This is a book oh my lord everyone must have on their TBR's i was addicted off the first chapter it was so unique and refreshing.
Terror at The Gates was a book i finished in one sitting i couldn't put it down.

Lilith oh how i love her. she is such an empowering character and very inspiring i don't see many FMC's like Lilith which is very refreshing. i loved how sassy and sarcastic she was. i loved her from the start to the end.

Zahariev this man oh my load! he has made his way into my top 5 book boyfriends i loved how we got little snippets into his brain at the end of each chapter.

overall i loved Terror at The gates this book had me on my toes and i am left mind Blown with the ending. i can not wait till the second book!!!

Seriously my jaw is on the FLOOR, I can't believe this was written and that my eyeballs read it.
amazing world building, story telling, and characters!
The way the VAs both brought this to life was amazing, I can't wait for more!

3⭐ (bookstagram post link later)

Thank you to Tantor Audio for a free copy of this ALC.

This book was everything you'd expect from Scarlett St. Clair; ultra-spicy sex scenes, crazy world-building, and a(n) (older) hot AF MMC. This was one hell of a gothic romance, and the sexual tension between the two characters was great. Even though Lillith frequently flirted with Zahariev, this was more of a slow burn for me and it was a constant "will they, won't they" scenario between the two.

As an audiobook, the narrator was very enthusiastic during the spicy scenes; she had me clutching my metaphorical pearls at the grocery store. She added a lot of emotion in her voice, I was even scared during the suspenseful scenes, like I was there too. I enjoyed Zahariev's parts at the end of each chapter because they give us a glimpse of his perspective during the scene. I do wish that he voiced his scenes during the dialogues, it seemed like a missed opportunity to add more dimension to the book, especially since the male narrator was available already.

So.. while I enjoyed this book, I think trigger warnings need to be included in the beginning. It took me aback when she described that one scene 33% of the way in (albeit, it was a short scene), but I think it would still be appropriate if that was included. Also, I think it took a while for the world-building to pick up, and the pacing was off for me. I was ~30ish% of the way through the ALC and I couldn't really visualize the plot or the world they were in. After 50% however, I was IMMEDIATELY hooked. That ending was wild and I quite literally have no idea where the story will go from here!

⭐️♾️Holy shit this book is everything. Zahariev is absolute perfection. 🥵 I NEED MORE. Lilth is badass and rebellious and I love every minute spent with her. The banter between these two was 🤌🏻💋 Scarlette always writes the perfect side characters I loved them just as much as the mc. I cried, I laughed and oh my did I swoon. I cannot wait to be back in this world especially with that ending👀 I dual read this with the earc and 10/10 recommend the narrators did a fabulous job with this one!

Laura and Tristen knocked this audiobook out of the park! It was sooo fun good. Laura’s voice just pulls you in and captivates you! Tristen was great as well!

Adding my review for the book down below but so grateful I also received the audiobook! It was absolutely amazing!

Scarlett had me at “Hey guys, I’m writing a new book.”
Then she had to go and add feminist rage, a Lilith retelling, mafia elements and make it fantasy? I don’t know how she does it, but it’s like she reached into my brain and crafted exactly what I needed. This book fed my mind, my heart, and honestly, my soul.

As someone who’s still religious but grew up with some pretty intense religious trauma, this story hit on so many levels. That tension between wanting to believe in something bigger—but not trusting those in power to hold it sacred—was portrayed so well. The way Lily’s pain and rage were handled? Gut-wrenching. Her life, so controlled by men, felt devastatingly real. It made me want to cry angry tears—and honestly, I still might.

But beyond that, the world-building was next level. I’ve never read anything like it. The magic system was unique and layered, and there was this subtle brilliance in the naming—if you grew up super religious, a lot of things might ring familiar in a way that feels eerie and intentional.

Now… Z. Daddy Z.
Scarlett somehow keeps outdoing herself with her male leads, and Zahariev? He’s the blueprint. He’ll kill for her, protect her silently, expect nothing in return—and all he really wants is her. (Okay, he wants her badly, but that’s a whole other glorious topic.)

Scarlett didn’t earn the title Queen of Smut for nothing—and if I could crown her again, I would in a heartbeat. What I love most is how much emotion she pours into her steamy scenes. It’s never just spice for spice’s sake—it’s intimate, meaningful, and adds so much depth to the story and the characters.

I could honestly go on forever, but if you made it to the bottom of this review, forehead kisses for you 💋
Please preorder this book immediately—you need it on your shelf.

Admittedly, I have not had a great track record with SSC books but this sounded like a good premise and I wanted to give it a go.

I had a great time with this audiobook. I liked Lilith, she was not completely annoying but def was the main character. I really loved the MMC and the side characters have a lot of potential. And the spice was great. All and all I'm excited to see where this series goes.

Thank you to SSC, Tantor Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly

5⭐3🌶️

I really didn’t expected to become obssesed with this book.The world building was good and magic system was unique. It was witchy, dark fantasy with little bit of feminine rage. The romance was even hotter.

I loved lilith. She's strong and a badass. But is kinda bratty too which is undebatable after she had gibe through. Her character development was so good. I love her "don't give a shit energy "

Zahariev 🥵🥵🥵 🔥🔥
It should be illegal how hot that man is. He can do no wrong. He is morally gray. He kills people who hurts her. There are age gape between them but I liked it. Even though it was a slow burn but the tension between them was so thick and hot.

Plot wise, it was a good too but it felt like little biiit predictable. But last few chapters went in a direction that i could never expected. It was perfect . the audiobook narrators were perfection. it's laura horowitz and tristan warden. I love the way they bring each characters into life.


"Huge thank you Netgallary and RBmedia for the audiobook arc."

OMG okay, listen — I just finished the audiobook of this absolute insane book and I’m not okay. I lived in this story. Breathed it. Cried through it. Wanted to fight god (or a few archangels) by the end. The narration was perfection, like it brought every scene and emotion to life, and don’t even get me started on the tension. UGH. The tensionnnnn.

Let’s talk about Lilith first, because wow. This woman is female rage incarnate and I was eating it up like it was a five-course meal. She’s fiery, she’s real, and she’s so relatable in that “don’t you dare tell me what to do unless you’re tall, broody, and named Zahariev” kinda way And Zahariev? Whew. That man had me weak. I swear, he had no business being that emotionally constipated and that sexy at the same time. And the fact that he falls first? I’m feral. Literally screaming into my pillow.

Their banter? Top-tier. The sarcasm? Sharp. The slow burn? TORTURE in the best possible way. It’s one of those stories where you're gripping the edge of your seat yelling “just kiss already” while also praying for one more scene of delicious tension. The spice comes later, but baby, it builds and it is so worth the wait. 👏🏼

Now, here’s where it hits deep: this book dives into some heavy stuff. Religion, politics, religious trauma — and it's done with so much care and thought. It never felt like it was there for shock value; it felt intentional. And honestly, some of it broke me. I was not emotionally prepared and I absolutely cried. Multiple times. Scarlett St. Clair, you owe me tissues and therapy.

But through all the pain and plot twists and chaos, this story felt like a love letter — to women, to mothers, to everyone who’s been silenced, controlled, underestimated. It’s powerful, and it doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated truths of being a woman in a world that wants to tame you.

OMG okay, listen — I just finished the audiobook of this absolute insane book and I’m not okay. I lived in this story. Breathed it. Cried through it. Wanted to fight god (or a few archangels) by the end. The narration was perfection, like it brought every scene and emotion to life, and don’t even get me started on the tension. UGH. The tensionnnnn.

Let’s talk about Lilith first, because wow. This woman is female rage incarnate and I was eating it up like it was a five-course meal. She’s fiery, she’s real, and she’s so relatable in that “don’t you dare tell me what to do unless you’re tall, broody, and named Zahariev” kinda way And Zahariev? Whew. That man had me weak. I swear, he had no business being that emotionally constipated and that sexy at the same time. And the fact that he falls first? I’m feral. Literally screaming into my pillow.

Their banter? Top-tier. The sarcasm? Sharp. The slow burn? TORTURE in the best possible way. It’s one of those stories where you're gripping the edge of your seat yelling “just kiss already” while also praying for one more scene of delicious tension. The spice comes later, but baby, it builds and it is so worth the wait. 👏🏼

Now, here’s where it hits deep: this book dives into some heavy stuff. Religion, politics, religious trauma — and it's done with so much care and thought. It never felt like it was there for shock value; it felt intentional. And honestly, some of it broke me. I was not emotionally prepared and I absolutely cried. Multiple times. Scarlett St. Clair, you owe me tissues and therapy.

But through all the pain and plot twists and chaos, this story felt like a love letter — to women, to mothers, to everyone who’s been silenced, controlled, underestimated. It’s powerful, and it doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated truths of being a woman in a world that wants to tame you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this audiobook

Wow. I am stunned by how much I enjoyed this book.
I read a Touch of Darkness when it first came out, and I remember it being a fun, easy read. But this book was leagues above that series. Truly incredible to see how much St. Clair has evolved as an author. I was so hooked. Excellent narration.

Terror At The Gates is a haunting dance of shadows and whispers, where an ancient, enduring power weaves its silent hunger through the fabric of time, stealing away everything she holds dear with a quiet, unyielding grace. ✨🌙

Lilith Leviathan moves through the world like a delicate storm—both the dawn and the dusk, embodying chaos and serenity in perfect harmony. Her story is a siren’s call, a melody of fierce resilience wrapped in vulnerability, echoing the depths of love and loss.

In the sultry, forbidden district of Nineveh—where sin and secrets mingle like lovers—Lilith seeks refuge, her magic a shimmering thread in the tapestry of darkness. When a blade of rare beauty appears in her hands, she dares to hope, to imagine a future beyond shadows. But that hope is fragile, like glass, shattering quietly when death claims her usual buyer, leaving her trembling in the silence of uncertainty.

Enter Zahariev—mysterious, commanding, a man whose words are secrets and whose touch hints at danger and desire intertwined. His power is forged in shadows, yet beneath it lies a tender heart that recognizes her pain.

Their worlds collide like storm and stillness, igniting a spark that threatens to burn away the veils of lies and silence. Their bond is delicate—a flickering flame amidst chaos—but one that dares to challenge the very foundations of faith, authority, and destiny.

Together, they chase elusive truths and hidden powers, their devotion a fragile yet formidable force, daring to confront the darkness that looms at every turn. Their love is a rebellion—an act of defiance against the silence imposed by church and crown, a song of hope amidst despair. Terror At The Gates is a poetic odyssey into the wild, dangerous depths of the soul, where every heartbeat sings with the thrill of the forbidden, and every breath is a prayer to the darkness and light that dwell within us all.

A story that beckons like a shadowed muse, whispering promises of power, passion, and the courage to face the chaos within and without. It’s a tale that lingers long after the final page, a delicate, roaring symphony of love and rebellion in the face of eternal night. 🌹✨

Terror at the Gates is the first book in a new series by Scarlett St. Clair, set in an urban world that feels familiar but has some key differences the author reveals throughout the story. There are a lot of religious references, and it’s clear St. Clair is pushing back against certain ideologies and showing how they can sometimes do more harm than good.

The main character is the daughter of one of the powerful families (kind of a mafia vibe, but not exactly) and she’s living in the territory of a rival family. One of the main rules in their world is that families aren’t supposed to mix, but of course, that’s not going to stick when it comes to her and the male lead.

This book really focuses on building the world and introducing the politics and characters. There’s tension and angst between the two leads from the start, and when things finally heat up near the end, they go all in.

The plot was really intriguing, and the twists at the end definitely hooked me. I’m excited to see what happens next.

Terror at the Gates is the first book in a new series by Scarlett St. Clair, set in an urban world that feels familiar but has some key differences the author reveals throughout the story. There are a lot of religious references, and it’s clear St. Clair is pushing back against certain ideologies and showing how they can sometimes do more harm than good.

The main character is the daughter of one of the powerful families (kind of a mafia vibe, but not exactly) and she’s living in the territory of a rival family. One of the main rules in their world is that families aren’t supposed to mix, but of course, that’s not going to stick when it comes to her and the male lead.

This book really focuses on building the world and introducing the politics and characters. There’s tension and angst between the two leads from the start, and when things finally heat up near the end, they go all in.

The plot was really intriguing, and the twists at the end definitely hooked me. I’m excited to see what happens next.

I devoured this book in two sittings and I’m still swimming in mythology, intrigue, and dark romance! Lilith Leviathan is the fiercest heroine I’ve met this year—banished from her family and scraping by as a cunning thief in the sin-drenched district of Nineveh. But when she swipes a mysterious blade, her life explodes. Enter Zahariev, the brooding ruler of Nineveh, a man with secrets deeper than the city’s underbelly. Their connection sparks instantly—equal parts friction and magnetism.

What I adored:
- Feminist reimagining of Lilith—a woman reclaiming her power in a world designed to silence her, expertly woven into a gripping fantasy plot
- Dark, immersive world-building—from mafia-esque family politics to oppressive religious institutions, with layered shades of gray at every turn.
- Slow-burn but scorching chemistry—Zahariev is protective without being cliche, and Lilith matches him blow for blow.
- Thoughtful handling of trauma & rage—this isn’t just sexy fantasy; it’s a story about healing, power, and surviving the fallout of a system built to break women <3

Sure, the ending leaves a lot of doors open—but that’s perfect. I’m beyond excited for book two.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was excellent—a powerful, unflinching look at the sexism, hypocrisy, and blind faith that can so often be entwined with organized religion. Lilith is a fierce, complicated, and ultimately endearing protagonist, scarred by the rigid belief system she was raised in and now fighting to build a life on her own terms. And Zahariev? PEAK book boyfriend material. He’s so hopelessly down bad, it’s almost criminal—and I promise you’ll be just as obsessed with him as I am.
Highly recommend to most readers, though it may be a tough or uncomfortable read for those with deeply traditional religious views.

One thing about it…ima read a book by Scarlett! My girl never disappoints! The way she executes these modern retellings and all the messages throughout the books are always so good! From the abuse and way people manipulate ppl with the Bible to defend cruel behavior and create a superiority over others. The way she managed to bring up topics of how men are trying to control everything involving a woman and so much more. This books was fantastic and so was the audio! I cannot wait until book 2 of the series! I hope Lilith’s heart gets to heal but that plot twist at the end was…WOW

I’ve read other books by Scarlett St. Clair, and she’s definitely a vibes author. Her books don’t usually have a ton of world-building, and the characters tend to be fairly surface-level. I read her stuff just to have a good time or as a palate cleanser between more in-depth reads. This book is no different, and honestly, it’s kind of obvious that some ideas were pulled from other books. The urban vibe and Zahariev being the leader of a “sector” immediately made me think of City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards (very similar vibes). The concept of powers being siphoned from someone else and it being a huge issue for the main character instantly reminded me of Rain of Shadow and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich. So, the fact that two major plot points made me think of two popular book series wasn’t great. The story just didn’t feel as original as some of St. Clair’s other work, which is kind of disappointing.

The MMC and FMC’s physical relationship felt rushed and a little off at times. They almost hook up right after her best friend dies in the same apartment where it happened, while the blood is still there?! Then, right after the FMC’s childhood home is destroyed and her family is presumed dead, they spend hours (and most of the next day) just messing around, even though they’re supposedly in a rush to figure out who did it. It just doesn’t make sense and feels really forced. If you know you’re writing another book, maybe hold off on making them physical until the next one, when it could feel more natural.

The male narrator really pulled me out of the story. There were strange pauses and long breaths, and his voices didn’t match the tone of the book. On the flip side, the female narrator did a great job. I’ve listened to a bunch of audiobooks she’s narrated and will definitely keep doing so.

This was sooo good!
My second audiobook ever and my first ALC and it was so worth it. I listened at 1.75× because and I had such a great time.

I also received an ARC from NetGalley a couple of weeks ago, so I already read this book, but listening to it now just gave me another perspective and I love these characters amd story sooo much!!!
Can't wait for the second book because that ending left me with so many questions.

“I would go to war for you. I would fight endlessly to keep you, if that’s what you wanted.”

I ate this UP!! Literally as soon as I got it. Such a well needed hangover cure from CoGaM 🙂‍↕️ And dare I say- Just as hot?! The slow burn, angst!! Whewww 🥵 Does it for me every time.

I’ve read only Book 1 of her other series, but I have to say- I def liked this one better, esp our FMC. She was such a mood, like when it came to Zahariev????
YES GIRL. I’d be dowwwn bad too, omfg.
Just their whole chemistry had me biting my sleeves, screaming into pillows, like KISSSS ALREADY 👹
I love it lmfaoo.

Now story wise???? Scarlet ate w/ this premise. Such a fantastic retelling of Lilith. And the magic system, how only women are empowered, I loveeee. I do wish it went a lil more in depth about it though, like give me more, what else can they doooo. A lovely intro to the series though, so much mystery!! And that ending? OKAY OKAY OKAYYYY- I need Book 2 like, this year pls lmfao. Overall, I loved this, no notes. Laura Horowitz’s narration of Lily was HAWT 🥵 BUT I do wish Tristan Warden had more???? Like pls just make this a duet, I can’t.
@AudioPublishers EVERY AUDIO SHOULD BE A DUET AT MINIMUM, PLEASE & THANK YOU. ‘Cause his POVs were so short?! I needed moreeee 👹👹👹

I absolutely horked this audiobook down! I couldn’t stop ear reading! Laura and Tristan do phenomenal work bringing these characters to life!!

I originally thought there was going to be more male narration throughout the book (instead of just Z’s snippets) but Laura has great range and her male voices did the job perfectly!