Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books

1.25

I didn't like this. I feel like this book was promoted as a Romantasy or fantasy romance. It does fall under those subcategories but I genuinely had zero interest in our characters progression through the story. I found them to be a bit bland and kind of annoying. Lilith for most of the first 100 pages is just plain annoying. She really does build as a character but I just wasn't interested by that point.

📖: 3/5 stars
🎧: 3/5 stars
🌶: 2/5 stars

First off, let me express this WILL be a reread for me, especially if there is another book on the way.

However, by the time I was done with this audiobook, I wasn't even sure how I felt. I wish I had gotten a physical copy, I think more of the story would have hit harder and stuck with me.
Lilith's story is the most important part, very feminist, very strong, and independent. This bold author stoked the already feminist fires that are being started all over the world. Women are starting to fight back, starting to live for themselves, putting themselves first for once. You get to walk through life as Lilith in this book. Chastised and abused as a child for her individuality, her rebellious attitude, and her stubborn need to ask questions. When in reality she just didn't want to conform to someone else's idea of perfection.

Now the slowest burn romance in the history of EVER. Zahariev's and Liliths' ongoing infatuation with one another waited until the perfect time for the good stuff was an "eh" moment for me. I'd been waiting so long I pretty much decided halfway through it. It was going to be anticlimactic if it even happened.
BUT Zahariev with baby Liam, OMG, my ovaries betrayed and overrode my brain too, girl!!! Lilith and I had the same reaction. Goodness, could he be anymore of a perfect daddy figure!!! Something about a man having all the confidence Zahariev did with a newborn baby...🥵🥵🥵
With all the biblical references throughout this book, there is bound to be a decent chunk of backlash to this novel. I dont believe the author was trying to bad mouth any religions. Just trying to get Lilith's oppressed story to the world! Lilith is an icon, a goddess, a leader, not a follower. I truly believe her story could help so many women fighting the urge between settling and becoming who they wish to be!
If you were hoping this book would have all the smutty, I would look elsewhere. But if you want Liliths story, you want the independent woman rage, you want that newest feminist fantasy, look no farther!

I was so excited to see that St. Clair had a new book hit the shelves!!! I love her previous work and knew I had to read the arc for Terror at the Gates. Although, I wasn’t too intrigued with this book. The storyline was interesting, as were the characters. However, I didn’t connect with it as much as I wanted. It was easy to follow and fast paced, which is something I do like. The ending really did it for me and makes me want to read the next one in the series!

I love Scarlett St.Clair- I’ve enjoyed many of her books, so I was excited to jump into this one!

Zahariev was such a great MMC. He was a man of few words, but always says the right thing. He’s very dry & intense & I just loved his vibe. His dialogue made me laugh & there were so many notable quotes by him- he was definitely my favorite part of the book.

I also really loved his “POV” - instead of whole chapters, it would be like a paragraph or maybe a page of his POV before going back to the FMC. Something about that layout was really fun & unique to me.

I enjoyed the modern day fantasy/sci-fi vibes- it was cool & just something I didn’t expect.

I’m also starting to love black cat side kicks in books
🐈‍⬛

Overall, I did enjoy the book, it felt unique to me- but I will say I took me a month to finish. While sitting back & thinking about it after reading it, it was really good. It was just missing something throughout that kept me intrigued enough to binge it. Wasn’t a “couldn’t put it down” type of book for me. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Thankful to NetGalley & the publisher for the arc! 🖤

Absolutely freaking phenomenal. 6 stars. The world was so interesting, the characters were amazing, like I need the next book yesterday. I cried at least 3 times bc there was just so much emotion and you fell in love with the characters in such a short time. One of the best books I’ve read of 2025 so far.

Lilith and Zahariev's story was INCREDIBLE. The banter and tension between the two was hilarious and delicious. Lilith is a fiesty FMC who is fed up with the way women are treated in her society. Zahariev is a quiet, brooding, supportive man who will do anything to support his life long friend. I absolutely adored this book and can't wait for the next one.

This is my favorite Scarlett St. Clair book yet! The writing was beautiful, the world was interesting and brave. I loved this one, and I can see so much of Scarlett's heart and grief in it. She should be writing slow burns more often because this was chef's kiss! I can't believe I have to wait for book 2!

This was an amazing urban fantasy that really dives into religious trauma and the church. Basing her fantasy world off of Christianity and biblical figures was a brave move, but I think she pulled it off in a way that will allow many to heal. The plot behind the story really kept my attention and I cried several times. (That wasn't very nice, Scarlett).

Terror at the Gates is a searing first installment in a new romantasy series by Scarlett St. Clair that’s as fierce as it is vulnerable. With a dark urban fantasy backdrop and threads of religious trauma, institutional power abuse, and forbidden magic, this is a gritty feminist narrative cloaked in high stakes and even higher tension.
Lilith is the kind of heroine who refuses to be palatable—flawed, angry, and deeply wounded. Zahariev, her enigmatic counterpart, is equally complex. Together, their relationship simmers from frenemies to something far deeper, and the romantic tension is both satisfying and believable.
The prose is cinematic and sharp, with noir-like vibes. Themes of female rage, religious hypocrisy, and the commodification of power are woven into every page. While the magic system could’ve been explored more deeply, the social commentary gives this book weight and impact.
⚠️ Content Warnings include: off-page child sexual abuse by clergy, child abuse, religious trauma, pregnancy-related body horror, misogyny, and violence.
Highly recommended for fans of grimdark romance, myth-inspired fantasy, and feminist storytelling. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really, really wanted to like this one, but I didn’t. It wasn’t bad, but after the great reviews I’d seen, I felt a bit let down!

This story is set in a Biblically inspired world, with our main character, Lilith, being in Nineveh - the most sin-driven region in Eden, despite coming from a prominent governing family. When she discovers an intriguingly beautiful but deadly blade, she teams up with Zahariev, the head of yet another prominent family, to discover what’s going on. Naturally, the two discover their feelings for each other as they go on this journey.

The plot had me captivated, but there were too many side plots that just fell away. Lilith has a pretty cool form of magic, but we don’t see her use it very often. There’s this big emphasis on the plot line of her dancing for Zahariev, which just falls away. It’s very fast paced as well, which made for a fun read, but watered down some of the more serious moments, as I wasn’t that invested in the characters.

I think Lilith was supposed to be a strong female protagonist, but she wasn’t. She didn’t really do anything except take stupid risks that put her life (and the lives of her loved ones) at risk, and then wait for Zahariev to save her. I feel like she never took responsibility for the role she played in some of the tragedies. Her relationships with her supposed “best friends” also felt very weak, not well fleshed out, and lacking a lot of context.

The world was fascinating, and I wish we’d had more time to explore its history and magical systems, but I feel like that aspect was often glossed over in favour of the romance, which I also found to be lacking. I just didn’t feel the chemistry - but I am definitely in the minority here as everyone and their mother seems to be drooling over Zahariev.

The writing was really easy to read, making this an accessible fantasy, but I did find it slightly immature. Again, this is a me thing, as I felt the same about another book by this author (although that was a young adult novel, so the writing was more justified than it was here.)

I realise that this sounds like a horrible review, but I did actually enjoy my time reading this book, and I’d definitely be eager to continue with the series, especially given that ending! I think it’s a strong start to a new world, and while it lacked some of the polishing I was looking for, it was an enjoyable read, and I think a lot of romantasy readers will like this, as it’s a relatively unique take on the genre.

I also think that many of the flaws could be explained by the fact that it’s the first book in the series, so hopefully we’ll learn more about the world, characters, and relationships as the story goes on.

Terror at the Gates was such a vibe: I loved the imagery, the forbidden romance, and the chaotic plot. It was dark, it was spooky, it was unsettling, and it was compelling as heck. I loved the romance between the FMC and the MMC. You could cut the tension between them with a knife and you just KNEW from the beginning that they were meant for each other. They both come from the same world, but of course there are societal rules that prevent them from acting on their feelings. I swear there were so many moments in this book that had me absolutely gobsmacked and shocked to my core. What a fun, traumatic, wild ride from start to finish!

I am genuinely so excited to see what happens in book 2! That ending had me so shocked I had to stare into the abyss forever after I finished it.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
• dark urban fantasy (still its own world, but they have cell phones and such)
• rivals to lovers (it’s giving mafia family vibes)
• quippy banter
• society centers around the religion (yikes and it’s dark)
• hurt/comfort
• shocking and twisted on page scenes (please check CW/TW)
• spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (on page, graphic scenes)

A huge thank you to the publisher for access to this one.
Final rating - 4.25/5 stars.

I really liked it. I thought it was well-paced and really enjoyed the agonising slow burn romance and chemistry between Lillith and Zahariev. The ending was good - I thought the final image we were left with was epic and will lead brilliantly onto the sequel!

I am obsessed! This book was so fun and fresh! The concept was so intriguing, and I loved every minutes of it! Highly recommend

ARC Review: Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair
Short Summary:
Lilith doesn’t like being told what to do. Especially by any of the 5 ruling families or the religious institute, both of whom would prefer women stay silent. Lilith finds refuge in Nineveh, a district in Eden which is devoted to sin.
Lilith finds herself in trouble after stealing a gorgeous blade from a hideous man. Now, she’s running from more than her family. She runs to the safest person she knows, her dearest friend and family foe, Zahariev.
Lilith and Zahariev begin a fight of their lives; a fight for love, life, death, and revenge.

My Thoughts:
I love the very intentional and lyrical word choice through this book! Despite this retelling being an urban fantasy, i still felt the religious connotation of Lilith’s story and the weight that holds for women.

As a big Scarlett St. Clair fan I knew I would love this book but I wasn’t prepared for this book to become my new obsession. It feels like sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. Perhaps it was that Nineveh reminds me of a certain red light district, or because Zahariev runs a provocative dance club, or because theres sex magic and cigarettes and hot alt-inspired mafia men and a woman who won’t confine herself to societal standards; BUT I LOVED IT OKAY. IT WAS A VIBE.

I was halfway through the book when I found out this week be a series. I’m not sure where I missed that memo but I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series. I love Lilith’s character however i’m not sure how she didn’t notice that Zahariev was down BAD for her from the start. The word ‘devotion’ is used throughout the story and I cant think of a better word to describe how Zahariev treats Lilith. He started as a good friend who always had her back, even when he knew he loved her. He was there when she needed him most and held her though all the insanity and upset and anger. He’s a real one for never wanting to tame her.

I wasn't entirely sure the plot behind this book. There seemed to be so much happening and nothing at all at the same time...

The multiple different storylines took away from the main plot of the book. There seemed to be characters that played little to no role in the book, like the cat, who I understand was a familiar, but had no significance past that.

There seemed to be a lot of crying for a character who was so clear she hated crying, and someone always came in and fixed the situation for her or cleaned up her mess.

I found it confusing with the different levels of society and different realms/territories. I think if the worldbuilding was explained better, or was simpler, the message of the book would have gotten across better.

The promise of this book was great but I was disappointed in the execution.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters and plot pulled me in from the beginning. Scarlett St. Clair really does love leaving her readers on a cliffhanger. I need the next book stat!!

Anything Scarlett St. Clair writes, I love! This was a very unique story unlike anything I’ve read before. I love the plot and action in this as well as the slow burn romance

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

I think I might be in the minority on this one, but I had a bit of a hard time finishing this book. It started off strong and thr beginning really hooked me, but the plot felt like it lost some momentum as the book went on. The world itself was interesting and had a unique setup, but there wasn’t much world-building to support or expand on it. I wanted more explanation about the different cities, heirs, families, etc. Even though I was interested at first, the lack of clarity around the world and the FMC’s relationships with the side characters made it harder for me to stay engaged.

I also wasn’t a big fan of the romance, though that might just come down to personal preference, as I tend to enjoy more of a slow burn. It’s pretty clear early on that they’re into each other (kind of? he’s back, but not really?), and what threw me off more was finding out they’d been close since she was a teenager while he was an adult. That protective older guy/soft FMC dynamic just didn’t work for me, especially with that age gap relationship build up being baked into their history. That said, I think the overprotective, soft spot for only her, “touch her and you die” energy will appeal to a lot of readers.

I did enjoy the religious plot line and its exploration of morality. It also had a ~dark romance mafia~ vibe that could be a fun modern fantasy plot to explore. Overall, it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I can definitely see it working for others. I might revisit it down the line to see if a reread changes my mind.

I loved this book SO much! It was everything I didn’t know I needed and more. Lilith and Zahareivs angst and tension was palpable on page. I loved the world that Scarlett created and seriously couldn’t put the book down until I finished it! The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I’m freaking out waiting for the next book! 5⭐️ 2🌶️

Scarlett St. Clair began painting another dark, fantastical world for her readers to explore and play in with Terror at the Gates. A story of the dangers of power, religion, corruption, and darkness, our eyes into the world - Lily - is an interloper in areas where she should not be. Her family wields power like a knife and Lily is expected to fall in line and do as she's told. That's not her jam. Instead, she makes a life for herself - friends, job, and suspect activities - in a less savory area of town and reluctantly accepts the protection of a family "friend" - Zahariev. Does she love him? Hate him? Find him useful? It depends on the day. However, as she uncoils the tangled web her family has woven, she finds that his support may be the only thing keeping her alive. Magic, slime demons, a kitten side kick, and spice galore. I thoroughly enjoyed this new world - Scarlett St. Clair has sucked me in again!
While the brief peaks into Z's mind were glorious, I wish we had more of his POV...maybe in book 2!

This is an urban fantasy retelling of Lilith's story. Many know her as a feminist icon, but few truly grasp the rich, complex lore behind her legend. St. Clair delivers a powerful story that digs deep into those origins, crafting a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply personal.

The book plunges us into the world of Eden, a place where a powerful and ruthless Church controls everything. We meet Lilith, a young woman on the run from her past, her family's money, and the suffocating grip of this oppressive system. For much of the book, her past is a mystery, hinted at through her emotional scars and her fierce independence. She's a survivor who has turned her back on her birthright, but everything changes when she comes into possession of a magical dagger. This isn't just any blade; it kills everything it touches, except her. When the Church seizes her new weapon, Lilith is forced to confront her past and reclaim her power with the help of her brilliant and infuriatingly loyal friend, Zahariev.

Their dynamic is the kind of slow-burn romance that will have you yelling at the pages for them to just get together already. Lilith’s reluctance to open up is palpable and deeply rooted in her fear of relying on a man, a fear that stems from a lifetime of being controlled. Her journey is a captivating blend of political intrigue and a personal quest for liberation.

The world-building is where this book truly shines. In Eden, the Church is more than a religious institution; it's a brutal mechanism of control. The story provides a brilliant and necessary critique of how power structures, often dressed in the guise of religious righteousness, are weaponized to oppress women. We see how faith is twisted for personal gain, and how men in power seize control of the magic that is passed down through women. St. Clair isn't making an anti-religious statement; she's exposing the dangerous anti-manipulation.

While some might argue that the book isn't a straightforward tale of female power, I'd respectfully disagree. This book is a raw, honest look at the beginning of that journey. Lilith is broken and angry, and that is what makes her so real and relatable. Her path isn't a perfect, polished ascent to power; it’s a cathartic, messy, and empowering evolution from a survivor to an unstoppable force.

I gave “Terror at the Gates” 4 out of 5 stars. The pacing felt a bit uneven in places, but overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It lays a fantastic foundation for a series that promises to be full of magic, vengeance, and a whole lot of rebellion. I, for one, can't wait to see what Lilith does next.