Terror at the Gates is a sizzling hot urban fantasy. We follow Lilith on a feminist retelling of the Biblical story. It’s dark, full of mysterious magic and has those Catholic roots sprinkled throughout. I loved the modern world setting and Mafia vibes bringing this story up to date. The FMC and MMC have a backstory, we don’t get much of this and come in after they have been skirting around each other for years. The forbidden element is done well creating the tension. I would say this book is mainly focused on the romance, there is a bit of a plot but this is all about feminine power and lust. I also have to mention the cat, love an animal companion and this delivered very much on that front. A very enjoyable and quick read for a romantasy binge read.
The narrator has a sexy voice and really leans into the lustful prose. Absolutely recommend as a reading format.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I LOVED this book so much! I had high ones because I was seeing lots of people drooling over it and I was so excited and so far, it’s the best read of the month!
The magical setting and the world-building is so unique and understandable, the characters did grow out to me and it did emotionally damage me.
I really liked Lilith, such a strong, badass FMC which I’m undoubtedly always a sucker for, and her friendships was so so sweet and just so awesome, the narrator of Lilith was great but sometimes I didn’t feel she was speaking the emotion and tone Lilith had but I was fine with honestly and it didn’t bother me.
I didn’t feel like I got a lot on knowledge on Zahariev’s character, and his POVs were too short, but I can quite say I’ll become overly obsessed with him once the series is continued, as for the narration, it was good, again, I don’t have much history with narrators or audiobooks in general, but I got along with it.
Ultimately, I am so glad that I devoured this one and look forward to book two and I’m so curious to see what happens after the ending we got!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange of a honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the ending of this book. I didn't see it coming and it has intrigued me into reading the next book when it comes out.

It did take me a while to get to grips with the plot though. It seemed to me to be trying to be too many things at once for chunks of the books, which led me to struggle to connect with the characters and I didn't really vibe with the male lead, Zhariev.

I did enjoy the dynamics between Lilith and Gabriel and his family, and I thought the religious leader made a very good villain.

This was an enjoyable read but left a bit to be desired.

I feel like the world had great potential but needs more development, hopefully book 2 will provide that. We know next to nothing about this place. How to power structure is set up, who has the power, how does magic work? I liked the religious aspect of this book but it really needs more lore to shine.

The characters were good, but left something to be desired. While I liked Lilith, she did behave like a spoiled child way too often, which made me not be able to take her and her issues seriously. I also feel like her trauma of SA was handled way too lightly. It was mostly thrown in there as a shock factor. She was constantly yelling about independence while being complete unable to do anything herself without Zs help.

Zahariev was also fine. However I wanted more out of him, more anger, more angst, more something. He was just a very tepid character, not bad, but there’s also nothing particularly special about him that makes him stand out in the sea of other male characters. He was just kind of there, hovering around Lilith with no personality of his own.

Their relationship felt forced, because instead of us getting to see it develop, we’re dropped in the middle of what seems to be a long and complicated bond. But we get no information on that.

The pacing was a bit off, a bit too much mundane tasks and going from place to place, while nothing is really happening. The legend behind the daggers is mentioned only briefly, leaving us to wonder, and not in a good way. Same with the other gods, we got a glimpse, but not enough to actually give any context.

Overall, while I enjoyed this, it left me wanting more in every aspect, and not really looking forward to the next book, because I’m not intrigued enough from this.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this ALC!

Yeah, this one wasn't for me unfortunately. I was so intrigued and loved the tropes, themes and general world set up but the execution was a hot mess.

Nothing really happened and it just feels like watching a filler episode.

The story itself was a 1.75 star for me. The audiobook was a 1 star experience.

- The female narrator did a good job at emoting and making up distinct voices for different characters
- The male narrator who voiced the last minute or so of each chapter felt redundant + I could hear him swallowing at times + sounded much older than the character would be imo (and I literally cringe every time his section comes on with how he spat out the MMC's name lmao)
- Very vague world building and weak character work... like who are all these side characters being introduced and so little context provided
- FMC was insufferable - I get her need for vengeance but she just came across as shallow and bratty; always getting into trouble and waiting for the MMC to save her
- MMC was just bland - he has no personality besides saving the FMC
- I just don't feel the chemistry between the main leads; I wish there were more to their backstory
- Nothing really happened plot-wise besides the FMC getting the blade and then subsequently getting in dangerous situations which were all over in a chapter really... the rest of the book was the FMC whining
- Spice was decent though but I just didn't root for the couple

I know this is just the first book so I guess more will be explored in the next one but I'm just not invested.

Would not read/listen to again.

Overall rating: 1.5/5

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Thanks to Sourcebooks and Tantor Audio for providing me with both an eARC and an ALC of this book.

What an amazing read and listen! My expectations going in were incredibly high, but it still exceeded them. Once again, Scarlett St Clair has brilliantly brought mythology into the modern world. This dark, dangerous, and sexy Lilith retelling somehow manages to feel true to the essence of ancient lore and entirely new at the same time.

The world the author has created here is fantasy neo-noir perfection. Her twisted, dystopian version of Christianity is as fascinating as it is haunting. The mystery kept me on my toes the entire time and took multiple unexpected twists and turns.

If you're tired of fantasy romance that skimps on the plot and world building, then Terror At The Gates is for you. I could easily see this book appealing to fantasy lovers who don't normally read romantasy. Just be sure to check those trigger warnings!

I loved Lilith so much. St. Clair did an incredible job of fleshing out and reimagining the "first Eve." She is the embodiment of female rage as she fights for autonomy in a patriarchal society. Lilith is strong, smart, and fiercely loyal to the people she cares about.

Her forbidden romance with the tough, protective Zahariev puts the slow in slow burn. The actual spice doesn't hit until somewhere past the 80% mark but it's more than worth the wait. The way this man would do anything for Lilith had me in shambles. "Little love" is my new favorite example of the "he gives her a nickname" trope.

Similar to Bride by Ali Hazelwood, Zahariev's POV is in small snippets at the end of each chapter. I'm hoping to get more of the story from his perspective in Book 2, but in this one, less was more. I'd love to read more romances where the male/second person's POV is like this!

As much as I loved the two leads, the side characters often stole the show. Each one, whether friend, enemy, or something in between, was incredibly well developed. Even those that only appeared briefly were memorable. And Cherub is the cutest little familiar ever.

The production and sound quality of the audiobook were top tier. Narrators Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden were perfectly cast and did a fantastic job delivering every emotion of their characters. I was especially impressed with Laura Horowitz's male voice. Normally I prefer duet narration to dual but Laura's narration was so good I had to remind myself it was a woman reading the male parts.

As an avid ear reader, this is one of my top ten audiobooks of the year so far. My only complaint is that unlike the print version, there aren't any trigger warnings at the beginning of the audio version. While TWs are less common with audiobooks, I think this one should have included them given some of the heavy content in this book.

The plot twists and cliffhanger at the end had my jaw on the floor. I almost regret ARC reading this because now it will be that much longer before I find out what happens next. I absolutely can't wait for Book 2!

This book is brimming with raw, unrelenting fem rage in the best way possible. A fierce and compelling retelling of Lilith, my favorite! It delivers a fast paced narrative that never lets up. The narration was absolutely on point, pulling me in from the very first page. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

5/5 stars! I was hooked for the very first chapter. Scarlett St. Clair is one of my favorite authors and I have read all of there books and this one did not disappoint. Terror at the Gates is book one in the new Blood of Lilith series. I can’t wait for the next book to come out in the series. Terror at the Gates is releasing July 8, 2025. Thank you to Scarlett St. Clair, Tantor Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to receive an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for early access to Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book by Scarlett St. Clair, and I genuinely enjoyed it! The worldbuilding is immersive and richly detailed, and the plot really pulled me in—it’s a dark, feminist retelling of Lilith’s story, full of magic, rebellion, and sharp commentary on power and control.

The character development was also strong, though I have to admit the main female character, Lilith, gave off an “annoying” vibe at times. It’s hard to explain—she’s powerful and dynamic, but occasionally her personality just felt like a bit much. That said, she’s a unique heroine, and I appreciated the bold choices the author made with her.

The pacing, the tension, the enemies-to-lovers energy (hello Zahariev 👀), and the stakes—all A+. If you’re into gritty, myth-inspired fantasy with feminist undertones and a strong anti-establishment theme, this one’s worth picking up.

Would definitely recommend!

A big thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and Scarlett St. Clair for the opportunity to listen to an audiobook ARC of Terror at the Gates in exchange for an honest review.

Lilith Leviathan is the daughter of the head of the powerful Leviathan family—one of several elite families where women possess magic, but men remain the heads of their houses. A recurring theme in the novel is the suppression of women and their powers, particularly by the church. Lilith, unwilling to remain under her family’s control, leaves her family and moves to Nineveh under the protection of Zahariev, the enigmatic leader of the Zareth family and ruler of the city. When Lilith comes into possession of a mysterious, powerful object, she embarks on a journey with Zahariev to uncover its secrets—and to expose the church’s role in a society where power and control are tightly interwoven.

From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into Terror at the Gates. Lilith immediately stands out as a fierce, intelligent, and sassy protagonist. Zahariev, introduced early on, is brooding and powerful—his presence commands attention. As the story unfolds, we meet a cast of compelling characters who are far more than sidekicks; each one plays a meaningful role in advancing the plot and enriching the world.

While the romance isn’t quite enemies-to-lovers, there’s undeniable chemistry between Lilith and Zahariev from the start. Their dynamic adds intensity to the narrative, and the element of forbidden love—due to the church’s prohibition against heirs of different clans marrying—adds further depth and tension.

At its core, Terror at the Gates offers a powerful critique of how women have historically been oppressed, particularly by religious institutions. Yet here, it's the women who hold the magic—and the system of control seeks to weaponise religion to restrain that power. This theme is handled thoughtfully and layered throughout the story.

The audiobook narration is superb. Told mainly from Lilith’s perspective, the story is brought to life by a talented female narrator, with a male voice added for Zahariev’s point of view. Both narrators speak at a great pace and bring emotional nuance to their performances, perfectly capturing the essence of each character. Their delivery added real depth to an already captivating story.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Terror at the Gates. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a perfect balance of fantasy, romance, religious conflict, political intrigue, and just the right amount of spice. It was an easy five-star listen for me, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the Blood of Lilith series.

Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, there were a lot more things I didn't enjoy about this book than things I did enjoy.

What I liked:
- The FMC. She's fierce and a bit mean and I like reading about women like that.
- The fact that the MCs have a history from long before a romance developed.
- Cute kitty.

What I didn't like:
- It's pitched as "feminist," but it really doesn't do anything with those themes. It kind of goes back and forth between being very heavy-handed about its messaging and ignoring it entirely. Also, there are noticeably fewer female characters than male characters, and the ones that exist are less involved and important.
- I like age gap romances, but the way the MMC (the older of the two) is so controlling of her made it feel a bit uncomfortable at times. I also just don't like their dynamic in general. They're always lying to or hiding things from each other and fighting for no real reason.
- The pairing's history is only alluded to, not shown. It might as well have been insta-love.
- The world building is vague and confusing. Some interesting lore is dropped around two-thirds of the way through, after I'd already started to lose interest.
- I kept thinking I'd missed something. A new scene would happen and I'd have no idea how we got there. It felt disjointed.

A little note about the audiobook is that the MMC's POV has weirdly long pauses between lines. I did like the female narrator's performance.

I will not be continuing this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen and review the ALC before release!

This dark, slow-burn romantasy is a compelling start to a new series and it kept me invested from beginning to end. While it took a few chapters to fully hook me, once it did, I was all in. The pacing is balanced and effective, with a steady unfolding of events that maintained momentum even during quieter moments.

This book leans into heavier themes, particularly religious fundamentalism, which is explored in intense and often disturbing ways. While I felt the author handled these sensitive topics with care, they are deeply embedded in the narrative, so I strongly recommend checking the content warnings either in the book or on the author’s website.

I adored Lilith and Zahariev. Their shared history adds depth to their dynamic, and the chemistry between them leaps off the page. Lilith is an incredibly compelling protagonist: confident, self-assured, and nuanced. Zahariev’s devotion to her, revealed in brief snippets of his POV at the end of each chapter, added another layer of emotional depth that made me root for him even more.

Their bond is electric and emotionally charged, and I’m excited to see how it evolves in the future installments.

The audiobook narration was a highlight! The narrators brought the characters to life with skill and emotion, making the world even more immersive. I credit much of my emotional connection to their incredible performance.

My only significant criticism is the ending. While the final twist was surprising and impactful, the transition into it felt rushed and underdeveloped. The book seemed to cut off abruptly, leaving me with lingering confusion and questions about what exactly happened. I trust that these loose ends will be addressed in the sequel, but I wish the climax had been given a bit more breathing room to make it even more emotionally powerful.

This book offers a gripping and emotional entry into a promising romantasy series. It’s dark, character-driven, and explores intense themes while developing a romance that burns slowly but brightly. If you're looking for something a little heavier and more intimate than your average fantasy romance, this one might be for you.

⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆

ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : Terror at the Gates
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Scarlett St. Clare
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ : Book 1 Blood of Lilith

Tropes:
⚬ Urban Fantasy
⚬ Religion Inspiration
⚬ Mafia Vibes
⚬ Slow Burn
⚬ Forbidden Romance
⚬ Unique Magic System

Terror at the gates follows Lilith Leviathan, Daughter of 1 of the 5 family's. She recently moved to another district, Nineveh to escape the life she had growing up. The only thing was that this was Zahariev's district. The head of one of the 5 Family's and someone who refuses Lilith's teasing. One day a buyer dyes Infront of Lilith and she has no choice but to turn to Zahariev for help.

WOAH, This book is 20/10 i LOVED it! Its been a hot minuet since i read an urban fantasy book and I'm so glad i read this one to dive back into that genre. Scarlett St. Clair did an amazing job of keeping this modern but magical without them overthrowing each other. The characters were all really well wrote and all had a depth to them that really attached to you. I love feeling connected to the characters i read about, it always makes a book so much better! Plus i really enjoyed the religious aspect of this book, normally i am a little weary of religious books, but i like how this one felt similar... but not. If that makes sense.

Lilith is B a s A s s! I love her. Her past broke my heart and i spent the whole book fighting in her corner for everything she wants! I love her determination to complete tasks and just be your average woman. Because that's what she wants, to be normal, and girl, you go for it!

Zahariev is just full of mystery, i love how at the end of the chapter you only get a little peep into his head. It really pulled me in and made me wanting more instantly. Zahariev is just s t u n n i n g, even on paper i can tell that. The way he followed Lilith round like she is the sun and air he breathes is everything. Them two together is pure fireworks and i cannot wait to dive deeper into their relationship in future books!

The magic in Terror i found was super unique. The women hold all the power but the men rule. Plus the gloopy aliens stuff!?!?! I loved that, gives you a sci fi feel and i like a sprinkle of that here and there!

I did an immersive read for Terror at the Gates with the e-book & the audio and i really enjoyed this! Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden did a great job! Do i wish the audio was duet? yes? But i loved it non the less!

One of my favorite things about reading is the dedication, and Scarlett did not hold back!

"To the women who were told they must submit to the dominance of man"

* ARC and ALC review <3

* Release: July 8, 2025

sexual tension

mafia family vibes

urban romantasy

He falls first.

frenemies to lovers

** Characters

Zahariev/Z

A man, a man, a maaaaaaan. He was so protective and would burn the world for Lilith. When he told her, I would go to war for you, I almost lost it. He let Lilith come to him when she was ready; he never pushed her into anything, especially as much as he wanted to. I absolutely loved him.

Lilith

Sometimes she was a frustrating character, but that was more of a how can you not see what's in front of you?. Other than that, she was strong, and I admired her. Even with so much trauma, she kept going. She is the definition of feminine rage.

The beginning of the story was kind of slow, but after 6%, it picked up extremely fast. The whole story gave me Constantine vibes, which I loved. The rage I felt for Lilith's mom was so real. I love when an author brings out emotions in their readers, even if it's loathing a character.

There is still so much more to discover in this series, and I'm begging for book 2.

5⭐ 2🌶️ 5🎧

Lilith is an absolute goddess. Full of feminist rage, anti-medicore men, anti-government, and anti-organized religion vibes, Terror at the Gates is an absolute must read (or listen), especially in today’s trying times. It’s a light in the darkness, a call to action, and a violent shove to not allow women to be taken advantage of, passed over, dismissed, forgotten. I could not put this down and will be thinking about it days, weeks, months from now as I (im)patiently wait for the next installment.

Lilith is everything I dream of in an FMC. She’s intelligent, witty, full of dark, dry, sarcastic humor, driven, and yet at times deceptively vulnerable and sweet. I loved her give no fucks attitude throughout as she confronted all those working to oppress her. And it was perfectly softened by her moments of tenderness toward Cherub and vulnerability with Zahariev. She’s perfectly complex and whole and I cannot wait to see how she further develops as the series progresses.

Zahariev was also an amazing MMC. He’s broody, dark, mysterious, tough…and yet, so respectful of Lilith power and needs. Not to mention their banter? I’m living for it. There are definitely some forbidden elements here too with him being her stand in guardian/protector but the vibes were here and it was written to perfection.

I devoured this book through a combination of written and audio and Laura Horowitz was absolutely incredible as Lilith. Her voice (and really Lilith’s vibes altogether) gave me Megara vibes and I’m so here for it. Laura is so expressive and captivating–I felt like I was truly in the story. We didn’t get nearly as much Tristan Warden as we did Laura (honestly, these little snippet chapters of Zahariev’s POV were so artfully done, I’m not even mad–it fit the flow and the story so well while keeping the primary focus on our queen, Lilith) but when we did, he absolutely killed it as Zahariev. If you have the choice, I highly recommend the audio book. It’s beyond worth a listen.

I’m not sure how long we’ll be waiting for book two but the end of Terror had me absolutely SCREAMING. I need it now. I needed it yesterday. I’ll wait as long as it takes. I’m so excited to see what Scarlett has in store for us and I’ll be snatching it up the moment it becomes available.

This book is truly phenomenal. One of the best books on feminine rage that I’ve ever read (listened to). Lilith is fascinating - I wouldn’t necessarily say she’s an extremely likeable character, buts she IS extremely compelling, which I think is more valuable. And Zahariev?!?! 🔥I loved the structure of mostly Lilith in the chapters with a snippet of Zahariev at the end. The neo-noir vibe of the book was immaculate. The critiques against religion, particularly a Christian esque church structure, was VERY good. St. Clair absolutely nailed this one.
I only have one very small critique on the audio itself - the male narrator of Zahariev was great except when voicing other male characters, then I found it quite grating and nasally. Otherwise the audio was excellent.
A million thank yous for the ALC!

This is not the average romantasy book, I wouldn't even call it romantasy.
The novel is a retelling of Lilith story, in a very powerful way. The plot is really well crafted and very gripping. I couldn't put it down.

There is romance yes and spice, but there is a lot of female rage, revenge, criticism toward religion, politics, and people in power. How women is utilised in society, and seen as an object of desire. This is about how power-hungry institutions control society from the shadows and how to fight against it.

I loved the book and I'd recommend it to everyone, this is a powerful, dark, raw portrayal Lilith. Just add this to your tbh right now, it's really worth it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for an ALC of this book, all opinions are my own.

I LOVED the tension and chemistry between the main characters in this book...and the plot was intriguing. I didn't love the use of a real religion as I know it would offend a lot of people, but the book overall was really enjoyable. The cat sidekick was such a fun addition and I hope she's in the next book too! Will definitely be reading more of this series

3⭐️

Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair is a bold and atmospheric beginning to a new fantasy series that blends magic, rebellion, and a powerful retelling of Lilith’s myth. I was lucky enough to receive an ALC through NetGalley—thank you to Tantor Audio for the opportunity!

The story centers on Lilith Leviathan, a woman estranged from her powerful family and living in Nineveh, a city where sin and secrets rule. When she acquires a mysterious dagger, she’s pulled into a dangerous web of ancient power struggles, church corruption, and forbidden alliances—particularly with Zahariev, the ruler of Nineveh and a man with his own secrets.

Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden did a great job narrating the story, bringing depth and emotion to the characters. Their performances helped ground me in the world, especially during slower parts of the narrative.

While I appreciated the themes and world-building, I struggled a bit with the first half of the book. The pacing felt uneven and I didn’t immediately connect with the characters. That said, the second half really picked up—I was far more engaged, and the unfolding twists kept me listening eagerly.

It wasn’t entirely my thing, but I can absolutely see many readers loving this. If you enjoy dark, feminist fantasy with religious rebellion, morally grey characters, and a touch of romance, this one’s worth checking out.

🧶🧶🧶🧶✨ — 4.5 Stars

Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair

Scarlett St. Clair delivers a powerful gut-punch of a feminist fantasy in Terror at the Gates, a dark urban retelling of Lilith that left me speechless more than once. With themes of female rage, religious trauma, and taking back your power, this book is not your typical urban romantasy—it’s raw, sharp, and deeply resonant. If you love books that ask bold questions, lean into vengeance, and make space for complicated heroines, this one’s for you. But please remember to check the trigger warning before you read.

Lilith Leviathan, the only daughter of one of Eden’s five ruling families, is supposed to be obedient, voiceless, and married off to someone who will control the power gifted to her by God and to be a breeding machine. But she’s anything but. At first glance, Lilith might read as spoiled and defiant (which she admits that she is), but the more we peel back her layers, the more her trauma, strength, and vulnerability take center stage. Her pain is visceral. Her rage is earned. And her path toward reclaiming autonomy? Absolutely electric. She is standing stage to take back her autonomy.

Then there’s Zahariev, the noir, crime-lord-style ruler of Nineveh, one of the 5-districts in Eden, with secrets in his pocket and power at his fingertips. Zahariev is the quiet, dangerous type who listens more than he speaks—and when he does speak, it’s either to issue a threat or say something devastatingly tender to Lilith. And let me just say: the banter between Lilith and Zahariev was absolute fire. Tension-filled, sharp, and often hilarious, their dynamic brought a much-needed bite of levity to the darkness. Their chemistry is magnetic, and the dual POV format (with a short snippet from Zahariev at the end of each chapter) adds a whisper of emotional depth that sneaks up on you. And the audiobook? Laura Horowitz brings Lilith’s fury and pain to life, while Tristan Warden’s few but impactful sections are velvet-wrapped steel.

While the world building felt very large at times it was hard to follow, the story’s depth, and emotional impact more than made up for it. The religious commentary isn’t a critique of belief itself, but of those who use faith as a weapon—especially against women. It’s brutal. It’s relevant. It’s powerful. Terror at the Gates is not just a book—it’s a scream echoing through the gates of every institution that ever tried to silence you.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC of this book!