I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Lilith is fierce. Lilith is defiant. She wants to DESTROY the patriarchy, and I am so here for it. I loved Zahariev as a MMC. He supports her, and he protects her. I truly enjoyed this read, and CANNOT WAIT for the next installment. Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!!!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlett St. Clair! ❤️

An oppressive society ruled by religion. A girl who wants her own autonomy.
While Lilith has opposed the norms of her society her whole life, she was able to live away from her family for the past two years in Nineveh with her friends. In this society only women of the top families have magic. But women are possessions so their husbands dictate when they get to use that power(or fathers). Lilith doesn’t want any part of that, and her power of using men’s lust against them, puts her apart even more from the devout. One night she uses her abilities to steal a knife with a weird energy to it. But what Lilith doesn’t know is how that very knife will change her life.

I think I enjoyed this so much because I relate with many of the qualms about standard religion. At the end of the book Scarlett has notes about research and how she got ideas for this tale, and I loved seeing that. I also enjoyed her journey to learn more about the goings on in the world, as well as the acceptance she finds from her friends.

This does have some detailed spicy scenes, so be warned if that isn’t your thing. But it was such small parts of the book- which is great if you like spice, but want your story plot-centric and not spice-centric.

Terror at the gates might be my new favorite SSC and that’s saying something because I’ve read everything she’s ever read. This book is moody and sexy and grips you throughout. I couldn’t stop reading.

The way you are entered into the most immersive urban fantasy world ever! It feels like New York with Blade Runner and Guardians of the Galaxy mixed with Jessica Rabbit and the most EPIC religious take down the church vibes EVERRR! Lilith stand on power and will break any mold set for. She will rise beyond her mother and those from the church who have hurt her! The magic in this world is beyond somthing else I had truly the most fun learning how the world works and the gods just everything about this read is creative and new and THE SPICE I’m still in the backseat of Zahariev’s car this romance read has the best slow burn of the year!! Once it starts to boil there’s no water left in the pot it’s so hot and it keeps going! He is so devoted to Lilith would legit go to war for her! The tension when he snapped oh my gosh!!! My favorite moments the funny flirty banter between Coco and Cassius can we have more there! I loved how LOVE prevailed all that no matter that they felt if it was right or wrong the two of them chose love! EVERY time Zahariev call Lilith a brat I felt like he was also calling me one just the whole read I was imagining myself as Lilith she’s so hot and cool and takes no prisoners!! The way Zahariev keeps Lilith from breaking he’s just always there no matter what! He will always let her lead until it’s time for him to if you know what I mean loll!! HIS NICKNAME FOR HER I’m actually out the door and now I’m back cause it’s the best nickname from a tattooed man from his neck to his knuckles! Any time he groaned. I groaned is all I gotta say !! I can’t wait for more of this series!! Thank you again so much I’m even more excited for my preorder with the page overlays!!

My jaw dropped and my head popped. It is no known secret that urban fantasy isn’t as well loved as traditional fantasy but I urge you to give it a try with this book.

Firstly, the magic system is pretty unique and easy to comprehend *bonus point*. Secondly and most importantly, the mmc is drool-worthy. His actions, words, promises will easily rank him in my 2025 top 5 book boyfriends. The only downside is that the fmc is impulsive and bratty but fortunately she’s aware of it and feels guilty of her actions.

Don’t get me started on the mystery portion of the book. There is still much left to uncover and I realised I was more invested in solving the mystery than the smut–that’s how great St.Clair’s writing is! Plus, you get a snippet from the mmc’s pov at the end of EVERY CHAPTER. DO YOU KNOW HOW REWARDING THAT IS?

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for this arc!

🗡️ Forbidden Romance
🗡️ Urban Fantasy
🗡️ Female Rage
🗡️ Unique Magic System
🗡️ Frenemies to Lovers
🗡️I would go to war for you
🗡️ After Care King
🗡️ Slow Burn
I want to start by thanking Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for giving me this opportunity! Scarlett St. Clair was one of the first authors I discovered when I started reading it..and after that she became one of my favourites, so thank you so much that I was given the chance to be her ARC reader 🫶🏻
After reading Terror at the Gates, I was like this is gonna be my personality for the rest of the year 😅. The cover was stunning, so beautiful and unique I think it is something that should be mentioned! As for the plot it took me by surprise! I was searching for ages for a romantasy book that it would be a slow burn with a good plot and unique magic system! And this book did it for me . The magic system was out of this world, the urban fantasy with biblic references and cult like religion was perfect! The world was controlled by five powerful families that drew their power through their women so there was like a mafia system. And each woman had a different ability! Our FMC, Lilith throughout the book faced many difficulties because she wanted her freedom and not be controlled by their sexist society rules. So Lilith for me was the embodiment of FEMALE RAGE, her passion and the things she faced gave hope the readers that freedom from the patriarch figures is not impossible! As for the MMC, Zahariec what can I say this man is the embodiment of Yearning, he loved her for years but couldn't do anything because they donated want them to be together. He literally said to her he would go to a war for her if she wanted! He took care of her every need and protected her from anyone who could disturb her peace or wanted to take her freedom! Moreover, I really liked the found family trope! Scarlett St Clair did it again! Her writing always makes me feel like I am part of their group and I am always rooting for them ! The end of the book isn't a cliffhanger but I really want to know what will happen 😭

I absolutely love all Scarlett’s writing, but this one might just be at the very top because omggg what a ride! It’s been a few days and I’m still thinking about it - the tension, the action, the absolutely delicious slow burn, and that ending?! YESS queen! This one isn’t even out in the wild yet and I’m already needing book 2 asap. I do wish we’d gotten a bit more…just MORE. The concepts and historical references, and even the characters I felt at times like we were just getting a surface scrape with all of this untapped information just under the surface. Really I just didn’t want the book to end if I’m being honest 😂

As book 1, Scarlett did an amazing job at setting up an absolute banger of a plot twist for book 2 and I am so here for it!

Thank you so much Scarlett, NetGalley and Bloom for this arc! Absolute 5 stars from me!

I rated this 4/5. Although I didn’t love it I still think it was good and a unique new series. Full of Christian imagery and criticism of the church. Women have magic but it is only supposed to be used by men who siphon it. The church is corrupt. They kill anyone who opposes them calling it heresy. But the story told is not the full truth. Slow burn romance. Dramatic cliffhanger ending.

DNF @ 60%

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it really fell flat for me. The FMC is so immature and honestly just makes the worst decisions of all time. The MMC has zero personality. This couple has zero tension or chemistry. The world building is nonexistent. The dialogue is cringy. And the side characters all have no character and are only there to further the FMCs storyline.

My least favorite part of this book is that it was so cyclical that I wanted to rip my hair out. Lilith (our FMC) tries to do something and she fails and gets herself into trouble. Zahariev (our MMC) has to come to the rescue and save her. They have a 'moment' where they are both into each other. They both say that they 'can't do this' without giving any reason other than Lilith is going to have to return home at some point and that the relationship is 'forbidden' without giving any actual reasoning. Then Lilith runs away and gets into more trouble that will require saving. It was this same cycle over and over again without ever moving the plot forward.

Lilith ran away from her parents and her home to go wild and try to 'make it on her own' but no one is really worried cause they are letting her have her fun and experience the world before she returns home. Also she is not making it on her own in any way whatsoever because Zahariev does everything for her. The reasoning for them not being together when they both want it being that her dad says it can't be was so forced and honestly didn't make any sense. If she is disobeying her dad about everything else, why is her kissing the man she wants the line????

This book didn't work for me at all and I am super bummed. I did receive an advanced reader copy through netgalley. Maybe if I had the audiobook I would have been able to force myself to finish, but I just couldn't.

Scarlett St Clair is so good at crafting unique fantasy worlds and the world in Terror at the Gates is no different. It felt really unique for a romantic fantasy and I enjoyed the way the politics of this world explored religion and the trauma that comes with it. The characters in this book also pulled you in immediately. Our two leads Lilith and Zahariev have a very intriguing dynamic as two characters who have known each other for many years before the start of the story. At the end of each chapter, we would get a small snippet of Zahariev’s point of view and I was always excited to see what insight we would get into his feelings about Lilith, as she definitely is pretty clueless to how he feels.

I will say that this author tends to spend a little too much time on the spicier scenes when that time comes for my personal tastes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and the ending has definitely left me intrigued to see what’s next for Lilith and Zahariev!

Ahhh!!!! Than ending! 🤯🤯🤯🤯
I loved this book, it is definitely in my top 5 reads so far for this year. The world building was phenomenal and I was seriously sucked in from the beginning.

“What does it mean? To be yours?” I asked.
He smiled softly. “Whatever you want,” he said. “I’ll always be here, following in your shadow. I am not afraid of your freedom.”

゜゜・。。・✦❘༻༺❘✦・。。・゜゜
❤️First Person POV from Lilith with small excerpts from Zahariev's POV
🗡Urban Fantasy x Mafia
🖤Frenemies to lovers
🗡Forbidden Romance + 8 years Age Gap
❤️Mafia Heiress x Mafia Head
゜゜・。。・✦❘༻༺❘✦・。。・゜゜

Terror at the Gates was such an unexpected read like it was just so good and addicting. It handles its heavy themes with such care and leaves me feeling reflective about the messages discussed. Bonus points for Cherub, the cat!

Scarlett St. Clair's writing style is very vivid and it has a slight cinematic feel to it. The story itself is very fast-paced and I felt hooked from the start, it felt very effortless to read. The book also does a good job at slowing down the pace, especially during the more emotional and heavy moments, then speeding it back up for the more action and dramatic scenes.

I loved the setting, it has this dark and gritty neon lights, Las Vegas vibe to it. The world is a nice mix of Urban fantasy with Mafia. The magic system added to themes the book was trying to explore, by having the gift of magic only manifesting in women. The Mafia family heads have to marry to get direct access to magic. There's strong patriarchy elements with women not being allowed to use their magic without some kind of male oversight, be it their husband or their fathers if they're unmarried. This extends to other aspects like how women didn't order their food; they ate what their husband or fathers order. There's just some many little extra details in regards to the religious lore; that makes the world and the brutal societal system that works against women, feel so real and vivid.

I honestly loved Lilith Leviathan as our fmc. She could have easily just been a sad rich heiress, that is just being rebellious, but she comes off as charming and a fierce storm of a heroine. There is an inherent privilege that is granted to Lilith given her family (which she acknowledges throughout the book), but that advantage does come at a huge cost for Lilith and has made her a target for abuse. A deep part of her aches with the desire to truly be free, but is forced to live in a world where women are expected to be subservient to the men of the world and fit the mold set forth. She is expected to marry as an heir and when she escapes to Nineveh to get a taste of freedom, it's seen as being just a "phase" and she will serve as an example once she returns home. Despite that Lilith doesn't relent.

Lilith's inner strength shines, with her character journey of unpacking the trauma left by religion and the truth of what Alarich Lisk did to her. Lilith goes through so much throughout the book and experiences so many losses, which made following her journey heart-wrenching at times. Despite all the shit life throws at her, she is still fierce and tries to reclaim her power and voice. To quote Lilith, "I was not a victim. I was not a sacrifice. I was Lilith, a survivor."

Zahariev Zareth, acts as a foil to Lilith with his more in control personality and well composed composure. When he lets the mask slip and he opens up as to why he doesn't take things further with Lilith, it just breaks a part of my heart. I loved seeing the glimpses of his pov at the end of each chapter, this man was down bad.

As for the dynamic between Lilith and Zahariev it's electric and the sexual tension is shimmering throughout their interactions. The banter, A+. There is a forbidden aspect with the heirs not being allowed to have romantic relationships. I believe this serves as a parallel to the mentions of Adam and Eve within the book and wanting the forbidden fruit or in this case, untouchable. Lilith also uses Eve as her alias.

While there is a lot of sexual tension, I wouldn't say Lilith and Zahariev relationship is built on just desire, there's some genuine vulnerability and yearning to it. Their soft and emotional moments were the highlight such as when Zahariev holds her when she needs it the most and how he comforted her after her argument with her dad at the party.

Beyond the romance, the book offers an exploration of how religion and social laws can breed hostility especially toward women. Such as when from a young age, Lilith was taught that she was responsible for Eve's sin of partaking of the apple. Only does she realize when she's older, that Eve isn't the only one solely responsible, but Adam is equally just as responsible.

It highlights the complexity of religion, while it can offer something to believe in, it can also hurt and harm its followers. It felt very retrospective in regards to questioning if religion has a place in society and suggests even those that are the most devout shouldn't be afraid to question their faith. I really appreciated that Scarlett St. Clair writes more about the topic of religion in her Author's Note. I found it to be so insightful and it's a must read.

I can't wait to read the next book! Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the ARC.

<b> 3 stars</b>
—
Thank you to the publishers and the author for an ARC.

Lilith Leviathan has been cut off from her influential family and is just trying to survive in Nineveh, a rough corner of the city of Eden known for indulgence and rebellion. She uses her magic to steal and stay afloat, which puts her on the radar of both the ruling elite and the ever-watchful church. When she stumbles across a beautiful, mysterious dagger, it feels like her luck might finally be turning…until her buyer drops dead and everything spirals. With nowhere else to turn, she goes to Zahariev, the powerful and intimidating leader of Nineveh, who loves to <i>“exacts revenge on her behalf”</i>

She’s out for revenge (rightfully so), but also on a messy journey of healing. It’s dark, feminist, and theological…at times poetic, at others chaotic.

Lilith herself? Slightly annoying, but in hindsight, probably because the layers of religious and childhood trauma she’s unpacking have her in full-on child regression. She throws tantrums. She whines. She dissociates mid-monologue. But she’s also fighting for justice and reclaiming power, so I get it. Still, there were moments I really wished someone would book her a therapist.

There’s also this moment. They’re in the middle of <i>it</i>, and she turns to him and goes:
<i>“Do I feel good?”</i>
<b>I beg your PARDON. </b>

The pacing dragged for me. If you ask me, the plot starts around 82%. Before that, it’s a lot of philosophical set-up, which I respect but found it <i>dragged</i>.

<b>This was my second religious trauma book in three months, and I think I’m officially tapping out for the rest of the year…before I spiral and start asking the big questions like why we’re even here in the first place.</b> Terror at the Gates was much heavier-handed than my last read when it came to unpacking what the church stands for, and it didn’t hold back. At times, it felt like the author was shaking you by the shoulders and yelling <i>“this is the system you were raised in!”</i> A standout quote that pretty much sums up the vibe: <i>“The Book of Splendor was curated by men. They came together at a council back when we had kings to decide what stories should go in their so-called sacred book. They claim they were ‘divinely guided,’ which is a funny way to say politically motivated.”</i> So yeah. Spiritually <i><b>unwell</i></b>, thanks for asking.

That ending promises an action-packed sequel, and I’m too curious not to see how it all plays out. Just hoping next time the plot shows up before the final act and the kitty get more screen time. <i><b>Lilith get a cats in the book, get your head out of the gutter</i></b>🫵

holy shit. this book shocked me in the best of ways!! I quite literally could not put this down. The story was equal parts refreshing and unique and I was so entirely immersed in it from start to finish.

I think Zahariev is officially the hottest book boyfriend about to grace all of booktoks shelves 🥵

I also am just obsessed with Lilith, literally love her so much

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this ARC!

Honestly, I ate this book up like I was starving. I was hooked from the beginning, and just a few chapters in, I found myself rubbing my hands together saying, "Oh, this is gonna be good."
Zahariev and Lilith are forbidden, for more than one reason. As the daughter of his family's rival, she’s supposed to be off-limits. That doesn’t stop Zahariev from stepping in to protect her, no matter the cost. And let's be real, people...protecting Lilith is no easy task, especially because she’s not one to follow rules. (And we love a woman who can't be contained, right?) Zahariev has it baaad for her, and it seems like everyone knows it… except her. His whole "I would go to war for you" thing he had going on? Literally, I was melting in a puddle. 🫠🫠🫠
Lilith is a total bad*ss. I loved watching her come back swinging every time she got knocked down. She doesn’t trust men, and understandably so, especially after the religious trauma she’s endured. Her world is one where women have been treated as tools for men’s needs, and nothing more. But Lily’s a menace (Zahariev’s words, not mine 🤭), and while she’s out stealing to make ends meet, she finds herself in possession of a beautiful dagger. But this isn’t just any ole dagger. Soon, terrible things seem to happen to everyone who touches it… except her and Zahariev.
Together (somewhat), they set out to uncover the truth behind the cursed dagger. And in the process, they find that their suppressed feelings for each other might be too strong to ignore.

Now… here’s where it fell just a little short for me 👉 I would’ve loved more backstory on some of the side characters, like Lilith’s best friend/roommate and her familiar. The worldbuilding had a solid foundation but didn’t quite hit that epic level I think it had the potential for. And while grief and death are common in dark fantasy, this one felt a little heavy at times. Poor Lily just couldn't catch a break and I felt the heaviness in her heart through the pages, and sometimes it just felt a bit relentless.

Overall, this was a sultry, emotional, intense read, and I really enjoyed it. 🖤

This was incredible. My favorite Scarlett St. Clair to date. The story felt so fresh and unique with the perfect pacing, quick and exciting with great slower moments to hang onto. I bawled my eyes out. The chemistry was vibrant and I could feel the fmc's character in my Taurus soul. Bull headed and lying to her damn self.

And that ending was probably the best ending to any first book in a series I've ever read. I loved how the MMCs POVs were handled. It was so simple but felt original. He felt original.

I loved the entire thing and I'm absolutely hooked on the story, desperate to read more. I stayed up til 3am just to finish the book in one sitting--it was that good.

If you don't like bratty, stubborn women, you might not like the fmc, but I only see it as a chance for her growth. She is going through some stuff, but I can tell already she is going to be one of my fav fmcs.

Also, if you look for spice, you won't be disappointed in this one. The spice was a home run.

This was really good and I loved the worldbuilding and seeing how she navigated through it and how he navigated through it. It'll be interesting to see where that all goes.

Anyway, another one to add to top of the list. I give it all the stars.

Somebody say sike right now 😶....... THAT ENDING .....HER MOTHER????What was happening??? 😭😭

First of all I would like to thank netgalley for the Earc copy of this book ✨🤭. My second Earc of this year 👏🏾🙂.

This book literally CONSUMED my days to the point I didn't want it to end. This is going to be a big hit on Booktok 👏🏾🙂.

Lilith just became a top tier FANTASY BADDIE!!!!!

This book follows Lilith who runs away from her powerful family who are trying to shove their religious beliefs down her throat 💀😐and she finds herself in Nineveh.

I read Nineveh and I was like Jonah!!🤣🤣.

Anywho Nineveh is the district of sin in the city of Eden....which is ruled by Zahariev Zareth. 🤭✨🫦. DADDY ZAHARIEV🤭👏🏾.

Lilith is looking for something to steal so that she can sell it to get money for her rent and she ends up acquiring a knife which ends up fucking her life.😶

I won't forgive Scarlett for the death of one of the characters in this book.😭 I was SHATTERED!!!!!

Lilith is in denial claiming that the only reason Zahariev looks out for her is because of her father....but later in the book she realises that's so not true🤭.

From the moment I met Zahariev I was like yes Lord he's the one 🙈🤭. He's up there on my top tier book boyfriends.🤭✨.

I got Casteel vibes from this man in the way that he never held Lilith back from doing what she wanted to do 👏🏾. THAT'S A MAN RIGHT THERE.

THE TENSION between these two in the beginning?!!!😭 😭. When is it going to be MY TURN😭😭. THE CHEEKY BANTER!!!!

There's a scene here where she wants to work at his club and this man TELLS HER TO DANCE FOR HIM!!!🤭🙈. That scene will live in my head RENT FREE!!!!🤭🫦.

For the Cat lovers there's a cat in here called Cherub 🤣🤣✨ and there's also found family which we all love👏🏾🙂.

Cassius and Coco though 🤭. I see you guys🙈.

This book perfectly portrays the way RELIGION is ABUSED by the so called "religious leaders".🤦🏾‍♀️ And when they're called out, THE SOCIETY or the people of that certain religion CONDEMN you because of how "holy" these leaders are.🚮

In truth some of them PREY on the WEAK MINDED and FEED off of the VULNERABLE and make them do unimaginable things all in the name of "God told me to do this and that". Some of them go even further to call themselves PROPHETS AND THEY START CULTS!!💀

LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT HOW WOMEN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MEEK AND SHALLOW MINDED!!!!💀🚮. THEY'RE TO BE PURE AND BE BREEDING MACHINES!!!💀🤦🏾‍♀️.

That's why so many people don't believe in religion anymore because people think it's a HOAX 🙄.

This book is so well written and easy to understand and there's no info dump like how other fantasy books fill three whole chapters of world building.

This book just landed itself on my GOD TIER LIST!!!!👏🏾🤭 INFINITY STARS 😍✨♥️

Can't wait for the second installment 😍✨🎀.

Terror at the Gates was a unique, original experience and I loved learning this world for what it was, learning the concepts and watching the originality unfold.

I absolutely adored the lil sidekick Cherub and was beyond pleased she came out unscathed lol - however overall I did have a few issues.

This will contain spoilers*********


Up until around the 30% mark, I was really enjoying everything and didn't want to put the book down, but there came a point where a relatively important character was murdered - this character was pregnant.

Our FMC found her and called paramedics to get her to the hospital, but there was blood everywhere etc. our FMC went to the hospital with the MMC and then after finding out she passes, but the babe is okay and seeing her partners grief, she sprints back to the apartment...which is still covered in blood and the MMC follows her. That was the moment we got the climax to this tension and they chose to share their first kiss and their thoughts were about sex.

I am all for sex and discovery and exploration but the timing of this felt not right. It pulled me out and I never fully got back in. I recognize we all handle grief differently and outlets are important and my guess is that was the intention, but it fell flat for me and from that point on the romance fell off for me.

Additionally EVERY single time our FMC left her apartment she got hurt, in trouble, or someone died. There was no other plot when she left, it was danger or trouble and felt repetitive.

It also felt at times like we forgot the world had magic in it as it was mentioned in the start but then rarely if ever again which felt loose. The 'big bad' was a gelatinous goo - and it never got explained further than that and felt a bit comically bad.

Now with that said, as I mentioned I love Cherub, and I did like the world and LOVED the concept of healing from religious trauma. I think it was done well and while I do have complaints, I do fully intend to read book 2!

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Forbidden love
Touch her and die
Morally grey MMC
He falls first
Headstrong FMC with unique magic
Age gap
Mafia vibes
Plot twists

Review:
I was not prepared for how much I thoroughly enjoyed Terror at the Gates! This is book 1 in a new fantasy series by Scarlett St. Clair and is a feminist retelling of Lilith’s story. I knew I would be locked into the story from the dedication - “To the women who were told they must submit to the dominance of man.”

This story was dark and gritty and tackles very heavy themes (read trigger warnings). Lilith is born to a prominent and wealthy family but escapes to Nineveh to avoid familial expectations and plans for her future (which would have been marrying her off to a suitor of their choice). When Lilith comes across a mysterious and magical blade, strange occurrences start happening, starting with the death of an acquaintance she was trying to sell it off to. Lilith seeks help from Zahariev, a powerful, morally grey man who rules Nineveh and as it turns out, has a very soft spot for Lilith. Unfortunately, the dagger is only the beginning of their problems as they uncover a much darker truth about their world.

The plot was very interesting and I think this book has amazing setup for the next installment where I’m sure we will get more development and insight into the world. But by far I was most excited about any time the FMC and MMC were on page together. The banter, the tension, and the slow burn was immaculate and I was eating up every crumb. Scarlett did such a great job of finding that balance between telling a story about feminine rage but still showing that it’s okay to rely on others (even a man) for support. I was highlighting galore because Zahariev is so sarcastic which makes for excellent banter but it’s so obvious how deep his affection runs for Lilith. It’s well worth the wait when Lilith finally realizes this too hehe. If you’re a fan of the Hades series by Tate James, the MMC gave me some serious Zed vibes!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks, and Bloom books for the e-ARC!

WHOA! Hold on to your butts. This was a wild ride and super spicy from the start. Definitely check out the trigger warnings if you're sensitive to certain topics. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy the feminine rage! Will purchase.