Five stars!!! My new favorite Scarlett St. Clair book.
I knew instantly when the blurb for this book was released that I was going to absolutely devour it. I have been dying for a good Lilith book. This book did not disappoint! I love a good feminine rage book and mixing it in with religious trauma was chef's kiss!!! I love how this book handled religion, making it its own but keeping it close enough to the source material for it to invoke serious feelings. It was close enough to reality without replicating reality if that makes sense. Anyone who loves fantasy knows we read the fantasy to escape the reality, so I really enjoyed how fine of a line this walked without overstepping. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and learning about the head family's, the church, and everything else that I don't want to spoil! I am so excited for book 2 to expand on what we already know now.
Lilith's character was imperfectly perfect to me. Her rebellion against the societal norms of her world, her rage and anger at her circumstances, her deep emotions and the wall she tried putting between herself and them, the way she had been made to feel so small and unable to do anything right by everything in her life and how that ended up being what gave her the power to be everything she was meant to be (and of course the part that Z plays in all of that). I related so much to her character. The way she believed her feelings made her weak and how feeling weak made her angry. How she pushed away the few things in her life that were pure because she didn't believe she deserved them or that anyone would ever look at her as anything more than a burden. Seeing her transformation from that to where she is by the end of the book was glorious. Even though she has new obstacles she will have to face after that cliffhanger when it comes to herself and how she feels about herself. Her growth was powerful.
And then there is Zahariev, who I am completely feral for and utterly obsessed with. Like seriously, where can I get myself one?! I love a man that is willing to burn the world for the women he loves. His patience with Lilith is so beautiful. He never pushes her and allows her to be exactly who she is. Never expecting her to be what their world believes she should be, not to mention he doesn't want her to be like that, as he loves her just the way she is. Their love is such a slow burn that I was on the edge of my seat absolutely begging for them to get together already! That buildup made it, so that it was absolute magic when they finally came together. They have me in such a chokehold.
Also, the side characters!!! I loved all of them. I was invested in all of them. I didn't feel like any of them suffered so another could shine. They all played important parts and had their own development and growth.
And then there is the big mystery that is the driving plot for the whole book, and I ATE IT UP! I was gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for evert piece of information I could get to figure out the larger puzzle. The twists and turns had me flying through this book. I am usually so good at guessing where a book is going and what is going to happen and when I say that I did not see this coming... I DID NOT SEE IT COMING! At every reveal I was speechless, jaw hanging open. And that ending?! Like whaaaaaat??? I have so many questions and my mind is still going a mile a minute since finishing!

I knew this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year for a reason and boy it did not disappoint! Waiting for book 2 will be a special type of torture.

What a story!! It was so great being back in a Scarlett St Clair world! I'm so obsessed with her writing, it's always a home run!!! This one took me on quite the emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute!

Okay, Terror at the Gates might just be Scarlett St. Clair’s best book yet. Like, she nailed this and I am obsessed with this. This is a feminist, rage fueled, forbidden love fantasy that checks so many of my favorite boxes: female rage? Check. Down with the patriarchy? Check. Mafia vibes? Forbidden love? Age gap? Religious trauma? Mystery and tension? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK.

Lilith is such a strong main character. She is sarcastic, witty, and full of bite, but also deeply emotional and vulnerable. I loved how unapologetically herself she is, and the way she refuses to bow to the oppressive world around her. She’s the kind of FMC you root for with your whole chest.

And Zahariev? Whew. He is peak "touch her and die" energy. I love that he protects and worships Lilith without ever trying to diminish her power; he knows she’s more than capable of handling herself and treats her like the badass she is. Their chemistry? 🔥 The banter? Top tier. The slow burn tension? Torturously perfect.

Beyond the romance, there’s so much rich world building, politics, and mystery that kept me turning the pages. The pacing is excellent, the stakes are high, and it just feels so fresh while still staying true to Scarlett’s signature style.

If you like stories about angry women reclaiming their power, a bit of fantasy mafia heat, and a romance that simmers under the surface but burns bright, then you need this book! I am fully obsessed and can’t wait to see where this series goes.

Thank you to NetGalley, Scarlett St. Clair, and Bloom Books for the eARC of this book.

Did anyone else pick up this book solely because of the stunning character art? I was excited to read "Terror at the Gates" after seeing the beautiful promotional artwork, but unfortunately, the story itself didn't live up to art-fueled hype.

The story follows Lilith and Zahariev as they team up to uncover a deadly conspiracy tearing through their city. While there's significant character introspection, the overall narrative feels more like a setup for future books in the series, than a complete story--leaving the plot feeling thin. The pacing often dragged due to mundane everyday events happening in the story, which ultimately made the story's final impact fall flat and a bit weak.

There is a big TW missing from the story, and I'm not sure if it's listed on the author's website, but if you have any, I would recommend checking that out first.

Nothing’s ever wrong when it’s love.
~
I remembered who I was. I was not a victim. I was not a sacrifice. I was Lilith, a survivor.
~
This book is absolutely everything and very well may be the best book that Scarlett has written so far, and the final product, from that fun idea hiding in a random tab over 1.5 years ago has become something so magical, so beautifully breathtaking, so emotional and powerful and everything between, and it’s because Scarlett puts her entire heart and soul into everything she does to bring the world stories that help them heal and help them find strength, and that’s what Lilith does as Zahariev quietly yet constantly supports her from the shadows and she navigates life in Eden in her own terms, and even ends up fighting some pulsing, blobby demons — just a normal Tuesday, right? There are truly not enough words to describe my love for this books or how genius and fantastic it was! Lilith’s journey is heartbreaking and frustrating and empowering and I can’t wait to see where she takes us. Z is down bad, and is the epitome of touch her and die vibes, and the way he moves around her orbit and listens to her is incredible. And little love? Don’t get me started! The dagger is such a captivating way to lead us through the beginnings of this story and it, along with the lore and symbolism (something Scarlett truly excels at) had me fully immersed and I didn’t want to come up for air, even as I was texting her absolutely unhinged reactions!

Thank you for letting me read this book! Scarlett St Clair is one of my favorite authors and this is why! This book was so good and I can't wait for the next one it had me hooked from beginning to the end.

𝕿𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖗 𝖆𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕲𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘 ❤️‍🔥 by Scarlett St. Clair 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thank you to @authorscarlettstclair & @netgalley for this ARC! 🖤

Lilith felt so real to me — like I could genuinely understand her. We LOVE a badass female character, and Lilith? She was not letting anyone tell her what to do. I was living for every second of her power and stubborn fire 😤😮‍💨

As for Z? I have no words. The way that man cared for her? I’m falling out. I need a Zahariev in my life, immediately. His POV?? 🫠🫠 (It’s giving Xaden but with smartphones and getaway cars 🔥)

Also, the worldbuilding? So good. Nothing felt like filler, and it had me immersed the entire time.

The twists and turns?? I was on edge the entire ride. I don’t want to spoil anything, but just know this book is serving: 🔪❤️‍🔥🥵🍆😏🐈‍⬛🔮🐍🫠

If you’re into:
-Enemies to lovers
-The hottest slow burn
-Mafia/urban fantasy vibes
-He falls first (and hard 😮‍💨)

Then you need to read this!

4/5⭐️

I've not read many urban fantasy books, but this one was so fun. The city of Eden was such a unique one, and the writing was descriptive and immersive enough that I felt like I was experiencing everything right next to Lilith.
The characters themselves were so entertaining, especially Cassius and Coco! The romance was sizzling between Z and Litlith, and I could not put my book down waiting for the slow burn to ignite.
I can't wait for book 2, because that cliffhanger was crazy.

thank you for the arc Netgalley!

For the lovers of urban fantasy, spicy main characters, and a blazing fast pace, this is your next read. With above average writing, quality banter, and a cast of loveable characters this book is a super easy and entertaining read. This book really delivers quality fantasy and quality romance, a hard task. Unfortunately the magic system is a bit lacking, but I am hopeful that we will see more in future books.

My one critique is how the author handled our characters primary struggle/driving force: religion. I really enjoy critiques of religion, particularly religious institutions, however the author tries to blend every fantasy religion trope under extremely thinly veiled Christianity. The main character should really be struggling with religion however we don't see that, instead she just has the occasionally snarky comment about the "religion" that is just Christianity with a couple names changed. There is no attempt to make a clear narrative for the religion, despite it being a key component of the story and everything stolen directly from Christianity. I appreciate the author critiquing religion and religious institutions but unfortunately the religion was only explored in a couple one off comments preventing us from understanding the main character's struggles.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Terror at the gates by Scarlett St. Clair is darkly delicious! I love female rage and the story of Lilth and I think this was perfect!

This isn't your everyday romance fantasy. There's hurt, rage, anger. so much with mafia, trauma, religion, with hate to love and it works so well.
I love the world building and lore that was deeply woven into the story and crafted so well. It's well written, quick paced, page turning. I was not bored at any time. its so good! If you're a fan of classics and fantasy, its a must read!

Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St Clair

I would categorize this book as a paranormal-mafia-romance, but a retelling of Lilith’s story.

Lilith (FMC) , truly embodies the “started from the bottom and now we’re here” journey. Her past traumas and the pain they carried were incredibly heartbreaking to read about, but the GROWTH she developed from these experiences was exceptionally well-written. 
 
Zahariev (MMC) is the epitome of the 
touch her and die. Who would destroy the world for the woman he loves. I especially enjoyed how he understood and protected her, becoming her ultimate safe place.

I was shocked when I received this ARC from NetGalley since I received noticed later in the game. I first became a fan for this author when I read Hades x Persephone Saga, so when I saw it post on NetGalley I had to shoot my shot. Thank you @authorscarlettstclair & @netgalley for selecting me as your ARC reader. Also HAPPY RELEASE DAY! 😏📕🐍

“You want me to do something about it?”
he asked.
“You can’t,” I said. “Not without starting a war.”
“I would go to war for you,” he said.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Y'all are really going to make me wait to see what happens, huh?

Oh my GOSH this was fantastic. The plot was thrilling and had me sitting at the edge of my seat for most of the book, and the tension between Lilith and Zahariev was palpable -- I couldn't get enough of them.

And Cassius and Coco?? I sense a standalone novel coming for these two 👀

Thank you, Sourcebooks, for the gifted e-ARC!! I can't wait to keep on reading this series.

5⭐️ for the vibes
3.5⭐️ overall - but I still really enjoyed it, okay!!

If you like Scarlett St. Clair’s other books I def recommend picking this one up!! Terror at the Gates is an urban fantasy with heaps of feminine rage and religious trauma.

“I would go to war for you. I would fight endlessly to keep you if that’s what you wanted.” Zahariev Zareth, the man that you areeeee. (He's also tall, dark, handsome, & tatted AF)

The slow burn and tension between Lilith and Zahareiv were built up perfectly and BABYYYY when they finally got together?? 🔥 Somebody hand me a glass of water!!

“I’m going to fuck your mouth so hard, you’ll forever think twice before you tell me I didn’t give you enough.”

The ending left me reeling and I desperately need more of Lily & Z!!

What to expect:
-Urban fantasy
-Feminine rage

-Forbidden love
-Found family
-Slow burn

Thank you to NetGalley & Bloom Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Do you ever read something and find that once you're finished, you just don't have a lot to say because you're just absorbing and marinating on the story and the characters and the vibes? That happened to me with Terror at the Gates.

This particular moment is a fantastic time for story with a heaping dose of female rage. If that's your cup of tea, read this. This has quickly shot up to take the spot as my favorite Scarlett St. Clair book to date.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that I love more than an angry woman. And that is Lilith. I knew going into this book that there would be some HEAVY content, and while to some that is intimidating, to me it signaled that this was going to be a very powerful book. The world Scarlett has crafted in some aspects can seem so unrealistic, but with the world we are living in (especially the United States), it doesn't seem so off base. Men in power who keep women confined to very specific roles, and women born into these powerful families, have cages far stronger than the average citizen.

Lilith's trauma is terrible, and she hasn't quite got a grip on handling how it impacts her when the story starts. What is incredible is to see how when things still go to the wayside throughout the book for her that we still see her go through every possible response. It can be triggering and emotionally a lot as a reader, but I think it forges this connection with Lilith we wouldn't get if she was some 100% emotionally adjusted character.

I hate being that reader that does the "if you liked this book then you will like this one", but I can't stop myself from saying that if you enjoyed Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood (CC 1) then this book is right up your alley! A strong heroine avoiding her family expectations and trying to solve mysterious things in her city... I mean c'mon! I didn't even touch the romance aspect in this review, but know that they hadn't even kissed and he had said he would go to war for her... someone fan me please!

I want to thank both Queen Scarlett St. Clair, NetGalley, and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. PLEASE GO READ THIS BOOK SO I CAN TALK ABOUT IT WITH OTHER PEOPLE!!!

The female rage!! I love it
I read this book in 1 sitting and absolutely LOVED it!
Lilith is my new spirit animal. she is just perfect and chaotic and i love her.
And can we talk about the mmc...... ZAHARIEV.... YUUUUUP ill take 20 of him please.
The morally grey? the touch her and die attitude? yup i think thats perfect we can wrap it up now....
The world building is crazy but when you get further into the story it begins to make a lot more sense!

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

The unique magic. the tension between Lilith and Zahariev was perfect . The way it was written giving only hints of the male main characters point of view left myself the reader wanting more

Fantastic read. I really enjoyed the world building here. The modern mixed with a very religion centered patriarchal society. I enjoyed the forbidden romance, rebelling from the family, and forging your own path.
I like the overall gist that the old gods have been replaced and trapped and need to be released. I think the overall book was well written and told, I will 100% read the second one.

I need more Lillith and Z pronto… give meeeeee.

The wayyyyyy the tension between this two had me drooling! The best slow burn that exploded with the best spice. I love these two so much. We Stan a man that will be there for his woman no matter what!!!

Overall this book was an amazing starter to this series! I think what made it fall a bit short of five star is the middle. The world building and extra bits just didn’t grab me by the lady parts. However, I knowwww with that ending we are getting so much more and I am READY!!!!

This is an urban fantasy book with such a captivating setting and unique world that Scarlett has created. Scarlett pulled from various religious and/or mythological elements to create a truly interesting setting. The oppression and abuse of women while simultaneously siphoning their magic, definitely activated my feminine rage. (As if it doesn’t stay active. 😅) There were so many parts to this story that kept me invested - a furry sidekick, political intrigue, a powerful and sexy AF man, heartwarming friendships and so much angst!

Overall, I’d definitely recommend this for readers who enjoy angsty main characters, open door spice, and unique world building! It was such a fun time and I’m really looking forward to the next book!

The only reason this wasn't a full 5 stars for me was because some of the storyline/dialogue felt abrupt or out of place to me and while I really love the unique world, there were times I had a hard time keeping up. I feel like having a physical copy to reference names in the front of the book will be helpful to the reader!