Rome, 268 AD
In an age of tyranny and turmoil, their love will ignite a revolution.
Valentine, a once-fearsome warrior reborn from the brink of death, sheds his violent past for a new destiny inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Amidst the ruthless rule of a merciless emperor, Valentine undertakes a clandestine mission: to unite lovers in secret ceremonies, defying imperial decrees that threaten to obliterate the Christian faith. As Valentine’s covert acts of defiance grow bolder, he challenges the tyrannical order, planting the seeds for a celebration of love that will echo through the ages—becoming the foundation of what we now cherish as Valentine’s Day.
The Legend of Valentine is an epic tale of love, war, faith, and rebellion. Against the backdrop of an empire in chaos, this gripping saga invites readers into a world where love defies all odds, heroes rise from the shadows, and the undying spirit of hope shines through the darkest times. Discover the man behind the myth, witness the birth of a legend, and experience a love story so profound it promises to live forever. Are there any limits to what one man will endure for his true love?
The narrative intricately weaves together elements of legend, history, and imagination, creating a rich tapestry that brings Valentine’s story to life. Collins's background in film is evident in his writing, as the novel unfolds with a cinematic quality that immerses readers in the ancient world of Rome. Detailed descriptions of the setting—from bustling Roman streets to the serene countryside—provide a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. Collins’s characters are well-developed, with Valentine and Agatha's love story forming the heart of the novel. Their relationship is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making their struggles and triumphs both poignant and convincing. Valentine’s arc is compelling—a man who evolves from a battle-hardened soldier to a compassionate healer and devout Christian—while Agatha is equally well-realized, embodying courage and grace despite her vulnerabilities.
One of the novel’s strengths is its historical accuracy; Collins has clearly done extensive research, and he includes real historical figures and events that add authenticity to the story. The narrative enhances the historical foundation with creative liberties that never detract from its integrity. The portrayal of early Christian communities and their struggles under Roman rule is both informative and moving, providing a heightened understanding of the historical context in which Valentine lived. Collins’s piercing exploration of faith, sacrifice, and redemption gives this epic love story an intricate depth often missing in similar titles.
Takeaway: Well-crafted, engaging fictional rendering of Saint Valentine’s life.
Comparable Titles: Jamie Ogle’s Of Love and Treason, Emma Hooper’s We Should Not Be Afraid of the Sky.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Sheldon Collins’s The Legend of Valentine: An Ancient Historical Love Story that Ignites a Revolution is a detail-rich story of Roman intrigue and Christian resilience, all built around Valentine Romanus’s transformative journey. Collins’s historical backdrop is meticulously rendered, and I especially found the portrayals of Roman military life and political scheming to be the best parts of his writing. We do get points of view beyond Valentine, which allows readers to understand the machinations of ancient Rome. As much as I liked the Agatha-Valentine angle [the love story], it is the very brief affair with Serena that delivers one of the greatest arcs in the novel.
The Christian themes are clear, although not overtly heavy-handed, as Valentine’s spiritual transformation embodies the faith’s direct plight against Roman authority. Overall, this is a well-done Christian historical novel that leans into the era’s turmoil, the quiet resilience of early believers of Christ, and the fictionalized bedrock of a day now and forever dedicated to love.
The Legend of Valentine by Sheldon Collins is a historical fiction novel set in 268 AD Rome, portraying the love and defiance of Valentine, a former warrior inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Amidst imperial tyranny, Valentine embarks on a secret mission to unite lovers in clandestine ceremonies, challenging decrees that seek to crush the Christian faith. As his actions spark a silent revolution, Valentine's story unfolds as the origin of what we now know as Valentine's Day. This epic tale is a journey of love, sacrifice, and the birth of a timeless legend. Collins brings ancient Rome to life with rich, immersive detail that made me feel as if I were walking its streets alongside Valentine.
The multisensory elements of the ancient world make you feel like you're actually living in it rather than just watching the scenes play out in your head. Sheldon Collins's expert balancing of romance and rebellion creates a narrative that's both passionate and revolutionary, showing how love can become a powerful force for change. The depth and nuance given to Valentine's and Agatha's characters add genuine emotional weight to the story, particularly in Valentine's transformation from warrior to lover and rebel and how his physical and emotional experiences shaped his attitudes and changing inner monologue as Agatha's love impacted him.
What I found most compelling was how Collins brings the slow-burning themes of love, faith, and defiance into a powerful crescendo within the plot, creating a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever stood up for what they believe in, despite the consequences. Overall, I highly recommend The Legend of Valentine to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a perfect blend of romance and social commentary.
THE LEGEND OF VALENTINE by Sheldon Collins
Each year, more than 136 million Americans join over a billion people worldwide in celebrating Valentine's Day, collectively spending a staggering $25.9 billion in the US alone, as reported by Capital One Shopping Research. Yet, amidst this flurry of commerce, how many people truly understand the origins of this day?
To uncover the history, we must journey back to Rome in 269 AD, an era marked by tyranny and turmoil, where an aged-old love story sparked a revolution of clandestine wedding ceremonies led by Saint Valentine. And so, as it turns out, this tale makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for those seeking an exciting and romantic narrative.
The soon-to-be-released historical novel and audiobook, The Legend of Valentine (Hutchinson & Collins Publishing) by Sheldon Collins, launches the first book in a captivating Valentine historical fiction series. Set against the backdrop of an empire in chaos, this gripping saga invites readers into a world where love defies all odds, heroes rise from the shadows, and the undying spirit of hope shines through the darkest times.
Valentine, a once-fearsome warrior reborn from the brink of death, sheds his violent past for a new destiny inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Under the harsh rule of Emperor Claudius II, Valentine undertakes a perilous quest to secretly wed lovers, defying imperial edicts that banned Christian unions at the time.
As Valentine’s covert acts of defiance grow bolder, he challenges the tyrannical order and captures the masses’ hearts, minds, and faith. His daring deeds plant the seeds for a tradition that echoes through the ages, laying the foundation for what the world now celebrates as Valentine’s Day.
Ironically, the themes in The Legend of Valentine—overcoming adversity, political oppression, and the division of beliefs—deeply resonate with today's global struggles. Intentionally crafted by the author, this ancient tale remains timeless and relevant, serving as a refreshing reminder of love’s power to unite and heal us all.
The Historical Fiction Company calls The Legend of Valentine “an incredible story of Valentine’s life—well told with a cast of secondary characters who either wish to bed him or murder him—an immersive tale with a surprising twist that shows that true love never dies.”
Kirkus Reviews recommends that readers purchase The Legend of Valentine, highlighting that "the novel is full of well-paced drama that will keep them [readers] hooked to the end." They describe the book as "a complex and ambitious adventure for lovers of ancient historical romance."
The Legend of Valentine is already available for pre-order on Amazon, and will be released on January 21, 2025, at many major retailers. Booksellers will find the editions available at Ingram Sparks. Exclusive Collector's Editions and author-autographed prints will be available exclusively through the author’s shop: https://sheldoncollins.myshopify.com/ .
Audiobook enthusiasts are in for a remarkable experience. The audiobook edition was co-directed by Collins and Becky Parker Geist, produced by Pro Audio Voices, along with 20 talented international voice-over actors, making for a rich soundtrack. For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the audiobook's creation, including videos featuring the cast, listeners may visit the author’s website at sheldoncollins.com/audiobook.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller whose career originated in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films, acclaimed for their compelling narratives and intricate character development, have graced premium television channels and been highlighted at numerous film festivals. Collins’ cinematic background profoundly shapes his literary style, infusing his writings with a vivid, film-like quality. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute. Collins lives with his family in California.
For more information about the author and to order The Legend of Valentine, visit sheldoncollins.com.
