A very interesting read for those looking for a feminist perspective on religious material. While it could technically be categorized as Fiction, the novel does an amazing job of taking religious text and spinning it on its head in a way that is true to life. It asks the questions that many women, over millenia, have wondered? What role we played in the Creation story, who exactly is telling them, and why it is no longer enough to be content with being sidelined in our own society.

While being an amazing look into all of these questions, I could not help but feel that the prose was abrupt at times, going from a more flowery language one would see in a historical context to then being quite casual. It brought you out of the story a bit at times, but eventually I was able to jump back in.

I wanted so badly to love this book. Its premise, heroine, and message all seemed so up my alley but the execution was underwhelming. The novel set out to champion female rage, and in some ways it did explore the pain and frustration implicit in the existence of womanhood. It well understood how exhausting it is to fight with both men and misogyny, and the plight of women seeking justice in a world built for a patriarchy. Ultimately, to me, where it fell short is that the characters are reduced to caricatures. The entire story felt post-feminist (derogatory) in its oversimplification of motivations and reduction of conflicts. It sacrificed specificity for the sake of flowery prose, and surrendered tone for injections of 'wit'. Instead of establishing itself as timeless, it reads as precisely what it is--someone looking back from the 21st century, projecting her perceptions of man, religion, and womanhood onto history.

The potential was ripe, but the reality was luster.

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.

Stunning, enlightening. Everything I never knew I wanted to know.

Lilith is the first woman, destined to be mother of all. For her, knowledge and wisdom are gifts bestowed on her from the Great Mother. For those who would have her quiet, lovely, subservient, these are the things they wish to take from her. Her destiny appears to come to a swift end when she refuses to act as Adam’s serf and give him dominion over her. She is cast from the Garden of Eden by a new and vengeful God.

What most people don’t know is that by the time the Bible was written, any female incarnation of God had been intentionally removed. After all, men wrote these religious texts and it was in their interest to do so. Creation is a uniquely female talent, but instead of attributing that to a female God, the story goes that man is made in His image. How were men supposed to convince themselves and others that women were property without this propaganda? If you think about it for even a minute, the concept of the Creator being male seems sketchier and sketchier.

The novel takes you through millennia with Lilith as she tries to spread the word that only she knows to be true. The religion that so many flock to is fraudulent. Their God, the usurper.

This was a stunning and riveting story, and one that I will never forget. It deserves a place alongside Circe (with just one more edit).

If I had one complaint, I would say it moves too fast. At least from the first page, until the time where Lilith boards the Ark.

The best parts of Madeline Miller’s Circe is that she allows you to languish along with Circe. It’s not slow, but it gives the impression that you are living out immortality with Circe. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue does this as well. By the end of Lilith, you do feel that sensation, but the beginning feels like an entirely different novel. If they were two different books the middle-end is five stars, the beginning is two.

With Lilith, you barely know her before she has already left Adam. Only twenty pages in, she has left the garden, seeked out Asherah, been given the gift of wings, seen the world, and returned to find that Adam has created Eve. I would have loved if the novel had began with the birth of Adam and Lilith, if they had grown together as children in the garden with Asherah as their mother, which would have given the reader the opportunity to understand their dynamic and personalities. Adam’s betrayal would have been made impactful because of the anticipation. I didn’t have time to anticipate.

Adam could use some work. While this is inherent and necessary to his character, the characterization still needs work. Adam saying “no way” when Eve tells him about the Tree of Knowledge is a bit too modern. I prefer where he speaks in commandments, as if he is trying to mimic God. However, I don’t mind Lilith’s use of more modern language being that she is narrating this story from present day, and describing her early life to the reader.

Asherah, as prevalent as she is, seems glossed over somehow, and this is also because of the fast pace. She is arguably the most important character in the novel, but there is nothing to explain her dynamic with her husband Yahweh or her banishment other than misogyny = bad

There is also not a lot of characterization for Samael. I didn’t know him enough to miss him. His involvement in the story feels unfinished to me.

I’m so glad I pushed through because the middle-end is perfect.

By the middle portion of the novel where Lilith meets Norea, the pace is much better, the characters more developed, and the reader is able to form connections.

I really enjoy being able to recognize stories I was told as a child about Noah, Cain, Jezebel, Magdalene, and see these stories told with such a clear voice in a way that finally makes sense to me, much unlike the version I read in the Bible. The feminist lens that Lilith reveals to you puts these stories in perspective. It shows you the political intrigue behind the scenes. I may have stayed in Catholic school if they taught us about Asherah.

Lilith breaks down all of the questionable faults in these stories. Is Yahweh all powerful or is he simply an ambitious local God? Was woman really created from Adam’s rib? Did the whole world actually flood when two animals of every kind were herded onto the ark? Ask me how I felt when I realized that Jezebel, a name which is permanently associated with betrayal and promiscuity, was actually the victim of a man’s propaganda. Was the birth of Christ actually divine?

The more I read, the more I enjoyed the novel. The middle is like reading an entirely different book from the beginning. An issue that could be solved with a less hurried pace and info dumping.

That entire portion of the novel is jarring, hurried, and unsatisfying. If it was the choice of the publisher to make this a shorter book than it needed to be, I’m begging you. ADD SOME CHAPTERS.

Once the story fully enraptured me, this novel very quickly became a favourite. The time that Lilith spends with Jezebel and Magdalene are my favourite chapters. It stunned me to see how easily the wool was pulled over my eyes when I first learned these stories. How easily the masses accept propaganda as truth.

I’ve said it before. I’ll never forget her.

On October 17th, don’t walk. Run to your local bookstore. I can’t wait to put her on the shelf.

"Was it worth it, Adam? You took by force what you always had by love."

Lilith was so moving and empowering. I really enjoyed the fresh take on why Eve was forbidden to eat from the Garden of Eden, and that it gave her the knowledge that Yaweh was hiding to keep her submissive.

This is my first time reading a biblical retelling and while some parts of it forced me out of my comfort zone, it was a really fresh and modern way of telling the story of the first man and woman. I truly enjoyed this author and can't wait to see what else she comes out with.

The first third of Lilith is fantastic. We immediately understand and connect with Lilith, and Nikki Marmery is very good at blending plot and characterization. The story moves very quickly, and it sucks you in, making you eager to keep reading. I was rooting for Lilith.

And then it just… gets kinda boring. As a character and as a story, Lilith just just doesn’t have much to offer in the second act and beyond. It’s clear that she’s going to win, so even when the stakes are high, things feel dull.

I really try to keep an open mind when a book is comped to Madeline Miller. Lilith isn’t lackluster because it’s not Circe… but when you pitch as “in the spirit of Madeline Miller” in order to attract readers, that’s a very high bar to set, and Lilith doesn’t reach it. I believe Nikki Mamery has potential and I’d be interested to see what they write next, but hopefully the main character and stakes will be better.

Well-written, but I had a lot of difficulty continuing to read the story due to my beliefs and kept hoping that Lilith would come to see and believe in the one true God and that "God so loved the world that he sent his only son (Jesus) that whoever believes in him will be saved"(John 3:16). In the story Lilith wanted to see equality of men and women, but she didn't see how things changed for women, women going to college and having careers of their own.

Thank you netgalley for the eARC. I was not sure what i was getting into with this book. All i knew of Lillith was that she was the first and often forgotten wife of Adam. But this was a telling tale of her long journey. The ending made me happy. It changed so much of my thinking! (No spoilers). A must read

Thank you to Negalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced reader copy of Lilith, in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Wow, what a grand concept! Lillith by Nikki Marmery is a feminist retelling of the biblical story of creation. It follows the journey of Adam and his first wife, pre Eve, in Eden. Harmony lasts, until Adam wills Lillith to submit to his wills, and she refuses. Banished from Paradise, Lillith embarks on her quest for revenge that spans thousands of years. The story soars through Christian retellings, covering the great flood, Noah's arc, the world-rebuilding that follows, Jezabel, Mary...wow. My favorite parts were the earlier bits, all things Eden and Noah's arc. Lilith's relationship with Samael is beautiful. Her conflict with the angels always a delight. I loved their portrayal, their villany.

Marmery is a good writer. At the onset, the book gave me Louise Erdich mashed up with Laini Taylor vibes. Marmery's voice becomes solidly it's own as the novel unfolds. Her words are prose, falling like poetry. The read is slow and meant to be delishously savored. The fantastical bits are well developed. I felt as though I were walking beside Lillith througout every generation, seeing, experiencing, and feeling everything she experiences and feels. So well done!

The only parts that lagged were the chapters with Jezebel. I found myself less anchored to the characters and the story plot during those moments, and this is the only reason I didnt give the book 5 stars. Its close though. A really great read.

This is reccomended to those who struggle to see themselves in the male dieties we are instructed to worship...for those who hold feminist views regarding their spirituality. The novel is ambitions, epic, thought provoking. I rooted for Lillith clear to the end. 4.5 stars. Oh, so yummy.

I am so excited for others to read this book. You might have heard of the stories of Lilith, but I guarantee you’ve never heard one like this. As someone who deconstructed from Christianity, I have been waiting, yearning, for retellings of vilified Biblical women. And I am so thrilled to have read the Grandmother of them all (yes, smart people debate if Lilith is canon, but as far as I’m concerned, if not she, then her essence, is).

The only slight stumble was the chapters with Jezebel. I found myself not really caring for either Jezebel or Lilith during this point in the story. Jezebel felt less than fleshed out and Lilith was just along for the ride. However, I really enjoyed the Ark portion of the narrative, especially with how all the myths and legends surrounding Lilith came to be and who was behind them.

The best part was, hands down, Lilith and Maryam. I kept wondering if Maryam (better known to us as Mary…guess which one) was end game each time Lilith would be searching for her prophet, The inclusion of Thunder, Perfect Mind was inspired. The parallel of Lilith and Maryam having their own road to Damascus moment was especially poignant portion of the narrative.

Recommended to those, like me, never saw themselves in the male deities we were instructed to worship and always knew that there had to be more…And trusted ourselves to keep asking questions.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a free copy for me to review via NetGalley.

This was a great concept and I appreciated how good this story about Lilith was. It had a great writing style and I enjoyed how good Nikki Marmery's writing was. The characters felt like they were suppose to and it worked with the story being told. It left me excited to read more from Nikki Marmery and I'm glad I got a chance to read this.

"Figs and pomegranates, olives and vines in plenty. I’ll not stay here to watch my son enslaved by his cousins.’ The kindling crackled. I watched the flames dance. ‘What do you want from me?’Nahalath, of all the women, liked me least. She was suspicious and self-serving, but she was at least direct. ‘Give me the key to the grain store. Now, before they wake."

Lilith - A wonderful story based on the bible about men are not being lords over women - men and women are equals! Starting in Eden and then traveling both from different places and times along with meeting/being with others, Lilith, who is not quite how she is normally presented, is on a quest to let women know and accept that they are equals after her experience in Eden. While getting help along the way, she figures out what she needs to do and who can help. And when she thinks she's at her end, with no hope, finds help in the unusual.

A story for the ages and a great story for all women, Lilith is a must read!

Lilith by Nikki Marmery is a feminist retelling of the Hebrew creation myth that follows the journey of Adam's first wife, Lilith. The novel begins with Lilith and Adam living in harmony in the Garden of Eden, until Adam demands Lilith to submit to him. Lilith refuses and is banished from Paradise, which leads her to embark on a quest for revenge.

Lilith is a compelling and thought-provoking read that explores themes of gender inequality, power dynamics, and the search for self-actualization. The character of Lilith is portrayed as a strong and determined woman who refuses to be subjugated by men, and her journey through history is full of inspiring female characters, such as Noah's wife, Norea, Jezebel, and Mary Magdalene.

Marmery's writing style is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to different eras and settings throughout Lilith's journey. The novel is well-researched and draws inspiration from ancient myths and suppressed scriptures, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, Lilith is a triumphantly feminist retelling of the creation myth that showcases the power and resilience of women. Marmery's debut novel is ambitious and thought-provoking, and her engaging heroine will leave readers rooting for her until the very end.

4.5 Stars

’For women everywhere. Be your own gods. Your Mother commands it.’

’Of Adam’s first wife, Lilith, it is told
(The witch he loved before the gift of Eve,)
That, ere the snake’s, her sweet tongue could
deceive, And her enchanted hair was the first gold.
And still she sits, young while the earth is old,
And, subtly of herself contemplative,
Draws men to watch the bright web she can weave,
Till heart and body and life are in its hold. --Dante Gabriel Rosetti

’At first, I loved him. How beautiful he was in those days.
There he stood, legs planted wide in the rich soil of our Paradise. Hands on hips, his muscled arms firm and knotted as a young fig tree. His hair fell shining, raven-feathered, to his shoulders. His dark eyes beckoned.’

This story was inspired by ‘ancient myths and suppressed scriptures.’ It is a beautifully written story of how women came to be suppressed, controlled by men. Lilith, not Eve, is the first woman, although Lilith is banished when she makes it clear that she believes that she is equal to, and not less-than Adam. Adam, of course, disagrees and dismisses any ideas she has because, well, she is a woman, and thus less than him. She couldn’t possibly be capable of ’knowing’ anything of value to him, of having a worthy idea.

This includes several biblical characters Noah, Na'amah - Noah’s wife, Jezebel, Mary Magdalene, and Norea, and more, it also covers ‘events’ that most will recognize, including the building of the Ark, and the story that follows. But this is less a story of the origin of man, or of religion, than it is a telling of the beginning of the subjugation of women.

While this is a story based on ’tales as old as time’, and - like the bible - it is filled with multiple characters - Jezebel, Mary Magdalene, Noah, his wife Na'amah, Norea, and others whose stories are shared over time, it never felt disjointed. I loved how the story is shared, there is a balance that seems to show how much, and how little, things have changed, but offers hope for our collective future.



Pub Date: 17 Oct 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Alcove Press

Lilith is an atmospheric re-telling of the original Woman and her course through history after she is banned from Paradise. The story follows Lilith through time including her time on the Ark, and her interactions with the infamous Jezebel and Maryam. There were a few times throughout the book I found myself smiling at the female-friendship engagements and other times I nodded at the realistic portrayal of the effect of power on man. Overall the story-telling was poetic and enrapturing, however there were a few times in the beginning of the novel that felt linguistically incompatible with the rest of the story; this language difference jarred this reader and made it difficult to move on however, these instances stop after the first 15% or so. Overall, this was an interesting read and I adored the inclusion and focus on the women who are often left out of this story.

I did not like this as much as I thought I would. In some ways I feel like this lived up to my expectations and other ways I feel like it didn’t. The story is exactly as the premise states and I agree this is for fans of Circe. The writing is beautiful, the descriptions are lovely, and the portrayal of men vs women is excellent (in my opinion). I also liked reading about Lilith and her origin story. However, I don’t know what I was expecting but this story had way too much religion in it for me (which is entirely my preference) and thus I found it difficult to get through/boring at times. Regardless, I read this in a day and overall found it enjoyable. Also the cover is amazing.

I very much wanted to love this book, but I did not. The story is deeply rooted in the stories of the Bible and recounts the journey of Lilith, the first woman. The historical aspect is interesting, but sadly, the characters are not. The narration from Lilith herself is often difficult to read; this point of view makes her almost detached from the story and as such, it is difficult for the reader to become invested in her. The male characters are similarly unlikable; they are almost demonized, making them equally unlikable. While the writing itself is lovely, the story is not.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.

This was a beautifully written, poetic story of Lilith, who, I now have even more respect for. The dry humor, the storytelling, all of it was a compelling read and I enjoyed it so much.

I'm leaving a short review because even after redownloading multiple times the text does not show up properly on my kindle or the app? I'm putting this at 5 stars simply for how stunning the cover is.

An absolutely enthralling, unput-downable story of the Bible - from a woman who wants equality not salvation. Lilith (the demoness first wife of Adam) seeks a world where men and women can live equally, at peace with themselves and each other, a quest her daughters are on now.

as poetic as “lilith” is, it is both too modern and too archaic. the way that lilith speaks is wrought with dry humor and wit, but it is so modern. i did not feel rooted in place in the garden of eden nor any other mortal land we visited. i did not feel particularly moved. her portrayal of god (as well as every other character) was from a very christian point of view; very big booming voice / sky daddy. from a jewish perspective, this novel doesn’t make much sense. i wanted to see more of lilith’s emotional state, more of her power.

physicality is not described in any way, but i did. enjoy the way marmery portrays the evils that men do. adam is not glorified but shown as a man capable of rape. noah is not a hero. she does not shy away from the realities of male brutality.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.