Laura Horowitz nailed bringing this masterpiece to life. I just finished it and I already want to listen to it again. 😂 I received this audiobook as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As a lover of all things Scarlett St. Clair, I was so excited to be able to read the book book in her newest series and I can say that Terror at the Gates delivered everything I was hoping for and more. It's definitely one of my favorite romantasy reads of 2025! If I had to comp it to another book, I would definitely say that it reminded me at times of Crescent City, especially A House of Earth and Blood, however it definitely had unique aspects and is its own amazing story.

Lilith was an amazing FMC and embodied feminine rage. Having grown up in a repressive religious society where women are used for child birthing and have their powers stolen from them, being able to see Lilith living on her own and being able to make her own decisions seems very cathartic. She's 100% a character who's hard on the outside and soft on the inside, feeling like she has to portray herself as tough and dangerous to protect herself. Watching her grow and being more comfortable being herself around the people she grow to trust is super rewarding.

Zahariev was everything and more that I want out of a protective, morally grey MMC. The pining and brooding that he experiences when it comes to Lilith, despite his efforts to hide his desire from her, was SO good. While the story is dual POV, we don't get a lot from Zahariev's perspective (the length of his chapters increases throughout the story) but the snippets we do see show us how down bad he truly is for Lilith and the lengths he's willing to go to help protect her. He's a very well thought out character as well, with his own motivations and personal struggles, so while he is, of course, very hot and an amazing romantic interest, he stands on his own as a character even without those aspects.

The relationship between Lilith and Zahariev is so slow-burn that it almost hurts, but it's definitely worth it to watch it play out and finally be rewarded at the end. The obviousness of Zahariev's feelings for Lilith mixed with her obliviousness wasn't frustrating, but rather helped their relationship develop and made the pay-off so good.

There were some amazing side characters that were equally well developed as Lilith and Zahariev and contributed to some of the most tragic and heartwarming moments of the story. Whether they were friends of enemies to the MCs, the side characters truly helped make the plot intriguing and realistic (or, as realistic as possible lol).

The plot and the worldbuilding were immaculate and I loved every aspect of it. The world felt very rich and full of imagery, with an amazing almost gritty urban backdrop mixed with fantasy elements. The plot kept me hooked the entire time and it felt so unique. There are a lot of religious references and depictions of how religion can be used to oppress people which felt very raw while be dealt with, in my opinion, well.

In terms of the audiobook, I loved Laura Horowitz's narration of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, so I was super excited to have the chance to listen to her narration again. She knocked it out of the park, of course, and I could 100% feel Lilith's energy and personality in her voice. Since most of the story is in Lilith's POV, most of the narration was Laura's, which was amazing. I don't think that I've listened to Tristan Warden narrate prior to this, but I thought he did a great voice voicing Zahariev. He definitely had the right tone for Zahariev's character and really brought him to life. I'd definitely listen to more books narrated by them in the future.

All in all, I loved Terror at the Gates and, while I'm waiting for Scarlett St. Clair's next book, I'll definitely be recommending it to others!

Really interested universe and I can’t wait to see where this series goes. Slow burn romance was just right. The narrators added to the story.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“I would go to war for you.” 🥵

I had mixed feelings at the start of this book because the religious undertones were heavy. But wow this turned into such a good read! Zahariev is that delicious bad boy with power, danger, and just enough softness to make you melt. He’d burn down the world for Lilith, and I love that energy 🔥.

Lilith? She’s strong, bold, and doesn’t take crap from anyone especially not men 😏. That ending??? Ma’am. I need MORE immediately.

Also, the narrators? Chef’s kiss. His voice was deep and smooth, and I was living for it. 🎧

Okay, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. I’ve read other books by Scarlett, and I like them, but I always think they have too much smut for my taste. I guess I was expecting something similar. But no, this book was completely different. I really enjoy it. I was tempted to give it five stars, but I didn’t because I feel like I’m missing something. I’m not sure what it is, though. Maybe I want to see her use her powers more? Maybe the slow burn was too slow? I know… I know… Maybe I want to know a little more about the meaning of the dagger? While I was reading the story, I’m not sure, but I can say that I really like it.

Oh, and Zahariev, wow what a man! I like how Lilith was super crazy and didn’t care about anything, but Zahariev he was the star of this book. He’s powerful and all murderous, but with Lilith, he’s soft and lets her do what she wants because, in my opinion, he falls first.

Now I’m sad that I have to wait for the next book.

Audiobook / Narration

I was able to get this book as an advance copy, which was an audiobook. I must say that the narrators did an excellent job. I have no complaints about their performance.

Thank you Tantor Audio for this Audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Honest confessions about this book:

*I have been grabby hands for this for months
*It's a slow burn. heads up SSC fans - it takes time but it's worth it.
*I had no idea where it was going and it went places I did NOT expect.

This fantasy mafia romance is more fantasy than we usually get from SSC, but the world and the tension and the conflict and the low key conversation about religion are all so well done. I read her books and am always completely in awe of how much detailed research she does for her books and how thoughtfully she handles hard subjects. The emotions are high. The setting is great. The romance is so good. I am going to be dying for the next book for ages.

I hated being so busy that I couldn’t finish this in one sitting because every time I had to put it down, I was still thinking about it nonstop. Lilith?? A menace in the BEST way. The female rage?? Delicious. She doesn’t take shit from anybody and everyone knows it. She’s chaos and fire and I love her.

And now… ZAHARIEV. Whew. This man just stormed his way into my top 5 book boyfriends. He’s morally grey, 8 years older, and has a touch her and you die energy that had me feral. His only soft spot is her, and he always stands on business. I just KNOW he smells like danger and expensive cologne.

I’m taking off half a star because the world building was a lot. Not bad, just heavy in which slowed things down at times. But once it picked up? I felt like I was on a waterslide.

Final thoughts: Gimme book 2 right NEOW.


Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a great break from the stream of fae prince & princesses coming out at the moment. Set in a modern world but with plenty of magic and mystique it had plenty happening to keep things interesting until the end.
It was also an interesting take on the power dynamics between the men and women.
That being said I found the fmc quite annoying. Nothing is ever her fault, she thinks she’s incredibly independent but constantly runs back to the mmc to get her out of any mess and he’s constantly babysitting her.
That said I can’t wait for the next!
Loved the female narrator

Outstanding urban dark mafia romantasy voiced by one of my absolute favorite female narrators Laura Horrowitz ! Check your triggers this one comes with a large dose of religious trauma, mention of child molestation and the usual death and violence to be expected with a dark romance. Highly recommend!

I received this book as an Advanced Listener Copy, and I can’t thank NetGalley, RBmedia, and Scarlett St.Clair enough!

We follow Lilith as she attempts to break away from her very powerful family. She is a part of one of the five ruling families in Eden. However, in Eden, women are expected to be subservient to men, even though they are the ones with the magic. When they marry, their power is siphoned for their husbands' and the church’s use.

Lilith is dead set on doing things her way, making a name for herself on her own. This is how she ends up in the care of Zaharive, current ruler of Ninavah and a member of another ruling family.

Lilith steals and sells items to make her living, and when she stumbles upon a knife from the church, her life goes sideways.

The way Scarlett depicted Lilith was so relatable. Her inability to really trust people and not believing that someone would care enough to step up to meet where she stood. She was always made to feel like an inconvenience and that her worth was only what her magic could provide.
Zaharive our male lead was stoic and calculating. The tension between Lilith and himself was so palpable, you could cut it with a knife! I was kicking and screaming each time they would interact.

The story was so incredible and left me utterly shocked. This was a 5 star read/listen for me. The characters were written so well, the world building was next level, the romance was a true slow burn. It over 80% of the book!! As someone with my own religious trauma this book really hit the mark.

Audio: Laura does such an amazing job with Lilith. She had the perfect gravelly tone and gave us such a range of emotions throughout. Tristan also nailed Zaharive, that slight middle eastern (?) accent was so incredibly sexy and gave a powerful tone to Zaharive. At the end of each chapter we get a small glimpse of Zaharive and at first was I confused with how short it was, but ended up loving it because it was like a little tease. But also gave us another side of the story and further pushed the story along. This would be a great candidate for a Graphic Audio!

I loved this book and I am so excited to see how the rest of Liliths story plays out.

📖: 3/5 stars
🎧: 3/5 stars
🌶: 2/5 stars

First off, let me express this WILL be a reread for me, especially if there is another book on the way.

However, by the time I was done with this audiobook, I wasn't even sure how I felt. I wish I had gotten a physical copy, I think more of the story would have hit harder and stuck with me.
Lilith's story is the most important part, very feminist, very strong, and independent. This bold author stoked the already feminist fires that are being started all over the world. Women are starting to fight back, starting to live for themselves, putting themselves first for once. You get to walk through life as Lilith in this book. Chastised and abused as a child for her individuality, her rebellious attitude, and her stubborn need to ask questions. When in reality she just didn't want to conform to someone else's idea of perfection.

Now the slowest burn romance in the history of EVER. Zahariev's and Liliths' ongoing infatuation with one another waited until the perfect time for the good stuff was an "eh" moment for me. I'd been waiting so long I pretty much decided halfway through it. It was going to be anticlimactic if it even happened.
BUT Zahariev with baby Liam, OMG, my ovaries betrayed and overrode my brain too, girl!!! Lilith and I had the same reaction. Goodness, could he be anymore of a perfect daddy figure!!! Something about a man having all the confidence Zahariev did with a newborn baby...🥵🥵🥵
With all the biblical references throughout this book, there is bound to be a decent chunk of backlash to this novel. I dont believe the author was trying to bad mouth any religions. Just trying to get Lilith's oppressed story to the world! Lilith is an icon, a goddess, a leader, not a follower. I truly believe her story could help so many women fighting the urge between settling and becoming who they wish to be!
If you were hoping this book would have all the smutty, I would look elsewhere. But if you want Liliths story, you want the independent woman rage, you want that newest feminist fantasy, look no farther!

Scarlett St. Clair is an actual goddess.

I looooved Terror at the Gates. Her writing is gorgeous and so full of feeling. I loved Lilith as a heroine. She’s strong, flawed, and so easy to root for.

The story gave Crescent City vibes (my fav lol), but it’s even darker. The city feels real and dangerous, and the stakes are high. I loved the mix of fantasy, romance, grit, and the SLOWEST OF SLOW BURNS. I’m already counting down to the next book.

If you love urban fantasy with a dark edge, definitely check this one out.

HUGE thanks to NetGalley, Bloom, and RBmedia for the audio copy! Also a huge thanks to whomever chose the audiobook narrator for Zahariev 🥵

✨𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
🎧: Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith Book 1)
🎙️: Laura Horowitz, Tristan Warden

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

Lilith Leviathan is heiress of a powerful family but craves freedom from her name and the restrictions of society. Secretly using her magic to make ends meet, an encounter with a mysterious dagger sends her life spiraling. With no one to trust, Lilith enlists Zahariev, ruler of Nineveh, for help.

Sinister secrets lurk beneath the surface, unleashing evil throughout the lands. Within the land of sin and iniquity, they begin to uncover the truth kept hidden by the church.

Tropes:
🎙️Dual narration
🧑‍❤️‍💋‍🧑Frenemies to lovers
🙋🏻He falls first
📜Religion & magic & monsters
🚫Forbidden romance
🩶Morally grey MCs
⚖️Politics
💰Neo-noir mafia vibes
🔥Slow burn 🌶️

The narrators immediately drew me into this grim world where a religious theocracy reigns along with powerful families. Women are subjugated to the whims of their husbands, fathers, and the church.

Lilith is spirited, fiercely loyal, and poses a threat to what the patriarchal church stands for. Zahariev is a blend of dominance and tenderness and is definitely a new favorite burnt cinnamon roll MMC.

Since any relationship with Zahariev is considered forbidden, I loved seeing them flirt and tease each other unrelentingly. Their interactions were sinfully fun and electrifying. The wicked banter, delicious tension, and suspense was masterfully portrayed.

Terror at the Gates is a deliciously dark reimagining of Lilith’s story with vicious twists and a mind-blowing ending. I am counting down until the next installment!

So grateful to the author, Tantor Audio, and NetGalley for the audio listening copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the 1st chapter!!! Such a unique world gave me mafia vibes with a fantasy setting, the tension is divine!!!

I listened to the audiobook and I think it’s one of my favourites of the year, dual narration is one of my favourites for audio books but the two narrators worked so well together there voices really fit together

Great!!!! This book will go down as one of my favorites of the year and im so excited for what’s to come!
First, The audiobook was narrated TO PERFECTION! Laura has such a soothing voice with such range that the story flows so easily and makes you truly believe that all those characters are out there doing their shenanigans. Tristan was the best compliment to the end of those chapters, his soothing voice was literally what I expected Zahariev’s voice to sound like, Smokey and sexy as hell. There were some production mishaps in a couple of chapters such as repeating words or too long or too short pauses but im sure those will be fixed before publication date.

Now for the story…. Scarlett. You have successfully added Zahariev to my list of book boyfriends, and knocked some other ones down a couple spots too! I loved the writing style and it truly kept me captivated throughout. i finished this Audiobook within a day, that’s a testament to your story as well as Laura and Tristan for their outstanding narration. Lilith is such a badass and such a perfect interpretation of the original myth; I cannot wait for the next book to come out. Those steamy scenes were written so amazingly well, not too much but not too little, just *chef’s kiss*. The storyline with Esther and
Gabriel was also so beautifully written that when the time came I truly felt my stomach drop and a knot in my throat (I had to stop washing dishes and take a moment because it was so emotional, my kids looked at me like i was crazy lol) My favorite books are those that make me feel, and you really truly did that! I was sad for Esther, and Lilith and Coco’s friendship wasn’t a focal point, it wasn’t wasted, you gave her some great lines! I LOL’d when Coco said she loved the dryer because “it sings when it’s done” lol!

One of my favorite reads of the year, I will be buying the physical copy and patiently waiting for the rest of the series to come.
Outstanding job!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

I was surprised but how fast I listened to this book.
I finished it in the same day I started it.

I love a good FMC that is also bad A$$ and can handle her own. Lilith was written so well. I thought she was hilarious, chaotic, and has a big heart.

The MMC love interest is my favorite. I really enjoyed how broody. The slow burn was real! Very slow burn.
I can’t wait for the next one. This one leaves on a big cliff hangers.

This was sooo good!

The tension was *chefs kiss*. All the characters are great and interesting. I thought I had a pretty good twist and I didn't see it coming.

I do wish there was more world building and usel explanation of the magic system, but I have a feeling there will be more of that in the second book.
I'm so excited for the second book!

This was sooo good!

The tension was *chefs kiss*. All the characters are great and interesting. I thought I had a pretty good twist and I didn't see it coming.

I do wish there was more world building and usel explanation of the magic system, but I have a feeling there will be more of that in the second book.
I'm so excited for the second book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5

Thank you so much to Tantor, the author, and NetGalley for the chance to listen prior to release on 7/8!

I lovedddd this audiobook! I thought the pacing of the story was fantastic - there were no lulls, but it never felt like too much. The world-building was given in quantities that were easy to digest and I really liked the snippets of Zahariev’s POV at the end of each chapter. The mystery and suspense had me on the edge of my seat.

Okay our characters - I’ll start with our side characters. Gabriel? Love him. Esther? Sweet bb ILYSM. Coco? We all need a friend like her. Cherub? 10/10 would carry you in a baby bjorn. Even Cassius was my guy. Okay Lilith - girl just wants some dang freedom and not to conform to what is expected of her. She has had trauma in her past and wants to move on. Zahariev is one of the heads of the main families in their world and he has been looking out for Lilith for YEARS. She’s had a crush on him forever but he has never given her any ideas…guys this man is SO DOWN BAD and girlfriend just needs time to see it. Z is perfect and I’ll take no criticism. Green flags only.

Okay to round out my rambling to say this one was so fun to listen to and definitely recommend!!!

6 stars. Infinity stars. 🌟
This is my first book by this author and I don’t know why. This was amazing in every way. The characters, the plot, the pacing, the spice- top tier. The narration of the audio is so good! That ending has me screaming and now I’m sad I listened to it early because it’s that much longer I have to wait for book two!

READ THIS!

thank you to @netgalley and @tantoraudio for this advanced listener copy