A Christmas of Chaos

Hades x Persephone Reading Order #7.5

by Scarlett St. Clair

From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Scarlett St. Clair comes a holiday surprise set in the world of Hades and Persephone.

The halls are decked.

The souls are caroling.

And Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft, is warding the Underworld against a Kallikantzaroi invasion. For years, she’s kept the menacing gremlins at bay. But this year, Hermes makes a mistake that could ruin Christmas for everyone in New Greece.

Now, as Hades and Persephone prepare to celebrate Yuletide, the Underworld descends into chaos. Can the gods restore order before it’s too late—or will their holiday be destroyed?

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

International and USA Today Best Selling author Scarlett St. Clair is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the author of the HADES X PERSEPHONE SAGA, the HADES SAGA, KING OF BATTLE & BLOOD, and WHEN STARS COME OUT.

She has a Master's degree in Library Science and Information Studies and a Bachelors in English Writing. She is obsessed with Greek Mythology, murder mysteries, and the afterlife.

If you are obsessed with these things, then you'll like her books. You can find pictures of her adorable dog Adelaide on her Instagram at @authorscarlettstclair.

Reviews

[Kayla Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this world so much, I can read 10 more books with these characters. This was such a perfect read for the Christmas season! I could picture all the beautiful trees that Persephone decorated and it gave Christmas without it being overly Christmas if that makes sense, which to me is perfect because sometimes I don’t want too much Christmas in a book that takes place during Christmas. I laughed out loud so many times during this book and I just miss how much the characters in this world feel like home. Like it truly felt like coming home for the holidays and I adored it, no notes!

[darshini 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas of Chaos was a genuinely fun return to this world, and I really enjoyed getting to see where the characters ended up after the series finale. That sense of closure and check in with everyone was the strongest part for me, and it was a nice, warm, festive epilogue.

That said, the way the gods were portrayed pulled me out of the story at times. They felt a little too humanized for my taste. I could not quite buy Dionysus leading a mortal choir or Ares baking cookies in the Underworld kitchen. Those moments were amusing, but they pushed the gods so far out of character that it broke the immersion for me.

Overall, I still had a great time reading this and appreciated the chance to revisit characters I already cared about. Even with a few moments that felt off, it was a cozy, chaotic holiday add on that fans of the series will likely enjoy.

[Za · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you well? IYKYK!!!! This was like watching my favorite show, holiday edition.

This was such a holiday treat!

[Sophie Ives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I had missed this world so much!

It truly is a testament to Scarlett St. Clair’s writing that even months after reading the ToD series, I could be completely sucked back in and know exactly where I am and I what I can expect.

It was cosy, lovely, and I loved how she made Christmas make sense for a series set/themed around Greek Mythology. Hermes and Hecate, as always, were stand out and just perfect.

There was so much relationship progression and it sets up any new books to come really well. I’m so excited for the next instalment - whenever that will be! - but I know I’ll be the happiest clam when it does.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to two of my fave characters in Hecate and Hermes!! The introduction of Circe was a fun addition. And for being so short, the fact we got multiple spicy scenes that weren't just HxP going at it, niiice.

[mara - hyrulevalkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas everyone 🥰🎄🎅🏼

[Jackie Borcky · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a die-hard Scarlett St. Clair fan, the second I saw on Instagram that A Christmas of Chaos was coming out, I knew I had to read it. Then—Christmas miracle—my lovely sister got me a Kindle, so there was officially nothing stopping me.

Did I read the entire book on Christmas Day?
Yes.
Do I regret it?
Absolutely not.

This book was such a cute and chaotic addition to the Hades and Persephone series. You don’t just get more of their relationship (which I loved), but also time with other characters, which made the world feel even richer. The new creatures introduced were so fun and interesting—I genuinely loved every addition.

It was such an entertaining, cozy read that I honestly didn’t put it down once. One sitting. No breaks. No shame.

Overall, just like always with Scarlett St. Clair, this book is a 10/10, five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. It’s the perfect fun Christmas read to get you into the holiday spirit.

Merry Christmas! If anyone needs me, I’ll be in my room reading Terror at the Gates 🎄📖

[Kathryn Bloor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten just how amazing this series was. Which seems impossible after reading this novella.
I loved the story of these characters celebrating Christmas and how that turns into a chaotic mess for a while. This also offers some insight on what's to come with Diyones and Ari in addition to the whole of New Athens at the end of ATOC, plus some potential new characters. There's plenty of Hermes and Hecate up to the usual antics and all that goes with them as well.

If you enjoyed the Hades x Persophone series, this is a must read!

[Heena Mohammed · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a delightful Christmas treat! This series is my not-so guilty pleasure. I started my 2025 reading year with this series and am finishing it with the Christmas novella - how fitting!

I loved returning to New Athens and I love that there is always genuinely well researched Greek mythology storylines under the modernity and fun of the urban myth setting. P.s I had really missed Hermes and Hecate! Desperate now for the Aphrodite-Hephaestus story!

[Lucy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best Christmas present 🥹

Absolutely loved it! The Hades x Persephone saga is what got me back into reading so it’ll always have a special place in my heart, and this book did not disappoint.

It’s full of really sweet moments between different characters, funny parts, and a cute little Christmas story. I especially loved the chapters from Hermes perspective as I’ve loved him from the very first book.

[sophslilbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea this was the ending for Hades and Persephone I needed all wrapped up in a Christmas bow.
It was nice to read the peace after the bloodbath of Chaos and to see everyone happy, despite the gremlins on the loose.
Hecate dressing up Cerberus for Christmas was absolutely adorable and I loved the artwork included.
This series would never be complete without a bit of Hermes drama in there too.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was also wondering why the Greek gods celebrate Christmas and that was literally her first comment in the authors note LOL, still think it would’ve been better if it was just the winter solstice with the same traditions and symbols as Christmas but not referencing Christmas. I missed this world and I can’t wait to visit again in future books.

[Rebekah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun to see these characters again! It was so sweet to have something peaceful (there is chaos, but it's all silly) after the last book was so heavy and left them all so traumatized. And once again, Scarlett ties in so many myths/lore/legends/traditions and layers it in a creative way that makes sense for the modern reader.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Greece is one of my favorite places to be so obviously I jumped when this came out! It was more perfect than I could’ve imagined and I loved every bit of it. We got to see all of our favorite characters post-war and how their lives have changed, how they’ve grown, and maybe even some hints as to what’s to come in the future. It was the perfect Christmas read!

[Haley Giddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters so much! After finishing the series and being sad about it ending, it was fun to return to the characters/setting with zero stakes and guaranteed fun. I love the world of New Greece but Scarlett please, give me more Dionysus + Ariadne and Aphrodite + Hephaestus. Please. I’m begging, I’ve been waiting 84 years 🙏😩

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little winter novella of all our favourite characters and the madness that ensues. Now I just need Dionysius and Ariadnes story and I will be one happy girl.

Also Hermes and Hecate are just as amazing as always and they should never stop.

[Megan Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!!! I forgot how much I missed these characters and Scarlett did such a fantastic job with this holiday novella! It was sweet, hilarious, and also had some suspense. I read this so fast and enjoyed every single moment!

[Abigail Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love. Love. So lovely to see them in more of mundane setting.
Can’t believe I’m one of the first to leave a review on this book.

[Cambree McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! I loved this and being back in the New Greece world! It was so fun and I can’t wait to see what else Scarlett has in store for us!!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious like hot chocolate

The perfect novella to have read on Christmas Eve. Even if you don't read it on Christmas Eve, that's okay! It's honestly a good comfort read.

[Natasha Vella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful holiday novella that brings us back to the chaos and characters we love 🖤

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story. I loved returning to my takeout Greek God Retelling

[Taylor Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming home to my favorite book world for Christmas was everything I could’ve hoped for and more!

[Mikaela Dredden · Rating 4 out of 5]

So so so happy to see these characters again! Seeing Persephone, Hades, Hermes, and the whole gang makes me so excited to see what’s in store.

Such a great continuation of their story 🎄

[Lilia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really nice Christmas story. I like how it was short and didn’t drag anything out. It was nice to go back to the familiar characters and have a continuation of their story.

[A.J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun addition to the series!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cute read. This takes place 3 years after the series. It does show that there is some lasting emotional damage from the war, but also shows hints at growth and moving forward.