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?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Greek Mythology, Christmas, Novella, Dark Romance, Mythology

Audible Audio

Published July 7, 2026

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

[౨ৎ˖ ࣪⊹ hanah ౨ৎ˖ ࣪⊹ · Rating 5 out of 5]

₊⊹⁀➴ 5 stars
my christmas read for this year! ive missed this universe since last time ive been in this universe was last year. very heartwarming and christmassy!

[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 best 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.

[BarbieTheeReader🎀🫦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
"Her heart ached for them both but it also swelled with hope knowing they were healing."
"Well, it wouldn't be Christmas in the underworld without a little bit of chaos."

Big thanks to Sourcebooks Audio for the audio! Wow! After finishing this story, it made me realize how much I missed this universe, and that I could read endless books / stories forever and ever! With the way a Touch of Chaos ended, I appreciate how the author took her time in this short story to express the everlasting effects on the characters on what happened in A Touch of Chaos. As the reader you could feel the intense emotions of sadness, grief, pain, hesitancy, and more, because the characters truly have all gone through such traumatic situations, and experiences and the author does not shy away from their struggles with handling it, even as Gods and Goddesses. Hades and Persephone are truly still the cutest couple to ever exist and after all this time, Hades still worships the ground Persephone walks on and I still get a giggly and delightful feeling when I read their scenes.

I really enjoyed this story and as someone that is currently grieving at the moment, it truly hits close to home. On the other hand this story made me excited for Christmas season but also it truly was a bitter sweet feeling reading this and seeing the characters that I love so dearly in this universe try to get back to a sense of normalcy.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this lowkey might be my favorite book in this entire series and its literally just a christmas novella 😭

[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.

[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!

[123_Romantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
3🌶️ (multiple characters have spicy scenes in this 😊)

A perfect little novella to bring us back into this world. How I’ve missed it so much 🖤

I loved that we not only got more of Hades and Persephone as they become parents but also Dionysus and Ariadne, Hermes, and also a Lexa and Thanatos chapter!! To see where everyone is 3 years after the events of Chaos. I’m so happy she included a Lexa/Thanatos chapter because I needed it so bad! I love them so much!

Now it just makes me want Aphrodite and Hephaestus series SOOOOO bad! Scarlett, I know you have so many great things on your plate but I need their book next PLLLLLLEEEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEE 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[Miruna-Gabriela Flipache · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot say that I didn’t miss the characters, that would definitely be a lie. The problem stands in the fact that it was a little bit too rushed. Maybe a few more chapters would have been better to help me understand more about Persephone and her children. Or, who knows, maybe the author will surprise us with another book about their fate. Anyway, this book convinced me to read the ones from Hades’ perspective, which is something I’ve been up to for an entire year. :)

[Stephfafahh · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ARC copy of this book was provided by Sourcebooks Audio on the NetGalley platform in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun novella that ties in all the characters from the sagas very well.

I found it very truthful to the story and a testament to the characters that they were navigating their trauma and grief, even though they’re living their happily ever afters.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It brought me so much joy to return to The Underworld and New Athens! I love how Scarlett St. Clair dives into Greek mythology and was able to create a Christmas book based off her research and include icons like Circe. It was so gratifying to jump back into this story after the conclusion of the series and see how all my favorite characters get closure.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Scarlett was anticipating the "Greek Gods celebrating Christmas??" comments, but I can't help it! It's just such a unique concept to me, and I was really questioning it initially! But she pulled it off, and then some! I haven't read her Persephone x Hades series, but I didn't feel too out of the loop - she gave me all the information I needed to enjoy this novella and the multiple stories highlighted throughout. It was pretty cool getting a glimpse into a variety of love stories, from Thanatos with his heart eyes to the new parents themselves. The whole thing was just a huge feel-good time. I especially appreciated the eventual explanation as to how Christmas could possibly fit into the world of Greek Mythology, because the suspended belief was only getting me so far - but once it was elaborated, I was fully on board. I also really enjoyed the audio narration, though I was occassionally frustrated by the discrepencies in name pronunciation.

Thank you to Scarlett St. Clair, Sourcebooks Audio and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Kaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this little novella. It was the perfect length and story. I have missed these characters so much and it was so fun to be dropped back into their world with a very pregnant Persephone.

Plus WE GET HERMES POV. Hermes is probably one of my favorite side characters of all time and I am so happy to get his pov. He’s always up to something and I love his new red boots.

If you’ve read A Touch of Darkness series you need to read this!! It’s so fun. If you’ve haven’t, take this as your sign to read it now!!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in July! I had been so excited when this novella came out that I bought the ebook immediately but they never actually got around to reading it. I had done the whole series on audio though and was even more excited when I was able to get this one audio!

I loved getting absorbed back into this world and seeing a continuation of everyone’s story, even in a short novella form. It was such a fun time. I love Greek god/goddess retellings and this series has always been one of my favorites!

Thank you to Sourcebooks audio and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy.

[RJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look. If Scarlett St.Clair doesn’t have a single fan, then I have been deceased. I love this series, it is near and dear to my heart and I’m sad it’s over (like officially) but I am happy with its end. This novella helped with some closure for after the battle and we got more insight into the gods and their POVs which was fun! The cute little Christmas traditions, the show of gore and nightmares and fears, along with growth was good. Braaaavoooo

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dammit Hermes 🤭🤭 this was such a cute and fun novella, and I loved reading this in July.. Christmas in July anyone? Makes me want to re read the main series. I love seeing Hades and Persephone together, the usual grumpy vs sunshine and then Hermes just giving golden retriever and silly energy!

Thank you to sourcebooks audio for the book!

[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.

[Hope Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars! Very cute Christmas novella that transported me back into a world I love! Only reason for lower rating is I just wanted MORE! More of the characters and the world I love! More Aphrodite and Hephaestus to hold me over for their upcoming book!

[Kristina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite book series, and I jumped on this novella IMMEDIATELY once I stumbled across it. I love everything about this world, and this touching and humorous Christmas story was no different!

[mara - hyrulevalkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas everyone 🥰🎄🎅🏼

[Milica Morrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s cute, but really I’m still mad about the pregnancy trope

[ampère · Rating 3 out of 5]

well chaotic as its titled 😂 a lovely, fun novella for Xmas

[Michele Dechert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little novella featuring characters I have loved throughout the series. I couldn't help but laugh at the trouble Hermes got himself into, and I continue to love how motherly Hecate is to Persephone. Their relationship is adorable. I hope we get to revisit the world of New Greece in the future.

[Sierraaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

returning to this world made me so happy🥺💕

[kirareadsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice return of the characters. Book was rushed towards the end I needed more on relationships of everyone else.

[Madison Milburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with this series & universe & this was such a great addition with the cutest holiday twist! Also feels ~educational with all the mythology references explained at the beginning and end. We need moreeeeee

[Amelia Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute fun Christmassy novella!! (in September…)

[Yazmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Hermes, you did it this time.

[SaucceyySarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet ending to a major series to me. I very much enjoyed this one

[Mery]

DNF..

All in all, I genuinely enjoy the Hades x Persephone Saga, but this book unfortunately missed the mark for me. It felt as though it was desperately trying to create a festive or emotional atmosphere that simply wasn’t there, which made the reading experience feel forced rather than immersive. To put it in Gen Z terms: it read like a chaotic Y/N x CEO Christmas special, except the Gremlins somehow ended up being more powerful than literal gods.

I really tried to push through and finish the book (especially because I usually love Scarlet’s work) but I physically couldn’t bring myself to do it. That alone says a lot.

There were moments I genuinely enjoyed, such as Hermes forgetting to burn the shoes and accidentally causing a huge mess. However, instead of allowing him the agency to fix his mistake, his powers were taken away almost immediately and he was unceremoniously dropped off at Circe’s. He wasn’t even given the chance to deal with the mess. Just straight up „no you cannot clean with your power now off with you fool“

I do want to acknowledge that this book was self-published by Scarlet, and I’ve heard that it may not have been fully finished at the time of release. Because of that, I don’t want to be overly harsh. Still, despite my appreciation for the author and the series as a whole, this was a DNF for me and not something I plan on picking up again anytime soon.