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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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Characters: 3⭐️
Setting: 2.5⭐️ Where is the world building?
Plot: 3⭐️
Themes: 3⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 3⭐️
Emotional Impact: 2⭐️
Overall rating: 3/5⭐️
Spice 4/5 🌶️
It’s giving rinse & repeat of Hades X Persephone (which I enjoyed) but with Lilith and Zahariev. I mean literally EXACTLY SAME CHARACTERS… same personalities… same dynamic.. The plot itself was incredibly predictable because it followed the same outline as Hades X Persephone.
It would have been refreshing to see a more aggressive Lilith, she’s often known for being subservient and assertive in mythology. This doesn’t give that energy at all. This isn’t serving feminist or female rage as marketed. I believe in part 2 of this book you get more of the societal expectations for women vs the want that Lilith has for herself, but still found it lacking.
Very minimal world building. Based in a providence of Eden called Nineveh but it’s sandy and there’s a church?
Also the dual POV is very minimal. I wanted more of Zahariev. He’s dark, powerful, and obsessed with what he knows he can’t have.
As always, Scarlett St Clair delivers on the spice. One of the best things about this book honestly. If you enjoy a dark paranormal romance with seductive spice. This book is for you.
I enjoyed the audiobook, Laura Harrowitz, always does an amazing job bringing these female romantasy characters to life.
“She is terror knocking at the gates.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Lately, I’ve been gravitating towards books steeped in female rage. Maybe because real life keeps handing us fresh reasons to be furious. But I digress.
As you may be able to tell, this isn’t your average romantasy. It’s a gritty Lilith re-imagining dipped in neo noir, laced with mafia politics, religious trauma, Romeo & Juliet-esque frenemies-to-lovers grimdark urban romantasy set in a fantasy patriarchal world. Yep, that sounds like a lot but for me, the vibes were immaculate.
But beneath the aesthetic, Scarlett St. Clair gives us a mirror that reflects double standards, institutional gaslighting and hypocrisy and the habit of branding women as “too difficult” when they dare to defy. The world of Terror at the Gates is fictional but if it starts feeling a bit too real life/Gilead for comfort, that’s probably the point.
I must admit, I went into this knowing very little about Lilith beyond the vague “Adam’s first wife who got demonised for being difficult” lore. A quick rabbit hole later, I learned there are multiple origin stories, but the most enduring is that Lilith was created from the same earth as Adam, refused to be beneath him, literally and symbolically, and for that, she was exiled and rewritten as a monster. Misogyny, ancient edition.
(Or maybe she simply walked out of Eden and never looked back.)
St. Clair leans hard into this. Her Lilith isn’t here to be subservient, she’s here to be difficult, to desire, to resist. It's not an empowerment arc with rainbows and butterflies. It’s dark, raw, occasionally nihilistic.
In this fantastical patriarchal world, women inherit magic through bloodlines, but men gatekeep it and get to wield it. Marriage is strategic and transactional. You may notice some characters have internalised misogyny. This is a book that is heavy on fantasy theology and religious trauma, but before you get your knickers in a knot, this isn’t anti-faith or religion.
I interpreted it as a critique of how religion gets twisted and how power-hungry institutions and figures of authority have weaponised doctrine to climb to power and enforce control. If that makes you uncomfortable, or if you’re not ready to see religion, religious books/texts and teachings examined as a tool of oppression, this one probably isn’t for you.
Now, if you're here for the romantasy part, good news. Possibly one of my favourite pairings of the year so far. The slow-burn frenemies to lovers tension between Lilith and Zahariev is toe-curling and when the spice finally kicks in, you may need a bucket of ice. Prepare thyself.
There’s also a sweet found family subplot, a sapphic bestie and an adorable animal companion who adds just enough softness and cuteness.
That said, this isn’t a light read. There are pretty graphic content warnings to be mindful of so please be aware and read with care. (*TWs included at the bottom of this review).
If I have one quibble, it’s that I wanted more from the magic system. The concept of power being siphoned from women by the men they’re forced to marry could have been richer but it felt underexplored. Hopefully we see that dynamic bleed deeper into the story’s tension and conflict in the sequel.
If you like extremely dark grimdark romantasy where the yearning yearns, the patriarchy gets called out and the heroine refuses to be palatable, this one’s for you.
P.S. Read it before someone tries to ban it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Sourcebooks UK for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
*Trigger warnings: Off-page child SA specifically by an authority figure in the church (NO on-page sexual assault), child abuse and emotional abuse by a parent and authority figure in the church, religious trauma, pregnancy and birth-related body horror, toxic family dynamics, death of a loved one, misogyny, sexual harassment, violence, murder, swearing.
As you may be able to tell, this isn’t your average romantasy. It’s a gritty Lilith re-imagining dipped in neo noir, laced with mafia politics, religious trauma, Romeo & Juliet-esque frenemies-to-lovers grimdark urban romantasy set in a fantasy patriarchal world. Yep, that sounds like a lot but for me, the vibes were immaculate.
But beneath the aesthetic, Scarlett St. Clair gives us a mirror that reflects double standards, institutional gaslighting and hypocrisy and the habit of branding women as “too difficult” when they dare to defy. The world of Terror at the Gates is fictional but if it starts feeling a bit too real life/Gilead for comfort, that’s probably the point.
I must admit, I went into this knowing very little about Lilith beyond the vague “Adam’s first wife who got demonised for being difficult” lore. A quick rabbit hole later, I learned there are multiple origin stories, but the most enduring is that Lilith was created from the same earth as Adam, refused to be beneath him, literally and symbolically, and for that, she was exiled and rewritten as a monster. Misogyny, ancient edition.
(Or maybe she simply walked out of Eden and never looked back.)
St. Clair leans hard into this. Her Lilith isn’t here to be subservient, she’s here to be difficult, to desire, to resist. It's not an empowerment arc with rainbows and butterflies. It’s dark, raw, occasionally nihilistic.
In this fantastical patriarchal world, women inherit magic through bloodlines, but men gatekeep it and get to wield it. Marriage is strategic and transactional. You may notice some characters have internalised misogyny. This is a book that is heavy on fantasy theology and religious trauma, but before you get your knickers in a knot, this isn’t anti-faith or religion.
I interpreted it as a critique of how religion gets twisted and how power-hungry institutions and figures of authority have weaponised doctrine to climb to power and enforce control. If that makes you uncomfortable, or if you’re not ready to see religion, religious books/texts and teachings examined as a tool of oppression, this one probably isn’t for you.
Now, if you're here for the romantasy part, good news. Possibly one of my favourite pairings of the year so far. The slow-burn frenemies to lovers tension between Lilith and Zahariev is toe-curling and when the spice finally kicks in, you may need a bucket of ice. Prepare thyself.
There’s also a sweet found family subplot, a sapphic bestie and an adorable animal companion who adds just enough softness and cuteness.
That said, this isn’t a light read. There are pretty graphic content warnings to be mindful of so please be aware and read with care. (*TWs included at the bottom of this review).
If I have one quibble, it’s that I wanted more from the magic system. The concept of power being siphoned from women by the men they’re forced to marry could have been richer but it felt underexplored. Hopefully we see that dynamic bleed deeper into the story’s tension and conflict in the sequel.
If you like extremely dark grimdark romantasy where the yearning yearns, the patriarchy gets called out and the heroine refuses to be palatable, this one’s for you.
P.S. Read it before someone tries to ban it.
Thank you so much to NetGalley & Sourcebooks UK for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
*Trigger warnings: Off-page child SA specifically by an authority figure in the church (NO on-page sexual assault), child abuse and emotional abuse by a parent and authority figure in the church, religious trauma, pregnancy and birth-related body horror, toxic family dynamics, death of a loved one, misogyny, sexual harassment, violence, murder, swearing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Getting approved for this ARC on NetGalley made my day and this book continued to do that.
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and how this retelling of Lilith's story would play out and it is close to perfect. The story of how religion hurt her and how she reacted to it played out wonderfully. It showed the deep pain and the complicated feelings that can come from growing up within the inner circle, but not really having any privilege due to the way they try to force you to conform. You'd think someone of Lilith's station would have more wiggle room, and to be fair she did in a way, but it wasn’t true freedom.
That's what makes me love the dynamic with all of her friends. They see her and embrace her, despite how she's still grasping what it is she's doing away from her parents. They're patient with her and also don't shy away from showing their emotions, even their anger, but they do show her that anger will not have the same outcome as it does at her home.
Plus don't get me started on her and Zahariev. Their chemistry and tension is sooo good. Seeing it play out and how they both finally gave in was great. But seeing how he was willing to be there for her no matter what was even better.
And that ending? That ending?!?!? My goodness. Love it and need the next book!
I was intrigued by the premise of the book and how this retelling of Lilith's story would play out and it is close to perfect. The story of how religion hurt her and how she reacted to it played out wonderfully. It showed the deep pain and the complicated feelings that can come from growing up within the inner circle, but not really having any privilege due to the way they try to force you to conform. You'd think someone of Lilith's station would have more wiggle room, and to be fair she did in a way, but it wasn’t true freedom.
That's what makes me love the dynamic with all of her friends. They see her and embrace her, despite how she's still grasping what it is she's doing away from her parents. They're patient with her and also don't shy away from showing their emotions, even their anger, but they do show her that anger will not have the same outcome as it does at her home.
Plus don't get me started on her and Zahariev. Their chemistry and tension is sooo good. Seeing it play out and how they both finally gave in was great. But seeing how he was willing to be there for her no matter what was even better.
And that ending? That ending?!?!? My goodness. Love it and need the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Rape
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and most importantly, Scarlett St. Clair.
I am in absolute awe - this book is an unmissable triumph. Lilith is the kind of fierce, feminist, and gloriously defiant heroine that makes you want to burn the patriarchy and then laugh while doing it. Zahariev brings the swoon with power and purpose. Coco adds heart and humor. And let’s not forget Cherub, the amazing cat sidekick we all need in our lives. Add this to your TBR immediately.
Audio narration was flawless!
SPICE: 3🌶
RATING: 5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and most importantly, Scarlett St. Clair.
I am in absolute awe - this book is an unmissable triumph. Lilith is the kind of fierce, feminist, and gloriously defiant heroine that makes you want to burn the patriarchy and then laugh while doing it. Zahariev brings the swoon with power and purpose. Coco adds heart and humor. And let’s not forget Cherub, the amazing cat sidekick we all need in our lives. Add this to your TBR immediately.
Audio narration was flawless!
SPICE: 3🌶
RATING: 5⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Rape
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hell. 🦆ing. Yes.
This book didn’t just grab me—it dragged me into a dark alley in six-inch stilettos and whispered, “You belong to me now.” And baby, I went willingly.
I thought I was ride-or-die for Scarlett St. Clair… until this blood-slicked, holy-hell-of-a-book strutted into my life like a storm in red lipstick and bad intentions. I’m not just obsessed— I’m offering my soul as tribute at the altar of this story.
Let’s talk audio, because sheeesh, this performance? Oscar-worthy with a switchblade under its tongue. Laura Horowitz, my queen of vocal carnage (you know her from Phantasma), devoured this role. Every syllable hit like shattered glass in velvet gloves. And then there’s Tristan Warden, his voice? Sin wrapped in silk. I wanted more of him, just a taste wasn’t enough, but I’ll be a good girl and wait for book two. (No, I won’t. Give him more lines.)
RB Media and Tantor Audio? They don’t just produce audiobooks— they weaponize them. Clean, crisp, and deadly precise. Like a bullet dipped in honey.
Now, I’m not here to dissect plot. I’m here to dare you. This story doesn’t beg for analysis, it dares you to feel something. To bleed a little. To burn.
Here’s your vibe check, babe:
💥 If you crave female rage like it’s a fine wine— aged, volatile, and ready to burn kingdoms down
💪🏽 If you know a woman doesn’t need to be saved… she is the reckoning
🧙🏽♀️ If you’re a witch in any form: practical, primal, metaphorical, or just emotionally unavailable with a good skincare routine
💁🏽♀️ If you’ve got Lilith energy and think Eve should’ve handed the apple back and said, “Try harder.”
📖 If the idea of biblical mythology spun into a Sin City-style Mafia adjacent fever dream with a heroine who stabs first and asks questions never makes your mouth water
🫡 If you get that submission is not weakness— it’s earned. It’s trust. And that the right partner worships your autonomy, not tries to own it. (Shoutout to the MMC— he knew the assignment and turned it into scripture.)
If you liked A Touch of Darkness or Game of Fate but wished the FMC had more bite, more teeth, more I will light this place on fire and walk away in heels— then buckle the fuck up.
Massive thanks to the author, Forever Publishing, and RB Media/Tantor Audio for letting me borrow this slice of literary chaos. I didn’t just listen— I descended. And darling, I’m not climbing back out.
🖤 All thoughts and unhinged rants are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Gore, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Kidnapping
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One thing about it…ima read a book by Scarlett! My girl never disappoints! The way she executes these modern retellings and all the messages throughout the books are always so good! From the abuse and way people manipulate ppl with the Bible to defend cruel behavior and create a superiority over others. The way she managed to bring up topics of how men are trying to control everything involving a woman and so much more. This books was fantastic and so was the audio! I cannot wait until book 2 of the series! I hope Lilith’s heart gets to heal but that plot twist at the end was…WOW
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Classism
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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:
Complicated
ARC Review
The dedication, chefs kiss. Strong female lead with a devishly handsome male lead supporting her, chefs kiss.
Themes of female suppression and demonising is very apt in this current climate. Bring the female rage.
Scarlett knows how to do spice and does it well.
The dedication, chefs kiss. Strong female lead with a devishly handsome male lead supporting her, chefs kiss.
Themes of female suppression and demonising is very apt in this current climate. Bring the female rage.
Scarlett knows how to do spice and does it well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Blood
Minor: Child abuse, Sexism, Death of parent, Murder
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
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
My Summary: Terror at the Gates is the first book in a new series, Blood of Lilith, by Scarlett St. Clair. It's an urban fantasy romance full of mystery, suspense, mythology, feminist retellings, demons, religious trauma, and slow burn romance.
Lilith grew up in one of the five powerful families in the elite realm of Hiram, and once she was old enough, Lilith left her family's home and sought refuge with the leader of another family, Zahariev, in the city of Ninevah. Lilith makes a living by using her magic to seduce and steal from men. One night, she steals a dagger that offers a great payout... until her appraiser drops dead after handling it. Lilith and Zahariev decide to investigate and end up finding a mystery deeper than both of them.
My Thoughts: Terror at the Gates combines urban fantasy with romance and mystery. St. Clair has created a feminist mythological retelling of the demon Lilith. In this world, Lilith is born to one of the five powerful families of Eden, but after withstanding years of religious and sexual abuse, Lilith has had enough. She decides to run away to Ninevah--a district in the city of Eden--to live the life she's always wanted. But when she finds a dagger that seems to kill everyone who handles it but her and the dangerous leader of another powerful family and the ruler of Ninevah, Zahariev Zareth. The two team up to investigate the dagger and find out there's so much more behind it--a mystery that could ruin the church and the power structure they've built.
I love how St. Clair writes Lilith. She's a strong woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is reckless at times, which Zahariev loves to remind her, but she wants to make sure her new life is nothing like how she grew up. As Zahariev helps her out of one mess after another, Lilith starts to become frustrated with the unwanted oversight, but is Zahariev doing this out of obligation to her father or is there something more to why Zahariev cares so much about Lilith's wellbeing?
Zahariev's character is so mysterious. We get a little bit of his POV from short chapters in between Lilith's POV, but I think that honestly adds to his mystery and intrigue. And the romance in this book--talk about a slow burn!! I loved watching Lilith and Zahariev banter back and forth, and the build-up made the payoff even sweeter.
I absolutely ate up Terror at the Gates. I can't wait to see where St. Clair goes with this series. There is definitely a cliffhanger, and I'm just chomping at the bit for the next one! Fans of feminist retellings, mythology, magical twists, urban fantasy, and slow burn romance will absolutely love this novel.
My Summary: Terror at the Gates is the first book in a new series, Blood of Lilith, by Scarlett St. Clair. It's an urban fantasy romance full of mystery, suspense, mythology, feminist retellings, demons, religious trauma, and slow burn romance.
Lilith grew up in one of the five powerful families in the elite realm of Hiram, and once she was old enough, Lilith left her family's home and sought refuge with the leader of another family, Zahariev, in the city of Ninevah. Lilith makes a living by using her magic to seduce and steal from men. One night, she steals a dagger that offers a great payout... until her appraiser drops dead after handling it. Lilith and Zahariev decide to investigate and end up finding a mystery deeper than both of them.
My Thoughts: Terror at the Gates combines urban fantasy with romance and mystery. St. Clair has created a feminist mythological retelling of the demon Lilith. In this world, Lilith is born to one of the five powerful families of Eden, but after withstanding years of religious and sexual abuse, Lilith has had enough. She decides to run away to Ninevah--a district in the city of Eden--to live the life she's always wanted. But when she finds a dagger that seems to kill everyone who handles it but her and the dangerous leader of another powerful family and the ruler of Ninevah, Zahariev Zareth. The two team up to investigate the dagger and find out there's so much more behind it--a mystery that could ruin the church and the power structure they've built.
I love how St. Clair writes Lilith. She's a strong woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is reckless at times, which Zahariev loves to remind her, but she wants to make sure her new life is nothing like how she grew up. As Zahariev helps her out of one mess after another, Lilith starts to become frustrated with the unwanted oversight, but is Zahariev doing this out of obligation to her father or is there something more to why Zahariev cares so much about Lilith's wellbeing?
Zahariev's character is so mysterious. We get a little bit of his POV from short chapters in between Lilith's POV, but I think that honestly adds to his mystery and intrigue. And the romance in this book--talk about a slow burn!! I loved watching Lilith and Zahariev banter back and forth, and the build-up made the payoff even sweeter.
I absolutely ate up Terror at the Gates. I can't wait to see where St. Clair goes with this series. There is definitely a cliffhanger, and I'm just chomping at the bit for the next one! Fans of feminist retellings, mythology, magical twists, urban fantasy, and slow burn romance will absolutely love this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Pregnancy
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Classism