This isn’t your typical romantasy — it’s so much more (and trust me, I love romantasy). Think The Handmaid’s Tale meets Crescent City: an urban fantasy with an oppressive religious system that taps deep into feminine rage. In this golden age of romantasy we’re in (and don’t get me wrong, I love it), we’re used to seeing the same tropes and plot points recycled - but this story breaks the mold completely. I was completely hooked from the start. The world-building is rich and immersive without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming. Both our FMC and MMC are instantly likable, with electric banter and tension so sharp it keeps you glued to every page. The yearning, the dirty talk - incredible. Additionally, our supporting characters are wonderfully developed — you can’t help but fall for them instantly, and they genuinely elevate the plot. Overall, this was a phenomenal read, and I’m already counting down the days for the next book in this series.

A land near the Garden of Eden and ruled over by 5 powerful men. The world has magic, but only women have it and the men siphon it from them once they are married. That is all women are prized for - marriage potential.

The main character Lilith who wants to control her own life. She rejects expectations set upon her by the church, in particular after an abuse.

I wanted to like this book but it was a bit confusing with these relationships, like I was supposed to care about them and I just did not. Then the ending is abrupt and odd. Can’t say I will want to read the next one.

Disclaimer: This review is based off of my experience reading an eARC I received from NetGalley and Sourcebooks (though I do now also own my preordered hardcover copy). This did not affect the contents of my review.

TERROR AT THE GATES tells the story of Lilith Leviathan, the only daughter of one of the five ruling families of the city of Eden. However, unlike the other members of her family who are extremely devoted to the Church, Lilith is estranged from her family and lives in Nineveh under Zahariev’s protection, the city closest to sin. When Lilith comes across a magical dagger while trying to pay her rent, the consequences of this dagger send her and Zahariev on a wild goose chase as they attempt to uncover the secrets behind the dagger and the existence of their world. As they fight to resist their growing forbidden attraction for each other, Lilith and Zahariev must come face to face with the thought that all they have been raised to believe is not as it seems.

I have been a fan of Scarlett St. Clair’s for years, and have copies of all of her books. So, when I say I was not the biggest fan of this book, know that it came as a disappointment to me that I did not like it more.

I am writing this review after having just finished it, and I am still not entirely certain what I liked and didn’t like about this book. The middle third of the book up until the last chapter was definitely the strongest part of the book, plot wise. At the beginning I thought the world building could have been stronger, as I was constantly confused about the world of Eden, and certain things that I felt just weren’t explained strongly enough. The middle of the book was definitely the strongest parts and honestly I flew through it, finding it hard to put the book down. However, there were still times that I thought the plot seemed to be lacking something that would have made the story more compelling. The ending I was not a huge fan of because it felt like the plot was building up to some big event and then just stopped right before it got there. I know this is only the first book of the series, but there surely could’ve been a better stopping point.

In regards to the characters, I want to talk about Lilith. I really wanted to like her, as I know most other readers do. And while I did like some parts of her character, and I recognize that she is a strong in fierce woman in defiance of the abuse she suffered as a child from those meant to protect her, I just could not get over certain parts of her personality. Mainly, her stubbornness to be able to do everything on her own led to her not communicating with people who could help her and could’ve prevented some of the tragedies in the book from occurring. Tragedies that she then blamed other people for. Additionally, it seems like she never entirely trusts other people which would be fine, but the way that part of her was written made character interactions especially confusing to me because I couldn’t tell if they were actually “against” Lilith or not.

Overall, while I didn’t love certain aspects of this book I did still find myself enjoying more often than not. I will definitely read the next books when they are out, and I look forward to seeing what Scarlett St. Clair comes up with next.

3.5 stars

OMG! I absolutely loved this book! It makes you laugh a little, feel the excitement, and the end blew me away! Well done! I can't wait for the next book! The characters are loveable and protective. This is definitely a "touch her and die" storyline and it was absolutely worth the read!

Thank you to Scarlett St. Clair, Bloom, Sourcebooks and NetGalley for this ARC!

It has been a while since I’ve read anything by Scarlett and I forgot how much I LOVE her writing!! This book had me hooked from the moment I started and it kept my attention until the very end.

I’m so obsessed with Lilith and Zahariev that it’s insane. The chemistry between them is palpable and the fact that he fell first? SWOON. I love a MMC who will go to the ends of the earth for his woman and Z is THAT man.

This was such a unique world to dive into and I loved learning all the history and back story of Nineveh and its inhabitants. Also, Cherub, Coco, Gabriel, literally ALL the side characters were so perfect to the story and I love them all.

I can’t wait for the next book because that ending had me on the edge of my seat!!

Scarlett's best book yet (and that's saying a lot coz I frickin LOVE all her books, like, reread-level love), this book was so so good.

The narration and the slow-burn romance and the very very well-timed payoff was so good, I was screaming internally! And the world building and plot and secondary AND THE CAT were so interesting, I was literally absorbing every single word in the book. I so can't wait for book 2, and I can't wait to go back and reread my favourite scenes of Lilith and Zahariev <3

Also also, if you want friends to lovers? THIS is the book for it 😭

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Update at 50%
Halfway through this, this is one of Scarlett St. Clair's best books, the narration and the world building are soo >>>>>

Absolutely incredible read! Scarlett St. Clair has done it again – she’s created a world full of depth and intrigue and lust and pure love, that’s also full of action and adventure. I was completely captivated by Lilith and utterly undone by Zahariev (I mean… seriously…). Lilith is such a force, and yet she has the capability for such love and vulnerability which was so nice to see in a FMC. And Zahariev, I mean, the undying love and faithfulness this man has inside of him.. WOW. The buildup was amazing and the ending completely mind-blowing – I honestly don’t know how we’re going to wait for book two!! On top of all of that, we got a cast of amazing side characters, and a fury little friend. Highly recommend!

This book was so good. But I may be biased as I love Scarlett‘s books and writing.

I love the building of the characters and the tension radiating between them. Adding the little sidekick was my favorite. I was never really fully aware of the story behind Lilith but this book makes me want to read the lore behind her.

Scarlett St. Clair is the reason I fell back in love with reading, so any time she comes out with a new book, I pick it up immediately.

Her writing style captures your attention from the start and has you hooked throughout the story. Terror at the Gates was no different- I dove in head first and didn't want to stop reading.

This story is one of triumph and tribulation, going against the grain, fighting for yourself, but also finding the people you can lean on. And one of my favorite themes that Scarlett does so well is female empowerment- her FMCs are always courageous but also not afraid to show their emotions. They're independent, fierce, and have a take no sh*t attitude. Lilith was this and more, and I adored her character. Add in the mysterious, brooding Zahariev and we have chemistry between two characters that's on the verge of combusting. I mean who wouldn't love a man like this --

“I’m sorry I’m only now seeing you,” I said.
His gaze was steady as he stretched over me. “Don’t apologize, little love,” he said. “I could have remained invisible to you, and my devotion to you would be unchanging.”

Highly recommend Terror at the Gates for lovers of:
- urban fantasy
- mafia vibes
- forbidden romance
- slow burn
- feminine rage
- unique magic system

Please check the triggers! Your mental health matters.

The cover of this book is both as new and inviting as the words inside. The male main character is hotter than can be described and I really enjoyed this.

✨ TERROR AT THE GATES ✨
by Scarlett St. Clair
Publisher: Bloom Books

This book owns me now.

In this dark, neo-noir feminist reimagining of Lilith, Scarlett St. Clair drags you into a patriarchal world where power is currency, religion is weaponized, and women are punished for daring to be more than silent and subservient. Lilith Leviathan isn’t here to play nice. She’s cunning, impulsive, magical, and wholly unapologetic.

If you love:
🔮 a grimdark urban romantasy
❤️‍🔥 slow-burn frenemies-to-lovers tension
🗡 morally gray MMCs with “touch her and die” energy
🌒 a heroine who’s soft and raw but will still burn the world down
🐾 found family + a sweet animal companion
🥀 and themes of religious trauma, power, and resistance

…this book will sink its claws in and not let go.

💥 Lilith x Zahariev are easily one of my favorite pairings of the year. The yearning? UNREAL. The spice? 🔥 (prepare to sweat). And Zahariev? He’s respectful, dangerous, and the kind of MMC you’ll need a dissertation to process.

It’s dark, it’s bold, it’s unapologetically feminist. And yes, I need book 2 yesterday.

🖤 P.S. Read it before someone tries to ban it.

🌶️ TWs: religious trauma, misogyny, violence, graphic content (read with care!)

📌 QOTD: Do you like retellings that lean heavily into dark, feminist themes? Or do you prefer lighter, hopeful reimaginings?

#TerrorAtTheGates #ScarlettStClair #RomantasyReads #UrbanFantasy #FeministFantasy #SlowBurnRomance #Bookstagram #SpicyBookTok #TouchHerAndYouDie #MorallyGrayMMCs #NeoNoirFantasy #ReligiousTrauma #BookRelease2025 #DarkFantasyRomance

Urban fantasy is a hard genre for me, as modern tech does not blend well with magic for me. This book suffered from "the tough heroine" trope, btut so tough that it got cringe really fast. And being tough but then calling the mafia for help kinda defeats the purpose of being tough and it ruined the illusion for me.

Love everything that she writes and this was no different. Fabulous back story to see how the characters got to where they were and the struggles they faced getting there. Lilith is on point and I absolutely love her.

Okay, I'll preface this by saying I liked it overall and the author has some strengths but this one needed a lot more work to be really great and it just missed the mark.
We have very superficial world building, side characters and an unexplained magic system that is mostly sidelined and doesn't really feature in the plot. While I enjoyed the characters on page, they popped and were entertaining, I was confused as to why they had no development aside from their interactions with the FMC.
The romance was steamy but utterly predictable so the tension being built didn't really pay off and the reasons for the MMC and FMC having remain separate the whole book became a moot point by the end.
The plot had great pacing but not a lot of oomph. The 'hints' dropped via Liliths dreams gave away literally everything and there was no twist or shock at the end for me. That being said it was entertaining and I want to know what happens so the author is a skilled story teller - I just wanted more from the world she has built here (maybe we'll get it in book 2?). If a quick urban fantasy with surface level depth is your vibe this is a great read but it's just not how I'd imagined the vibe!

I absolutely LOVED this book. Kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I cannot wait to get more of this story. I have felt like I’ve been in a book slump lately and this book for sure got me out of it. Highly recommend!!

Terror at the Gates is mostly for the vibes.
Dark and Moody, full of feminine rage, religious rebellion and just a hint of sex magic.

Lillith has this fiercely independent, "fuck the patriarchy" kind of attitude to the point where she verges on being a total brat, and is completely unapologetic about it.

I did enjoy the slow burn of the Mafiaesque relationship that develops between her and Zahariev, who utterly exudes "touch her and die" energy, but I would like it a lot more if she didn't consistently require saving by him throughout the story. She wants to be independent, but constantly needs to be babysat by a morally grey man who calls her "Little Love".

I believe that this novel could be improved by more in-depth world-building, as I felt as if I was being dragged from one event to the next without being given any real clarity as to what actually just happened.

The religious undertones are a constant, but aren't widely explored despite that.

The ending was really something though, I'd love to see where that goes and there was a cat, so for me at least, the story gains points there.

ARC Review
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 2/5
This is my first book by Scarlett St. Clair, and it did not disappoint! I loved her take on Eden and how she reimagined it as a patriarchal religious society—an intriguing backdrop for Lilith’s rise. The world-building was just enough to give you a clear sense of what Lilith has endured and why she is the way she is.
Like many great heroines, Lilith has her loyal best friend (Coco) and sidekick by her side (Cherub). And of course, there's her sexy frenemy, Zahariev 🥵—who not-so-secretly helps her unleash her feminine rage.
This was definitely a slow burn, but once the heat kicked in, it was scorching 🔥🔥🔥. The ending had me clutching my Kindle, desperate for more. I cannot wait for book two!
10/10 would recommend!

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
» Religious Discourse
» Frenemies to Lovers
» Slow Burn
» He Falls First
» Urban Fantasy

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
This book was dark and gritty, but also had some really tender moments that had me in tears.

In this urban fantasy setting, we follow Lilith who is truly one complicated character. She comes from a life of luxury, but that life is fully dictated by the will of man and the religious teachings in this world. Although she is a member of one of the big families, she is nothing more than someone's future wife, and that is something she is battling everyday as she spends time away living in one of the poorest and most dangerous districts of this world as her own form of rebellion. And for a family who was not fiercely committed to her, she is somehow fiercely committed to others, and her loyalty and friendship help her find a new found family.

I also loved Zahariev and his little POVs that he got throughout the story. They had this great dynamic and a push and pull that had me wondering if they were ever going to give in!

As if Lilith isn't struggling enough, a mysterious dagger appears that draws Lilith's attention and continuously shows up unexpectedly. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how the dagger connected to the larger plot and the religious leaders. There are so many moving pieces and twists that I definitely did not see coming!

I never wanted to out this book down, and I am already eager for the next one!

𝗧𝗟;𝗗𝗥:
If you like your stories dark and gritty, but with characters you can really invest in, this is for you!

Completely entranced!! This is my first read by Scarlett St. Clair and I definitely need to go read her other work. Her characters are very dimensional and I am in love with the dynamic between Lilith and Zahariev. Must read!

Terror at the Gates is a book based around religious stories and myths written in the author's own voice and my goodness was it powerful. For the romance lovers this story is forbidden love, the MMC is daddy material indeed and the FMC is a beautiful brat that doesn't ever take no for an answer. The urban setting with the mythical undertones match the dark ambiance this book gives. All supporting characters were just as fun to learn and witness banter with and of course there is a cute black kitty sidekick named Cherub.

Overall, I personally got into this book because I love Scarlett St. Claire's writing style. As I started reading I wasn't sure how I would feel as I am not one that is too into religious text or stories but I took the chance and dove in and I regret nothing. I can't remember at what point but I know I wasn't able to put it down for days and the end had my jaw on the floor and the back of my eyes stinging.

Overall 5 stars
Spice level 3 peppers - the spicy scenes didn't come until later but the banter and teasing made it oh so worth it!