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Hell or High Winter
Hell or High Winter is a contemporary, urban reimagining of the myth of Hermes and Persephone. A supernatural action/adventure with sharp wit and a deep soul. Over the Ages, gods and goddesses have come in and out of fashion. Each deity struggles to cope with their dwindling popularity. Some fade into oblivion, refusing to answer the desperate prayers of mortals as they establish a new identity beneath the stars. Others spend the millennia waiting by the proverbial phone...desperate to be called into service. Hermes and his godly cohorts confront a new challenge—how to survive without constant worship and adoration. It may just be that even mystical beings can become addicted...gods and goddesses are junkies for the thrill of controlling a mortal's fate. In the digital age of the 21st Century, what the hell is Hermes, Messenger of the Gods, to do? ...Because no one is listening.
360 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2989 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Rubin
1 book24 followersAndrew Rubin graduated from NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts where he studied Film Production and History. Like a Lemming over a cliff, Andrew graduated at the height of the Great Recession. Over the past decade, he has toiled in the trenches of Hollywood development, gaining a WGA card along the way, and walking the picket lines to unemployment.
HELL OR HIGH WINTER is the culmination of a ten-year odyssey before Andrew sighted land and found a welcome home with Rare Bird Books. Now this irreverent, action-adventure, mythological romp is available to readers everywhere!
Described as a Renaissance Man by no one, Andrew also co-directed the feature documentary, “Ride with Larry,” about the inspirational journey of Parkinson’s advocate, Larry Smith. “Ride with Larry” garnered international attention, including a BBC special, for its examination of medical marijuana and Parkinson’s. The segment on medical marijuana has since been viewed over half a billion times. Little known fact, the man in the viral video sharing medical marijuana was actually Andrew’s father, affectionately known as Mary Jane’s Apostle.
Yes, Andrew’s father helped normalize pot. You’re welcome.
To this day, Andrew’s father remains the only Jew known to smoke pot in the Vatican. Second fun fact of the day.
Most proudly – and randomly – Andrew is president and co-founder of Symptom Media, an online mental health education and resource library, currently used in over 500 universities, hospitals and institutions around the world (including Stanford, Yale, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UNC Chapel Hill and more). Check it out! You might learn something too!
When not doing the writing and work stuff, Andrew does other stuff, like injuring himself running, or injuring himself playing pickleball, or injuring himself playing with his dog, or injuring himself gardening (how?!). He splits his time injuring himself between San Diego and Los Angeles.
HELL OR HIGH WINTER is the culmination of a ten-year odyssey before Andrew sighted land and found a welcome home with Rare Bird Books. Now this irreverent, action-adventure, mythological romp is available to readers everywhere!
Described as a Renaissance Man by no one, Andrew also co-directed the feature documentary, “Ride with Larry,” about the inspirational journey of Parkinson’s advocate, Larry Smith. “Ride with Larry” garnered international attention, including a BBC special, for its examination of medical marijuana and Parkinson’s. The segment on medical marijuana has since been viewed over half a billion times. Little known fact, the man in the viral video sharing medical marijuana was actually Andrew’s father, affectionately known as Mary Jane’s Apostle.
Yes, Andrew’s father helped normalize pot. You’re welcome.
To this day, Andrew’s father remains the only Jew known to smoke pot in the Vatican. Second fun fact of the day.
Most proudly – and randomly – Andrew is president and co-founder of Symptom Media, an online mental health education and resource library, currently used in over 500 universities, hospitals and institutions around the world (including Stanford, Yale, Johns Hopkins, NYU, UNC Chapel Hill and more). Check it out! You might learn something too!
When not doing the writing and work stuff, Andrew does other stuff, like injuring himself running, or injuring himself playing pickleball, or injuring himself playing with his dog, or injuring himself gardening (how?!). He splits his time injuring himself between San Diego and Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 14, 2025
A hilarious, wild ride into the realm of modern mythology! This creative story poses the question, what happens to gods without worshippers? Hell or High Winter by Andrew Rubin answers the question with humor, heart, and plenty of chaos.
Purposeless deities become reality show caricatures - hoarders, party animals, cage fighters, and the occasional real housewife.
And in the middle of it all is Hermes - I mean, really, who needs a messenger god when we have a dozen apps at our fingertips doing his job? He could have happily drifted aimlessly through eternity. However, mutiny in the Underworld forces him to fight to save someone he loves even more than his precious high-top sneakers.
Rubin’s debut novel offers clever worldbuilding, thoughtful prose, and witty one-liners worthy of a trickster god. Mythology isn’t my usual genre, but this was such a fun change of pace. I can certainly see fans of American Gods or Circe feeling right at home in this world.
Looking forward to the next installation in this action-packed trilogy!
Purposeless deities become reality show caricatures - hoarders, party animals, cage fighters, and the occasional real housewife.
And in the middle of it all is Hermes - I mean, really, who needs a messenger god when we have a dozen apps at our fingertips doing his job? He could have happily drifted aimlessly through eternity. However, mutiny in the Underworld forces him to fight to save someone he loves even more than his precious high-top sneakers.
Rubin’s debut novel offers clever worldbuilding, thoughtful prose, and witty one-liners worthy of a trickster god. Mythology isn’t my usual genre, but this was such a fun change of pace. I can certainly see fans of American Gods or Circe feeling right at home in this world.
Looking forward to the next installation in this action-packed trilogy!
September 22, 2025
I was lucky to receive a pre-publication copy of this entertaining, fast-paced and crazy novel. It's difficult to categorize but goes down easily, so skilled is this writer. The premise is a modern day "save the world" but rather than the run-of-the-mill superheroes, the protagonists here are a motley crew of gods, goddesses, and spiritual figures ranging from popes to minor and major Greek and Roman goddesses. It's hilariously funny, fast paced, with thriller elements and clever asides that made me laugh aloud. Both entertaining, and original, and a wonderful, diverting read. I highly recommend it! This writer is one to watch, and I can't wait for his next. Apparently this is first in a trilogy...
September 28, 2025
How refreshing: a page turner that made me laugh out loud, think about history (past and present), that also knit Greek myths with modern expectations. So: a well-thought-out premise that makes you hold your breath every single second. When you're not laughing! Highly recommended. Nothing else like it. Move over, Neil Gaiman!
November 3, 2025
Hell or High Winter | Andrew Rubin
In a world that has long stopped worshipping gods and is more focused on the technological age, Hermes yearns for attention. Up to his old tricks, he desires to disrupt religious institutions for his own enjoyment (and financial gain). The only constant in his life is the Spring, which brings Persephone home from hell to visit for the season. Until one year, frigid winter persists and Persephone is nowhere to be found. Can Hermes be the hero he was destined to be and save humanity, or has the way of the gods been lost forever?
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was new, refreshing, and creative. It inspires the will of achieving greatness not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the world and those we love.
The way that Andrew represents the focus of humanity switching gears from worshipping gods and idols to worshipping technology is genius. The modern-day take on the gods that we all know was fun and relatable. The cultural and religious representation is diverse. He features not only Greek gods, but Eshu (African representation), Krishna (Hindu representation), Gabriel (Catholic representation), and Naato'si and Ko'komiki'somm (Blackfoot tribe representation).
The comedy is present throughout this book. The modern character development of the gods is sheer perfection. Hermes is sarcastic and has a gambling addiction. Hades has memory loss and a ramshackle mancave. Gabriel wears designer clothes, exudes dramatics, and is a germophobe. Zeus is a has been and throws himself pitty parties. The detail in the development of these characters to make them relevant in this day and age was executed in such an amazing way.
There are two focuses of the story that I loved the most. First, the desire to be more than what we are. Recognizing what we are capable of and striving to be that person was a message that came across loud and clear. Second, the strength we find in love and friendship can define us. The love Hermes has for his sister carried his character development and helped him to find himself and recognize his potential. These are themes that I don't think are always executed as well as they were in the book.
In speaking with Andrew, he has a deep respect for cultural and religious diversity and takes inspiration from his travels. When he shared with me that this book sat on his computer for 10+ years I was floored. I hope that now it is out in the world it is shown the love it so clearly deserves! I can't wait for the rest of the series. Thank you, Andrew, for reaching out and asking me to read this book. It's a story that is one-of-a-kind and transformative to the reader.
In a world that has long stopped worshipping gods and is more focused on the technological age, Hermes yearns for attention. Up to his old tricks, he desires to disrupt religious institutions for his own enjoyment (and financial gain). The only constant in his life is the Spring, which brings Persephone home from hell to visit for the season. Until one year, frigid winter persists and Persephone is nowhere to be found. Can Hermes be the hero he was destined to be and save humanity, or has the way of the gods been lost forever?
I absolutely LOVED this book. It was new, refreshing, and creative. It inspires the will of achieving greatness not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the world and those we love.
The way that Andrew represents the focus of humanity switching gears from worshipping gods and idols to worshipping technology is genius. The modern-day take on the gods that we all know was fun and relatable. The cultural and religious representation is diverse. He features not only Greek gods, but Eshu (African representation), Krishna (Hindu representation), Gabriel (Catholic representation), and Naato'si and Ko'komiki'somm (Blackfoot tribe representation).
The comedy is present throughout this book. The modern character development of the gods is sheer perfection. Hermes is sarcastic and has a gambling addiction. Hades has memory loss and a ramshackle mancave. Gabriel wears designer clothes, exudes dramatics, and is a germophobe. Zeus is a has been and throws himself pitty parties. The detail in the development of these characters to make them relevant in this day and age was executed in such an amazing way.
There are two focuses of the story that I loved the most. First, the desire to be more than what we are. Recognizing what we are capable of and striving to be that person was a message that came across loud and clear. Second, the strength we find in love and friendship can define us. The love Hermes has for his sister carried his character development and helped him to find himself and recognize his potential. These are themes that I don't think are always executed as well as they were in the book.
In speaking with Andrew, he has a deep respect for cultural and religious diversity and takes inspiration from his travels. When he shared with me that this book sat on his computer for 10+ years I was floored. I hope that now it is out in the world it is shown the love it so clearly deserves! I can't wait for the rest of the series. Thank you, Andrew, for reaching out and asking me to read this book. It's a story that is one-of-a-kind and transformative to the reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Disclosure: The author reached out to me and offered a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was happy to oblige, and all opinions are my own.
Hell or High Winter by Andrew Rubin was such a fun and refreshing read. The story follows Hermes...yes, that Hermes of Greek mythology, still existing in modern times. No longer worshipped, he scrapes by doing errands and favors for other gods and powerful beings. When his sister Persephone is kidnapped (again), Hermes must descend into Hades to rescue her, only to uncover a much larger conspiracy that could threaten Earth as we know it.
Hermes is a fantastic protagonist: clever, sarcastic, and full of humor that made this book a joy to read. As a fan of Greek mythology, I was genuinely impressed by how much mythology was included and how accurate it was. It’s clear the author did his research, and the mythological elements felt authentic rather than surface-level or loosely adapted. The blend of ancient gods with a modern setting worked incredibly well and never felt forced.
Overall, this was an engaging, fast-paced, and highly entertaining novel that mythology fans will especially appreciate. I’m very much looking forward to picking up the sequel when it’s released. If you enjoy Greek mythology with a modern twist, sharp humor, and high stakes, this one is well worth your time.
Hell or High Winter by Andrew Rubin was such a fun and refreshing read. The story follows Hermes...yes, that Hermes of Greek mythology, still existing in modern times. No longer worshipped, he scrapes by doing errands and favors for other gods and powerful beings. When his sister Persephone is kidnapped (again), Hermes must descend into Hades to rescue her, only to uncover a much larger conspiracy that could threaten Earth as we know it.
Hermes is a fantastic protagonist: clever, sarcastic, and full of humor that made this book a joy to read. As a fan of Greek mythology, I was genuinely impressed by how much mythology was included and how accurate it was. It’s clear the author did his research, and the mythological elements felt authentic rather than surface-level or loosely adapted. The blend of ancient gods with a modern setting worked incredibly well and never felt forced.
Overall, this was an engaging, fast-paced, and highly entertaining novel that mythology fans will especially appreciate. I’m very much looking forward to picking up the sequel when it’s released. If you enjoy Greek mythology with a modern twist, sharp humor, and high stakes, this one is well worth your time.
October 20, 2025
Hell or High Water is the most imaginative book I’ve read in years. At base it’s a retelling of the myth of Hermes and Persephone, but it’s actually much more. It’s an exploration of what it means to be a god. Many of the gods have grown old and they seem to have learned nothing about themselves through the centuries. The author explores the human attributes that illuminate their worst—and best—traits.
In particular, Hermes is looking for meaning and personal intention in his life. Still vital, he is searching for something real, and goes into the human world to find it. But he is up to his old tricks, and chaos ensues. Eventually, in order to save his sister Persephone, and earth, Hermes must journey into hell. And there, well…all hell breaks loose.
One of the delights of the book is sly references to human foibles, and sometimes scathing portraits of modern life. At times hilarious, other times astonishing, and often deeply philosophical, it’s always entertaining. I highly recommend it. P.S. You don’t have to know much about Greek gods to appreciate it.
In particular, Hermes is looking for meaning and personal intention in his life. Still vital, he is searching for something real, and goes into the human world to find it. But he is up to his old tricks, and chaos ensues. Eventually, in order to save his sister Persephone, and earth, Hermes must journey into hell. And there, well…all hell breaks loose.
One of the delights of the book is sly references to human foibles, and sometimes scathing portraits of modern life. At times hilarious, other times astonishing, and often deeply philosophical, it’s always entertaining. I highly recommend it. P.S. You don’t have to know much about Greek gods to appreciate it.
November 10, 2025
This was simply the perfect book I needed to read in these crazy times! "Hell or High Winter" is a very imaginative and truly hilarious take on the Greek gods navigating through modern day world affairs. Andrew's narrative eloquence combined with a great sense of humor makes reading this action-packed novel an absolute delight. His writing style is masterful, the characters are superbly developed, and his passion of Greek mythology is unquestionable. I enjoyed the book so much and just love how Andrew can take you through some serious scenes and suddenly, when you least expect it, you are laughing-out-loud at the funniest turn of events. You just have to read it! This is one of the most original and entertaining books I've read in a while, and I recommend it 100%.
August 8, 2025
Hell or High Winter is a unique and entertaining book that’s like nothing I ever read before. A variety of deities, like the Greek God Hermes and the archangel Gabriel, visit humanity in the 21st century and encounter all kinds of trouble that’s besetting both gods and humans. Mainly, it looks like spring will never come again, due to warfare between the gods. They use their wits and their somewhat faded powers to rescue Persephone from hell and bring spring to the world once again. This is a light action adventure with lots of comedy and fun supernatural touches.
November 8, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a weekend. Rubin’s debut novel is a fast-paced contemporary take on Greek mythology. If you loved Kaos on Netflix, Hell or High Winter is a must-read. It’s witty and clever with a sharp sense of dark humor. I think this would be an excellent book club pick because of the modern take on mythology and emotional depth. There are a lot of interesting themes and discussion topics to explore with a group (religion & beliefs, purpose, identity, celebrity culture and influence, power, technology, connection, transformation, etc.).
November 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The story was excellent, as was the world-building. I loved the characters. Some of the writing was very clever and worthy of re-reading. Some parts had me laughing out loud. However, at times, I felt that the pacing was uneven, with the story going into too much detail that I started to skip over. Other than that, the book is well worth reading. Thank you to Edelweiss and Rare Bird Books for the digital review copy.
October 19, 2025
I received a pre-publication copy of this book from the publisher, and opened it with some trepidation since I'm not a big fan of fantasy. But Hell or High Winter knocked my socks off. It's a truly unique concept, written with wry humor, surprising emotion, and a pace that doesn't let up from page one to the end. Highly recommend, especially those who are tired of the same old same old.
November 7, 2025
I just finished this very unique and different book. It is a fantasy cleverly written about Hermes and Persephone trying to escape the Underworld. It is totally funny and definitely irreverent. Hermes has relationships with other ancient Gods as well as Gabriel the Archangel. This book will be part of a trilogy. Read it. You won't be sorry.
December 23, 2025
Andrew Rubin's debut novel is a delightful mixture of mythology and action set in the modern world that takes you from Heaven to Hell, literally. What happens when the ever juvenile Hermes has to face his worst fears and possibly... grow up?
October 9, 2025
A beautifully written book of extraordinary imagination. The story will stay with you, encouraging you to recall the tale with its wit, insight, and recasting of mythology.
November 17, 2025
Fantastic adventure story with humor, action, chills, and thrills. Felt like T.H. White channeling Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Bravo!
December 17, 2025
What a ride! Incredibly descriptive and imaginative. This is not usually my genre of choice, but I can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews