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A review by jaew
Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
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