Some people journal. Me? When I want to punch a wall, I reach for a book full of feral, feminine rage.

𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 is an ode to the 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧™—the ones too loud, too stubborn, too angry to be silenced by internalized misogyny or relentless gaslighting. It’s fantasy, sure, but the injustices in St. Clair’s world are all too real.

Here, a woman is only valued in how she—and her power—can serve a man. Religious zealots. Political dynasties. Daughters treated like bargaining chips. It’s a brutal world that often hit far too close to home.

The backdrop? Eden is gritty, raw, urban. St. Clair wires the city with thick, electric tension; you feel the watchful eyes of the mafia-esque ruling families on the back of your neck. Drama—and trauma—lurks in back alley shadows, seeps through every crack in the pavement.

In Lilith, we get a feral, furious FMC with first rate Fuck You energy. She’s Tory Vega but more brat. Bryce Quinlan with extra bite and a looser grip. She’s reckless, vulnerable, tenacious—and for all her magic, deeply human. She made choices that made me want to scream. Somehow, I kept rooting for her. As she figured her shit out, she grew on me—and by the end, I was all in.

Though no one is as all in on Lilith as Zahariev. This broody man is beyond down bad. His protectiveness? Pure touch-her-and-die devotion. I loved every searing moment of tension—and their collision when they finally caved to the heat.

𝑨𝒍𝒔𝒐:

✨ A unique magic system that’s just starting to reveal its layers

🩸 Mystery, intrigue, and gut-punch twists that keep you hooked—even when the pace slows

🐍 Authority figures you’ll want to rage against

❤️ Found family and besties who bring just the right touch of levity and softness to the story’s sharp edges

🐈‍⬛ Proof that kittens make everything better (though honestly, I just wanted to cuddle Cherub)

💥 A HOLY SH*T ending that’ll leave you desperate for the next book

𝑻𝑳;𝑫𝑹: If you crave gritty, urban fantasy soaked in neo-noir tension—and a heroine who refuses to be tamed—𝘛𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 will fuel your feminine rage against a brutal, twisted world. This story grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the final, jaw-dropping moment.

Terror at the Gates was the book I didn’t know I needed. I love how Scarlett St. Clair has this amazing ability to build and twist mythology into stories like this one.

As someone who is the granddaughter of two pastors, was raised in the church, forced into a religion I didn’t choose until I was able to leave on my own, I really resonated with Lilith in this book. I felt myself applauding her way of thinking and feeling so empathetic to how she was raised and her religious trauma.

I loved her resilience throughout the book and her growth as she found her strength to be unapologetically who she is.

This book was healing in a way and is for those of us who were raised in the church and were silenced when we questioned the foundations of the religion.

Scarlett St. Clair is an auto buy author for me, so I was so so excited to be approved for an ARC by Bloom Books through NetGalley and can’t say thank you enough.

Absolute masterpiece as usual. Scarlett really knocked it out of the park with this one. From page one, I was hooked. The characters were great. The plot was great. The slow burn was just enough and when it finally reached an inferno I was giggling and kicking my feet. I laughed, I sobbed, I had a great time honestly.

Oh man, this was so good!! I loved this author’s series about Persephone and Hades and while I read a few other books from her other series, they definitely didn’t grab me like her Greek myth one did. But then I heard about this one. Inspired by Lilith for a whole new urban fantasy series? And with the teasers he kept releasing, I was more than intrigued. And I’m so happy it lived up to the expectations I set because it was so good! We have an interesting new world with a whole bunch of interesting new characters. Our main characters Lilith and Zahariev are fantastic. Lilith lives in this world where the church and their mission has too much power as well as the men who rule each distract of their slice of the world. And even though Lilith’s family holds power and she has magical power, like women do in the high status part of society, it doesn’t matter. Expectations come down to being married off so someone else can use her power. So she runs to Zahariev and his territory. He lets her stay and keeps her safe, for the most part and against her wishes. But things soon change when Lilith comes across a magical dagger. Death follows, new creatures appear, and the dreams she keeps having get more confusing by the night. There is just so much more going on than anything Lilith could have imagined. And when tragedy strikes, she will do whatever she can to find out the true source of this horror. I loved this book. The world building was so interesting and I loved Lilith! She is such a great character who just gets stronger and stronger as the story goes. And I adored her relationship with Zahariev. I loved seeing it slowly turn into more as the story went on. It was clear there was something sparking between them and it was only a matter of time until something snapped. Their banter was great and I loved getting these one page snippets of his point of view. I would love just a whole book with his point of view to be honest. He respected and loved Lilith exactly as she was and didn’t seek to change her even when she drives him crazy. We also got a pretty crazy ending and I will be demanding the next book to come asap! I cannot wait to see where this story goes.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing. The concept was so fresh and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The magic system and culture of the world revolving around religion was very interesting. I also loved the feminist themes and felt they were very fitting to today’s day and age. The romance in this book was so good - a slower burn filled with yearning until finally the characters got together with Scarlett St Clair’s signature spicy flair. Can’t wait for the next instalment in this series!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I loved this book so much more than I expected to. It was such a unique story. The writing and the world building kept me so invested that even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it.

This book is female rage coded, so I can’t wait until the next couple of books to see Lilith really stick it to the man. Though, this is a fairly forward and critical commentary on the church, so if you aren’t comfortable with that, you may not like this. I, however, thought it was an interesting take.

The couple in this book has so many great quotes and moments together, that had me squealing and blushing. Zahariev and Lilith will always have my heart. I also really liked that Zahariev’s point of view in between the regular chapters were so short. It gave you a look into what he was thinking, without having to reread the same scenes just in his POV.

As far as the first book in a series goes, this one does a great job at setting the scene and enticing the reader and the fact that we have to wait for the next book to come out may actually kill me.

*A special thank you to Bloom Books and Netgalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

Terror at the Gates is the first book in the Blood of Lilith series written by Scarlett St. Clair.

What to expect:
*Forbidden romance
*Religious trauma
*Slow burn / Touch her and ☠️

Another absolutely fantastic book written by this author! I am not normally a fan of religious material written into books but this storyline had a unique twist to it without being “preachy.”

Lilith was a strong, independent FMC without being reckless, Zahariev was a supportive MMC that was more than willing to assist the FMC with her secret excursions.

Book does end on a cliffhanger, no cheating or third act breakup.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Lilith (FMC) & Zahariev (MMC)

4 stars — Powerful, bold, and emotionally gutting.

This is a dark feminist fantasy steeped in religious trauma, political power, and female rage. It’s a modernized retelling of the story of Lilith.

In this alternate world, only women have magic, but are still completely subjugated by men and the Church. Lilith, a daughter of one of the five most powerful families, grew up facing horrific abuse from the Church’s highest-ranking authority. When she comes of age, she refuses to marry and instead runs, finding refuge under the protection of Zahariev, a morally gray mafia-style leader who becomes her protector.

🔥 What to expect:
• Witchcraft & forbidden magic
• Fantasy mafia vibes
• Only women wielding power
• Slow-burn, forbidden romance
• Female rage simmering beneath the surface
• Powerful religious and feminist themes

Lilith is a deeply flawed but fierce protagonist. Her choices don’t always make sense, but they feel honest. I cried more than once for her. Zahariev, while not as fully developed yet, feels like the perfect grounding force in her life. I loved their complicated, intimate dynamic.

There are tough topics throughout: assault, oppression, systemic abuse, and control of women’s bodies. Please read content warnings carefully before diving in.

If you love mythological retellings, rage-filled women reclaiming power, and stories that aren't afraid to challenge religious and societal norms, this one’s for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read Terror at the Gates.

I’ve waited a long time for a Lilith retelling, and this did not disappoint. If you are a student of the lore behind the story of Lilith, then you will be in for a treat! Set in a modern city backdrop under the ruthless rule of a corrupt and abusive caste system controlled by the church, Lilith is trying her best to navigate her world and try to figure out how she can stay free and alive. This is a dizzying world of power, corruption, and magic seething beneath the surface. This world is lush and stands on the bones of major mythos and a forbidden love story that will shift the world. Zahariev Zareth is the man to help her forge her own path without forcing her into submission, he should be her enemy, but he has other plans. Beware, the cliffhanger is a banger, and you will have to sit with it. I cannot wait to see this power couple rise up in the next book and what demons they face together! What would you give for love? Readers of this genre will love the mystery, adventure and slow burn romance between the main characters.

OK SCARLETT ST CLAIR!!!!! i was unfamiliar with your game but girl you sure have my attention now 🙂‍↕️🫡

i knew 5% in that this was going to be a five star read — omg this book is F A N T A S T I C 👏👏👏 scarlett sets a fast paced plot and the fantasy elements felt fresh and unique.

the tension between zahariev & lilith is juicy and TAUT and their banter was BANTERING. i fell in love with their dry sense of humor and the way they interacted. zahariev is my new favorite book boyfriend. he is PERFECT. the burn is slooooow but damn, when it hits…. 🔥

easily one of my favorite reads of the year. please pick this book up, it was stunning!!! thank you bloom books for my e-arc!

So good! St. Clair is on my must-read list now! I read her A Touch of Darkness after finishing the Crescent City series and loved it. This new book about Lilith gives the same modern take on female rage in a fantasy world with excellent romance that builds to spice. The tension will keep you turning the page and Cherub will warm your raging heart.

The slow burn. The tension. The STORYLINE. Obsessed.

I found part of myself in Lilith and her badass self, her determination, perseverance and drive to break chains. I absolutely loved her.

Zahariev is perfection and I ate up every bit of his and Lilith’s interactions. The banter was also top tier and I was living for every second.

I’m actually not sure what Scarlett put in this book, but it’s beautiful, and I cannot wait for book 2!

The cliffhanger will have you picking your jaw off the floor.

I have so many things I could talk about with this story.
Whether it's the way it dissects religion, the power of female friendship, or women's ability to be both soft and strong in the same sentence.
I'll start with Lilith, who has become a top FMC for me.
The strength to fight for your own happiness day in and day out is exhausting, and I just want to hug her. I fear there are so many women out there who have similar experiences to Lilith who never get the redemption they deserve.
Now, Zahariev. My man would die to see her flourish.
He never wanted anything in return, except to be wanted by her. And that makes me want to die. I looooved getting his little snippets at the end of each chapter. Getting to peek behind the curtain just enough to drive up the tension. He's the definition of Black Cat character which makes so much sense as to why Lilith loves Cherub so much.
I'm living for the drama of all the head families and the mafia vibes it's giving. I can't wait to hopefully learn more about the dynamics of the world.
I could probably talk about them forever and I doubt people are even still reading a review this long.
So in short, if you love: religious themes urban fantasy frenemies to lovers he falls first
Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlett's team for this ARC!

When I read the synopsis for this one, I knew it would be my vibe. I love the way this story incorporates Lilith’s message with a modernized society. In religious texts, Lilith is known as Adam’s first wife, molded from the same clay, his equal. Yet, Adam expected Lilith to be subservient to him, always underneath him (wink wink). Lilith rejected his demands and asserted her equality, fleeing to the Garden of Eden, leading to her demonization. Lilith symbolizes feminism in her demands for female equality and rejection of patriarchal ideology, and St. Clair’s Lilith is no different.

In this story, our FMC Lilith possesses a form of magic that allows her to control people based on their desire (her magic reminds me of a combination of vampiric compulsion and succubus magic). Though, in this society, a woman’s magic is rarely used because their magic can only be used as directed by their husband or father, as women are the only one’s who inherit magic, but men rule their society…but our girl Lilith is a little rebel. After fleeing her home and familial obligations, she finds sanctuary in the city of sin…which just so happens to be ruled by our main man, Zahariev.

The banter and the longing between these characters was incredible. Both Lilith and Zahariev are down BAD for each other from the very start, having known each other for years, yet their coupling being “off-limits” due to their familial lines. I think this is the first time I’ve read a book where the woman was the one “chasing” the man, and I loved this twist. I loved that he constantly puts the ball in her court and waits for her to consciously pursue him, because he’s trying to give her the power, which is something she hasn’t had in the past as a survivor of abuse. He still makes it very clear with his words and actions how much she means to him, but sets the boundary that he won’t make a move until she outwardly states she wants him to.

This story isn’t truly dual POV, but at the end of each chapter, we get a little excerpt of Zahariev’s thoughts, sometimes a page or two, sometimes just one sentence, but they had me swooning every 👏🏻 single 👏🏻 time 👏🏻.

Scarlett has done it again! She gave me another world to fall into and fall in love with.

Following Lilith in this urban fantasy world of male dominance was the epitome of female rage. This story is full of religious trauma, mafia politics, and gritty reality thrown in.

The subject matter is heavy but so very important to read about.

This friends-to-lovers romance is set against a world where women inherit power through their bloodlines…but the husbands get to wield all the power and the women are trained to deal with it.

We also have a found-family that I absolutely loved , a furry companion that brought a light-heartedness to the story .

This was an amazing start to a series. Thank you Scarlett and Bloom Books for the ARC!

Female Rage ✅
Morally Gray Characters ✅
Found Family ✅
Frenemies to lovers ✅
Forbidden romance ✅
Yearning/tension ✅
Spice ✅
Animal sidekick ✅

An urban fantasy with gothic-noir vibes.
Couldn’t put it down. Didn’t expect the twist at the end.
Check your trigger warning!

This was a great read. Simmering, teasing romance that paid off. Undertones of what’s to come next which I can’t wait to read! Pretty much ends on a cliffhanger! This book gave me keanu reeves Constantine vibes which is one of my favorite films. Cant wait to see what these characters get up to in the next installment!

Ma'am, what a book!!!!!!!!

The premise is killer -- a dangerous mythical weapon that seems to leave a trail of murders in its wake, mob families (they're not really the mob but it's pretty much modelled as such), and copious romantic tension. I absolutely loved Zahariev's portrayal: he's quiet but badass / powerful and he's constantly looking out for Lilith. The tension between them was sizzling and the smut takes off towards the latter part of the book. Also, it was a great choice (imo) to incorporate tiny snippets of Zahariev's POV at the end of Lilith's chapters.

There are things in the story that really took me aback (regarding a specific character death) and I loved how the author infused so many twists and turns in the plot. Highly recommended to fans of sexy romantasy with a sinful backdrop. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

4,25⭐️

thank you netgalley for this ARC!

(can contain spoilers)
an urban fantasy never disappoints!! i really liked this! it was very different than other books i’ve read and had a very unique plot! i really enjoyed it!! the mmc is 🤌🏼🤌🏼 and i also really liked the fmc!!
the slowburn was amazing!
the plot itself was very interesting and you get left at a plottwist with a lot of questions! it could get a little slow in some parts but it was still enjoyable!
will definitely read the next book in this series!!

I really enjoyed this, it’s such a breath of fresh air into the romatasy genre. This book is a dark paranormal romance and it does not follow the usual tropes of formula.

Lilith was an amazing FMC, strong willed and determined to change the path an oppressive religion set up for her: getting married and becoming a siphon of magic for her husband who would be chosen for her by the church and her parents.
I think the novel touches of very important aspects of the real world while being set in an alternative universe. A religious oppression of women, wanting to diminish their thoughts, body autonomy and any shred of independence. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

Zahariev is probably one of my all time favorite MMCs. I found him to be very level headed and mature, while being entirely devoted to Lilith and her wishes. So well written over all, both in terms of characters and the tone of the book.