5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

This book started off with such a bang! I was hooked ever since the first chapter, I literally flew through this book. My emotions were all over the place with this book (if any of you could see my notes). The world building was actually nice. The characters were so great I absolutely loved them! Let me tell you Lilith is such a queen, but sorry not sorry Zah is my man.. Honestly miss the ending of this book??? I just need book 2 like now.

Thank you so much for this arc - I’d seen the teasers by Scarlett and I was SO excited!
Lilith is such a strong FMC with determination to not let the patriarchy win- I can relate haha!
I was fully OBSESSED with Zahariev all the way through - his POV chapters were done so cleverly to give you just snippits in side his head I was desperate for every moment of them!
The spice in this was HOT and had a well paced lead up to it!
I had noooooo idea where this was going or how it would end but I need book 2 IMMEDIATELY!!!
All the stars! Loved loved loved!!

I found the pronunciation guide at the beginning very helpful.

There were quite a few info dumps from the very first page. It meant that the world building felt dense and too much.

The pacing was slow and while the chapters were long, sometimes it felt like not much had actually happened.

The slow burn between Lilith and Zahariev was too dragged out and predictable.

The spice was ok but sometimes it was focused on so much that the actual plot was forgotten.

I struggled to keep reading and actually had to DNF at around the 60% mark.

I'm sure other readers would enjoy this book but just wasn't for me

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

Terror at the Gates was a wild ride! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and the suspense was just incredible. The author really knows how to build tension, and I found myself completely immersed in the story. It was super gripping, and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a an exciting romantasy read. Almost a perfect five, just a tiny bit shy of absolute perfection for me!

Wow, just wow! I have previously read the first books of St. Clair's other series, and to be honest, they always felt a bit lackluster to me and I never continued. But this book has completely blown my expectations out of the park! As soon as I heard it was a feminist retelling of Lilith’s story, I knew I just had to dive into it.

Set in a world dominated by a corrupt Church and rife with systemic misogyny, the narrative was both infuriating and empowering. It’s a rage-inducing read at times, serving as a poignant reflection of historical issues still plaguing women today. The parallels were striking and painfully relevant.

The world-building is incredibly accessible, cleverly using elements of biblical stories that many readers will already know, making it easy to become immersed in this rich, reimagined universe. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on themes of wealth distribution and poverty, which added depth to the story.

The plot itself unfolds into a gripping cursed object murder mystery, complete with demonic creatures and underground communities that kept me on the edge of my seat. The shocks and surprises woven throughout were absolutely delightful! While the romance takes a back seat—and I’m grateful for that—the tender moments still tug at your heart.

Lilith is a character who starts off as a rebellious heathen, but as her story unfolds, it becomes clear that she is simply weary of societal expectations. This perspective made her incredibly relatable; as her history is revealed, you can’t help but feel her rage and want to rally by her side.

Zahariev, on the other hand, is intriguingly mysterious. His motivations remain unclear during the first half of the story, but as the narrative progresses, they come into focus. The paralels of their lives are really interesting as societal expectations face them so differently due to the corruption of the world. There’s a lot of potential for growth in his character arc, and I’m eager to see where it leads in future installments.

The supporting characters are well-developed, with clear motivations that are easy to understand. Their reactions and emotions feel authentically human, adding richness to the story.

My only critique is that the ending felt a little rushed. I wish there had been more time to fully explore the resolution, as it left me wanting just a bit more satisfaction.

Overall, this was an incredibly engaging read that kept me captivated from beginning to end. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a blend of fantasy, social commentary, and strong character development.

I thought this was such a unique concept, and so wonderfully executed. I enjoyed the characters (BADASS feminist idol FMC = drool droolworthy!) and their interactions, and thought the plot was really well paced and thrilling. My one TINY issue, and the reason this is a 4 and not a 5 star read is the world building, which I thought was a little bit lacking unfortunately! (And I really hated the name Zahariev… It felt like too much of a mouthful, I got angry reading it by the end!)

absolutely enamoured by this!! i loved scarlett st clair's other work and this waas just ugh so good! everyone needs to put down what theyre reading and pick this up RIGHT NOW! ABSOLUTELY INSANE , SPICE WAS PERFECT, LOVED THE MC'S, THE LORE AND WORDLBUILDING WAS GREAT!! TOUCH HER AND DIE AHHH

This was a really enjoyable read. I enjoyed the politics of the world, the corruption and the magic with the knives. It was a very interesting set up for a series. The relationship dynamic was well written and the romance was believable.
It is a very bingeable read.
My only issue with the book is the side characters; and how they only seemed to be there to support for the main character rather than being fully fleshed out. It read as if their whole lives revolved around her which I found unrealistic.
Spoiler warning: !!!!
An example of this is when Gabriel loses his wife And becomes a single dad at the same time. Yet none of the characters seem to care if he is okay, they only seem to care about how the main character is coping.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

HOLEY MOLEY, EVERYONE NEEDS TO STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK! I can tell you right now that my review is not going to adequately convey how much I loved this book and how I frankly needed book two like yesterday, and I don’t know how I am meant to wait until release day. Immediately after finishing this I preordered a physical copy because yes I need a trophy edition to sit on my shelf looking pretty. This book was everything I was looking for, a gritty urban fantasy Lilith re-imagining filled with mafia and neo-noir vibes, oppressive religious idealism, slow burn and one of my favourite things to find in books at the moment, feminine rage. The characters with this story are incredible, I am totally emotionally invested in their well being, and alongside insane world building this book absolutely packs a punch. Scarlett’s books never fail to amaze me and this one was no exception, I cried, I laughed, I was hot under the collar and that ending had me with my mouth hanging open in shock.

In this story we follow Lilith Leviathan, estranged and seeking freedom from her oppressive and powerful family finds safe haven in Nineveh ruled by Zahariev, head of the Zareth family. Within this district devoted to sin that Lilith now calls home, she uses her magic to make a living stealing and selling valuable items, inevitably attracting the attention of not only her controlling family but also the oppressive church that demands women remain seen not heard. While trying to make up her rent Lilith steals a blade that she thinks will be the end of her problems, but actually is just the beginning. When bodies start to drop around her and the mysterious blade, Lilith turns to Zahariev for help. Zahariev only wants to protect Lilith, and with his power sitting in information gathering and extortion they work together to discover the mystery behind the dagger and who is really calling the shots in Eden. Within Lilith and Zahariev getting closer and their situation becoming more perilous because of this can they protect each other and themselves and find the answers they need to survive.

I am sorry, but THE MOMENT Zahariev says that he would go to war for Lilith I was done, bury me now, I can die happy. That man practically embodies the touch her and die vibes and I was here for every damn second of it. From the get go it is obvious that Zahariev has got it bad for Lilith but he respects her and the risk this poses to them both so like the consent king he is he waits until Lilith knows exactly what she wants and then that is when the fireworks begin. Lilith is an absolute survivor, she has gone through so much that we uncover slowly as the book goes on and I am her number one cheerleader. Does she make some slightly questionable decisions, heck yes, was I hanging on every action and outcome, abso-freaking-lutely! She is the perfect example of a strong female character, not unbreakable but one that rises from the ashes and fights back with everything she has. The banter and tension between Lilith and Zahariev is delicious, I was practically living for their interactions, but this doesn’t mean that the other characters we meet in this book aren’t just as amazing. There really some you will loath and some you will love and it all works together beautifully to give you characters you root for and ones you wish would meet a timely end. I am so excited to see how Scarlett grows these characters in the next book considering their evolution already having happened within this story.

The feminine rage that permeates this book makes it even more delectable, and I can’t understate how perfectly the neo-noir and mafia vibes fit with the story. Scarlett has created a gritty world where the oppression of women is prevalent and never far from the characters minds. However, you can see during the story that not everyone shares these beliefs and this quickly forms a key part of the story. The main mystery within this story is the dagger that Lilith stumbles across and the history and lore of Eden and what Lilith and her dreams have to do with everything. This is so tantalising that it will keep you on the edge of your seat, especially with the stakes being as high as they are. There are multiple thread within this story that weave together to create an overall picture that Scarlett begins to draw together as the book comes to a close but we still have so much more to discover. Parts of this book has me in tears and my chest aching, when I say you become emotionally invested in the outcome of events happening within this book it happens so very quickly and it is a testament to the amazing writing. Even the spice is perfectly placed and practically scorching, it all works so well together to deliver on a hrs hitting story that will linger with you. The ending of this book had my jaw practically on the floor and I cannot wait for book two, the way I need to know what happens next!

Thank you for letting me read and review this book on Netgalley.

Title: Terror at the Gates
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Touch her and die, neo-noir vibes, mafia, he falls first, frenemies to lovers
POV: Dual POV
Standalone or Series: Book 1 in a Series

A rebellious thief with dangerous magic and a mysterious blade finds herself caught between the powerful ruling families and a corrupt church. With the help of Zahariev, the ruthless yet protective ruler of Nineveh, Lilith sets out to uncover the truth behind the power controlling their world. Expect enemies to lovers vibes, rebellion, and a heroine ready to burn it all down.

Unfortunately this wasn't for me.

Lilith is a strong FMC but I couldn't warm up to her. Also Zahariev is great but seemed very surface level. All the other characters are forgettable honestly.

I don't think there was enough depth into everyone's emotions for me to get sucked in. Surely after Lilith's past she should have been feeling more than just anger and after a few deaths I would have assumed grief of any kind really but I felt this was skipped over. Also I would have liked to know more about the magic system as it was confusing me why she could feel some people but not others and she barely used it.

The world building was very fleshed out and created a great picture of the broken society. Although there were a lot of details that were unnecessary that made the story slow down for me and I was bored by the end.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

🥀𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
Lilith Leviathan, estranged heir with forbidden magic, steals a relic that could unravel Eden’s corrupt church and patriarchal rulers. Pulling in Zahariev—sinful district's power broker—she uncovers conspiracy, blood-soaked secrets, and a love that threatens everything.

🍵𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
This packed 496‑page romantasy is a neo‑noir feminist firestorm. Lilith’s rage against a male‑dominated magic‑gatekeeping church is *chef’s kiss*. Her grit had me cheering while clutching my pillow.

Her relationship with Zahariev is a slow‑burn delight—their chemistry crackles with defiance, desire, and mutual damage. I was hooked on every dagger‑threat, whispered confession, and moment of vulnerability. The world‑building—magic, mafia‑style city politics, religious trauma—lands with brutal elegance. The ending? A full‑blown cliff‑hanger scream. BOOK TWO, STAT.

🥀𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
🔥 Frenemies to Lovers
🌑 Feminist Retelling
⚔️ Political & Religious Intrigue
🪄 Urban Fantasy Magic
🌪 Slow Burn with Spice
🤐 Female Rage & Rebellion

This book was definitely out of my reading depth, however after seeing how talked about it is in the book community and the ratings being so high, I was glad to have requested and received an arc, as my curiosity had definitely peaked!

I walked into this with no knowledge regarding Lilith or the religious stories surrounding her, but I was enthralled in a world filled with so much deceit, religious trauma and feminine rage. Lilith was a force to be reckoned with and dismissed all rules she was expected to abide by. She had no intentions of marrying, nor seeking a man to save her; she was more than capable of saving and taking care of herself. She carries a fiery soul, however exudes tenderness as well towards the people she loves.

The only person who had any sort of control in taming Lilith and putting her in her place was Zahariev Zareth and what an absolute dream man he was! New book boyfriend has officially entered the chat... Zahariev knew exactly what he was getting when it came to Lilith; he allowed her to conquer the world however she saw fit, but he was willing to burn the world down and kill everyone in his path, the second she was put in any danger. The "touch her and die" trope was very strong between these two!

The world building was enchanting and immersive - Scarlett has a great talent for weaving together a magical world where you feel like you are really within the pages. All of the characters (that we care for) were the perfect addition to Lilith's story.

The ending was definitely a cliff-hanger that I desperately need to see more of and I can't wait for book 2!

Ok so I have loved this authors books in the past but this one fell a little flat for me, i wanted strong fmc and way less cringe mmc, I stuck with it as I always appreciate getting an arc but it hasn’t been a favourite of mine for this year. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book

Yet again another phenomenal book by Scarlett. But seriously tho this is the first retelling where I haven’t heard of the original tale so I wasn’t sure what to expect but oh my gosh was it a whirlwind. First of all- Lily is one of the best FMCs ever she may even be joint with Isolde (whom I Adore) I loved seeing her adventures and her eternal bickering with Zahariev was just hilarious to read, second - Zahariev!!!! Talk about freaking hot af. No seriously I was swooning over him. The chemistry between them both was insane I was screaming at them to get together.

The plot was just as equally angsty- I teared up so many times reading this book because it will tug on heart strings. I kind of expected something bad would happen but when it did it still took me by surprise and I was shocked and extremely sad. Just whyyyyyy. Scarlett whyyyyyyyy. I’m gonna need a happy book after this one. One filled with happy vibes cuz this broke me. It went from hilarious scenes to utter heartbreak and I couldn’t cope.

But also towards the end the reveals??? I did not expect the twisty turns this book would take us in. I literally was so scared to turn the page but at the same time I needed to find out what happens next.

Just an overall absolute phenomenal read that I highly recommend. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us especially after that cliffhanger.

Scarlett St. Clair launches a promising new romantasy series with "Terror at the Gates," introducing readers to Lilith Leviathan, a compelling protagonist who defies expectations in the sin-soaked district of Nineveh. After being estranged from her powerful family, Lilith carves out a living using her magic for theft, setting up an intriguing premise that blends urban fantasy elements with romantic tension.

The world-building shows promise, with Eden's district system and the tension between the governing families and the church creating a rich backdrop for the story. Lilith's relationship with Zahariev, the enigmatic head of the Zareth family, develops naturally throughout their mission to uncover the true power structures of their world. Their dynamic shifts convincingly from allies to something deeper, though their growing connection threatens the very fabric of their society.

The pacing feels somewhat uneven at times, with certain sections moving more slowly than others, which occasionally disrupted the narrative flow. However, the story maintains enough momentum to keep readers engaged, particularly during the more action-heavy sequences involving the mysterious dagger and its consequences.

One aspect that may frustrate some readers is the number of unanswered questions by the book's end. While this is clearly the first in a series, several plot threads and world-building elements feel incomplete. I'm hoping subsequent installments will provide the answers and deeper exploration that this foundation deserves.

Despite these minor issues, "Terror at the Gates" succeeds as a series opener with a strong female protagonist, an intriguing supernatural world, and romantic tension that doesn't overwhelm the plot. St. Clair has created a solid foundation for what could develop into a captivating series.

Recommended for: Readers who enjoy romantasy with morally complex characters, urban fantasy elements, and don't mind waiting for answers across multiple books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks UK for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS













Terror at the Gates is infuriating garbage.
Lilith's friend (described as a sister), whom we're supposed to care for, even though their friendship is never established, <spoiler>is murdered</spoiler>... and all Lilith does <spoiler>(instead of, I don't know, grieving her)</spoiler>, is lust after the MMC and the dryer he gifts her and her roommate (for some reason?).
But if you think this is bad, just until you hear about the part where Lilith's <spoiler>father is BLOWN UP</spoiler>, and she turns to the MMC like 5 seconds later and goes "wanna fuck?". Like, I cannot make this shit up.
To make matters worse, everyone in this book is misogynistic as fuck, including (especially, really) Lilith, which, for a "feminist retelling", is... a choice. Oh, and should I mention the MMC, who is older than Lilith (I can't remember by how much, but at least 4 years iirc), is implied to have been lusting after her since she was around 16? Hello? Problematic much?
And somehow they use dollars? American dollars? Canadian? Australian? Alternative world dollars? Couldn't tell you with all the worldbuilding that doesn't happen.

I'll be honest, I wanted to DNF this at the 20% mark but stuck it out because it was an ARC.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks, for the ARC.

I absolutely love scarlet! All her books are amazing and this is no different. The world building was amazing and the characters are great. The relationships between everyone is such an amazing read which makes it even more heartbreaking. That ending! I absolutely can not wait for the next one. Like what do you mean? I need to know! The chemistry between the fmc and mmc was 🔥 holy shit! Need a touch of forbidden romance with a sprinkle of touch her and die, with a dollop of mine? I got you 😉

🤍

"Promise me something, If you ever feel like you don't want to do this anymore... tell me. Give me the chance to bring you back."

"I would go to war for you, I would fight endlessly to keep you if that's what you wanted."

"Please tell me we're going to fuck them up,"
"Yeah, little love. We're gonna fuck them up."

Wow, I totally wasn't ready for this book! This is my first Scarlett St. Clair read, but I can promise it won't be my last.

Scarlett really knows how to build a slow burn that’s absolutely delicious - I found myself screaming at the characters! The chemistry between them is just perfection. I even highlighted so many quotes in this! But honestly, the romance isn’t the only thing that draws you in, the plot really takes centre stage.

This book is a retelling of Lilith’s story, diving deep into the systemic oppression of religion. It’s set in a world where women are expected to be pious and obedient to men, but Lilith is a total force to be reckoned with - she refuses to conform so easily. She’s not looking for a man to save her; she wants to save herself. Lilith is fiery and rebellious, but she also has a softer side. After everything she’s been through, all she wants is to feel like she is enough.

The world building is fantastic - I was able to really immerse myself in the story whilst the author set the scene, weaving this magical world without overwhelming us like some fantasy novels can. It felt just right.

Most of the narration is from Scarlett’s point of view, but we also get some snippets of Zahariev - the head of the Zareth house, ruler of Nineveh, and Lilith, now estranged from her family, is under his protection. He’s powerful, dangerous, and would literally burn the world down for Lilith. That ‘touch her and die’ trope is just top-tier.

The characters really come alive through their interactions with side characters too. I loved seeing Lilith’s ‘found family,’ and her adorable animal companion that had me giggling with how Lilith was with her.

There’s so much packed in - political tensions, religious trauma, rebellion, and fierce feminine rage.

Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait for the next book in this series. I’m already desperate for it!

Thank you to Sourcebooks UK for the advanced copy.

Holy shit. Or should I say, unholy shit? I'll ask Lilith if I see her around.
I can't properly express how excellent this book is. I shouted at the final twist. Are you fucking kidding me, Scarlett?!?!
It was absolutely incredible from start to finish.
The world-building was intriguing and gave you just enough information to keep you hooked without feeling like you'd been whacked over the head with exposition.
The way that Lilith describes the church had my blood boiling from the get-go, and to incite that kind of emotion in a reader from chapter one is an incredible feat. It was so evocative straight away.
I'm a huge fan of mythological/theological retellings anyway, but I felt that the way Scarlett St Clair handled the allegory for the Catholic church was nothing short of masterful. She drew enough comparisons to enrage me for the characters whilst still letting them have their own story and lore.
I also thought her handling of Lilith's childhood abuse was sensitive and empathetic to both the character and the reader. It wasn't gratuitous at all and because of how built up to it, I felt like I was on a journey of acceptance with her.
When she first thinks about the abuse, she's hesitant and nervous to confront it, but by the time she finally discusses the extent of what was done to her, she feels ready to take it on. As a reader, I felt like I was growing with her and like I was slowly getting strong enough to read about it. I also really appreciate that there was very little detail. CSA does not need to be graphic and last for pages, so I'm grateful that Scarlett discusses it in detail once and then utilises it as a core motive for Lilith to overthrow the church.

Being directionally challenged, I did struggle with imagining the geography of Eden, but I could still picture what was essentially a hierarchy of districts. Again, this shows how excellent St. Clair's writing is because normally, my mind pictures one big flat mass of land 😂 yes, even when mountains are described.

The mystery around the blade was incredible, too. It was made clear that it's special immediately, but the eerie nature of it and what it unleashes was fed to the reader so well. I kept staying up way too late because I just had to know more! There was a moment where I could tell Lilith was going to be taken aback by its magic, but when it happened, it was still exciting to read. It showed how dangerous the dagger is and how ancient its magic is.

Now, the tension between Lilith and Zahariev? WHEW. My word those two have the tensest of tensions. If they were a string, they'd have snapped.
Their desperation to be together and their flirty banter was tantalising. I would honestly read a book of their texts it was that good. Please, give me more! I want cutscenes over here!

I'm vehemently anti-spoiler, but what I will say is that even I, the self-appointed Spoiler Guessing Queen, did NOT SEE THE ENDING COMING! It was an INCREDIBLE twist. Absolutely, hands down brilliant. I'm excited to reread the book to see if I can pick up on any details I missed the first time but I don't think it's possible.

Thank you for an awesome read, I'm hungry for book two!