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Son of Helena: Constantine the Great, Book I
The man who changed the world was shaped by the woman history almost forgot.
Son of Helena: Constantine the Great, Book One is a sweeping work of literary historical fiction that follows the future emperor from boyhood to his father’s deathbed—not the saint of legend, but the morally compromised, spiritually restless, utterly human man.
The story opens in Rome, AD 281, where twelve-year-old Flavius Constantine watches his father ride past in a triumphal procession without acknowledging him. It closes thirty years later, in a castle in Britain, where a dying emperor passes the purple to the son he barely knew. Everything between is the education of a man: in war, in politics, in loss, and in the nature of the divine.
Constantine’s Rome is one of collapsing certainties. Emperors come and go like seasons. The old gods are losing their hold. A new religion is spreading through the empire’s veins—illegal, unstoppable, and embodied most powerfully by his mother, Helena, a concubine from the provinces who governs a plague-ravaged city with more authority than any official, who raises her son alone in an empire that has no use for her, and who carries her Christian faith with a calm that neither persecution nor her own son’s resistance can touch.
Constantine plots assassination, executes men he loves, and carries secrets that could end him. The empire he navigates is a world of breathtaking spectacle and casual brutality.
Meticulous in its research and uncompromising in its honesty, Son of Helena brings one of antiquity's greatest figures to life by telling the story from the beginning—not the legend, but the man.
Perfect for readers of Hilary Mantel, Colleen McCullough, and Robert Harris.
Book One of the Constantine the Great Trilogy.
Son of Helena: Constantine the Great, Book One is a sweeping work of literary historical fiction that follows the future emperor from boyhood to his father’s deathbed—not the saint of legend, but the morally compromised, spiritually restless, utterly human man.
The story opens in Rome, AD 281, where twelve-year-old Flavius Constantine watches his father ride past in a triumphal procession without acknowledging him. It closes thirty years later, in a castle in Britain, where a dying emperor passes the purple to the son he barely knew. Everything between is the education of a man: in war, in politics, in loss, and in the nature of the divine.
Constantine’s Rome is one of collapsing certainties. Emperors come and go like seasons. The old gods are losing their hold. A new religion is spreading through the empire’s veins—illegal, unstoppable, and embodied most powerfully by his mother, Helena, a concubine from the provinces who governs a plague-ravaged city with more authority than any official, who raises her son alone in an empire that has no use for her, and who carries her Christian faith with a calm that neither persecution nor her own son’s resistance can touch.
Constantine plots assassination, executes men he loves, and carries secrets that could end him. The empire he navigates is a world of breathtaking spectacle and casual brutality.
Meticulous in its research and uncompromising in its honesty, Son of Helena brings one of antiquity's greatest figures to life by telling the story from the beginning—not the legend, but the man.
Perfect for readers of Hilary Mantel, Colleen McCullough, and Robert Harris.
Book One of the Constantine the Great Trilogy.
- GenresHistory
392 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2026
About the author
Tony Jones
139 books116 followersTony Jones writes historical fiction set in the late Roman world, an age of frontier wars and palace intrigue. His debut trilogy traces the rise of a soldier's son — born to a concubine on the empire's margins — to Constantine the Great, drawn not as a saint or a symbol, but as a man: ambitious, ruthless, and human. He has three adult children, and he lives in Minnesota with his wife and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2026
Great Read. Tony Jones tells the story of Constantine's life as a youngster through young man. The historic details make this a particularly engaging book. Not only is the story an exciting page turner, but the learning experience made this one of the best books I read this year. I cannot wait to read the next two books in Tony's trilogy of Constantine's life!
August 10, 2026
Great read .
I am looking foreword to book 2.
Wonderful historical fiction story of this man of history that changed the world. Constantine.
I am looking foreword to book 2.
Wonderful historical fiction story of this man of history that changed the world. Constantine.
August 4, 2026
Couldn’t put it down — read it in one sitting
I went into this expecting a solid historical read and ended up staying awake until sunrise. Set in Ancient Rome, this book pulls you straight into the chaos, ambition, and danger of the era.
The pacing is relentless. Every time I told myself “one more chapter,” I meant it right up until I didn’t. I ended up reading a big chunk of it by firelight, late at night and then again in the morning, which honestly suited the book perfectly. There’s something about the atmosphere of this story that begs to be read somewhere quiet and a little wild, away from screens and daylight.
What impressed me most is how the author balances historical detail with genuine thrills: this never feels like homework dressed up as fiction. It’s tense, immersive, and confidently written. If you love Rome, political intrigue, or just a book that refuses to let you sleep, this one delivers.
Highly recommend — bring a strong cup of coffee for the next morning.
I went into this expecting a solid historical read and ended up staying awake until sunrise. Set in Ancient Rome, this book pulls you straight into the chaos, ambition, and danger of the era.
The pacing is relentless. Every time I told myself “one more chapter,” I meant it right up until I didn’t. I ended up reading a big chunk of it by firelight, late at night and then again in the morning, which honestly suited the book perfectly. There’s something about the atmosphere of this story that begs to be read somewhere quiet and a little wild, away from screens and daylight.
What impressed me most is how the author balances historical detail with genuine thrills: this never feels like homework dressed up as fiction. It’s tense, immersive, and confidently written. If you love Rome, political intrigue, or just a book that refuses to let you sleep, this one delivers.
Highly recommend — bring a strong cup of coffee for the next morning.
July 31, 2026
As a church historian, I am interested in stories about figures from the past who have influenced the Christian movement --- both positive and negative. Among the most famous and influential persons on Christianity is the Roman Emperor Constantine. The whole idea of Christendom has roots in Constantine's decision to embrace Christianity, not only by ending the persecution of Christians with the Edict of Milan, but by putting his stamp of approval on the movement by calling the Council of Nicaea and eventually converting. A central figure in his own journey, of course, is his mother Helena.
Biographies of figures like him give us a great deal of information, but biographies tend to fall short of giving us a full picture. Historical fiction, on the other hand, allows us to dive more deeply under the covers of a life. Of course, this involves a great deal of imaginative engagement, but as long as we understand that this is historical fiction and not "just the facts," as Joe Friday would say, historical fiction can take us into the life of a figure that can prove meaningful.
Tony Jones is a seminary-trained minister/Christian leader/author who has written several nonfiction books, focusing on practical theology. Writing nonfiction is not the same as writing fiction. It requires a different skill set, and not everyone who writes nonfiction, especially practical theology, has the tools to write fiction. I've seen clergy/religious leaders attempt to do this, and the product isn't always very good. Tony has admitted that the idea of writing fiction terrified him. Yet, he decided to take on the task of writing a fictional account of the life of Constantine, something that apparently has not been attempted. The result, at least as far as the first volume goes, is a success. I'm not a reader of a lot of fiction, and I mostly review non-fiction books, but I was impressed with this first volume of a three-volume set.
This first book is titled "Son of Helena." Tony begins telling the story of Flavius Constantine at the age of twelve, which is a good place to start since in the ancient world, one transitioned from childhood into early adulthood at around that age. We get introduced to Constantine, who at the time was known as Flavius, along with his parents, Helena and Constantinius Chlorus. The father is a Roman general on the rise, while Helena is his concubine. From there, we walk with Constantine as he moves from childhood into adulthood, strongly attached to his mother and resentful of his father. Along the way, we see a young man who matures, embraces the life of the soldier, rises to leadership in the military, and eventually reconciles with his father. The story concludes with Constantine at the bedside of his dying father, the Western emperor, in York. There is more to say, but I don't want to reveal more than this lest you not have the opportunity to experience the inside story for yourself. From there, the second volume will take us the next step in the journey. However, that book has yet to be published.
I want to commend Tony, whom I consider a friend, for undertaking this venture and producing a book that is gritty, informative, and well-written. While this is a self-published book, I think it would do well with a major publisher of historical fiction. So, if you're interested in the story of Constantine that reveals the complexity of the figure, I think you will find that Tony has done an excellent job of introducing us to this character who has had such an important influence on the course of Western Christianity.
Biographies of figures like him give us a great deal of information, but biographies tend to fall short of giving us a full picture. Historical fiction, on the other hand, allows us to dive more deeply under the covers of a life. Of course, this involves a great deal of imaginative engagement, but as long as we understand that this is historical fiction and not "just the facts," as Joe Friday would say, historical fiction can take us into the life of a figure that can prove meaningful.
Tony Jones is a seminary-trained minister/Christian leader/author who has written several nonfiction books, focusing on practical theology. Writing nonfiction is not the same as writing fiction. It requires a different skill set, and not everyone who writes nonfiction, especially practical theology, has the tools to write fiction. I've seen clergy/religious leaders attempt to do this, and the product isn't always very good. Tony has admitted that the idea of writing fiction terrified him. Yet, he decided to take on the task of writing a fictional account of the life of Constantine, something that apparently has not been attempted. The result, at least as far as the first volume goes, is a success. I'm not a reader of a lot of fiction, and I mostly review non-fiction books, but I was impressed with this first volume of a three-volume set.
This first book is titled "Son of Helena." Tony begins telling the story of Flavius Constantine at the age of twelve, which is a good place to start since in the ancient world, one transitioned from childhood into early adulthood at around that age. We get introduced to Constantine, who at the time was known as Flavius, along with his parents, Helena and Constantinius Chlorus. The father is a Roman general on the rise, while Helena is his concubine. From there, we walk with Constantine as he moves from childhood into adulthood, strongly attached to his mother and resentful of his father. Along the way, we see a young man who matures, embraces the life of the soldier, rises to leadership in the military, and eventually reconciles with his father. The story concludes with Constantine at the bedside of his dying father, the Western emperor, in York. There is more to say, but I don't want to reveal more than this lest you not have the opportunity to experience the inside story for yourself. From there, the second volume will take us the next step in the journey. However, that book has yet to be published.
I want to commend Tony, whom I consider a friend, for undertaking this venture and producing a book that is gritty, informative, and well-written. While this is a self-published book, I think it would do well with a major publisher of historical fiction. So, if you're interested in the story of Constantine that reveals the complexity of the figure, I think you will find that Tony has done an excellent job of introducing us to this character who has had such an important influence on the course of Western Christianity.
Read
July 30, 2026I thought the story was fantastic. The character development was phenomenal.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
* I read a pre-release, e-version of this book from the author via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give this book a favorable review; what follows is my honest opinion.
First, I enjoy historical fiction so the genre was right up my alley.
Second, I know only what the history books have taught me about Constantine and what my Church History professors conferred while in Bible college. I admit, I should know more, but, alas, my knowledge is anemic at best.
As the author states at the end of the book, much of what we know about historical figures lacks the kind of completion that makes their retelling of what we do know to be very interesting if accurate, thus the novelist. Jones crafted a rich world that makes the young Constantine seem real in every way. While following the known history of the time, this historical fiction does not get bogged down in places or times or battles of days long gone. Instead, it is readable, interesting, and follows the arc of character within the arc of history, making what little we (I mean, “I”) know come alive. It was fun and had just enough grit to make it appealing without needing to lean on the salacious to hold the interest of this reader. IMO, that’s the true measure of a good storyteller.
It will be interesting to see how the author continues to develop and write the character of this historical figure during a period of his life we probably know more about, but again, what do I know. Nevertheless, I am a sucker for a good story, and if subsequent books are as good as this, then I will surely not be disappointed.
Upon completion of this book, I have concluded the following: this book was a compelling take on such an important historical figure and Tony Jones a competent, captivating storyteller. I look forward to reading the subsequent books, and the 5 stars are well-deserved.
First, I enjoy historical fiction so the genre was right up my alley.
Second, I know only what the history books have taught me about Constantine and what my Church History professors conferred while in Bible college. I admit, I should know more, but, alas, my knowledge is anemic at best.
As the author states at the end of the book, much of what we know about historical figures lacks the kind of completion that makes their retelling of what we do know to be very interesting if accurate, thus the novelist. Jones crafted a rich world that makes the young Constantine seem real in every way. While following the known history of the time, this historical fiction does not get bogged down in places or times or battles of days long gone. Instead, it is readable, interesting, and follows the arc of character within the arc of history, making what little we (I mean, “I”) know come alive. It was fun and had just enough grit to make it appealing without needing to lean on the salacious to hold the interest of this reader. IMO, that’s the true measure of a good storyteller.
It will be interesting to see how the author continues to develop and write the character of this historical figure during a period of his life we probably know more about, but again, what do I know. Nevertheless, I am a sucker for a good story, and if subsequent books are as good as this, then I will surely not be disappointed.
Upon completion of this book, I have concluded the following: this book was a compelling take on such an important historical figure and Tony Jones a competent, captivating storyteller. I look forward to reading the subsequent books, and the 5 stars are well-deserved.
August 12, 2026
“Son of Helena” is an immersive historical novel that portrays Constantine as a vulnerable and deeply human figure. Beginning with twelve-year-old Flavius, the story follows his transformation from an uncertain boy into a soldier, father, political survivor, and future emperor.
Tony Jones vividly recreates the Roman Empire as both magnificent and brutal. Military campaigns, religious ceremonies, political rivalries, and everyday life create a convincing historical setting. The relationships between Constantine and his parents provide the novel’s emotional heart. His complicated bond with his intimidating father, Constantius Chlorus, develops toward a moving reconciliation, while Helena’s strength and Christian faith challenge her son’s ambition and participation in religious persecution.
Constantine is compelling because he is neither idealized nor condemned. He makes troubling decisions and struggles with resentment, guilt, loneliness, and ambition, yet he also deeply loves his family. This moral complexity makes his journey especially engaging.
Readers unfamiliar with the period may occasionally find the many historical figures, locations, and political alliances challenging to follow, although the map and Dramatis Personae provide helpful guidance.
Overall, “Son of Helena” is a richly detailed and ambitious novel about family, faith, power, conscience, and the transformation of a young man into a leader.
Worth a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tony Jones vividly recreates the Roman Empire as both magnificent and brutal. Military campaigns, religious ceremonies, political rivalries, and everyday life create a convincing historical setting. The relationships between Constantine and his parents provide the novel’s emotional heart. His complicated bond with his intimidating father, Constantius Chlorus, develops toward a moving reconciliation, while Helena’s strength and Christian faith challenge her son’s ambition and participation in religious persecution.
Constantine is compelling because he is neither idealized nor condemned. He makes troubling decisions and struggles with resentment, guilt, loneliness, and ambition, yet he also deeply loves his family. This moral complexity makes his journey especially engaging.
Readers unfamiliar with the period may occasionally find the many historical figures, locations, and political alliances challenging to follow, although the map and Dramatis Personae provide helpful guidance.
Overall, “Son of Helena” is a richly detailed and ambitious novel about family, faith, power, conscience, and the transformation of a young man into a leader.
Worth a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2026
Son of Helena (Constantine the Great Book 1) by Tony Jones:
It’s hot as hell in Michigan, suffering is my constant companion and my sole consolation on my evening walk is listening to a British guy read a historical novel by Tony Jones about the emperor Constantine. And it's a great book, full of details about weapon school training matches and vivid descriptions of all the meat they ate and how much salt and herbs went into it before the fruit in the candied syrup dessert got served. These are the details that history geeks like myself turn the page for, but how I justify spending my work time on it is that I am relearning my early Christian history and it's not quite the straight through line I thought it was. Well-researched and well-written, Son of Helena tells a story of a fallible teen who catapulted a still young, scared house-bound Christianity out of the catacombs and into the halls of power, for better or worse. Learning more about the Emperor Constantine as the young man who eventually got us there is like diving into some deep family systems theory from the past with the superpower of invisibility, able to listen in and learn that the Church's relationship with empire, fighting and food has always felt gory, gross and yet at times just a bit God-sent, all three. I'm loving Son of Helena by Tony Jones too much to call it my continuing ed as a pastor, but honestly, it is. I'm actually considering going to Theology Beer Camp this year to learn more, and that's really saying something because I don't even drink beer.
It’s hot as hell in Michigan, suffering is my constant companion and my sole consolation on my evening walk is listening to a British guy read a historical novel by Tony Jones about the emperor Constantine. And it's a great book, full of details about weapon school training matches and vivid descriptions of all the meat they ate and how much salt and herbs went into it before the fruit in the candied syrup dessert got served. These are the details that history geeks like myself turn the page for, but how I justify spending my work time on it is that I am relearning my early Christian history and it's not quite the straight through line I thought it was. Well-researched and well-written, Son of Helena tells a story of a fallible teen who catapulted a still young, scared house-bound Christianity out of the catacombs and into the halls of power, for better or worse. Learning more about the Emperor Constantine as the young man who eventually got us there is like diving into some deep family systems theory from the past with the superpower of invisibility, able to listen in and learn that the Church's relationship with empire, fighting and food has always felt gory, gross and yet at times just a bit God-sent, all three. I'm loving Son of Helena by Tony Jones too much to call it my continuing ed as a pastor, but honestly, it is. I'm actually considering going to Theology Beer Camp this year to learn more, and that's really saying something because I don't even drink beer.
October 11, 2026
Well, WOW!
Historical fiction is not normally in my wheelhouse, but I love Tony's other books and listened to him talk about this book and thought to myself-time to stretch. I was not disappointed. Holy ghost this book was really good and even if you're not familiar with early church/Roman history, fear not! You can definitely sink into this one. Yes parts are fictionalized but they're done so well that they blend seamlessly with the real world story. I can't imagine the time and research Tony put into this world, but he did a fantastic job giving us a look at the early Roman empire, early empires in general and good grief the treachery. What a dynamic picture of the world view from that time period. Superb writing, a skillfully mastered tale, plenty of history (not boring) gets 5 big stars from me. Book two is already available and so you're able to move right into the second part. Part three is coming soon. Great work Tony and I highly recommend, even if you're not an empire geek. Fascinating reading.
Historical fiction is not normally in my wheelhouse, but I love Tony's other books and listened to him talk about this book and thought to myself-time to stretch. I was not disappointed. Holy ghost this book was really good and even if you're not familiar with early church/Roman history, fear not! You can definitely sink into this one. Yes parts are fictionalized but they're done so well that they blend seamlessly with the real world story. I can't imagine the time and research Tony put into this world, but he did a fantastic job giving us a look at the early Roman empire, early empires in general and good grief the treachery. What a dynamic picture of the world view from that time period. Superb writing, a skillfully mastered tale, plenty of history (not boring) gets 5 big stars from me. Book two is already available and so you're able to move right into the second part. Part three is coming soon. Great work Tony and I highly recommend, even if you're not an empire geek. Fascinating reading.
September 28, 2026
Heard about this book on the Homebrewed Christianity podcast. As a church history nerd there was obviously no way I could resist a novel based on Constantine the Great. It was a fun and easy read. The author in the podcast mentions that because he didn't appreciate his agent didn't appreciate how his book was structured in a three part series that he decided to self publish. This was probably a good idea overall, but the book definitely could have been helped by a good editor. A lot of the dialogue and inner thoughts of Constantine were clunky and on occasion cringey. Sometimes the decisions the characters (like Constantine's relationship with his Father) are making do not seem real to life which can't be blamed on history since there's not a ton we know about the history.
Regardless of some of the problems I had with the book it was still fun and I am looking forward to the second book in the series.
Regardless of some of the problems I had with the book it was still fun and I am looking forward to the second book in the series.
September 22, 2026
I absolutely LOVED Son of Helena! This is historical fiction at its best—beautifully written, engaging, and immersive. The author brings Constantine to life in a way that felt fresh and unexpected.
What I especially appreciated was the way religion was woven throughout the story. It wasn’t simply background material or a historical footnote; it was an integral part of the characters, their motivations, and the world they inhabited. The religious elements were thoughtfully and authentically crafted, and they added so much depth to the story.
I found myself completely drawn into the world of the book and genuinely didn’t want it to end. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction.
What I especially appreciated was the way religion was woven throughout the story. It wasn’t simply background material or a historical footnote; it was an integral part of the characters, their motivations, and the world they inhabited. The religious elements were thoughtfully and authentically crafted, and they added so much depth to the story.
I found myself completely drawn into the world of the book and genuinely didn’t want it to end. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction.
Review of advance copy
Wow! What a fast-paced, engaging book. Who knew that history (though fictionalized) could be so fascinating? Jones brings an important era in Christianity to life in such an interesting way. It takes a few chapters to figure out the various characters but it's a pretty wild ride after that. Be warned there's a fair bit of sex and violence, and even a few f-bombs, but I was (pleasantly) surprised by the thread of Christian faith that was woven into this great story. Apparently it isn't officially released until Aug. 1 but on amazon.ca I got it early, and for only $4.23 for the Kindle version. CReally looking forward to the second book in the series.
October 9, 2026
This is a very typical book about the days of the roman Caesars. As an historical novel it is interesting but not compelling. The author's research and his notes at the end are interesting and I will admit I took the time to look up whether Constantine existed and if the background was reasonably accurate. It was.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2026
So good!
I loved this book. It takes a great writer to take a well known historical figure and humanize him. The author also opens the vaults of history and gives us understanding of the times. I can't wait for book two. Great read.
I loved this book. It takes a great writer to take a well known historical figure and humanize him. The author also opens the vaults of history and gives us understanding of the times. I can't wait for book two. Great read.
August 31, 2026
Simply a fun adventure with characters who we know a bit about from history and others were know very little. Tony Jones takes the reader on an imaginative adventure with Constantine.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews