I really enjoyed this!
The plotline is really unique for the genre lately, and as someone who has some familiarity with religion/religious history I found everything to be really intriguing. There was always something happening to keep the story moving along which was nice, because often times in a romantasy, there seem to be lulls between big scenes. The one thing I did struggle with was the world building got a little bit confusing for a while, but I felt like the ending did kind of bring things together to make more sense.
I really liked Lilith's personality and the magic she possessed, and how Zahariev was always there to take care of her, even though she was very stubborn/obtuse and didn't realize his feelings for her.
This book was definitely more of a slow burn which I feel like has not been the way most recent romantasy books are being written, and I was really happy with that. I loved the tension and build up in the romance, and how it gave the rest of the story and plot a chance to stand out.
As for the audiobook, I thought the narrators were both perfect and I really loved that even though Zahariev's did not have full chapters, there was still a male narrator to perform his parts because I feel like it really gave something extra to the story and made his sections much more impactful.
Laura Horowitz truly embodied the spirit of Lilith and was perfectly cast! I hope that she is brought back for the rest of the series.

I kept going back and forth on whether I wanted to read this book just because I'm not always a fan of retellings let alone one with religious themes. I am so excited that I decided to give it a shot because I ended up really enjoying this book. This is a feminist fantasy with a forbidden romance that simmers on a slow burn until we get to the inevitable spicy bits. And, I have to say, let them cook because Lilith and Zahariev are fire together! Zahariev is powerful, seductive and sarcastic and he will literally start a war for his woman ....I mean, what's not to love? *SWOON* Lilith is strong and bratty and has a whole lot of sass which adds to the tension between her and Zahariev.

The ending was nail biting and filled with tension and I am excited to continue reading this series.

Also, whoever chose the audio narrators (Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden) for this novel deserve a raise because they were perfect for these roles.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Scarlett for writing this masterpiece. Straight off the bat this is giving an F you to those that think women should be in “traditional” roles. So yes from the beginning I knew I was going to absolutely love this. This book does not keep you waiting. It is immediately addicting. I did not want to put it down. The MMC is a tattooed chain smoker who is sexy! And the FMC is a strong independent woman. It has a type of murder mystery which I always love. I cried, laughed, and awwed through out this book! This may be Scarlett’s best book and I’ve rated all her books five stars. She is my absolute favorite. This gives Crescent City vibes but darker and with a church in power that is corrupt. I need to know what happens next!!!!

This audiobook was perfect. The narrator did such an amazing job. And I loved the male narration for the end of the chapters for the Zahariev.

This book is girl power/feminine rage at its finest. The story hooked me in immediately, the spice is good and the end had my jaw on the floor!

Side note: the narrators did amazing too!

DNFed at 50%
There was a lack of trigger warning so I was not prepared for some of the content in this book and am not continuing further. I did go back in the audio to look and was not able to locate a TW list.
Besides that, the base of the story and characters were great. I was enjoying the narrators performance as well. The range Laura Horowitz has when narrating different characters is fantastic.
I just feel like a TW page would have been beneficial for this book.

A new, first in series paranormal urban fantasy featuring tension-riddled friends to lovers, demons, and spice- performed by one of my favorite female audiobook narrators of all time!

Audiobook has dual narration performed by Laura Horowtiz and Tristan Warden

The FMC is a social pariah in a zealous religious society; and as the daughter of one of the powerful leading families, her only purpose in life is to be "matched" to an heir of another leading family and produce offspring.

She is resistant to the fate that she has been born for, and she begins working with her long time ( and off-limits) friend. Our MMC is dark, broody, and has tattoos. Gets us every time.

There is plenty tension between our MC's with their history and the fact that they must resist one another to avoid a war between families.

We also have a mystery on our hands as individuals are winding up dead under peculiar circumstances- and our main characters work together to put the pieces together.

I had a good time listening to this- the narrators did an outstanding job. As book 1, this did the job of setting up the world and characters, and has some twists and turns at the end. We will see where the next one takes us.

I always reach for Scarlett St Clair’s books. Her storytelling is a wonderful blend of deep emotions and romance, with fantastic banter and humor throughout. Terror at the Gates was no exception!

This story follows Lilith Leviathan as she navigates family expectations, forbidden romance, and mystery surrounding a magical blade. I really enjoyed the mystery component, as different aspects were introduced it became more intriguing. Her romance with Zahariev was filled with tension and banter, which made the payoff that much more rewarding.

I, personally, reach for religion inspired fantasy because I like to see the different ways that authors choose to depict angels/ demons/ etc. With this also being an urban fantasy, I really enjoyed the portrayal and adaption of Lilith’s story. Please consider content warnings, and protect your peace.

The audio performance was easy to listen to, thanks to the amazing narration by Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden. The intonation and sarcasm was perfectly delivered (which is my favorite), and the romantic scenes were full of delicious tension. Would absolutely recommend listening to the audiobook! Terror at the Gates releases July 8, 2025.

Thank you RBMedia/ Tantor Audio (via Netgalley) for gifting me with an ALC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Read if you like:
* Urban Fantasy
* Religion Inspired
* Dreams/ Visions
* Unique Magic System
* Mafia-like Family Rulers
* Slow Burn Forbidden Romance
* 1st Person FMC POV (w/ short parts from MMC POV)

***Every. Single. Star. Ever.***

Please. I have NEVER had a MMC ruin me the way that Zahariev has ruined me. I am absolutely IN-FREAKING-LOVE. It doesn't stop there though, Lilith is PERFECT. I love her so much.

Lilith has had enough. Her mother is HORRIBLE. She loves her father but his willful ignorance is just too much. She's decided she's out and moves into another district under the "care" of Zahariev. A man who is 8 years older and she has had a crush on since she can remember. He doesn't look at her like that though, and she would know because when her magic manifested at 18 it was sex magic. She can now use people's lust to control them.

Zahariev will do anything for Lilith, if she would only ask. Her father asked him to keep an eye on her and so he does but the feelings he has for her are forbidden. As leaders of districts they cannot match. He is supposed to marry a woman for her power and Lilith's father is to choose a man to marry her and control her power and district.

Forbidden love, an EFF YOU to the patriarchy, and some pretty typical sketchy "church" stuff.

THAT ENDING! OMG I am going to think about it until I can read more. I'm honestly not sure why I continue to let Scarlett do this to me. She left me with Hades in a cave for like 37 years and I still forgave her. This is probably classified as an abusive relationship at this point. I'm not leaving her though.


ETA: The audio version was just as amazing as the ebook. Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden were perfect for the roles of Lilith and Zahariev.

It’s rare that a book leaves me speechless, but Terror at the Gates did exactly that. I’ve been a longtime fan of Scarlett St. Clair’s work, and while I’ve enjoyed many of her previous books, this one felt different. It’s layered, intense, and utterly immersive.

As a feminist retelling of Lilith’s story, this novel reclaims a demonized myth and breathes new life into it. Lilith is a fierce and flawed heroine who grows through pain, rage, and the slow rediscovery of her own power. Her relationship with Zahariev is a slow burn, filled with tension and a quiet, protective tenderness that unfolds beautifully.

The audiobook, narrated primarily by Laura Horowitz, is phenomenal. Her performance perfectly captured Lilith’s strength and vulnerability. Tristan Warden narrates Zahariev’s perspective sparingly but powerfully, rounding out each chapter with quiet emotion and insight.

There is minimal spice until near the end, but the focus on world-building and emotional arc made it even more impactful. This is one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year, and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

What a great book, so different and memorable.

✨ The FMC
I absolutely loved the way Lilith was written and I think it's one of the strengths of this book. Usually the FMC is established as competent in the introduction but her brain turns to mush when the MMC appears - not the case here and it's so refreshing to see. She is competent, has initiative and can go into danger without needing to be saved by the MMC (not all of the scenes, but a fair amount).

✨ The couple
That gives the opportunity for the couple to bond in different circumstances. I absolutely loved the moment where they are taking care of an infant together and the MMC is so very competent that the FMC beings to wonder about her insistence of never being married and having kids.

The yearning was so annoying but made for a very satisfying payoff when they finally got together. Definitely a slow burn but the spice was sooo worth waiting for.

✨ The MMC
Loved that Zahariev was more mature both in age and emotionally - that made for really good scenes where he can comfort Lilith though pain and keep her grounded when spiralling. Also loved his unwavering support for the FMC and that he was very respectful of her, taking his cues from her actions.

Favorite quote and his general vibe: "When have I ever not chosen you?"

✨ Unique aspects of this book
- loved the choice of villains - patriarchy and the church
- how fun were the scenes where she carries her cat familiar in a baby sling?
- the B storyline of the single dad was sooo beautifully written
- the narcissistic parent dynamics B storyline was great
- MMCs chapters were a sentence or two long, made for an interesting format

✨ The audiobook
The narrators were sooo good. The voices were perfect for the characters. Lilith's narrator had so much range, from sultry and confident to sad and broken. Zahariev's narrator had a voice so fierce that gave perfect mafia boss vibes with the east European accent.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the pleasure of listening to this book!

I really wanted to love Terror at the Gates, but it didn't quite grip me the way I hoped it would. While I usually enjoy Romantasy-especially when it's rich with unique worldbuilding and escapism-this story felt a little too grounded in real-world religious parallels for my liking. The presence of a single god, a promised afterlife for believers, and references reminiscent of the Garden of Eden made it feel too close to modern-day Christianity, which pulled me out of the fantasy.

That said, there were still elements that intrigued me-witches, mystical blades that open gates, and the release of a "true god" all hint at a darker, more mythic world that I wanted to explore further. Unfortunately, those pieces weren't enough to overcome the discomfort I felt with how the religious aspects were woven in. The tone felt... off somehow-like it was trying to be both ancient and familiar, but not quite landing on either.

If you're a fan of high-stakes fantasy with spiritual undertones, this might work better for you. But if you're looking for a Romantasy that offers a full escape from real-world frameworks, this one might not hit the mark.

This book ate me up, chewed me raw, and spit me back out.

Definitely a book to watch your triggers, especially for religious trauma; Terror at the Gates brings you into the hyper-misogynistic religion and world that Lilith has grown up in. Adding powerful families and political machinations into the mix, @authorscarlett does an amazing job at creating a world you can be fully immersed in, understanding why Lilith lives her life the way she does.

Lilith herself is a highly relatable character in many ways. She is living her life the way she wants to in a world where she shouldn’t be allowed to do so. She loves, she experiences loss, she grieves - and it’s all so real. I felt a pull to her with her reactions, and found myself crying with her on more than one occasion. Also her carrying around Cherub was adorable badassery.

Now, Zahariev. Zahariev, Zahariev, Zahariev. This man was down bad from the very start of this book. Doing everything he can for Lilith while she rebels against his help at every turn. Man is hot. Like H A W T 🥵 (hello have you SEEN the art?). The banter between Zahariev and Lilith was BANTERING and when the slow burn ignites it *explodes*.

This book was spectacular. Everything that happens in this book affects the plot in some way, even the smallest aside. I was surprised a number of times by the way situations ended up, and by major events that happened. I was fully immersed in the world and I can not wait to revisit it. The way Scarlett handled the tough topics, themes, and events was clearly done with care.

Thank you to @netgalley and @tantoraudio for the ALC for Terror at the Gates. The production quality of this audiobook was fantastic! I loved Laura Horowitz’ voicing of Lilith, as well as Tristan Wardens Zahariev. I was engulfed in the world and story the entire time I was listening. I felt like I was experiencing the twists and turns Lilith’s life took during this book alongside her, and man was that a wild ride.

“I would go to war for you.”
-*swoon*

This is Scarlets best work yet. I loved this book so much. It may trigger some with religious trauma but the way it was written felt more healing to me. Lilith is an incredibly well written FMC. She’s rebellious, strong, and smart.

Not sure what I was expecting going into this book but it wasn’t what I was expecting and I’m not upset about it. Will be back for book 2. Definitely read this book if you’re looking for a completely different modern romantasy book.

This book was high fantasy in a different type a way (as in not fairies or vampires), with a magic element. More modern than other fantasy books. Overall this book was very well written and the story is very interesting.

I want to thank NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the early copy of the audiobook. The audiobook I enjoyed overall the male character voices only 2-3 chapters and than a few sentences at the end of the chapter. It’s predominantly the female voice throughout the book. Typically not my favorite type of narration but Laura did an amazing job! I actually really liked her narration and she was able to portray the emotions and other characters really well! Overall would recommend the audiobook.

Possible spoilers/tropes ***This book has mafia like vibe with religion, magic, aliens, witches, abuse, and grief***

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story & narrations
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️ Chapters: 13, 19, & 21

“I’ll always be here, following in your shadow. I am not afraid of your freedom.”

You will enjoy this book if you like:
Fenemies to lovers
Forbidden Magic & love
Mafia-like political system
Urban fantasy
Animal sidekick
Lots of yearning

Laura Horowitz & Tristan Warden did an amazing job narrating, per usual. I was so excited when I saw Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden as the narrators, and they did not disappoint.
Laura was able to bring Lilith’s character alive. Probably too well; Lilith’s character was hard to swallow because she came off as a spoiled brat, reckless & impulsive, and very immature. Her rage didn’t feel like rage but more like a temper tantrum. Laura’s performance really highlighted this side of Lilith, which had me gridding my teeth in annoyance. Especially when she would whine “ Zaharievvvvvvv” while she was throwing one of these tantrums 😂
Normally, I would have stopped reading, but given Lilith’s childhood, traumas, and upbringing, her behavior was understandable. I hope we see her some growth in the next book.
Although, Zahariev didn’t have “chapters”; his blurbs were heartwarming and added to the overall story. And Tristan did a great job highlighting all sides of Zahariev and the side characters.

The story itself was different. The world building felt underdeveloped, so it was hard to fully buy into their world. I know it’s labeled as an urban fantasy romance but the magical system took a backseat midway through the story. I mean, we only saw Lilith use her powers a few times and never saw anyone else use powers 😭 I hope we see more background stories & magic in the next book so we can fully set into the story.

This book is heavy on the triggers so proceed with caution.

Book Publisher: Bloom Books
Audiobook Publisher: Tantor Media
Publication date: July 08, 2025
Print length: 495 pages
Audiobook length: 12h 57m
Book 1 of 1: Blood of Lilith

*disclaimer: my darkness and spice rating might not be the same for you. Please do your own research before reading*

Thank you, Tantor Media for my gifted ALC 💕

unfortunately this book was a massive miss for me. im still not even sure what the author wanted to accomplish with this book. there was next to no world building which made it confusing to understand if we were in the desert, where this dangerous part of the city is compared to others and why the city was so dangerous to begin with. i couldnt figure out the dynamic with her parents. everything was very “he said she said” the entire time which did nothing in helping me stay interested in them.

overall it felt like there was a lot going on yet nothing happening at the same exact time. reading is obviously subjective but i feel like i must have read a completely different story than other readers 😅

Men written by Scarlett St. Clair.

That's it. That's the review.

...just kidding, I'm more long winded than that. But honestly? That's really all you need.

Being said, Lilith is also MY GIRL. Pretty sure we have the same mother, if I'm being honest. If you grew up in a super religious house and ran away the first chance you get--you're going to feel seen. And angry. And will absolutely be cheering Lilith on in her revenge arc. This is the story her namesake deserves, and this is the agency she was denied all throughout history. I love her and I REALLY hope Scarlett lets her catch a break in the next one because LORD knows she deserves one!!!

And Zahariev?? His chapters are literally only a paragraph or two at the most, but YOUR HONOR I LOVE HIM. I will take my own personal mafia boss who puts up with my brat behavior and will follow me into the Devil's Den, thank YOU! Truly a master class, and I will fight ALL of you to make him my book husband. I would leave my actual husband for him, if I'm being honest.

I both read this AND listened to the audiobook (because I am simply obsessed), and I really enjoyed both formats! Laura is always a great narrator, and I think she did justice for our girl Lilith. As usual with her books, I do find the narration a bit slow compared to "normal" listening speeds--I generally listen to books on 2x, and even at 2x this one felt slowish to me. I probably would have done it at 2.25 or 2.5 if that had been an option with the ALC copy I listened to.

Overall this is a great time, and I LOVE The way this ended and set up the next book. We support women's rights, but most importantly, we support women's wrongs.

This was my first Scarlett St. Clair book — and what an introduction! It was both intriguing and entertaining from the start. I absolutely adored Zahariev — he was the perfect mix of soft and sweet beneath a lethal, hard-edged persona. He was so giving “daddy” energy with his calm, unwavering support of Lilith. 💕🔥

I also really connected with our side characters — Ester, Coco, and Gabriel — who brought so much heart and grounding to the story. They each added depth and balance to Lilith’s world, and I loved the way their relationships helped round her out as a character.

As a first book in a series, this was a solid setup. It gave us enough background, kept the pacing steady, and teased out just enough mystery and plot development to keep me ready for the next installment. And while it did end on a cliffhanger, it wasn’t a chaotic or overly emotional one — it felt balanced and intentional, which I appreciated.

I’m definitely intrigued and looking forward to what’s next! It’s absolutely worth a pick up!

Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Scarlett St. Clair for this ALC.

I'm rating this audiobook one star higher than the ebook, and that is purely due to the narrator.
While the story fell flat, being more of the same you are used from the author without much depth and not much plot "interrupting" the spice, Laura Horowitz is an absolute gem as a narrator. Her voice brings emotion, sexiness and does even great male impressions.
This extra star is for her!

Stop it! Scarlett, could I have loved this book anymore? This is infinity stars ⭐️

I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook narrated by the brilliant Laura Horowitz giving the most spectacular voice to Lilith and with Tristan Warden as Zahariev.

Seriously I could NOT stop listening to this audiobook!! The plot is so interesting and captivating and listening to Laura and Tristan being alive the forbidden love and banter and sizzling slow burn between Lily and Z was literally the best thing I’ve done all year 😍 I cannot recommend this book more but especially this audio version.

Scarlett, you are absolutely brilliant! The way you wrote Lily and Z whilst building their world and intermingling hunting demon blobs and solving mysteries and the juxtaposition of the Church and the secret Order was perfection! I cannot stop thinking about this book. This has got to be your best work yet and you deserve so much hype because this book hit home runs.

I don’t think you could find a man better than Z. The things that man says when he finally let go ❤️‍🔥🥵 His name for Lily was so hot!

Also I adored Cherub, Lily and Coco’s cat familiar.

I am desperate for book 2 because that cliff was something else 😲

Listen to the audiobook of Terror at the Gates if you enjoy:
🖤 Frenemies to lovers
💫 Urban fantasy
🖤 Sloooow burn with toe curling sexual tension
💫 Mafia
🖤 Neo-Noir vibes
💫 Animal sidekick
🖤 He falls first and *it’s obvious*
💫 Pet name

Thanks to Scarlett and NetGalley for an ALC. I am so grateful and this is my honest review.