Hell or High Winter

by Andrew Rubin

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.

Genres: Fiction

360 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Andrew 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.

Reviews

[Erika George]

❄️Do you like mythology?🔥

I love reading about mythology! This one is unique in so many ways!
As a story of Hermes and Persephone, I expected only Greek mythology, I was happily surprised that the author incorporated multiple religions and the gods associated with them!

We start with a heist on the Vatican which reminded me of a Dan Brown book, and Hermes (or the author) makes the same note 😅😂 it’s got some cheeky little one-liners throughout to keep the tone light!

When Persephone is dragged underground in the middle of summer the whole world is plunged into an apocalyptic snow blizzard. The only way to save humanity is for Hermes to find a way to rescue his sister ,Persephone.

Set in a modern world, the book is very accessible, mentioning cell phones and current events. I found the tone similar to Project Hail Mary and Percy Jackson. The content is definitely adult and like many stories from Greek mythology deals with some heavy issues.

“I am a god. And there are no gods. All humans are gods. All gods are human.”

This was a fun read and I think fans who have recently read Red Winter or listened to the musical Hadestown will enjoy this a lot!

Thank you so much to the author reading out to me with an ebook!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Casey Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that involve Greek gods/goddesses! Add the fact that it's modern, taking them and throwing them into today's world, and I just loved the idea. And it's not just Greek deities, either; those are just the main focus. We encounter all sorts of deities from various faiths and places. But how do they deal with their dwindling following? When no one prays to them or needs them anymore? Our focus is on Hermes, the Greek messenger God. In this modern world, who really needs him?! He causes some chaos just to shake things up and for fun. I think to also try to make himself feel relevant and involved again. When his sister Persephone gets taken to the underworld with Hades, as she does since she splits her time causing winter and summer, but doesn't seem to be coming back, Hermes decides he will go to the underworld and get her. What should be a straightforward rescue turns into something much bigger when he stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the world as we know it. For being deities, Andrew Rubin portrays them as very human indeed. What does it mean to be a god? We explore a lot of their human attributes, trying to find their place in this world. We also explore modern life. It's funny at times, and philosophical at others, and always entertaining! 

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[Jamie Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Claressa Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Shawn Gipson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Terry Shames · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell or High Winter by Andrew Rubin was such a fun, refreshing surprise. Greek mythology collides with modern chaos in the best way possible, asking what happens to gods once the world stops believing in them.

Hermes is the standout here: sarcastic, clever, a little lost, and very much over being a god in a world full of apps and distractions. When Persephone disappears (because of course she does), he’s pulled into a fast-paced rescue that quickly turns into something much bigger, messier, and higher stakes than expected.

This book is witty, fast-moving, and sneaks in a lot of thoughtful commentary about purpose, identity, belief, and modern culture without ever feeling heavy. I don't know much about mythology, but still found that I was able to understand the history behind the story.

Short version: imaginative, funny, and wildly entertaining. I flew through it and will absolutely be continuing the series.

[Jessica Grubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell or High Water the story based off mythology Hermes of Greek that still existing in modern times who no longer worshipped. He scrapes by doing favors and errands by other gods and powerful begins. His sister Persephone is kidnapped once again Hermes must go into Hades to rescue her . Which he uncover a much larger conspiracy that could threaten Earth.This book was full of so much mythology and how accurate it all was . It was nice how author blended ancient gods with modern gods worked nicely and didn’t fell forced. Overall this book engaging fast paced and entertaining this book had modern twist ,humor . If you enjoy Greek mythology you will love this book it is well worth your time to read this and the sequel when it releases.
Thank you to the author,publisher,Goodreads for this giveaway to read and give a honest review on .

[Ricardo Villarreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

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%.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, refreshing, captivating tale. Greek mythology is seamlessly woven with modern day religion in a contemporary setting, asking: what do gods do without anyone to worship them?

The first part of the book set up the story and about a quarter way through the stakes are raised - and keep amping up. From then on there's not really any slowing down, leading to a satisfying conclusion on its own but leaving you interested in more. Mixed with the excitement is a healthy dose of humour, a little light in the dark, and it's easy to get invested.

This was quite a creative approach to Hermes and Persephone!

[Matt Witten · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.).

[LJC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell or High Winter is a beautifully written book. I was a bit skeptical at first as to whether it was my kind of read since the genre is mythological fantasy. However, the author’s description of the book and a recent article spiked my interest. The book is fantasy but relevant to today on so many levels. It had me laughing out loud on many occasions. I also felt like it was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I learned so much about the Gods and the Underworld, as well. Thank you Andrew Rubin for this bright and whimsical fantasy of a novel called Hell or High Winter.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. It was a fantastic reimagining of familiar historical characters, but with an inventive twist. It was devilishly humorous and introduced thought-provoking concepts about religion and fellowship in an imaginative way that didn’t feel heavy-handed. I recommend “Hell or High Winter” to anyone who appreciates an irreverent voice and loves an epic adventure story. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[BusyMommiesBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I loved how there were different mythologies and how the gods all know each other.

I loved Hermes as the main character. I don't think I've ever read anything with him as such a prevalent character, and I'm here for it. His relationship with Persephone was pure gold.

I loved seeing what had come of the "greater" Greek gods.

The ONLY thing stopping me from giving this 5 stars was the portrayal of Persephone and Hades relationship. It nearly broke my heart.

[Craig Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cathie Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Austin Gustin-Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Mitchell Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic adventure story with humor, action, chills, and thrills. Felt like T.H. White channeling Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Bravo!

[Meighan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! Incredibly descriptive and imaginative. This is not usually my genre of choice, but I can’t wait for the next one!