in power seize control of the magic that is passed down through women. St. Clair isn't making an anti-religious statement; she's exposing the dangerous anti-manipulation.

While some might argue that the book isn't a straightforward tale of female power, I'd respectfully disagree. This book is a raw, honest look at the beginning of that journey. Lilith is broken and angry, and that is what makes her so real and relatable. Her path isn't a perfect, polished ascent to power; it’s a cathartic, messy, and empowering evolution from a survivor to an unstoppable force.

I gave “Terror at the Gates” 4 out of 5 stars. The pacing felt a bit uneven in places, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It lays a fantastic foundation for a series that promises to be full of magic, vengeance, and a whole lot of rebellion. I, for one, can't wait to see what Lilith does next.

Again being captivated in the story writing of Scarlett St Clair! Truly a brilliant story that pulled me in immediately and stands out against most of my recent reads. Cannot wait for the next book!

I loved this book! I was sucked in immediately and could not put it down. The characters are so lovable and make you smile and the story was so intriguing!

3.5 ⭐️ and it’s mostly that because I’m slightly confused by some aspects at the end and want to sit with it to organize a little bit. It was a solid 4 until the final scene and some of the explanations. I called the twist that her mother was involved somehow…. but not the twist of her parentage. The symbolism and the retelling of Lilith's role is cleverly done, and love seeing her be a goddess in her own right.

I love the strength of Lilith and the way she shows strength and resiliency against the patriarchy and dominance of the church. The religious trauma theme hits hard and it needs to be criticized more. The power of women is phenomenal, literally they have magic, and the church will use them for their perverse power. I wish the story had explored more of the magic that women have in other forms, but I have a feeling that will be coming in future books.

Lilith is lucky that she is adapt at creating friendship and having loyalty from those in her life. At times I found her too impulsive, but also recognize she grew up traumatized and sheltered... she honestly deserved to rage much more. I did dig the relationship she had with the MMC; however, he can cut back on the nicknames.... same with Gabriel. Those nicknames got old really fast and infantilized her, when she didn't need to be childlike.

I will absolutely read the rest of the series, and I know I will rage against the machine. F religious domination and F the Patriarchy! Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for an ARC.

This book was intense in the best way. The kind of story that makes you pause every few chapters just to breathe and process. It’s sharp, emotional, and layered with themes that feel both timeless and timely.

The writing is immersive and atmospheric, with a lead character who carries so much pain, strength, and determination on her shoulders. The tension builds slowly, both in the romance and the overarching plot, and it left me genuinely invested in where the story is headed next.

It’s not a light read, but it is an incredibly satisfying one. If you want something that challenges you emotionally while keeping you completely hooked, this one absolutely delivers.

This is one of my favorite books of the year so far. I didn't know what I would get going into this as all I knew was it was about Lilith. But we get mafia, we get rage, we get slow-burn romance. I may be biased because I read anything St. Clair releases. She has to be one of my favorite authors and this one does not disappoint. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. The above opinions are my own.

oh hell yeah!!! this was such a good romantasy retelling. Our fmc, Lilith embodies female rage, like I’m obsessed with her. Our mmc, GIRL 🧎🏻‍♀️🧎🏻‍♀️I would do anything for that man. Am I upset that I read the first book and now have to wait for the second one? Yes, but I just know the second one is going to be good 🤭🤭

Thank you so much to Bloom Books and Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an E-ARC.

Spicy, male female, 1st person dual point of view (mostly female main character), contemporary, paranormal romance. Very interesting worldbuilding with lots of twists and turns. Ends on a surprising cliffhanger. I look forward to reading the next book!

I was so lucky to have received an eARC through @netgalley & it was 100% worth it! You all are going to LOVE Lilith & Zahariev. Lilith is so relatable especially with being pointed out as a black sheep amongst family and friends. I love the chaos she brings, the fierce attitude to be whole heartedly herself. Zahariev ?? SWOON, I won’t spoil anything but you’re immediately going to love him. A MAN! That’s it. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🥵 So ruuuun and get yourself a treat by getting a copy of this book!