Hello Readers,
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks UK for the chance to read Terror at the Gates by Scarlett St. Clair ahead of its release. I received a complimentary eBook in exchange for an honest review and with publication day tomorrow, you can rest assured this review is completely spoiler-free.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the cover image
featured in this post. It is used under Fair Use for the purposes of review and
recommendation, in line with sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
Happy Early Publication Day
Title: Terror at the Gates
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Genre: Romantic Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 495
Cover Image:
Synopsis:
She is the beginning and the end.
She is peace and chaos.
She is terror knocking at the gates.
Estranged from her powerful family, Lilith Leviathan finds refuge in Nineveh, a district in the city of Eden devoted to sin. There, she uses her magic to steal for a living, attracting the attention of the five governing families as well as the church, which expects women to remain pious and silent. When Lilith comes into possession of a beautiful blade, she thinks all her worries are over…until her usual buyer dies while inspecting it.
Frantic, Lilith turns to the only man who can help Zahariev, head of the Zareth family and ruler of Nineveh. His currency is information, and his power is extortion, though he's always had a soft spot for Lilith. But when the dagger appears, he isn't sure he can protect her from what's to come.
Together, they embark on a mission to discover the true power running their world. As their lives intertwine, Lilith realizes Zahariev is more than just a friend, but their devotion to each other is a threat—to the truth, to the church, and to those who want to tear it all down.
Miniature Review
Content Warning: This is not a light-hearted read expect religious trauma, violence, and themes of systemic oppression. Please read with care.
Lilith Leviathan is a fiery, complex heroine who refuses to play the role the world demands of her. Exiled and underestimated, she’s fierce, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable. When she crosses paths with Zahariev the ruler of Nineveh and the embodiment of the “touch her and die” trope the tension crackles. Their slow-burn romance simmers with banter, yearning, and emotional depth, and when it hits... it hits.
But Scarlett doesn’t stop at romance. Beneath the spice, she crafts a story of resistance, survival, and defiance. This isn’t empowerment wrapped in sunshine it’s raw, bold, and often painfully real. Scarlett interrogates systems of power and control, and she isn’t afraid to hold up a mirror to our own world through the lens of fantasy.
The softer moments are equally rewarding. There’s a tender found family subplot, a loyal sapphic best friend, and an animal companion you’ll absolutely adore. These lighter elements add balance without softening the story’s edge.
If you’re craving a romantasy with bite, a strong female lead, and a story that dares to push boundaries, add Terror at the Gates to your TBR now. Trust me you’ll want to meet Lilith and Zahariev before the spoilers start flying.
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