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!
- “Verdict: Get It” – Kirkus Reviews
- Runner Up, 2023 Best Contemporary Fiction – Indies Today Awards
- Silver Award, Seasonal/Holiday Fiction – Reader Views Annual Literary Awards
- Finalist, Humor – Foreword Indies Book of the Year
- Finalist, Literary Fiction – Literary Global Book Awards
- Finalist, Cross-Genre – Literary Global Book Awards
- IndieReader Approved
- IndieReader Books of the Month List
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) unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride… truly captivating… a fully realized universe of elves with a rich history and culture… challenges our preconceptions of Christmas and invites us to ponder the true essence of the holiday.”– Book Commentary (5/5 STARS)
“(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… 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
Twinsie Kelly’s Review
Ok, this is definitely for the grown-ups and those of us with a satirical sense of humor, not for the faint of heart. I listened to this in audio format and the narrator hit it out of the park! The story is told from an elf’s point of view from waaaay back in the day when he was younger. He accidentally ends up in Santa’s sleigh and ends up helping deliver toys that Christmas. However, NO ONE helps Santa deliver toys. This is where these two forge a special bond. But just like with everything, even magical Christmas, it costs money. Then you follow this elf throughout his life. He talks about how the blue-collar elves work, how some of the elves turn into Pine trees, big business/mafia comes in and takes over Christmas, elves fleeing the North Pole, Rudolph owning dealerships and driving a Cadillac. Sex, drugs, gambling, and MONEY! This story is so over the top in some areas that you just have to keep going to see what else this author is going to come up with. I feel like calling it a trainwreck that you can’t stop watching is not a good way to describe it but in some ways that is the only way that I can describe it. I found myself hurrying to turn the audio back on so I could find out what else was going to happen. It was just insanity ALL THE TIME! Over many, many years this special elf becomes THE elf that ultimately helps to save Christmas. There were laughs, there were gasps, but there was a happily ever-ish end to the story. You just have to read it!
Colin 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.