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adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
SSC does it again! This book sucks you in with a familiar, yet purposely ambiguous religion-based society. Lilith, our FMC, embodies the journey from victim to survivor to full on rage and independence. Our MMC is with us every step of the way. And this mafia/fantasy/murder mystery novel was a challenge to put down. The cliffhanger!!!! Also, I truly appreciate when an author shares in their author's note their research journey behind their world/character/plot creation. Give me a work's cited page any day!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use
Didn't realize this was part of a series when I started it, but I'll be excited to read the next one. Would recommend for the feminine rage, eventual smut and magic. On the longer side, but fast paced. I only read the author's first Hades/Persephone book, but I feel like her writing and editing has improved.
FMC is a sheltered child and I don't love that dynamic in the romantic relationship. I can see how this will shift in the next book (hopefully). I wish that the plot had shifted more focus to character growth and sleuthing vs. deliberately withheld information among the characters.
FMC is a sheltered child and I don't love that dynamic in the romantic relationship. I can see how this will shift in the next book (hopefully). I wish that the plot had shifted more focus to character growth and sleuthing vs. deliberately withheld information among the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 Demon Blob Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
“That was when I realized I was wrong, that there was no difference between what I wanted and what I would choose. The answer had always been Zahariev.”
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Lilith is the daughter of one of the most powerful families in the five regions of Eden, a world where men rule, but only women possess magic. Refusing to be controlled or treated like a possession, she flees to Nineveh, the district of sin, to forge her own path. One day, she uses her magic, which is an ability rooted in seduction and persuasion, to steal a blade. But there’s a problem: everyone who comes into contact with this dagger ends up dead. And no matter how many times she tries to get rid of it, it keeps finding its way back to her. Desperate to uncover what the dagger is, why it's drawn to her, and why it keeps killing people, she turns to Zahariev for help. But the more time they spend together, the more their unlikely partnership begins to evolve... into something deeper.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
So it has been a very long time since I’ve read a Scarlett St. Clair book, the last one being King of Battle and Blood, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I went in blind with a cautiously optimistic view, and I’m quite glad that I did. This has some of the best vibes I’ve felt in a book in a long time. It brings on that mafia vibe, with a hint of dystopian, but you can feel how it’s underpinned by religious metaphors and correlations. It’s done in what I believe is a respectful, tasteful way, while still being true to the elements of where these characters originate in religious texts.
Lilith is an amazing main character because she’s so complex and convoluted in what makes her who she is. She’s grown up in a society that expects her to be something she doesn’t want to be. She rebels, mainly because the intent is for her to be used and defined by the men in her life, with all her decisions directed by them. She stands up blatantly against this regime and what she believes is wrong. She doesn’t back down from her beliefs and is very pragmatic and resourceful in trying to make her own way. She hates that she's followed by the "spoiled rich girl" history. She doesn’t want to be defined by being rescued, especially by a man, and wants to stand on her own. She does go through a lot of struggles, but she’s independent and strong enough to pull herself out.
Then we have Zahariev, and this man is the epitome of "only soft for her." Lilith tests him constantly. She fights him on everything, clashes with him at every turn, pushes his boundaries, and he is just so patient, caring, and graceful when it comes to her. On the surface, he’s dangerous. He’s tattooed. He’s the leader of his faction. But their friendship runs deep. You can see how much they care for each other, even though they both know the political landscape they were raised in means they can’t actually explore their attraction. This dynamic between them creates the most perfect tension and push and pull as they navigate what a relationship would look like in a society where they’re not allowed to have one. Zahariev would literally burn the world down for her, and even though Lilith can be a little oblivious to what he does for her, it’s so sweet and special. You find yourself screaming at the page for her to just open her eyes and see how much he cares and how much they deserve each other.
The plot is primarily written from Lilith’s point of view. There are small ending sections in each chapter from Zahariev’s POV, but they’re more like teasers or snapshots of what he’s up to. The main story focuses on Lilith and everything she’s dealing with, but those Zahariev snippets keep you hooked and give a glimpse of the bigger picture while Lilith is on her own journey.
Now, if you are religious, I wouldn’t recommend this to you. It pulls a lot from Eden and from the Biblical version of Lilith, and the "story" she represents. It’s not necessarily blasphemous, but if you’re sensitive to that kind of reinterpretation, it might not be for you. This is very much a book about female empowerment and feminine rage. It’s about rising up against misogyny and the patriarchy, and what it means to be taken advantage of as a woman. In today’s culture, I think every woman should read something like this. Especially to realise that no matter what the world has told you to be as a woman, no matter how down on your luck you are, or what people’s perceptions of you may be, you can stand up and say FUCK MEN. You don’t need a man to choose your path. You can build something for yourself!
The writing was incredibly beautiful and captivating and it kept me engaged the whole time. I also adored the animal companion sidekick who travels everywhere with Lilith. Honestly, I want my own cat sling now. It added these really cute and humorous moments in between all the tension and weight of the plot.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Feminine Rage Dark Romance
▶ Star Crossed "Romeo and Juliet" Romance - Forbidden Romance
▶ Mafia Vibes
▶ Slow Burn
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Burn the World for You
▶ Unique Magic System
▶ Poor Girl X Rich Boy
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Friends to Lovers
▶ Age Gap
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙨:
➢ Brat
➢ Car Sex
➢ Spicy/Steamy Water Scene
➢ Hand Necklaces
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Chin Lift
▷ "Good Girl"
▷ Rolled Sleeves/Forearms
▷ Undressing/Dressing Help
▷ "Don't Stop"
▷ He Takes Care Of Her
▷ Share a Bath
Overall, I highly recommend this! It makes a bold statement to fuck the patriarchy, and I cannot wait for the next book.
Thank you to Sourcebooks UK, Netgally and Scarlett St. Clair for the gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This will be a rant review so hold onto your wig if ya got one.
I’m weary, honestly truly. The blurb says this is a feminist retelling. I’m seeing “female rage” as a descriptor and yeah, I’m tired. This character, Lilith is simply a clueless spoiled brat. She is steeped in privilege. She is steeped in selfishness. Lilith is not a likable character at all. And throwing trauma on her didn’t help. Why? Because there is no growth to her character, no redeeming qualities. She lacked self awareness and empathy. Putting her in an urban setting when she lacks these attributes made her irritating and careless. So, no I did not care for Lilith. She represents everything that is wrong with women who don’t care about anyone else until things start to affect them. When terror comes knocking at their door.
Let’s talk about this world. There are seven territories in this world. Here, Lilith comes across a knife which we find out is one of the seven keys to open gates “doors” if you will. These seven keys also are supposed to be merged into a sword that is supposed to bring back a betrayed God. Firstly, for much of this read, this knife plays a huge part in what goes on with Lilith. But, it’s all unclear and rambling. This world is shaky at best. The magic we are supposed to see is severely lacking. Lilith herself has magic but we don’t truly see it on page. It’s barely described and it’s weak…. Much like its owner. It’s made clear that she was not taught how to use it so why even add it as a vice for her character? It added nothing.
The love interest. This author has a way she writes her female and male characters. I think as readers, we will either hate or love them. Terror at the Gates is no different in this perspective. Zahariev serves as a backdrop to Lilith’s character. This man who is a head of a whole ass mafia family essentially serves as a “couch” for her. Even when this woman made the dumbest of choices because let’s be real that’s what they were.
Anyolways, him: “I would go to war for you.”
Like, sure my guy. But please stop. He lets this lady run around his territory putting herself and others in danger and did nothing. Sure he got stern with her but yeah he did nothing.
Look, I don’t mind a man that is going to go all out, who is going to protect but he gotta make sense. Call this woman out on her bullshit especially when it’s harmful to herself, you or anybody else for that matter. He was useless.
Sidebar: what/who is Zahariev? Because he was able to touch the knife as well and nothing happened to him.
I’m not even going to go in about the religious themes here. Basically, it was useless because this world and its characters are. I can acknowledge the harm but that’s it.
All and all, I did not like this book. The ending was rushed. Four hundred and ninety-five pages and we get a cliffhanger? Bye!
Here’s the thing. Throwing important themes in a story surrounded by inept characters and lazy world building is harmful. Topics such as religious trauma, oppression, indoctrination and sexual assault deserve better. I want authors and publishers to understand this.
Thank you to the publisher, Bloom Publishing for the opportunity to read and review. Just because Terror at the Gates was not for me, it doesn’t mean I’m discouraging anyone else from reading this.
I’m weary, honestly truly. The blurb says this is a feminist retelling. I’m seeing “female rage” as a descriptor and yeah, I’m tired. This character, Lilith is simply a clueless spoiled brat. She is steeped in privilege. She is steeped in selfishness. Lilith is not a likable character at all. And throwing trauma on her didn’t help. Why? Because there is no growth to her character, no redeeming qualities. She lacked self awareness and empathy. Putting her in an urban setting when she lacks these attributes made her irritating and careless. So, no I did not care for Lilith. She represents everything that is wrong with women who don’t care about anyone else until things start to affect them. When terror comes knocking at their door.
Let’s talk about this world. There are seven territories in this world. Here, Lilith comes across a knife which we find out is one of the seven keys to open gates “doors” if you will. These seven keys also are supposed to be merged into a sword that is supposed to bring back a betrayed God. Firstly, for much of this read, this knife plays a huge part in what goes on with Lilith. But, it’s all unclear and rambling. This world is shaky at best. The magic we are supposed to see is severely lacking. Lilith herself has magic but we don’t truly see it on page. It’s barely described and it’s weak…. Much like its owner. It’s made clear that she was not taught how to use it so why even add it as a vice for her character? It added nothing.
The love interest. This author has a way she writes her female and male characters. I think as readers, we will either hate or love them. Terror at the Gates is no different in this perspective. Zahariev serves as a backdrop to Lilith’s character. This man who is a head of a whole ass mafia family essentially serves as a “couch” for her. Even when this woman made the dumbest of choices because let’s be real that’s what they were.
Anyolways, him: “I would go to war for you.”
Like, sure my guy. But please stop. He lets this lady run around his territory putting herself and others in danger and did nothing. Sure he got stern with her but yeah he did nothing.
Look, I don’t mind a man that is going to go all out, who is going to protect but he gotta make sense. Call this woman out on her bullshit especially when it’s harmful to herself, you or anybody else for that matter. He was useless.
Sidebar: what/who is Zahariev? Because he was able to touch the knife as well and nothing happened to him.
I’m not even going to go in about the religious themes here. Basically, it was useless because this world and its characters are. I can acknowledge the harm but that’s it.
All and all, I did not like this book. The ending was rushed. Four hundred and ninety-five pages and we get a cliffhanger? Bye!
Here’s the thing. Throwing important themes in a story surrounded by inept characters and lazy world building is harmful. Topics such as religious trauma, oppression, indoctrination and sexual assault deserve better. I want authors and publishers to understand this.
Thank you to the publisher, Bloom Publishing for the opportunity to read and review. Just because Terror at the Gates was not for me, it doesn’t mean I’m discouraging anyone else from reading this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Classism
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Blood
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this is my new personality trait. no one talk to me
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault
Minor: Rape
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"That’s because you do not like to be contained.” ----- paused and then added, “Most wild things don’t.”
Terror At The Gates is my most highlighted book to date (outside of text books). Scarlett just nailed it with the characters, the mafia style vibes, detailed world building, plot points, the emotions, sizzling slow burn--- I knew I would love it. What I didn't expect was to resonate so deeply with Lilith. She was everything I needed in this moment when the world is so uncertain and our rights are being stripped away so callously.
And then there's Zahariev. F*ck this man is hot. Their chemistry is off the charts, and this poor man in out of his depths. Scarlett did these little sections from his POV between Lilith's chapters. I was LIVING for those!!!
This story is such a great reminder to know your worth, straighten that spine, and live your truth.
Terror At The Gates is my most highlighted book to date (outside of text books). Scarlett just nailed it with the characters, the mafia style vibes, detailed world building, plot points, the emotions, sizzling slow burn--- I knew I would love it. What I didn't expect was to resonate so deeply with Lilith. She was everything I needed in this moment when the world is so uncertain and our rights are being stripped away so callously.
And then there's Zahariev. F*ck this man is hot. Their chemistry is off the charts, and this poor man in out of his depths. Scarlett did these little sections from his POV between Lilith's chapters. I was LIVING for those!!!
This story is such a great reminder to know your worth, straighten that spine, and live your truth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Murder, Sexual harassment