2⭐️
I'm honestly surprised I finished this. I almost DNF'd multiple times, but managed to push through because I had a SLIGHT interest in finding out where the plot went. AlsoI ended up having time on my hands and picked this up because I didn't want to start a full new book- if not for that, I probably wouldn't have finished it. I was going to try and keep this review more positive but honestly this book disappointed on multiple levels so we're going with more of a rant.

Let's start with the world-building. There wasn't any! Full stop, from start to finish I had no idea what was going on here. We are in the city of Eden, in the district of Ninevah? Eden is ruled by five families, who each rule a district? The women of the five families have magic but maybe other women do too? That's basically all I know. Zahariev rules Ninevah, where most of our story takes place.

The characters here were also underdeveloped. Lilith has established relationships with every side character we meet, but we're never given a SINGLE detail about it. Like Gabriel, who is a sort of security/mafia man working for Zahariev. Lilith is super close with him (and his wife Esther) but we're never told how they met? How they got to be so close? How long they've known each other? She sees this man and his wife as family, and we are given ZERO context to their relationship. Same with her roommate Coco. Lilith grew up in a different district- so how the hell did she meet Coco?

Also every single character in this story solely exists to move around Lilith. Coco only exists to be Lilith's friend. The men who work for Zahariev only appear so that Lilith can argue with them. Even Zahariev himself ONLY exists for Lilith. He supposedly runs Ninevah and is this shady, dangerous man but we don't see any of that. We only ever see him protecting Lilith, cleaning up after her or standing around thinking about her. Even Gabriel- this man went through a huge tragedy and spends the aftermath thinking about how hard it must have been for Lilith. Are you freaking kidding me!?

Lilith was honestly unbearable- she was the main reason I found this so hard to get through. She's a mary-sue from beginning to end with zero self-awareness. She continually stomps her feet and insists that she's not a spoiled brat, while proving that she is in fact, a spoiled brat. I don't understand why any of the characters put up with him to be honest. Every time something went wrong she called Zahariev for help or went crying into his arms, only for her to turn around and insist that she didn't need his help. Then she would usually call him a coward or a hypocrite and be unforgivably rude. But he was obsessed with her? It really didn't make any sense.

Then we have the 'feminist retelling' of it all. Ya'll, giving your FMC a pissed-off attitude does not make it feminist. I think SSC was trying to make Lilith a sort of Aelin/Bryce type- sex appeal and street smarts, always one step ahead with a plan. Let's just say, it was a bit off the mark. Lilith never managed to do a single thing without Zahariev's help. He helped her move districts and paid for her new clothing so she fit in, paid her rent and gave her a job.
And sure, she lives in a patriarchal society where it's near impossible for women to do anything without the permission of a man. But Lilith herself also puts down other women. Her parents BOTH tried to force her into line, and forced society's expectations on her. But of course Lilith only blames her mother. She still gets lunch with her father once a week. She also thinks her boss at the dance club hates her SOLELY because the woman wants to sleep with Zahariev. Yeah, I'm sure that's why she hates you and not because you went over her head professionally and used your family name to secure yourself a job at her club. Must be because she's jealous of you. There was also a moment when Zahariev mentions he's expected to marry- Lilith names a woman we're never given context to and tells him not to marry her because "she's a bitch". Putting down other women to compete for a man is decidedly un-feminist in my books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I finished this book in a day! It was unique and I loved every minute of it. I am definitely excited to see what book 2 has in store. The slow burn was killing me. I’m obsessed with Zahariev he is the perfect mix of mystery and obsession


Thank you NetGalley for the arc! Loved it

Ok, so I have really mixed feelings about this book. I was super excited for it, I loved the concept and it had me really excited. But I don't feel like the payoff was there for me.

First, the plot is very chaotic. I feel like I never had a clear idea of what the main plot was. There was a lot going on, things bounced around a lot, and I was just confused on where things were going.

The characters were hit and miss for me. I found Lillith annoying. Very naive and a spoiled brat, and extremely entitled. I liked the idea of her, more than how she was written. I absolutely loved the MMC, for about 65% of the book. And then he started to fade for me. I just wanted more. He was so dark and broody and intimidating in the beginning, and he just got too soft. He lost his edge.

The smut was, strange. There was so much tension and build up throughout the book, and then when it finally happened, it felt very, vanilla for the plot and their circumstance. It felt like I was reading about a couple that had been together forever, rather than a brand new couple still in that hot honeymoon phase where everything is new and exciting. It wasn't bad, just wasn't what I expected or how I felt the lead up was hinting at.

The end, went balls to the walls the last 10%. So much was happening and also so many dumb things. I kept being like, oh so that's just gonna be what they do and it's gonna work out? It was strange. The big reveal at the end was slightly predictable and anticlimactic. And then the book ends on a cliffhanger.

All in all. I dunno if this series is gonna be for me. There was aspects I liked, but really from the 50% mark on, it just lost me. And I don't know if I care enough to continue.

** also to note. I'm extremely frustrated and upset that death of a pregnant woman was not on the trigger list. That is an EXTREMELY sensitive topic and to have no warning is disgusting.

I completely devoured this book. I couldn't get enough of it. I think I need book two immediately. I was absolutely obsessed with the way the MMC loved the FMC. It's the perfect "touch her and you die" energy. And can we talk about the nickname "little love"? One of my absolute favorites l've ever come across.

i absolutely DEVOURED this book!! which isn’t surprising, given it was written by Scarlett st. Clair. 5/5⭐️. perfect. no notes!!

I was so excited to get accepted for an ARC of this novel! I tore through it super quickly, as I usually do with this author’s work.

I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of descriptive and interesting world-building, but I do wish we saw a bit more of how the society works, such as more religious aspects and how the magic works. Hopefully the next book can expand on that a bit more, giving how this one ended.

I love Lilith. She’s flawed, she’s messy, she makes mistakes, but I think it’s good for an FMC to be flawed and annoying at times. It gives her plenty of room for growth later on. Plus, she really does go through a lot, so I can’t really blame her on her behavior. I did want to know more about her magic. It was an intriguing concept, but only got used maybe three times in the whole book. I love the idea of the women having power in a male-dominated society and being used by them for their powers, I just wish that was expanded on a bit more in the story. Also, how come Lilith couldn’t use her power on Zahariev? That was a plot point I thought would be addressed, given how their relationship progressed, but maybe that’s information for another book. Still, I was surprised that Lilith didn’t question it more.

I do appreciate how Lilith and Zahariev already knew each other at the start of this book. It was refreshing to have a pre-established relationship of any kind, and allowing it to grow into more. I think their romance was subtle in this one, at least more subtle than some other Romantasy where it’s very loud and a big focus. I appreciated their relationship and can’t wait to see where it goes, especially considering how this one ended! We love a broody man being obsessed with a strong woman.

Overall, this was a good intro into a new series. We’re starting to see the conflict grow, and hopefully the world building and descriptions of the magic system will expand even more as she gets to learn more about the society’s history and religious background. And I can’t wait to learn more about Lilith’s dreams and the prophecy. I’m assuming the series will quickly pick up the pace after this, and I’m ready for it.

Discovering that I really really enjoy urban fantasies? The world building in this was great. I was sucked into this immediately and really never wanted to put it down. Love Lilith and Zahariev so much. Side characters were also super interesting. I also appreciated getting a little bit of Zahariev’s prescriptive at the end of each chapter. That ending though???? 🤯 I need book 2 asap.

If I am to be truthful, I would recommending checking out the three star review section to get an idea of this book will be for you or not. Those reviews really do point out a lot of the things that I found I also didn’t care for.

I was so excited when I got that NetGalley approval for one of my most anticipated reads this year. I loved the Hades x Persephone series by this author and remember at the book signing her speaking about how excited she was about this story featuring Lilith!!!

I think that this definitely missed the mark in a few areas for me, and I want to note that there were many parts that I did like, however there were other aspects where my thoughts are muddled in how things ended up.

I had a really difficult time envisioning this world throughout the book, I just can’t picture what this place is supposed to look like. I know it’s urban fantasy but I just couldn’t set the scene.

The main character— I have a lot of conflicting feelings about Lilith, but I genuinely and curious to see if she develops in the sequel. I also was expecting more feminist characterization with Lilith— especially in a world that is very clearly patriarchal/male dominated (like women in this world have little to no leeway without their husband or father permission kinda thing) but maybe I missed it? Again I’m hoping we get to see more of this in the next book. Also the way she dealt with a specific event in the novel really gave me a bit of the ick with how she reacted and treated people. And we could make note that grief is handled differently for everyone, but idk I’m side eyeing you Lilith. She’s also a massive brat lmao and she admits it. I do want to see where her character goes in the next one. This girl been through some trauma and TW: she was assaulted (past/off page). I just want to note that I don’t love or hate the FMC, I think that she is meant to make the reader see the double standards that are held against women and I see her power and long for her to reach for it. I also really loved her sec positivity in this world dominated by men who control everything. I loved seeing Lilith wanting to break the mold and have free will and be her own person in control of her present and future.

I really hope we get to see more of the magic system in the sequel because it was really interesting but we don’t really get to see much of it!

The MMC is honestly kind of your cut and paste broody guy who longs for the FMC but reasons get in the way until ultimately fill in the blank. You get it. Like he’s sexy the steamy scenes are steamy.

There’s also heavy themes in religion so if you don’t like reading about that then you may wanna skip.

I think the premise for this story was really unique and I think it had a lot of potential. This was a very quick read, although the pacing was a bit off and there seemed to be a lot going on but more of a lot of nothing (like if you were to take a scene out it wouldn’t make much of a difference).

I think that I would continue this series to see where the next one goes. I’m really curious about the lore, the demons, Lilith’s power. Also who doesn’t want corrupt patriarchy’s to crumble to ash.


I had some fun reading, but it’s not my favorite. I am hopeful for the next installment so we’ll see!

Didn't do it for me. I was really looking forward to this one, but it just didn't resonate. The writing felt off. I think BookTok will still eat this up.

5⭐ 2🌶️

Lilith is an absolute goddess. Full of feminist rage, anti-mediocre men, anti-government, and anti-organized religion vibes, Terror at the Gates is an absolute must read (or listen), especially in today’s trying times. It’s a light in the darkness, a call to action, and a violent shove to not allow women to be taken advantage of, passed over, dismissed, forgotten. I could not put this down and will be thinking about it days, weeks, months from now as I (im)patiently wait for the next installment.

Lilith is everything I dream of in an FMC. She’s intelligent, witty, full of dark, dry, sarcastic humor, driven, and yet at times deceptively vulnerable and sweet. I loved her give no fucks attitude throughout as she confronted all those working to oppress her. And it was perfectly softened by her moments of tenderness toward Cherub and vulnerability with Zahariev. She’s perfectly complex and whole and I cannot wait to see how she further develops as the series progresses.

Zahariev was also an amazing MMC. He’s broody, dark, mysterious, tough…and yet, so respectful of Lilith power and needs. Not to mention their banter? I’m living for it. There are definitely some forbidden elements here too with him being her stand in guardian/protector but the vibes were here and it was written to perfection.

I’m not sure how long we’ll be waiting for book two but the end of Terror had me absolutely SCREAMING. I need it now. I needed it yesterday. I’ll wait as long as it takes. I’m so excited to see what Scarlett has in store for us and I’ll be snatching it up the moment it becomes available.

This book is one of the reasons Scarlett St. Clair will always be an auto buy author for me! This has everything I love about her writing: tension, banter, intrigue and sass from BOTH the FMC and her MMC.

Lilith is a badass in her own right, but a little hot headed. She sometimes leaps before thinking about all the consequences to what she’s doing. Now, with that said, I think SOME of the reason she does this is because she knows Zahariev is always watching and will “butt in” as she sees it before anything goes real sideways.

Ya’ll. I love him and I love the way he loves Lilith. Zahariev definitely has the broody, touch her and d*e vibes that we all love a villain for. I think what I love most about him though is that he SEES Lilith, even before she sees herself. I genuinely think he’s been in various stages of love with her since they met in the cemetery years ago. Not to mention, his nickname for her?! How did she ever see it as anything else?!

I know I’m waxing lyrical about our main MCs but let me be crystal clear. This book made me gasp out loud multiple times. It pulled my heart out once or twice and made me giggle and kick my feet a lot of times. It’s perfectly balanced with plot and steam. I cannot wait to see the terror coming in the next book! She’s going to be glorious.

Massive thank you to the author, Scarlett St. Clair and the team at Sourcebooks for allowing me to read this early via an eARC on NetGalley! Being selected made my whole month!

I absolutely DEVOURED this book. Lilith is fierce. Lilith is defiant. She wants to DESTROY the patriarchy, and I am so here for it. I loved Zahariev as a MMC. He supports her, and he protects her. I truly enjoyed this read, and CANNOT WAIT for the next installment. Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY!!!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Scarlett St. Clair! ❤️

An oppressive society ruled by religion. A girl who wants her own autonomy.
While Lilith has opposed the norms of her society her whole life, she was able to live away from her family for the past two years in Nineveh with her friends. In this society only women of the top families have magic. But women are possessions so their husbands dictate when they get to use that power(or fathers). Lilith doesn’t want any part of that, and her power of using men’s lust against them, puts her apart even more from the devout. One night she uses her abilities to steal a knife with a weird energy to it. But what Lilith doesn’t know is how that very knife will change her life.

I think I enjoyed this so much because I relate with many of the qualms about standard religion. At the end of the book Scarlett has notes about research and how she got ideas for this tale, and I loved seeing that. I also enjoyed her journey to learn more about the goings on in the world, as well as the acceptance she finds from her friends.

This does have some detailed spicy scenes, so be warned if that isn’t your thing. But it was such small parts of the book- which is great if you like spice, but want your story plot-centric and not spice-centric.

Terror at the gates might be my new favorite SSC and that’s saying something because I’ve read everything she’s ever read. This book is moody and sexy and grips you throughout. I couldn’t stop reading.

The way you are entered into the most immersive urban fantasy world ever! It feels like New York with Blade Runner and Guardians of the Galaxy mixed with Jessica Rabbit and the most EPIC religious take down the church vibes EVERRR! Lilith stand on power and will break any mold set for. She will rise beyond her mother and those from the church who have hurt her! The magic in this world is beyond somthing else I had truly the most fun learning how the world works and the gods just everything about this read is creative and new and THE SPICE I’m still in the backseat of Zahariev’s car this romance read has the best slow burn of the year!! Once it starts to boil there’s no water left in the pot it’s so hot and it keeps going! He is so devoted to Lilith would legit go to war for her! The tension when he snapped oh my gosh!!! My favorite moments the funny flirty banter between Coco and Cassius can we have more there! I loved how LOVE prevailed all that no matter that they felt if it was right or wrong the two of them chose love! EVERY time Zahariev call Lilith a brat I felt like he was also calling me one just the whole read I was imagining myself as Lilith she’s so hot and cool and takes no prisoners!! The way Zahariev keeps Lilith from breaking he’s just always there no matter what! He will always let her lead until it’s time for him to if you know what I mean loll!! HIS NICKNAME FOR HER I’m actually out the door and now I’m back cause it’s the best nickname from a tattooed man from his neck to his knuckles! Any time he groaned. I groaned is all I gotta say !! I can’t wait for more of this series!! Thank you again so much I’m even more excited for my preorder with the page overlays!!

My jaw dropped and my head popped. It is no known secret that urban fantasy isn’t as well loved as traditional fantasy but I urge you to give it a try with this book.

Firstly, the magic system is pretty unique and easy to comprehend *bonus point*. Secondly and most importantly, the mmc is drool-worthy. His actions, words, promises will easily rank him in my 2025 top 5 book boyfriends. The only downside is that the fmc is impulsive and bratty but fortunately she’s aware of it and feels guilty of her actions.

Don’t get me started on the mystery portion of the book. There is still much left to uncover and I realised I was more invested in solving the mystery than the smut–that’s how great St.Clair’s writing is! Plus, you get a snippet from the mmc’s pov at the end of EVERY CHAPTER. DO YOU KNOW HOW REWARDING THAT IS?

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for this arc!

🗡️ Forbidden Romance
🗡️ Urban Fantasy
🗡️ Female Rage
🗡️ Unique Magic System
🗡️ Frenemies to Lovers
🗡️I would go to war for you
🗡️ After Care King
🗡️ Slow Burn
I want to start by thanking Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for giving me this opportunity! Scarlett St. Clair was one of the first authors I discovered when I started reading it..and after that she became one of my favourites, so thank you so much that I was given the chance to be her ARC reader 🫶🏻
After reading Terror at the Gates, I was like this is gonna be my personality for the rest of the year 😅. The cover was stunning, so beautiful and unique I think it is something that should be mentioned! As for the plot it took me by surprise! I was searching for ages for a romantasy book that it would be a slow burn with a good plot and unique magic system! And this book did it for me . The magic system was out of this world, the urban fantasy with biblic references and cult like religion was perfect! The world was controlled by five powerful families that drew their power through their women so there was like a mafia system. And each woman had a different ability! Our FMC, Lilith throughout the book faced many difficulties because she wanted her freedom and not be controlled by their sexist society rules. So Lilith for me was the embodiment of FEMALE RAGE, her passion and the things she faced gave hope the readers that freedom from the patriarch figures is not impossible! As for the MMC, Zahariec what can I say this man is the embodiment of Yearning, he loved her for years but couldn't do anything because they donated want them to be together. He literally said to her he would go to a war for her if she wanted! He took care of her every need and protected her from anyone who could disturb her peace or wanted to take her freedom! Moreover, I really liked the found family trope! Scarlett St Clair did it again! Her writing always makes me feel like I am part of their group and I am always rooting for them ! The end of the book isn't a cliffhanger but I really want to know what will happen 😭

I absolutely love all Scarlett’s writing, but this one might just be at the very top because omggg what a ride! It’s been a few days and I’m still thinking about it - the tension, the action, the absolutely delicious slow burn, and that ending?! YESS queen! This one isn’t even out in the wild yet and I’m already needing book 2 asap. I do wish we’d gotten a bit more…just MORE. The concepts and historical references, and even the characters I felt at times like we were just getting a surface scrape with all of this untapped information just under the surface. Really I just didn’t want the book to end if I’m being honest 😂

As book 1, Scarlett did an amazing job at setting up an absolute banger of a plot twist for book 2 and I am so here for it!

Thank you so much Scarlett, NetGalley and Bloom for this arc! Absolute 5 stars from me!

I rated this 4/5. Although I didn’t love it I still think it was good and a unique new series. Full of Christian imagery and criticism of the church. Women have magic but it is only supposed to be used by men who siphon it. The church is corrupt. They kill anyone who opposes them calling it heresy. But the story told is not the full truth. Slow burn romance. Dramatic cliffhanger ending.

DNF @ 60%

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it really fell flat for me. The FMC is so immature and honestly just makes the worst decisions of all time. The MMC has zero personality. This couple has zero tension or chemistry. The world building is nonexistent. The dialogue is cringy. And the side characters all have no character and are only there to further the FMCs storyline.

My least favorite part of this book is that it was so cyclical that I wanted to rip my hair out. Lilith (our FMC) tries to do something and she fails and gets herself into trouble. Zahariev (our MMC) has to come to the rescue and save her. They have a 'moment' where they are both into each other. They both say that they 'can't do this' without giving any reason other than Lilith is going to have to return home at some point and that the relationship is 'forbidden' without giving any actual reasoning. Then Lilith runs away and gets into more trouble that will require saving. It was this same cycle over and over again without ever moving the plot forward.

Lilith ran away from her parents and her home to go wild and try to 'make it on her own' but no one is really worried cause they are letting her have her fun and experience the world before she returns home. Also she is not making it on her own in any way whatsoever because Zahariev does everything for her. The reasoning for them not being together when they both want it being that her dad says it can't be was so forced and honestly didn't make any sense. If she is disobeying her dad about everything else, why is her kissing the man she wants the line????

This book didn't work for me at all and I am super bummed. I did receive an advanced reader copy through netgalley. Maybe if I had the audiobook I would have been able to force myself to finish, but I just couldn't.