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The Reign of the Anti-Santas
Rudolph’s in a Cadillac, Santa’s in hiding and Christmas itself is being bought and sold with the fate of the world at stake. The Reign of the Anti-Santas tells how Christmas fell into the hands of Santa’s spoiled kids, low-level gangsters, faded TV-movie heartthrobs, tech bros and lifestyle gurus, and what happens when one elf and an old Santa on the lam step up - against all odds - to save the day.
A raunchy thrill ride through seventy Christmas Eves, The Reign of the Anti-Santas is Goodfellas meets ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas - just in time to wash the candy-cane taste out of your mouth, get Mariah Carey out of your ears, and change how you see December 25th forever!
What People Are Saying
“(A) memorable fictional cosmos... Underneath the sharp wit, however, is a profound cautionary tale about the slippery slope between the sacred and profane... Dodds artfully couples uproarious comedy with deadly serious cultural commentary. An engrossing novel that’s both hilarious and insightful.”
– Kirkus Reviews (Verdict: Get It)
“(A) fascinating fable… as modernity takes its toll on Christmas… among the more cynical story beats are moments of introspection that cut deep. It’s a meaningful and strangely beautiful read… a compelling story of life, human nature, and at least one of the meanings of Christmas.”
– IndieReader (4.5/5 Stars) IndieReader Approved, IndieReader Books of the Month List
"(A) potent combination of dark humor, satire, and even tragedy"
– Readers’ Favorite Reviews (5/5 STARS)
"If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza... A holiday parody for the ages..."
– Indies Today (5/5 STARS)
"The transition of Christmas history becomes an immersive and captivating read… joy and laughter in this witty and thought-provoking narrative."
– Lit Global Reviews (5/5 STARS)
"If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza... A holiday parody for the ages..."
– Indies Today (5/5 STARS)
“Dodds has crafted the perfect book that just may change your perspective on the holiday... fresh perspective and wit are what drive the story… a coming-of-age story for us all."
– Reader Views (5/5 STARS)
“(A) romp through the season that will delight adult readers… an extraordinary point of view… much in the manner of Orwell's Animal Farm… a vivid plot that keeps readers laughing, guessing, and thinking, make The Reign of the Anti-Santas a top recommendation”
– Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
“I was delighted and laughing all the way through the book… insight after insight into the actual world… and how easily we are manipulated… All in all, it’s a tremendously entertaining story.”
– Casey Dorman, author, Voyages of the Delphi and Ezekiel’s Brain
“(S)candals, crimes, the arrival of the computer/internet/AI, corporate greed, hegemony, social changes – all related with an infectious sense of humor…an immersive, fascinating read… Once again, Colin Dodds proves his mettle.”
– Grady Harp
“The wit and humor throughout the book is slick and biting.”
– Reedsy
“Business intrigue, international crime, and bawdy humor abound in this adults-only take on Christmas.”
– Independent Book Review
A raunchy thrill ride through seventy Christmas Eves, The Reign of the Anti-Santas is Goodfellas meets ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas - just in time to wash the candy-cane taste out of your mouth, get Mariah Carey out of your ears, and change how you see December 25th forever!
What People Are Saying
“(A) memorable fictional cosmos... Underneath the sharp wit, however, is a profound cautionary tale about the slippery slope between the sacred and profane... Dodds artfully couples uproarious comedy with deadly serious cultural commentary. An engrossing novel that’s both hilarious and insightful.”
– Kirkus Reviews (Verdict: Get It)
“(A) fascinating fable… as modernity takes its toll on Christmas… among the more cynical story beats are moments of introspection that cut deep. It’s a meaningful and strangely beautiful read… a compelling story of life, human nature, and at least one of the meanings of Christmas.”
– IndieReader (4.5/5 Stars) IndieReader Approved, IndieReader Books of the Month List
"(A) potent combination of dark humor, satire, and even tragedy"
– Readers’ Favorite Reviews (5/5 STARS)
"If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza... A holiday parody for the ages..."
– Indies Today (5/5 STARS)
"The transition of Christmas history becomes an immersive and captivating read… joy and laughter in this witty and thought-provoking narrative."
– Lit Global Reviews (5/5 STARS)
"If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza... A holiday parody for the ages..."
– Indies Today (5/5 STARS)
“Dodds has crafted the perfect book that just may change your perspective on the holiday... fresh perspective and wit are what drive the story… a coming-of-age story for us all."
– Reader Views (5/5 STARS)
“(A) romp through the season that will delight adult readers… an extraordinary point of view… much in the manner of Orwell's Animal Farm… a vivid plot that keeps readers laughing, guessing, and thinking, make The Reign of the Anti-Santas a top recommendation”
– Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
“I was delighted and laughing all the way through the book… insight after insight into the actual world… and how easily we are manipulated… All in all, it’s a tremendously entertaining story.”
– Casey Dorman, author, Voyages of the Delphi and Ezekiel’s Brain
“(S)candals, crimes, the arrival of the computer/internet/AI, corporate greed, hegemony, social changes – all related with an infectious sense of humor…an immersive, fascinating read… Once again, Colin Dodds proves his mettle.”
– Grady Harp
“The wit and humor throughout the book is slick and biting.”
– Reedsy
“Business intrigue, international crime, and bawdy humor abound in this adults-only take on Christmas.”
– Independent Book Review
493 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
81 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Colin Dodds
26 books97 followersColin Dodds is an award-winning author and filmmaker, whose works include Pharoni, Ms. Never and The 6th Finger of Tommy the Goose. He grew up in Massachusetts and lived in California briefly, before finishing his education in New York City. Since then, he’s made his living as a journalist, editor, copywriter and video producer. His work has appeared in Gothamist, The Washington Post and more than three hundred other publications, and been praised by luminaries such as David Berman and Norman Mailer. Forget This Good Thing I Just Said, a first-of-its-kind literary and philosophical experience (the book form of which was a finalist for the Big Other Book Prize for Nonfiction), is available as an app for the iPhone. He lives in New York City, with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 27, 2025
I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
a little wacky, but interesting.
a little wacky, but interesting.
October 15, 2023
The Reign of the Anti-Santas: A Christmas Misadventure for Grownups” by award-winning author and filmmaker Colin Dodds, is an interesting, thought-provoking, and entertaining Christmas story for adults. The question is posed, ‘Whatever happened to Christmas?’ Well, Dodds attempts to give the answer in this controversial tell-all book about Santa. Almost every legend has its scandals, and Santa is no exception.
Just remember, this book is for adults. It isn’t meant for children, and the author gives a gentle warning to even adults about not reading if you don’t want your bubble to burst. And as you read, you will discover why. The behind-the-scenes account of what Santa is really like may offer insight into the decline of the Christmas spirit, at least in some circles of the globe.
The scoop comes from Elvin the Elf, who, naturally, lives in the North Pole. He has seen it all, done it all, in his seventy years of service. He’s seen every kind of Santa there is and has witnessed them in the context of labor disputes, corporate corruption, assassination, and scandals. Now that Elvin has escaped federal custody, he’s ready to spill the beans on what really happened–the true story about Santa, which includes legitimate and illegitimate children, Wall Street shenanigans that directly damaged Christmas, and the internet debacle that nearly closed it down for good. Can the brave elves and a retired Santa save Christmas after all? Or is Christmas lost to the mists of time?
Dodds has crafted the perfect book that just may change your perspective on the holiday. It may seem tongue-in-cheek, it may seem irreverent, it may seem intellectual. It is all these things and more because it isn’t just Elvin’s story about losing Christmas, it’s our story too. The author’s fresh perspective and wit are what drive the story, and his clever, philosophical voice is clear and impactful.
This novel could also be viewed as a commentary on our society and culture in general, how some have become cynical, and don’t quite believe the fairy tales we used to. Those we hold dear can let us down. Our bubbles can be burst. I love Elvin’s description of The North Pole being symbolic of America, where everything is possible, and the elves are like people. “The Reign of the Anti-Santas: A Christmas Misadventure for Grownups” by Colin Dodds is a coming-of-age story for us all.
Just remember, this book is for adults. It isn’t meant for children, and the author gives a gentle warning to even adults about not reading if you don’t want your bubble to burst. And as you read, you will discover why. The behind-the-scenes account of what Santa is really like may offer insight into the decline of the Christmas spirit, at least in some circles of the globe.
The scoop comes from Elvin the Elf, who, naturally, lives in the North Pole. He has seen it all, done it all, in his seventy years of service. He’s seen every kind of Santa there is and has witnessed them in the context of labor disputes, corporate corruption, assassination, and scandals. Now that Elvin has escaped federal custody, he’s ready to spill the beans on what really happened–the true story about Santa, which includes legitimate and illegitimate children, Wall Street shenanigans that directly damaged Christmas, and the internet debacle that nearly closed it down for good. Can the brave elves and a retired Santa save Christmas after all? Or is Christmas lost to the mists of time?
Dodds has crafted the perfect book that just may change your perspective on the holiday. It may seem tongue-in-cheek, it may seem irreverent, it may seem intellectual. It is all these things and more because it isn’t just Elvin’s story about losing Christmas, it’s our story too. The author’s fresh perspective and wit are what drive the story, and his clever, philosophical voice is clear and impactful.
This novel could also be viewed as a commentary on our society and culture in general, how some have become cynical, and don’t quite believe the fairy tales we used to. Those we hold dear can let us down. Our bubbles can be burst. I love Elvin’s description of The North Pole being symbolic of America, where everything is possible, and the elves are like people. “The Reign of the Anti-Santas: A Christmas Misadventure for Grownups” by Colin Dodds is a coming-of-age story for us all.
December 20, 2025
[Audiobook] [Chirp]
much darker than expected. less funny than expected. and the last few hours... seemed like they would never end... kinda like 2011...
much darker than expected. less funny than expected. and the last few hours... seemed like they would never end... kinda like 2011...
September 21, 2023
‘Twas the 13th night of Christmas’ – and other terrific variations!
New York author Colin Dodds is an American author of note - and one whose novels and poems continue to reveal that he is becoming one of our premiere writers. His roots are in Massachusetts but he was educated and lives in New York - Brooklyn to be exact. He is a widely published poet and the author of screenplays and many novels.
The principle character in this erudite, original satire providing a unique commentary on the variation of Christmas as retold in the contemporary milieu of a world less eager for fantasy than dissection is Elven the Elf – a small in stature non-human living in the North Pole who is able to provide a very adult autopsy of the season’s personnel and entertaining parameters. A touch of Dodds’ skills follows: ‘“Santa. Who could blame him, really? I mean, a guy like that could have done anything, could have been anything. I don’t mean a doctor or lawyer or CEO or starting quarterback in the Super Bowl. I mean anything. And look at what he chose. How many people are even half as generous with their meager talents as Santa? And to his credit, it worked. By any human standard, it worked well for him. People washed his clothes and cooked his food. Women adored him. He never wanted for money, and he was among the most famous and warmly regarded men on the planet. For decades, maybe centuries, it worked like a charm. It worked for us, too, as near as I can tell.” And then the ‘realities’ begin, as Elvin opens the story in the 1960s and highlights the multitudinous changes in our increasingly bizarre world and our perception of it right up to the current century – scandals, crimes, the arrival of the computer/internet/AI, corporate greed, hegemony, social changes – all related with an infectious sense of humor that makes the ‘Christmas history transition’ an immersive, fascinating read.
Once again, Colin Dodds proves his mettle, offering a new novel for adults to read and celebrate the season. Elvin may say “Christmas is failure,” but likely the reader will argue that concept loudly - and with laughter!
New York author Colin Dodds is an American author of note - and one whose novels and poems continue to reveal that he is becoming one of our premiere writers. His roots are in Massachusetts but he was educated and lives in New York - Brooklyn to be exact. He is a widely published poet and the author of screenplays and many novels.
The principle character in this erudite, original satire providing a unique commentary on the variation of Christmas as retold in the contemporary milieu of a world less eager for fantasy than dissection is Elven the Elf – a small in stature non-human living in the North Pole who is able to provide a very adult autopsy of the season’s personnel and entertaining parameters. A touch of Dodds’ skills follows: ‘“Santa. Who could blame him, really? I mean, a guy like that could have done anything, could have been anything. I don’t mean a doctor or lawyer or CEO or starting quarterback in the Super Bowl. I mean anything. And look at what he chose. How many people are even half as generous with their meager talents as Santa? And to his credit, it worked. By any human standard, it worked well for him. People washed his clothes and cooked his food. Women adored him. He never wanted for money, and he was among the most famous and warmly regarded men on the planet. For decades, maybe centuries, it worked like a charm. It worked for us, too, as near as I can tell.” And then the ‘realities’ begin, as Elvin opens the story in the 1960s and highlights the multitudinous changes in our increasingly bizarre world and our perception of it right up to the current century – scandals, crimes, the arrival of the computer/internet/AI, corporate greed, hegemony, social changes – all related with an infectious sense of humor that makes the ‘Christmas history transition’ an immersive, fascinating read.
Once again, Colin Dodds proves his mettle, offering a new novel for adults to read and celebrate the season. Elvin may say “Christmas is failure,” but likely the reader will argue that concept loudly - and with laughter!
October 6, 2023
"The Reign of Anti-Santas - a Christmas misadventure for grownups" is a wry modern retelling of the fairytale life of Santa, the elves, everything surrounding Christmas, and the passage of time as told through the eyes of an VIE - very important elf - who rose through the ranks, saw it all, and is ready to retire.
The concept of Christmas as a tradeable commodity may be difficult to comprehend and could hinder one’s understanding. Once the reader can read “Christmas” as “Christmas Inc.” and imagine it as a company and not a day/holiday, the tale makes much more sense - it is fiction after all, not a business advice book, so this leap of imagination is acceptable.
The author includes many fun reoccurring themes throughout the story. (Spoilers) The concept of Christmas as the cog that keeps the wheel of time turning is a fascinating concept, especially since Father Time and Father Christmas are so often similarly depicted. Elves turning into trees is a new take on elfdom that was interestingly woven throughout the entire book. As is the comparison of “real elves” to the rest of them; there being multiple Santas, all related, who hibernate after Christmas; and union belonging reindeer also being a meat source.
The wit and humor throughout the book is slick and biting. Granted the title will keep a certain demographic from reading the book, but sometimes it still needs to be said, if you’re not a fan of sarcasm, this might not be the best book for you. One of my favorite quotes, “She had the hoarse voice of a woman who doesn’t mind yelling to be heard.” should give you a hint of author’s wit.
Readers who find irony in a commercialized holiday of giving would enjoy this book. As would those who enjoy the darker side of fairy tales and modern takes on old favorites. If you want a fluffy snow, cheerful elves, and a Christmas miracle, this is not the book for you.
This review based on an ARC.
The concept of Christmas as a tradeable commodity may be difficult to comprehend and could hinder one’s understanding. Once the reader can read “Christmas” as “Christmas Inc.” and imagine it as a company and not a day/holiday, the tale makes much more sense - it is fiction after all, not a business advice book, so this leap of imagination is acceptable.
The author includes many fun reoccurring themes throughout the story. (Spoilers) The concept of Christmas as the cog that keeps the wheel of time turning is a fascinating concept, especially since Father Time and Father Christmas are so often similarly depicted. Elves turning into trees is a new take on elfdom that was interestingly woven throughout the entire book. As is the comparison of “real elves” to the rest of them; there being multiple Santas, all related, who hibernate after Christmas; and union belonging reindeer also being a meat source.
The wit and humor throughout the book is slick and biting. Granted the title will keep a certain demographic from reading the book, but sometimes it still needs to be said, if you’re not a fan of sarcasm, this might not be the best book for you. One of my favorite quotes, “She had the hoarse voice of a woman who doesn’t mind yelling to be heard.” should give you a hint of author’s wit.
Readers who find irony in a commercialized holiday of giving would enjoy this book. As would those who enjoy the darker side of fairy tales and modern takes on old favorites. If you want a fluffy snow, cheerful elves, and a Christmas miracle, this is not the book for you.
This review based on an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
Eh. I finished it, but didn't really enjoy it. This is a fanciful tale of woes at the North Pole involving multiple Santas, elves living amongst humans, plus all kinds of machinations to make the Christmas machine run smoothly.
It is all done as a narrative from one elf's point of view. What action there is has been done in descriptive form. Having a long description of events gets monotonous after a while. It's nice to have some dialogue to move the story along. I had a hard time keeping some characters straight, partially due to unfamiliar names and infrequent mentions.
As far as the storyline is concerned, it could be fun and it would actually make a great movie. I think it would play much better visually than it does in written form. It gets a bit too convoluted in places in my opinion. There are different kinds of elves who live in different places. Santa has multiple children, some of whom have the magic and some don't. The idea is that Santa is interchangeable as long as the magic to make the trip around the world is there, which is a solid concept, and there are always quirks that get in the way of making it all happen.
There is possibility here, but it just doesn't make for a great reading experience.
It is all done as a narrative from one elf's point of view. What action there is has been done in descriptive form. Having a long description of events gets monotonous after a while. It's nice to have some dialogue to move the story along. I had a hard time keeping some characters straight, partially due to unfamiliar names and infrequent mentions.
As far as the storyline is concerned, it could be fun and it would actually make a great movie. I think it would play much better visually than it does in written form. It gets a bit too convoluted in places in my opinion. There are different kinds of elves who live in different places. Santa has multiple children, some of whom have the magic and some don't. The idea is that Santa is interchangeable as long as the magic to make the trip around the world is there, which is a solid concept, and there are always quirks that get in the way of making it all happen.
There is possibility here, but it just doesn't make for a great reading experience.
December 14, 2025
A delightfully snarky modern fairly tale that explores what you get when you mix a cultural and commercial figure, NEPO babies, the evolution of consumerism, branding, and vertical integration. Oh. And potentially immortal beings of a small stature prone to breaking out in pine needles and taking root.
Centering on a very un-elf like elf who finds himself all too comfortable in the fast paced and star studded world of business success to someone completely out of their depth but with pluck, "The Reign of the Ani-Santas" was a refreshing twist on a Christmas themed book. While its form of sarcasm and over assured attitude might grate on some readers, I found myself enjoying every moment. You might not always like a character, but you can't deny the book also has heart.
An unexpected and wonderful surprise.
Centering on a very un-elf like elf who finds himself all too comfortable in the fast paced and star studded world of business success to someone completely out of their depth but with pluck, "The Reign of the Ani-Santas" was a refreshing twist on a Christmas themed book. While its form of sarcasm and over assured attitude might grate on some readers, I found myself enjoying every moment. You might not always like a character, but you can't deny the book also has heart.
An unexpected and wonderful surprise.
October 26, 2023
This is a weird book. Didn't really like it but it is decently written and deserved the fourth star for that. It's a satire and I'm sure most of it went right over my head. This author is probably a great deal of fun to read but I won't go hunting for anymore of his work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2024
Fantastic. This book was just non-stop. It was funny. It was exciting. The creativity and "world building" were off the charts. Maybe "world building" is not the right phrase, since Dodds is riffing on a well-known world that has been under construction for quite some time, but his take on it is original and sort of mind blowing. Anyway, a lot of fun.
December 15, 2025
I was rly excited about this but it was kind of a let down. I was wanting like a super chaotic Christmas movie vibe that shows the background of Christmas and the North Pole and Santa’s family. But this felt too like work related and political. Reminded me of animal farm. Had potential but just wasn’t interesting
November 25, 2024
2024 BIBA Winner!
December 9, 2025
An entertaining listen, but definitely for adults only!
audiobooks
December 19, 2025[Audiobook]
Narrator: 4.5
Story: 3.5
Narrator: 4.5
Story: 3.5
December 22, 2025
A silly book that was both entertaining to read and also difficult to read with all of the complex names lol. It was alright but I probably wouldn't read it again.
December 27, 2025
Too dark, couldn’t finish it! The real world news is dark enough, I don’t need more of it as a form of entertainment.
January 11, 2026
I just could not get interested enough to finish this book. I got to over a third of the way through and found myself zoning out and not caring to hear what comes next (audiobook)
December 30, 2023
Thank You Colin Dodds and BookSirens
I really enjoyed this novel. The writer has a great imagination of What Might Happened if Santa Claus decided to get on his own Naughty List. Santa Claus is in Hiding. Christmas is a Corporation for profit business. The Elves and Reindeers are scattered within all the chaos happening at the North Pole. The reader looks forward to seeing what's this and what's next. A lot of laughs, thrills and chills for all readers of this misadventures.
It's gear to the older reader. Highly recommend this book for all looking for a great entertaining story about the possible working of Christmas.
Cosmic
Comedy
Legend
I really enjoyed this novel. The writer has a great imagination of What Might Happened if Santa Claus decided to get on his own Naughty List. Santa Claus is in Hiding. Christmas is a Corporation for profit business. The Elves and Reindeers are scattered within all the chaos happening at the North Pole. The reader looks forward to seeing what's this and what's next. A lot of laughs, thrills and chills for all readers of this misadventures.
It's gear to the older reader. Highly recommend this book for all looking for a great entertaining story about the possible working of Christmas.
Cosmic
Comedy
Legend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews