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The Legend of Valentine: An Ancient Historical Love Story
Rome, 268 AD
In an age of tyranny and turmoil, an eternal love story ignites 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 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?
2026 WINNER - INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
2026 SOVAS NOMINATED - BEST AUDIOBOOK PRODUCTION, BEST DIRECTING, BEST PERFORMANCES, BEST SOUND ENGINEERING
In an age of tyranny and turmoil, an eternal love story ignites 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 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?
2026 WINNER - INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
2026 SOVAS NOMINATED - BEST AUDIOBOOK PRODUCTION, BEST DIRECTING, BEST PERFORMANCES, BEST SOUND ENGINEERING
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2025
29 people are currently reading
3705 people want to read
About the author
Sheldon Collins
1 book22 followersSheldon Collins began his career in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director, crafting films known for their compelling narratives and character-driven storytelling. His work has been featured on premium television and showcased at numerous film festivals, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Collins brings that rich storytelling background to his debut novel, The Legend of Valentine. In addition to writing the book to widespread praise, he also produced and directed the enhanced audiobook adaptation—featuring a cast of 20 voice actors, full sound design, and an original musical score. The project is a 4× SOVAS® Voice Arts Awards nominee, including Outstanding Production, Best Director (Collins), Best Producer (Collins), Best Actor and Best Sound Design. The Voice Arts Awards represent one of the highest forms of global recognition an audiobook can receive.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the American Film Institute. His film background deeply informs his writing, giving his work a vivid, cinematic quality.
Collins lives in California with his wife and daughter. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Collins brings that rich storytelling background to his debut novel, The Legend of Valentine. In addition to writing the book to widespread praise, he also produced and directed the enhanced audiobook adaptation—featuring a cast of 20 voice actors, full sound design, and an original musical score. The project is a 4× SOVAS® Voice Arts Awards nominee, including Outstanding Production, Best Director (Collins), Best Producer (Collins), Best Actor and Best Sound Design. The Voice Arts Awards represent one of the highest forms of global recognition an audiobook can receive.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the American Film Institute. His film background deeply informs his writing, giving his work a vivid, cinematic quality.
Collins lives in California with his wife and daughter. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 27, 2024
Thank you Reedsy for providing me with an early look of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I’d like to believe that Collins has something to say about the legend of Valentine - I truly do - unfortunately, this just does not translate on paper.
First of all, these are paper-thin characters. For the most part, I can’t tell the characters apart. For a novel that over-describes everything, I can barely differentiate who’s who in this story. Secondly, the conversations between these characters read like very generic dialogue. There is no individuality in the way the characters speak. It’s as though Collins did little research by perhaps watching Gladiator and observed that the characters speak a certain way so that tone should be emulated. I think the author should take a stance on what he wants the characters to sound - either characters speak with period specific accuracy, but dear god, if so, infuse them with a semblance of personality, OR use contemporary diction, but commit to it while not being so stiff with the language. It was a drag to read conversations between supposed friends with no sense of familiarity or camaraderie.
Now on the meat of this review. Marshall McLuhan famously proclaims that the medium is the message. What that means, dear Collins, is that you need to take a stance on what the vehicle of your story is, i.e. is this a plot-driven narrative or a character study, because this reads like neither and both, and because of that, it falters. The over-description of mundane action beats, scenes, events read like a student’s writing style trying to pad an essay with expletives. There is no style in the writing and it makes the narrative such a bore to read. It goes back to the earlier point whereby 1) the author refuses to take a stance on the story that they want to tell or 2) the author does not know enough about the story to tell it in the first place. While I can and have sat through unstylistic narratives in the past, I usually came out of them with a throughpoint at the end - either a lesson, a theme or a parable. I came out of this story, learning nothing about Valentine, appreciating nothing about the characters because they are so barebones and forgettable, and ultimately have more to lose from reading this novel. All in all, this is a very bad novel that needs to either be trimmed, rethought or scrapped entirely.
My rating: 0/5 - I would not recommend this story to anybody.
I’d like to believe that Collins has something to say about the legend of Valentine - I truly do - unfortunately, this just does not translate on paper.
First of all, these are paper-thin characters. For the most part, I can’t tell the characters apart. For a novel that over-describes everything, I can barely differentiate who’s who in this story. Secondly, the conversations between these characters read like very generic dialogue. There is no individuality in the way the characters speak. It’s as though Collins did little research by perhaps watching Gladiator and observed that the characters speak a certain way so that tone should be emulated. I think the author should take a stance on what he wants the characters to sound - either characters speak with period specific accuracy, but dear god, if so, infuse them with a semblance of personality, OR use contemporary diction, but commit to it while not being so stiff with the language. It was a drag to read conversations between supposed friends with no sense of familiarity or camaraderie.
Now on the meat of this review. Marshall McLuhan famously proclaims that the medium is the message. What that means, dear Collins, is that you need to take a stance on what the vehicle of your story is, i.e. is this a plot-driven narrative or a character study, because this reads like neither and both, and because of that, it falters. The over-description of mundane action beats, scenes, events read like a student’s writing style trying to pad an essay with expletives. There is no style in the writing and it makes the narrative such a bore to read. It goes back to the earlier point whereby 1) the author refuses to take a stance on the story that they want to tell or 2) the author does not know enough about the story to tell it in the first place. While I can and have sat through unstylistic narratives in the past, I usually came out of them with a throughpoint at the end - either a lesson, a theme or a parable. I came out of this story, learning nothing about Valentine, appreciating nothing about the characters because they are so barebones and forgettable, and ultimately have more to lose from reading this novel. All in all, this is a very bad novel that needs to either be trimmed, rethought or scrapped entirely.
My rating: 0/5 - I would not recommend this story to anybody.
December 19, 2024
Ancient Rome was the epicenter of excitement in the ancient world. Hosting games, parties, and campaigns. A Roman is what many aspire to be. Behind the scenes painted a different story of hidden alliances, betrayals, greed, and lies. Rome was perfect on the outside a modern wonder, on the inside its corrupt political greed tainted the very fabric of Rome society.
Valentine always aspired to be a soldier. He and a group of his men were strong and resilient in the face of danger, having won numerous battles and saved the empress from their enemies. His first love always remained in the back of his mind, causing complications in his love life as an adult. He hoped to one day stumble on her again and often wondered if he would recognize her if he did.
Agatha has been blind since the age of 13, her sister and Tiber often accompany her as they travel outside of their home. While she is known to be beautiful, she doesn't have any suitors due to her "disability" and men unable to look past her blindness to see the real her. Viewing her as too troublesome to wed, her sister has taken it upon herself to care for her every second of every day.
The Legend of Valentine starts slow, giving great detail of past and current events leading up to "the main event" that started the elaborate plot. The story highlights behind-the-scenes views of conspiracies that transpire in politics. There is often betrayal, secret alliances, and murder for those led by greed to achieve a higher status of importance. Sheldon Collins took the histories of what we know about Rome and its citizens and created a phenomenally detailed well written historical romance that immerses the reader into the intricate plot and sets the foundations for what was expected at that time in Rome during the rule of a tyrant and the religious persecutions of Christians.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Valentine always aspired to be a soldier. He and a group of his men were strong and resilient in the face of danger, having won numerous battles and saved the empress from their enemies. His first love always remained in the back of his mind, causing complications in his love life as an adult. He hoped to one day stumble on her again and often wondered if he would recognize her if he did.
Agatha has been blind since the age of 13, her sister and Tiber often accompany her as they travel outside of their home. While she is known to be beautiful, she doesn't have any suitors due to her "disability" and men unable to look past her blindness to see the real her. Viewing her as too troublesome to wed, her sister has taken it upon herself to care for her every second of every day.
The Legend of Valentine starts slow, giving great detail of past and current events leading up to "the main event" that started the elaborate plot. The story highlights behind-the-scenes views of conspiracies that transpire in politics. There is often betrayal, secret alliances, and murder for those led by greed to achieve a higher status of importance. Sheldon Collins took the histories of what we know about Rome and its citizens and created a phenomenally detailed well written historical romance that immerses the reader into the intricate plot and sets the foundations for what was expected at that time in Rome during the rule of a tyrant and the religious persecutions of Christians.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2025
The Legend of Valentine brings a new take to the story of Saint Valentine by blending historical facts and the myth of the patron saint of love.
Saint Valentine, according to popular legend, was a priest who was imprisoned and later executed for performing secret Christian weddings against the wishes of the ruling Roman authority. In this book, Valentine (Valentinus Romanus) is first shown as a fearless Roman soldier/centurion before he decides to walk on the path of love and healing.
This is a well written book that brings every aspect, in particular the politics, of 3rd century Rome to life. While reading, I felt like I was watching a movie in words form and it's not surprising because after reading first the Foreword and later the author's Acknowledgement it becomes clear that this story was adapted into a novel from a screenplay written by the author's friend, Lee Holden.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Book Whisperer and the author Sheldon Collins for the digital ARC of the book. The ebook version of the novel published on February 14, 2025.
Saint Valentine, according to popular legend, was a priest who was imprisoned and later executed for performing secret Christian weddings against the wishes of the ruling Roman authority. In this book, Valentine (Valentinus Romanus) is first shown as a fearless Roman soldier/centurion before he decides to walk on the path of love and healing.
This is a well written book that brings every aspect, in particular the politics, of 3rd century Rome to life. While reading, I felt like I was watching a movie in words form and it's not surprising because after reading first the Foreword and later the author's Acknowledgement it becomes clear that this story was adapted into a novel from a screenplay written by the author's friend, Lee Holden.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Book Whisperer and the author Sheldon Collins for the digital ARC of the book. The ebook version of the novel published on February 14, 2025.
February 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for access to this ARC 📚
🔥Quick Fire Review🔥
Genre/Themes: 🏛️⚔️♥️👩🏼❤️💋👨🏻✝️
Tropes: Sworn Off a Relationship, Orphan, Found Family, The One That Got Away, All Grown Up, Second Chance Romance, Good vs Evil, The Evil Villain, Soulmate, Forbidden Love, Secret Baby, The Power-Hungry Villain, Martyr, Secrets & Lies, Misunderstanding
Positives ✅ : engaging blend of historical fact and fiction, unique retelling of a religious legend, some interesting side characters and side plots
Room for Improvement 🔎 : uneven writing style/prose, missed plot opportunities and some events too predictable, underdeveloped romance elements and some underdeveloped characterisation, some themes felt out of place
Rating: 🌕🌕
✍🏻Full Review - RISK OF SPOILERS 🛑 and boy is it a long one so buckle in! ⏱️
I found myself procrastinating somewhat writing this review as I found it hard to figure out what my initial thoughts and feelings were. While this story had all the ingredients to be right up my alley, the final recipe was just missing something for me. While I didn’t necessarily struggle to finish the story I did find it an uneven read and never quite settled into a flow within the prose. I also have to preface this review by saying I am not a person of faith, so martyrdom and divine miracles and such do not mean to me what they would to others.
Characterisation:
The main issue in the book for me was there was far too much ‘telling not showing’. Characters were often written as ‘exuding’, ‘radiating’ or ‘having an air of’ certain personality traits instead of allowing the reader to interpret these traits through the characters’ dialogue or actions. This was worsened sometimes by some contradictory descriptors, almost oxymorons, along the lines of ‘they said aggressively but calmly’ or ‘looked rugged but elegant’ (paraphrasing of course). Characters were often made frustratingly neutral. I also got tired of the words ‘camaraderie’ and ‘banter’ when talking about Valentine and his friends, as again it felt like I was being told how close they were and not shown. Their ‘banter’ wasn’t always very ‘banter-like’ or funny.
I liked adult Valentine towards the beginning of the book. He was depicted as a complex character, being a strong and skilled leadership figure on the battlefield but being quite sensitive and reserved away from it. He held his steadfast belief that his childhood love would be his only one. We saw him experience embarrassment and envy when encountering his ex-lover - his one attempt at commitment since Agatha - and a more impulsive, rebellious side when he has a drunken night of passion with Serena and escapes out of her window. We see him avoid advances from women, and he gets a lot with his military reputation preceding him, but avoids his friend’s questioning of his love life even harder. However later on in the book I felt he lost some of that more endearing, relatable side to his personality and became… dare I say it… a bit boring. Still brave, still strong and still an adept leader. But too clean-cut for me.
Our very first impression of Agatha is an assertive, possibly a little but rude and confrontational woman who prefers her own company, somebody who Valentine will have to work a bit harder to woo. I was intrigued. But… that all dissolved pretty quickly and unfortunately I just found her to be a bit boring as well throughout the rest of the book. I couldn’t really tell you about her personality, just that she is blind and loves her family, plus Valentine.
The villain, Claudius (written about Claudius II not Claudius I from much earlier in antiquity) was a pretty big baddy. I definitely felt how menacing, ruthless and discriminatory he was. But in some ways he felt a tad one-dimensional, like he was horrible for horrible’s sake. We know he wanted to hold onto the Roman Gods, saw Christianity as a threat and as a result resented the Emperor and his leniency to this new faith. But… why? What about Christianity did he despise so much? Why did he see Emperor Gallienus as so useless when he had achieved so much success in the Empire? Just because he interfered with his strategy that one time? I’m not sure I’m convinced by that, I think I needed to see a slower burn of developed resentment. Add in the fact that he regularly rapes Serena in pursuit of a son even though he has never mentioned a desire to start a lineage or a dynasty? Yeah, I needed more of a motive.
In all honesty I found the side characters, Serena and Aurelian to be the most interesting. They were complex, mysterious and strategic. Valentine’s friends or allies were either forgettable or forced attempts at comic relief, while Agatha’s sister Portia just felt like a plot device for some tension between Valentine and Agatha rather than an interesting character of her own.
World-Building:
I adore Ancient Rome so loved the setting of this book. The public dwellings such as the taverns, the markets and the forum. The world of the elites such as the elaborate villas and the castles. The darker sides of Rome such as the use of slaves, the mistreatment of women and the corrupt politics. The brutality of war against foreign invaders all while worshipping the Gods and honouring them with public holidays and festivals. The influence of the senate and their relationship with emperors. The religious tension and transitional period between paganism and the Christians, and the confusion and guilt some people felt making this change. I felt immersed in Ancient Rome without a doubt. The only part that threw this for me was when Valentine was taken in by some healers following his injury, and from there he started studying Chinese medicine particularly Qigong. This felt… totally random and out of place and I felt was only put in to make Valentine’s ‘healing’ of Agatha’s blindness more believable. It didn’t.
Prose\Plot:
I felt there were some missed opportunities in the plot. The sort of adorable, awkward Valentine we see following his encounter with his ex and his drunken rendezvous with Serena were entertaining to read. I’d have actually liked to have seen more of this side of Valentine and his friends, I think it would have made Valentine more relatable and his friendship group feel more organic. When he met Agatha and she was snappy and rude, I was really hoping we’d get some more awkward fumbling and courting of her. I hoped for a slow burn where Valentine starts to have feelings for Agatha, maybe he learns something that makes him think she’s not his childhood love and he finds himself frightened that he might be ready to move on, only to find out it is her after all. We could have seen Agatha slowly warm up and allow herself to be vulnerable. But Agatha and Valentine only briefly met once and then quickly learned their true identities. It happened quickly and felt a bit anticlimatic. On the whole I felt their love story was quite lacking, which was a shame as this was meant to be the main part of the story. I also felt Valentine’s transition to Christianity was sudden. When he prayed to the Christian God on the battlefield, leading to cruel treatment from Claudius, I was… confused. He hadn’t at this point expressed much interest about Christianity, only hearing of things through his friend Marius and obviously Agatha. His progression once he was cared for in the Christian settlement did feel more organic, though; losing his friends from Claudius’ persecution and having to perform secret wedding ceremonies was engaging to read. However some story elements were somewhat predictable, such as Portia and her manipulation and Valentine’s friend who betrayed him. The ending was also predictable too, plus Claudia’s birth and parentage ended up contributing very little to the story. Another missed opportunity was Valentine’s sneak-in of the castle to approach Serena. He and his friends had done all of this planning, Valentine was being continuously warned about how dangerous and stupid this was and got me all excited for an awesome infiltration scene. Did we get that? No, it cut straight to him being in Serena’s bedroom. I was gutted! However some plot points were really enjoyable such as Junius, Aurelian and Serena’s scheming. The bathhouse scene in particular was great. I also enjoyed the action scenes when Claudius’ praetorian guards kept pursuing Valentine and his friends. So a mixed bag in terms of plot, and I will stress again that I am not of a faith and do not harbour any devoutness to religious legend or martyrs, so when I say this I do not mean to offend… but the healing of Agatha’s blindness was ridiculous. The plot and world had been so believable and realistic up to this point, and to do it with Qigong and for it to turn out she’d been CHOOSING to be blind after she witnessed her mother’s death? Wasn’t for me.
As mentioned before I did struggle a bit with the author’s prose, maybe because the story was written in third person past tense? I can’t put my finger on it, but it didn’t quite flow for me. Overall though I enjoyed enough elements to read the story within a few days.
🔥Quick Fire Review🔥
Genre/Themes: 🏛️⚔️♥️👩🏼❤️💋👨🏻✝️
Tropes: Sworn Off a Relationship, Orphan, Found Family, The One That Got Away, All Grown Up, Second Chance Romance, Good vs Evil, The Evil Villain, Soulmate, Forbidden Love, Secret Baby, The Power-Hungry Villain, Martyr, Secrets & Lies, Misunderstanding
Positives ✅ : engaging blend of historical fact and fiction, unique retelling of a religious legend, some interesting side characters and side plots
Room for Improvement 🔎 : uneven writing style/prose, missed plot opportunities and some events too predictable, underdeveloped romance elements and some underdeveloped characterisation, some themes felt out of place
Rating: 🌕🌕
✍🏻Full Review - RISK OF SPOILERS 🛑 and boy is it a long one so buckle in! ⏱️
I found myself procrastinating somewhat writing this review as I found it hard to figure out what my initial thoughts and feelings were. While this story had all the ingredients to be right up my alley, the final recipe was just missing something for me. While I didn’t necessarily struggle to finish the story I did find it an uneven read and never quite settled into a flow within the prose. I also have to preface this review by saying I am not a person of faith, so martyrdom and divine miracles and such do not mean to me what they would to others.
Characterisation:
The main issue in the book for me was there was far too much ‘telling not showing’. Characters were often written as ‘exuding’, ‘radiating’ or ‘having an air of’ certain personality traits instead of allowing the reader to interpret these traits through the characters’ dialogue or actions. This was worsened sometimes by some contradictory descriptors, almost oxymorons, along the lines of ‘they said aggressively but calmly’ or ‘looked rugged but elegant’ (paraphrasing of course). Characters were often made frustratingly neutral. I also got tired of the words ‘camaraderie’ and ‘banter’ when talking about Valentine and his friends, as again it felt like I was being told how close they were and not shown. Their ‘banter’ wasn’t always very ‘banter-like’ or funny.
I liked adult Valentine towards the beginning of the book. He was depicted as a complex character, being a strong and skilled leadership figure on the battlefield but being quite sensitive and reserved away from it. He held his steadfast belief that his childhood love would be his only one. We saw him experience embarrassment and envy when encountering his ex-lover - his one attempt at commitment since Agatha - and a more impulsive, rebellious side when he has a drunken night of passion with Serena and escapes out of her window. We see him avoid advances from women, and he gets a lot with his military reputation preceding him, but avoids his friend’s questioning of his love life even harder. However later on in the book I felt he lost some of that more endearing, relatable side to his personality and became… dare I say it… a bit boring. Still brave, still strong and still an adept leader. But too clean-cut for me.
Our very first impression of Agatha is an assertive, possibly a little but rude and confrontational woman who prefers her own company, somebody who Valentine will have to work a bit harder to woo. I was intrigued. But… that all dissolved pretty quickly and unfortunately I just found her to be a bit boring as well throughout the rest of the book. I couldn’t really tell you about her personality, just that she is blind and loves her family, plus Valentine.
The villain, Claudius (written about Claudius II not Claudius I from much earlier in antiquity) was a pretty big baddy. I definitely felt how menacing, ruthless and discriminatory he was. But in some ways he felt a tad one-dimensional, like he was horrible for horrible’s sake. We know he wanted to hold onto the Roman Gods, saw Christianity as a threat and as a result resented the Emperor and his leniency to this new faith. But… why? What about Christianity did he despise so much? Why did he see Emperor Gallienus as so useless when he had achieved so much success in the Empire? Just because he interfered with his strategy that one time? I’m not sure I’m convinced by that, I think I needed to see a slower burn of developed resentment. Add in the fact that he regularly rapes Serena in pursuit of a son even though he has never mentioned a desire to start a lineage or a dynasty? Yeah, I needed more of a motive.
In all honesty I found the side characters, Serena and Aurelian to be the most interesting. They were complex, mysterious and strategic. Valentine’s friends or allies were either forgettable or forced attempts at comic relief, while Agatha’s sister Portia just felt like a plot device for some tension between Valentine and Agatha rather than an interesting character of her own.
World-Building:
I adore Ancient Rome so loved the setting of this book. The public dwellings such as the taverns, the markets and the forum. The world of the elites such as the elaborate villas and the castles. The darker sides of Rome such as the use of slaves, the mistreatment of women and the corrupt politics. The brutality of war against foreign invaders all while worshipping the Gods and honouring them with public holidays and festivals. The influence of the senate and their relationship with emperors. The religious tension and transitional period between paganism and the Christians, and the confusion and guilt some people felt making this change. I felt immersed in Ancient Rome without a doubt. The only part that threw this for me was when Valentine was taken in by some healers following his injury, and from there he started studying Chinese medicine particularly Qigong. This felt… totally random and out of place and I felt was only put in to make Valentine’s ‘healing’ of Agatha’s blindness more believable. It didn’t.
Prose\Plot:
I felt there were some missed opportunities in the plot. The sort of adorable, awkward Valentine we see following his encounter with his ex and his drunken rendezvous with Serena were entertaining to read. I’d have actually liked to have seen more of this side of Valentine and his friends, I think it would have made Valentine more relatable and his friendship group feel more organic. When he met Agatha and she was snappy and rude, I was really hoping we’d get some more awkward fumbling and courting of her. I hoped for a slow burn where Valentine starts to have feelings for Agatha, maybe he learns something that makes him think she’s not his childhood love and he finds himself frightened that he might be ready to move on, only to find out it is her after all. We could have seen Agatha slowly warm up and allow herself to be vulnerable. But Agatha and Valentine only briefly met once and then quickly learned their true identities. It happened quickly and felt a bit anticlimatic. On the whole I felt their love story was quite lacking, which was a shame as this was meant to be the main part of the story. I also felt Valentine’s transition to Christianity was sudden. When he prayed to the Christian God on the battlefield, leading to cruel treatment from Claudius, I was… confused. He hadn’t at this point expressed much interest about Christianity, only hearing of things through his friend Marius and obviously Agatha. His progression once he was cared for in the Christian settlement did feel more organic, though; losing his friends from Claudius’ persecution and having to perform secret wedding ceremonies was engaging to read. However some story elements were somewhat predictable, such as Portia and her manipulation and Valentine’s friend who betrayed him. The ending was also predictable too, plus Claudia’s birth and parentage ended up contributing very little to the story. Another missed opportunity was Valentine’s sneak-in of the castle to approach Serena. He and his friends had done all of this planning, Valentine was being continuously warned about how dangerous and stupid this was and got me all excited for an awesome infiltration scene. Did we get that? No, it cut straight to him being in Serena’s bedroom. I was gutted! However some plot points were really enjoyable such as Junius, Aurelian and Serena’s scheming. The bathhouse scene in particular was great. I also enjoyed the action scenes when Claudius’ praetorian guards kept pursuing Valentine and his friends. So a mixed bag in terms of plot, and I will stress again that I am not of a faith and do not harbour any devoutness to religious legend or martyrs, so when I say this I do not mean to offend… but the healing of Agatha’s blindness was ridiculous. The plot and world had been so believable and realistic up to this point, and to do it with Qigong and for it to turn out she’d been CHOOSING to be blind after she witnessed her mother’s death? Wasn’t for me.
As mentioned before I did struggle a bit with the author’s prose, maybe because the story was written in third person past tense? I can’t put my finger on it, but it didn’t quite flow for me. Overall though I enjoyed enough elements to read the story within a few days.
January 30, 2025
This book is a historical romance set in Rome during the time of Valentine. We get to see multiple POVs and learn the thought processes behind each of them and their motives. It was very enlightening and I learned more about Valentine who has his own day yet few of us know what it’s about. We also see about the Christians persecution during this time in Rome. This story was a tale of adventure, love, betrayal, anger and faith.
December 12, 2024
This novel is a masterful blend of romance, action, and political intrigue—truly a page-turner from start to finish. The way the storylines seamlessly come together in the final hundred pages is brilliant. Without a doubt, this is one of the most compelling historical fiction novels I have ever read. A true gem. I highly recommend it.
October 17, 2025
What if the greatest love story wasn’t just about romance but about faith, sacrifice, and standing for something bigger than yourself
This wasn’t just a love story. It was a story about purpose. About choosing love even when it costs you everything.
When I picked up The Legend of Valentine, I thought I was stepping into another ancient romance. But it’s deeper than that. This book took me back to a time when faith was dangerous, when love was an act of rebellion, and when one man’s heart changed history.
Valentine’s story grabbed me from the start not because he was perfect, but because he was human. A soldier turned believer, torn between loyalty and conviction. He’s not painted as a saint he’s written like a man who’s learning, failing, and still trying to love the right way in a world that doesn’t make it easy.
And Agatha? Her blindness doesn’t weaken her it sharpens her spirit. The way she sees the world, the way she loves Valentine even when the odds are stacked against them… it’s beautiful and painful all at once.
There were moments I had to stop reading, just to breathe. The writing feels rich and cinematic like you’re walking through Rome with them, hearing the whispers, feeling the danger, and watching love survive in the dark.
💭 What Stayed With Me
This book reminded me that love isn’t soft. It’s brave. It’s risky. It’s saying yes even when everything around you says don’t.
Valentine’s story asks us:
What do you believe in so deeply that you’d risk your life for it?
What kind of love makes you stronger, not smaller?
By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about the legend I was thinking about what kind of love and faith I want my own life to reflect.
Final Thoughts
If you love stories that make you feel something, that make you pause and think about how love shapes faith and courage, The Legend of Valentine deserves a spot on your shelf.
⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
💔 Emotional Depth: High bring tissues
🔥 Spice: None, but the emotional intimacy? Powerful.
⏳ Pace: Slow burn with purpose
This is one of those books that doesn’t leave you when you’re done. It lingers in the quiet moments, in your thoughts about love, in the questions it plants.
This wasn’t just a love story. It was a story about purpose. About choosing love even when it costs you everything.
When I picked up The Legend of Valentine, I thought I was stepping into another ancient romance. But it’s deeper than that. This book took me back to a time when faith was dangerous, when love was an act of rebellion, and when one man’s heart changed history.
Valentine’s story grabbed me from the start not because he was perfect, but because he was human. A soldier turned believer, torn between loyalty and conviction. He’s not painted as a saint he’s written like a man who’s learning, failing, and still trying to love the right way in a world that doesn’t make it easy.
And Agatha? Her blindness doesn’t weaken her it sharpens her spirit. The way she sees the world, the way she loves Valentine even when the odds are stacked against them… it’s beautiful and painful all at once.
There were moments I had to stop reading, just to breathe. The writing feels rich and cinematic like you’re walking through Rome with them, hearing the whispers, feeling the danger, and watching love survive in the dark.
💭 What Stayed With Me
This book reminded me that love isn’t soft. It’s brave. It’s risky. It’s saying yes even when everything around you says don’t.
Valentine’s story asks us:
What do you believe in so deeply that you’d risk your life for it?
What kind of love makes you stronger, not smaller?
By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about the legend I was thinking about what kind of love and faith I want my own life to reflect.
Final Thoughts
If you love stories that make you feel something, that make you pause and think about how love shapes faith and courage, The Legend of Valentine deserves a spot on your shelf.
⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
💔 Emotional Depth: High bring tissues
🔥 Spice: None, but the emotional intimacy? Powerful.
⏳ Pace: Slow burn with purpose
This is one of those books that doesn’t leave you when you’re done. It lingers in the quiet moments, in your thoughts about love, in the questions it plants.
February 6, 2025
An amazing tale of love set in the midst of the chaos and violence of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century. As story revealing the man behind the myth and the traditions of St. Valentine's Day. It is a story of bravery, love and perseverance in the darkest of times. And a legend rises from the shadows. I loved it. Thank you Sheldon Collins for penning it and to Netgalley for releasing an advance copy in exchange for this freely written review.
October 7, 2025
4.5 If you miss shows and movies like Rome, Spartacus, and Gladiator, this book brings us the life (origin) story of St Valentine in a cinematic and exciting sequence of events from life to death. Although he is a brave, awesome Roman soldier who gets swept away by many females, the truth of his heart belongs to Agatha, his childhood friend and forever love. A tale of rebellion, love, and miracles, based on the original epic legend of such a beloved historical figure, with a great balance of political intrigue and laws of the time: 3rd-century ancient Rome. I wanted to watch this movie more than Gladiator 2, which was more of the same. Thank you, author, for that ending of revelations and twists with Claudia.
November 14, 2025
The Legend of Valentine by Sheldon Collins is a book about Rome in the 200's A.D. Time frame. The story involves Valentine, who is a warrior that has had some tragic life events. He is a bit of a lover in this book where he has meetings with various ladies throughout the city. The story of Valentine is an interesting and intriguing story about when he was a solider in the Roman army until he meets Agatha, who was a blind woman that he met in Rome at one point. Agatha is not looked at because she is blind although she is very beautiful but no one in Rome except Valentine can see that. I really enjoyed the writing in this book as there is so much betrayal, secretive happenings, murders, and more happening within the walls of Rome. And Valentine takes it upon himself to become a steward of marrying people, which goes against the Roman authorities. I loved that about Valentine! I think that the author did a great job on writing this book!
July 30, 2025
The Legend of Valentine was an engaging historical fiction read that has easily become my top historical reads of 2025 and my favorite historical fiction book set in Ancient Rome. I took a chance on the author and this book, because of its intriguing premise set in Ancient Roman times (which is one of my favorite historical periods to research and write about), to learn about a character I knew very little about. I was curious how the author would develop this historical figure in a way that felt fresh and engaging from other books written in this period.
I think what helped me get emotionally invested early on was having a likable protagonist as Valentine, who is not only a brave warrior but also thoughtful and reserved away from the battle scene. Valentine's sensitive side is explored more when he decides to step away from his life as a soldier to become a Christian healer and marriage officiant, giving his character another layer of complexity.
I've skimmed over Roman books. Many seem to focus heavily on the gladiatorial games, war, or politics of ancient Rome. And while there are sufficient battle sequences and political intrigue to satisfy readers in this novel, including the plotting and scheming between the diverse cast of characters, there were still many tender moments to balance the darker, grittier moments in the novel. Those tender moments, especially between Valentine and his childhood sweetheart, Agatha, gave this story what I've been looking for: heart.
In terms of prose and worldbuilding, not only was this very historically accurate, but I also enjoyed the colorful descriptions that made the scenes jump off the page. The dialogue between the characters also felt authentic, although there were moments where there could have been a bit more distinction in the dialogue between characters or less telling when a subtle clue would have been more than enough to allow the reader to draw their conclusion about a character's motive.
Overall, this was a very solid, engaging historical fiction book with just the right amount of action, world-building, intrigue, and heart to keep readers interested. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
I think what helped me get emotionally invested early on was having a likable protagonist as Valentine, who is not only a brave warrior but also thoughtful and reserved away from the battle scene. Valentine's sensitive side is explored more when he decides to step away from his life as a soldier to become a Christian healer and marriage officiant, giving his character another layer of complexity.
I've skimmed over Roman books. Many seem to focus heavily on the gladiatorial games, war, or politics of ancient Rome. And while there are sufficient battle sequences and political intrigue to satisfy readers in this novel, including the plotting and scheming between the diverse cast of characters, there were still many tender moments to balance the darker, grittier moments in the novel. Those tender moments, especially between Valentine and his childhood sweetheart, Agatha, gave this story what I've been looking for: heart.
In terms of prose and worldbuilding, not only was this very historically accurate, but I also enjoyed the colorful descriptions that made the scenes jump off the page. The dialogue between the characters also felt authentic, although there were moments where there could have been a bit more distinction in the dialogue between characters or less telling when a subtle clue would have been more than enough to allow the reader to draw their conclusion about a character's motive.
Overall, this was a very solid, engaging historical fiction book with just the right amount of action, world-building, intrigue, and heart to keep readers interested. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
March 22, 2025
I received this book advertised to me from Book Whisperer. This did not effect my opinion.
As an older reader who's spent a lifetime enjoying well-crafted historical fiction, The Legend of Valentine was a welcome surprise. This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place. It has depth, drama, and a deep respect for history without ever feeling like a textbook.
Collins weaves a rich, emotionally charged tale set during the waning days of pagan Rome and the rise of Christian persecution. What struck me most was how vividly the political and religious tensions of the era are brought to life. You can feel the weight of the empire pressing down on its' people, especially those caught between the worlds.
The characters are layered, believable, and compelling. What I appreciated most is that this novel doesn't talk down to its' readers. The prose is elegant but accessible, and the plot moves with the kind of pacing that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The battles are gritty, the politics are sharp, and the love story is genuinely moving.
If you're a fellow lover of historical fiction- especially stories rooted in Rome- you'll find The Legend of Valentine both gripping and memorable. I closed the book feeling like I'd taken a journey back in time. It's a rare debut that reads like the work of a seasoned writer [which later made sense after I read Collins' biography as a screenwriter-director turned author].
As an older reader who's spent a lifetime enjoying well-crafted historical fiction, The Legend of Valentine was a welcome surprise. This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place. It has depth, drama, and a deep respect for history without ever feeling like a textbook.
Collins weaves a rich, emotionally charged tale set during the waning days of pagan Rome and the rise of Christian persecution. What struck me most was how vividly the political and religious tensions of the era are brought to life. You can feel the weight of the empire pressing down on its' people, especially those caught between the worlds.
The characters are layered, believable, and compelling. What I appreciated most is that this novel doesn't talk down to its' readers. The prose is elegant but accessible, and the plot moves with the kind of pacing that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The battles are gritty, the politics are sharp, and the love story is genuinely moving.
If you're a fellow lover of historical fiction- especially stories rooted in Rome- you'll find The Legend of Valentine both gripping and memorable. I closed the book feeling like I'd taken a journey back in time. It's a rare debut that reads like the work of a seasoned writer [which later made sense after I read Collins' biography as a screenwriter-director turned author].
September 2, 2025
I first discovered The Legend of Valentine through the Book Whisperer and was fortunate to receive an early ARC copy. This did not influence my opinions in the slightest—but I will say it’s hard to imagine anyone who reads this book to the very end giving it less than five stars. If I could have given it ten, I would have.
This is more than historical fiction—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Rome at its most turbulent hour. From the very first page, the story grips you with its blend of passion, faith, and defiance.
Valentine is reimagined not as a distant myth, but as a flesh-and-blood man: a warrior who lays down his sword, inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Their love is tender, courageous, and the beating heart of the story. Against the backdrop of a merciless empire, Valentine’s secret mission to unite lovers in defiance of imperial decrees becomes both a rebellion and a legacy.
The writing is cinematic and sweeping, drawing you deep into an ancient world of danger, romance, and hope. The battles are vivid, the love story deeply moving, and the themes of sacrifice and faith timeless. What struck me most was how the book manages to feel both intimate and epic at once—an unforgettable story of two people in love, but also the birth of a tradition that still shapes our lives today.
If you enjoy historical epics like Pillars of the Earth or Shogun, this is a must-read. The Legend of Valentine is a powerful reminder that love can defy tyranny, endure the darkest of times, and echo through the ages.
This is more than historical fiction—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Rome at its most turbulent hour. From the very first page, the story grips you with its blend of passion, faith, and defiance.
Valentine is reimagined not as a distant myth, but as a flesh-and-blood man: a warrior who lays down his sword, inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Their love is tender, courageous, and the beating heart of the story. Against the backdrop of a merciless empire, Valentine’s secret mission to unite lovers in defiance of imperial decrees becomes both a rebellion and a legacy.
The writing is cinematic and sweeping, drawing you deep into an ancient world of danger, romance, and hope. The battles are vivid, the love story deeply moving, and the themes of sacrifice and faith timeless. What struck me most was how the book manages to feel both intimate and epic at once—an unforgettable story of two people in love, but also the birth of a tradition that still shapes our lives today.
If you enjoy historical epics like Pillars of the Earth or Shogun, this is a must-read. The Legend of Valentine is a powerful reminder that love can defy tyranny, endure the darkest of times, and echo through the ages.
March 27, 2025
Well, I've reached the end of The Legend of Valentine... and I'm crying! This book deserves ten stars, no... it deserves the entire Milky Way!
Mr. Collins has written a highly emotional masterpiece in which he reminds us of the hardships the early Christians had to endure: persecution, insults, humiliation, torture, and ultimately martyrdom.
This book specifically tells the story of Saint Valentine. Yes, the one whose feast day is celebrated on February 14th and has become a huge annual consumer event, when in reality this day should remind us, in the author's words: "the essence of what the world would come to celebrate as Valentine's Day (...) a celebration not merely of romance but of love's triumph over adversity."
I don't think I need to say that I enjoyed reading this book so much, to the point of reading only a few pages each day! Seriously, I didn't want to get to the end! To clarify: The Legend of Valentine is a wonderful story, worth reading again and again, for those of us who call ourselves Christians, for those of us who celebrate Valentine's Day, and especially for all those who are or have ever been in love.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
Mr. Collins has written a highly emotional masterpiece in which he reminds us of the hardships the early Christians had to endure: persecution, insults, humiliation, torture, and ultimately martyrdom.
This book specifically tells the story of Saint Valentine. Yes, the one whose feast day is celebrated on February 14th and has become a huge annual consumer event, when in reality this day should remind us, in the author's words: "the essence of what the world would come to celebrate as Valentine's Day (...) a celebration not merely of romance but of love's triumph over adversity."
I don't think I need to say that I enjoyed reading this book so much, to the point of reading only a few pages each day! Seriously, I didn't want to get to the end! To clarify: The Legend of Valentine is a wonderful story, worth reading again and again, for those of us who call ourselves Christians, for those of us who celebrate Valentine's Day, and especially for all those who are or have ever been in love.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
February 12, 2025
The Legend of Valentine is a compelling blend of historical fact and fiction, set in Rome in 268 AD. The powerful and romantic love story unfolds amidst Roman tyranny, weaving themes of faith, healing, resilience and betrayal. The richly detailed setting brings the era to life, while the characters' struggles feel both personal and profound.
With a well-researched backdrop, the novel masterfully balances romance, spirituality and the sting of betrayal, making it both heartfelt and thought-provoking.
The glossary of characters in the back of the book was helpful during the read for me. A must-read for those who love historical romance, adventure, intrigue and faith with depth and meaning.
With a well-researched backdrop, the novel masterfully balances romance, spirituality and the sting of betrayal, making it both heartfelt and thought-provoking.
The glossary of characters in the back of the book was helpful during the read for me. A must-read for those who love historical romance, adventure, intrigue and faith with depth and meaning.
February 26, 2025
I could not put this book down! It was a gripping romance and adventure from the start. I thought the author, Sheldon Collins, did an excellent job of developing his characters, especially Valentine and Agatha. This historical fiction took place during 268ad. The reader learned much about ancient Rome, its people, customs, and traditions. Faith and healing played a major role in this book. I liked it very much and highly recommend it to your readers!
#Ancient Rome#historical fiction#Valentine’s Day#romance#love story
#Ancient Rome#historical fiction#Valentine’s Day#romance#love story
May 14, 2025
The legend of Saint Valentine's Day is quite an interesting tale to read about again and again, while this book does have some fictional liberties that tell Saint Valentine's story, from a solider of Rome to the saint we know today, it doesn't hide his sacred duty to heal people and unite couples in marriage to defy the Caesars orders. Saint Valentine is one of my favorite saints next to Saint Patrick and I was really glad to indulge myself to learn more about his story.
Read
March 21, 2025Perfect for fans of sweet romances and a bit of history with a modern twist. You'll want to root for the under dog and his pack. The book will leave you smiling and, quite possibly, wondering if there’s a little Saint Valentine in all of us. A delightful, feel-good read for anyone who believes in the power of love!
January 28, 2025
A well written, epic story which I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend. It portrays love, faith, friendship, humour, murder, betrayal and more. I could relate to the characters and felt their heartache, pain and joy. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2025
Surviving the Stampede of Overcaffeinated Reviews
Every so often a book wanders into the Goodreads arena and immediately gets speared by reviewers swinging their critiques like they’re trying to win a chariot race. So here’s my take, based on actually spending time with the book, not from the battlements where things somehow get blown out of proportion.
About the characters: I'm seeing a couple of people call them “paper thin,” which to me feels like a reach. The book isn’t aiming for graduate-seminar psychoanalysis. It’s more about how people behave when the world around them is on fire and the rules are dissolving faster than the Roman Senate’s credibility. Valentine has more going on under the surface than he’s being given credit for. He’s a guy juggling loyalty, longing, belief, and trauma without stopping to narrate every emotional beat to the reader. Agatha is quieter, yes. But not everyone in fiction has to be a Broadway monologue machine to count as a character. Not every book needs to be The Bear set in antiquity.
The dialogue complaint is interesting. Some folks wanted ancient diction; others wanted fully modern speech. I thought the slightly hybrid tone worked fine. Rome in fiction has always lived half in history and half in the collective imagination anyway, so insisting on one extreme or the other feels more like a preference than a flaw. The author went for readability and tone over museum-catalog accuracy, and that didn’t bother me. Honestly, if the dialogue had been completely period-accurate, half the reviewers would be angrily Googling Latin declensions by page 20.
The claim that the book doesn’t “take a stance” on being character- or plot-driven… I just didn’t have that experience. It reads like a legend retold by someone who actually cares about both the myth and the human being inside it. Legends aren’t tidy. They wander a bit. They fixate on odd details. They give you a sense of the person’s spirit more than a clean three-act structure with all the seams tucked in. That’s what this felt like. Not a workshop novel, but a story told in the same roomy way old stories have always been told.
The world-building is probably where the book actually flexes the hardest. Markets, villas, taverns, military camps, political tension, it all felt lived in, without turning into an encyclopedia dump. And the Chinese medicine bit that rubbed some readers the wrong way didn’t really faze me. Rome was a sponge empire; ideas moved around more than people think. Maybe it’s unconventional, but it didn’t break anything for me.
As for the miracle elements: look, if you’re diving into the life and legend of a saint expecting strict realism, that might be a mismatch from the start. The book walks that line between history and myth the same way these stories have been told for centuries. I was completely fine with it.
Sure, there are pieces that could’ve been stretched or trimmed. There were moments I wanted the romance to take its time instead of snapping into place. But none of that killed the experience. I jammed through the audio book in a few days and read some from the book, and it left me feeling like I’d spent time with a real person behind the legend...someone flawed, stubborn, brave, and often conflicted in ways that made sense for the world he was living in.
If you like your Rome textured, your love stories slightly dangerous, and your faith journeys a little messy, this one’s worth the read. And honestly, if it ever makes it to the screen, it’s got all the raw ingredients for something moody and lush and absolutely perfect for a winter release when everyone wants a little epic in their popcorn.
Every so often a book wanders into the Goodreads arena and immediately gets speared by reviewers swinging their critiques like they’re trying to win a chariot race. So here’s my take, based on actually spending time with the book, not from the battlements where things somehow get blown out of proportion.
About the characters: I'm seeing a couple of people call them “paper thin,” which to me feels like a reach. The book isn’t aiming for graduate-seminar psychoanalysis. It’s more about how people behave when the world around them is on fire and the rules are dissolving faster than the Roman Senate’s credibility. Valentine has more going on under the surface than he’s being given credit for. He’s a guy juggling loyalty, longing, belief, and trauma without stopping to narrate every emotional beat to the reader. Agatha is quieter, yes. But not everyone in fiction has to be a Broadway monologue machine to count as a character. Not every book needs to be The Bear set in antiquity.
The dialogue complaint is interesting. Some folks wanted ancient diction; others wanted fully modern speech. I thought the slightly hybrid tone worked fine. Rome in fiction has always lived half in history and half in the collective imagination anyway, so insisting on one extreme or the other feels more like a preference than a flaw. The author went for readability and tone over museum-catalog accuracy, and that didn’t bother me. Honestly, if the dialogue had been completely period-accurate, half the reviewers would be angrily Googling Latin declensions by page 20.
The claim that the book doesn’t “take a stance” on being character- or plot-driven… I just didn’t have that experience. It reads like a legend retold by someone who actually cares about both the myth and the human being inside it. Legends aren’t tidy. They wander a bit. They fixate on odd details. They give you a sense of the person’s spirit more than a clean three-act structure with all the seams tucked in. That’s what this felt like. Not a workshop novel, but a story told in the same roomy way old stories have always been told.
The world-building is probably where the book actually flexes the hardest. Markets, villas, taverns, military camps, political tension, it all felt lived in, without turning into an encyclopedia dump. And the Chinese medicine bit that rubbed some readers the wrong way didn’t really faze me. Rome was a sponge empire; ideas moved around more than people think. Maybe it’s unconventional, but it didn’t break anything for me.
As for the miracle elements: look, if you’re diving into the life and legend of a saint expecting strict realism, that might be a mismatch from the start. The book walks that line between history and myth the same way these stories have been told for centuries. I was completely fine with it.
Sure, there are pieces that could’ve been stretched or trimmed. There were moments I wanted the romance to take its time instead of snapping into place. But none of that killed the experience. I jammed through the audio book in a few days and read some from the book, and it left me feeling like I’d spent time with a real person behind the legend...someone flawed, stubborn, brave, and often conflicted in ways that made sense for the world he was living in.
If you like your Rome textured, your love stories slightly dangerous, and your faith journeys a little messy, this one’s worth the read. And honestly, if it ever makes it to the screen, it’s got all the raw ingredients for something moody and lush and absolutely perfect for a winter release when everyone wants a little epic in their popcorn.
May 25, 2025
Rating: 2* of five
The Publisher Says: Rome, 268 AD
In an age of tyranny and turmoil, an eternal love story ignites 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 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?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Poorly written apologia for the christian religion's most popular saint (who most likelynever existed because we can't find any sources that agree on his details). None of the Valentines in the different hagiographies are anything like this Valentine, but that's really not the biggest issue...the name was very popular in the third-century Empire, so the author can plausibly make up any male Late Imperial male and call him that with impunity.
The biggest issue is the way the author wrote the book. Is this a plot-driven story? If so, is the plot religious development with imperial decline, spiritual awakening of a soldier who's Seen Things, or what? Muddled all together as they are one loses track of why any of this is happening. Or are we meant to cleave to Valentine, invest in the events that led him to christian faith? We're told almost brusquely things happen, but not let in on the reasons we should care, as we could do if we were shown actions occurring.
That really took me down a dark, twisty rabbit hole of trying to find anything reasonably widely agreed upon demonstrating there was A Valentine, not just a bunch of local cult stories syncretized in the Middle Ages and lightly draped over the Late Classical god Cupid and his festival of love millennia later. Being deeply anti-christian, I was cynically amused that there's a big ol' nothin' to indicate the actual existence of one true Valentine but a heap of men named that, as one would expect in that time, who seem to have been smooshed into one guy.
I started out my read hoping for a good story set in 260s Roman days, got a poor story trying to make yet another legend for some guy named the Roman equivalent of Liam, then enduring its gushing christian guff all over the place in wooden prose.
A truly regrettable waste of my ever-dwindling supply of eyeblinks.
The Publisher Says: Rome, 268 AD
In an age of tyranny and turmoil, an eternal love story ignites 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 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?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Poorly written apologia for the christian religion's most popular saint (who most likelynever existed because we can't find any sources that agree on his details). None of the Valentines in the different hagiographies are anything like this Valentine, but that's really not the biggest issue...the name was very popular in the third-century Empire, so the author can plausibly make up any male Late Imperial male and call him that with impunity.
The biggest issue is the way the author wrote the book. Is this a plot-driven story? If so, is the plot religious development with imperial decline, spiritual awakening of a soldier who's Seen Things, or what? Muddled all together as they are one loses track of why any of this is happening. Or are we meant to cleave to Valentine, invest in the events that led him to christian faith? We're told almost brusquely things happen, but not let in on the reasons we should care, as we could do if we were shown actions occurring.
That really took me down a dark, twisty rabbit hole of trying to find anything reasonably widely agreed upon demonstrating there was A Valentine, not just a bunch of local cult stories syncretized in the Middle Ages and lightly draped over the Late Classical god Cupid and his festival of love millennia later. Being deeply anti-christian, I was cynically amused that there's a big ol' nothin' to indicate the actual existence of one true Valentine but a heap of men named that, as one would expect in that time, who seem to have been smooshed into one guy.
I started out my read hoping for a good story set in 260s Roman days, got a poor story trying to make yet another legend for some guy named the Roman equivalent of Liam, then enduring its gushing christian guff all over the place in wooden prose.
A truly regrettable waste of my ever-dwindling supply of eyeblinks.
November 30, 2025
I don’t usually read many ancient Roman romances, but I couldn’t resist the invitation to listen to Sheldon Collins’ epic full-cast audiobook, The Legend of Valentine.
Where do I start? This story offers a new take on the history behind St. Valentine’s Day. It is the third century, and the hero is Valentine Romanus, a name that would eventually become synonymous with the holiday that celebrates romance and affection. This creative novel is a portrait of Valentine, a Roman soldier turned priest whose adventures reveal his bravery on the battlefield and his deep, unwavering belief in love.
Throughout Valentine’s journey, he finds himself torn between his duty to Rome and his deep desire to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, Agatha. Their love story unfolds amid a tumultuous political landscape, where Emperor Gallienus struggles for power against General Claudius and Senator Junius, who navigate the treacherous waters of ambition and loyalty. Agatha is a force of nature with her own challenges, including the loss of her sight, which serves as a testament to her resilience and quiet strength.
It is intriguing how Sheldon Collins explores the diverse political and religious tensions of the era through dialogue and relationships. The interwoven storylines keep you on your toes. It can be a challenge to keep track of allegiances early on with characters like the ambitious Serena, spreading trouble through seduction; various senators scheming and striving for power; and Porcia, Agatha’s sister, who’s a bit clueless about what’s really best for her. However, as the story progresses, everything intersects through Valentine, culminating in a plot twist that leaves you both shocked and appeased.
I liked the story, but I really think they dropped the ball on the connection between Claudia and Valentine. After adding her as a result of Valentine’s journey, it just felt like a big piece was missing, and I wanted more closure.
The audiobook, narrated by David Sweeney Bear, is captivating, particularly with Katrina Michaels as Agatha, whose performance captures the story’s emotional range. However, Ryan Haugen’s portrayal of Valentine lacked inflection, making it feel stilted. The production had some pacing issues, but the music enhanced the storytelling.
Overall, I recommend you listen to the engaging full-cast audiobook filled with music, betrayal, secretive plots, and love amid ancient Rome’s chaos.
Thank you, Mr. Collins, for giving me the opportunity to read this book without any expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
Where do I start? This story offers a new take on the history behind St. Valentine’s Day. It is the third century, and the hero is Valentine Romanus, a name that would eventually become synonymous with the holiday that celebrates romance and affection. This creative novel is a portrait of Valentine, a Roman soldier turned priest whose adventures reveal his bravery on the battlefield and his deep, unwavering belief in love.
Throughout Valentine’s journey, he finds himself torn between his duty to Rome and his deep desire to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, Agatha. Their love story unfolds amid a tumultuous political landscape, where Emperor Gallienus struggles for power against General Claudius and Senator Junius, who navigate the treacherous waters of ambition and loyalty. Agatha is a force of nature with her own challenges, including the loss of her sight, which serves as a testament to her resilience and quiet strength.
It is intriguing how Sheldon Collins explores the diverse political and religious tensions of the era through dialogue and relationships. The interwoven storylines keep you on your toes. It can be a challenge to keep track of allegiances early on with characters like the ambitious Serena, spreading trouble through seduction; various senators scheming and striving for power; and Porcia, Agatha’s sister, who’s a bit clueless about what’s really best for her. However, as the story progresses, everything intersects through Valentine, culminating in a plot twist that leaves you both shocked and appeased.
I liked the story, but I really think they dropped the ball on the connection between Claudia and Valentine. After adding her as a result of Valentine’s journey, it just felt like a big piece was missing, and I wanted more closure.
The audiobook, narrated by David Sweeney Bear, is captivating, particularly with Katrina Michaels as Agatha, whose performance captures the story’s emotional range. However, Ryan Haugen’s portrayal of Valentine lacked inflection, making it feel stilted. The production had some pacing issues, but the music enhanced the storytelling.
Overall, I recommend you listen to the engaging full-cast audiobook filled with music, betrayal, secretive plots, and love amid ancient Rome’s chaos.
Thank you, Mr. Collins, for giving me the opportunity to read this book without any expectation of a positive review.
For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.
September 15, 2025
I read “The Legend of Valentine” as an advanced reader’s copy given to me by NetGalley because I was intrigued by its promise to give historical context to the legend of St. Valentine, the man, the myth, the hero; and fulfill this promise it does! I enjoyed reading this novel grounded in historical facts and suffused with emotion and acts of supreme brutality and heroism. My opinions are VOLUNTARY.
Before I began reading this novel, I knew nothing of the time or circumstances in which it is set: Rome 268 A.D., when Catholicism/Christianity is in it’s infancy and at odds with Roman long-held pagan beliefs in their many deities. While some emperors stressed tolerance for these beliefs as a means of unifying the people, subsequent leaders sought to eradicate Christians from their midst, murdering and enslaving believers, causing most to practice in secret. Valentine, originally a fierce and loyal warrior who proudly defended and protected Rome from its enemies became a target initially of a cruel general who believed him to be Christian for praying alongside a Christian soldier preparing to enter a battle and setting Valentine and his men up to be killed. Later, Valentine and his men were hunted, and when Valentine eventually was captured, he was consigned to torture and death.
The story is well told and well written. It’s exciting and captivating, with unexpected twists and turns galore. There are innumerable murders, betrayals and deceits, love stories and regrets, acts of revenge and of mercy and even healing powers and remedies from Eastern influence. It’s also a story of multiple improbabilities that defy belief, I suppose unless you are a believer!
Before I began reading this novel, I knew nothing of the time or circumstances in which it is set: Rome 268 A.D., when Catholicism/Christianity is in it’s infancy and at odds with Roman long-held pagan beliefs in their many deities. While some emperors stressed tolerance for these beliefs as a means of unifying the people, subsequent leaders sought to eradicate Christians from their midst, murdering and enslaving believers, causing most to practice in secret. Valentine, originally a fierce and loyal warrior who proudly defended and protected Rome from its enemies became a target initially of a cruel general who believed him to be Christian for praying alongside a Christian soldier preparing to enter a battle and setting Valentine and his men up to be killed. Later, Valentine and his men were hunted, and when Valentine eventually was captured, he was consigned to torture and death.
The story is well told and well written. It’s exciting and captivating, with unexpected twists and turns galore. There are innumerable murders, betrayals and deceits, love stories and regrets, acts of revenge and of mercy and even healing powers and remedies from Eastern influence. It’s also a story of multiple improbabilities that defy belief, I suppose unless you are a believer!
January 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for this eCopy to review
The Legend of Valentine by Sheldon Collins is an ambitious historical romance that attempts to uncover the origins of the legendary St. Valentine. Set in 268 AD, the novel follows Valentinus Romanus, a young soldier known as Valentine, who saves the empress during an Alemanni attack and later becomes entangled in a complex web of love, faith, and political intrigue.
Valentine's journey is marked by his deep moral convictions and his romantic nature. After a battle injury, he is taken to a villa in Arretium to recover, where he becomes an apprentice to a physician named Deodatus. Valentine learns about the secret marriages Deodatus conducts for Christian couples, which sets him on a path of defiance against the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians.
The novel's strengths lie in its rich historical detail and the vivid portrayal of Roman military life and political scheming. Collins's commitment to documenting his sources adds depth to the story, making it feel well-researched and authentic. The romance between Valentine and Agatha, his long-lost love, is touching and provides a heartfelt core to the narrative.
However, some sections drag and the political machinations can be difficult to follow at times.
Despite these issues, The Legend of Valentine is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and romance.
The Legend of Valentine by Sheldon Collins is an ambitious historical romance that attempts to uncover the origins of the legendary St. Valentine. Set in 268 AD, the novel follows Valentinus Romanus, a young soldier known as Valentine, who saves the empress during an Alemanni attack and later becomes entangled in a complex web of love, faith, and political intrigue.
Valentine's journey is marked by his deep moral convictions and his romantic nature. After a battle injury, he is taken to a villa in Arretium to recover, where he becomes an apprentice to a physician named Deodatus. Valentine learns about the secret marriages Deodatus conducts for Christian couples, which sets him on a path of defiance against the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians.
The novel's strengths lie in its rich historical detail and the vivid portrayal of Roman military life and political scheming. Collins's commitment to documenting his sources adds depth to the story, making it feel well-researched and authentic. The romance between Valentine and Agatha, his long-lost love, is touching and provides a heartfelt core to the narrative.
However, some sections drag and the political machinations can be difficult to follow at times.
Despite these issues, The Legend of Valentine is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and romance.
October 29, 2025
📖 Title: The Legend of Valentine
✍️ Author: Sheldon Collins
⭐️ Rating: (4 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: October 19th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Set in Rome in 268 AD, a fearless soldier turned healer, Valentine Romanus, finds himself torn between his duties to the empire and his love for Agatha, a blind maiden whose loyalty challenges his beliefs. After surviving a brutal battle and being inspired by Agatha’s faith, Valentine embarks on a secret mission to unite lovers and champion the oppressed—defying imperial edicts against Christian worship. His covert acts of love and rebellion help spark a legacy that will echo through the ages.
💭 What I Loved:
- The rich history layered through the story.
- The intense action and drama in every twist and turn.
- The layers of complexity with all of the characters.
😬 What Didn’t Work for Me:
- I feel some parts jumped or were rushed a bit too much. I would have been okay if this had been a bit longer if needed.
- There were parts (that I won’t disclose) that made me a bit uncomfortable. I get them and that viewpoint. But yeah.
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction as it is. It adds more layers when the author takes the time to talk about the actual event behind the book either at the beginning or the end of the book. It shows real thought on the author’s part. I also love how everything was mapped and played out. While I feel there were things were rushed, there wasn’t many parts like that. For the most part, it was pretty well paced.
✍️ Author: Sheldon Collins
⭐️ Rating: (4 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: October 19th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Set in Rome in 268 AD, a fearless soldier turned healer, Valentine Romanus, finds himself torn between his duties to the empire and his love for Agatha, a blind maiden whose loyalty challenges his beliefs. After surviving a brutal battle and being inspired by Agatha’s faith, Valentine embarks on a secret mission to unite lovers and champion the oppressed—defying imperial edicts against Christian worship. His covert acts of love and rebellion help spark a legacy that will echo through the ages.
💭 What I Loved:
- The rich history layered through the story.
- The intense action and drama in every twist and turn.
- The layers of complexity with all of the characters.
😬 What Didn’t Work for Me:
- I feel some parts jumped or were rushed a bit too much. I would have been okay if this had been a bit longer if needed.
- There were parts (that I won’t disclose) that made me a bit uncomfortable. I get them and that viewpoint. But yeah.
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction as it is. It adds more layers when the author takes the time to talk about the actual event behind the book either at the beginning or the end of the book. It shows real thought on the author’s part. I also love how everything was mapped and played out. While I feel there were things were rushed, there wasn’t many parts like that. For the most part, it was pretty well paced.
March 15, 2025
I got this book advertised to me by the Book Whisperer and requested it. This did not influence my opinions.
Its an interesting alterative take on the Legend of St Valentine, a Roman soldier who, it is said, performed marriages for Christians at a time of persecution and as result had a day associated with lovers named after him.
I did like many aspects of this story, the details about imperial intrigues and the Roman army, the epigraphs from ancient Roman authors. It was clearly well researched- but I felt some liberties were taken which weren’t necessary either. Like a Roman Emperor’s daughter being taught Chinese martial arts…?
What I wasn’t so keen on: Valentine’s conversion happened more than halfway through the book and the details of his activities in the church felt rushed. Why was he so beloved again? Also- the whole Christian persecution thing felt like a background threat, with more emphasis on romance. Many Christians seemed to have no problems, with no real risk or little threat except to the hero.
The ending was interesting but felt a little contrived. Still good though. I just think I preferred of Love and Treason by Jamie ogle.
For some readers, Content Warnings for sex and SA references.
Its an interesting alterative take on the Legend of St Valentine, a Roman soldier who, it is said, performed marriages for Christians at a time of persecution and as result had a day associated with lovers named after him.
I did like many aspects of this story, the details about imperial intrigues and the Roman army, the epigraphs from ancient Roman authors. It was clearly well researched- but I felt some liberties were taken which weren’t necessary either. Like a Roman Emperor’s daughter being taught Chinese martial arts…?
What I wasn’t so keen on: Valentine’s conversion happened more than halfway through the book and the details of his activities in the church felt rushed. Why was he so beloved again? Also- the whole Christian persecution thing felt like a background threat, with more emphasis on romance. Many Christians seemed to have no problems, with no real risk or little threat except to the hero.
The ending was interesting but felt a little contrived. Still good though. I just think I preferred of Love and Treason by Jamie ogle.
For some readers, Content Warnings for sex and SA references.
October 4, 2025
This book… I am not even sure where to start. It is not my usual read. I am not even sure that I have ever read anything set in Rome 268 A.D. But I felt like I was living right beside Valentine, seeing the world through his eyes, and making a difference in a world full of violence.
The Legend of Valentine is an inside look at the Roman rulers and their strong dislike of anyone who does not fall into line with the emperor’s belief of Roman Gods. Anyone who worships a Christian God is believed to be against the Roman Empire and should be killed. I enjoyed seeing Valentine find his point of view from what he was taught to what he believes. He is a character to be respected and looked up to.
There is a lot of details and history in this book and it is not a quick read, but it is a book that I wanted to continue reading. I wanted to read every single word so that I did not miss any details. For a true history reader this is a great book for you. I recommend picking up your own copy, even if it is not your normal read.
The Legend of Valentine is an inside look at the Roman rulers and their strong dislike of anyone who does not fall into line with the emperor’s belief of Roman Gods. Anyone who worships a Christian God is believed to be against the Roman Empire and should be killed. I enjoyed seeing Valentine find his point of view from what he was taught to what he believes. He is a character to be respected and looked up to.
There is a lot of details and history in this book and it is not a quick read, but it is a book that I wanted to continue reading. I wanted to read every single word so that I did not miss any details. For a true history reader this is a great book for you. I recommend picking up your own copy, even if it is not your normal read.
February 15, 2025
I randomly came across this book on Amazon, had never heard of the author before, and had know idea what to expect. When I started reading, it was incredibly engaging from the very start. Using the glossary at the end of the book really helped me all of the well developed characters. As the story unfolded, all of the storylines intertwined beautifully and I found myself completely immersed into the world.
The book only took three days for me to read because it was an absolute page turner! It was especially fantastic to learn the story of the man that inspired a holiday celebrated worldwide while reading a romantic love story! You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy this adventurous, romantic and historically informed book. I can't believe there's never been a story about the origins of Valentine's Day!!
I highly recommend The Legend of Valentine to readers who enjoy romance, adventure, and/or a well researched period piece. I can't wait to read book two!
The book only took three days for me to read because it was an absolute page turner! It was especially fantastic to learn the story of the man that inspired a holiday celebrated worldwide while reading a romantic love story! You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy this adventurous, romantic and historically informed book. I can't believe there's never been a story about the origins of Valentine's Day!!
I highly recommend The Legend of Valentine to readers who enjoy romance, adventure, and/or a well researched period piece. I can't wait to read book two!
November 14, 2025
I just dropped a review for The Legend of Valentine, and it’s one of the most emotionally rich and cinematic historical love stories I’ve read in recent years. Sheldon Collins brings ancient Rome to life with gripping clarity, combining romance, faith, rebellion, and humanity in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal.
What struck me most was how beautifully the novel balances sweeping historical detail with the intimate, unwavering love between Valentine and Agatha. Their connection isn’t just romantic; it becomes the catalyst for courage, transformation, and defiance in a world ruled by brutality. The novel does a remarkable job of showing how one man’s devotion, and one woman’s inspiration, spark a legacy that transcends time.
This is more than a retelling of a legend, it’s an immersive saga filled with suspense, heart, sacrifice, and the unshakable power of purpose. A truly compelling and unforgettable story.
What struck me most was how beautifully the novel balances sweeping historical detail with the intimate, unwavering love between Valentine and Agatha. Their connection isn’t just romantic; it becomes the catalyst for courage, transformation, and defiance in a world ruled by brutality. The novel does a remarkable job of showing how one man’s devotion, and one woman’s inspiration, spark a legacy that transcends time.
This is more than a retelling of a legend, it’s an immersive saga filled with suspense, heart, sacrifice, and the unshakable power of purpose. A truly compelling and unforgettable story.
December 8, 2025
The Legend of Valentine audiobook is a beautifully told story with heart, purpose, and timeless meaning. The narration is warm and engaging, making it easy for listeners to follow along and feel immersed in the journey. The voice acting brings the characters to life without ever becoming distracting, allowing the message of courage, kindness, and self-worth to shine through.
What stands out most is how thoughtfully the themes are presented. It introduces lessons about identity, respect, and compassion in a way that is deeply resonant for adults. The pacing is smooth, the language comfortable, and the emotional depth memorable. This audiobook is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a values-driven story that allows for character faults to be forgiven, heroes rejoiced, and eagerly awaiting the villain to meet their demise. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversation and stays with you long after listening.
Highly recommended.
What stands out most is how thoughtfully the themes are presented. It introduces lessons about identity, respect, and compassion in a way that is deeply resonant for adults. The pacing is smooth, the language comfortable, and the emotional depth memorable. This audiobook is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a values-driven story that allows for character faults to be forgiven, heroes rejoiced, and eagerly awaiting the villain to meet their demise. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversation and stays with you long after listening.
Highly recommended.
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