Rome, 268 AD
In an age of tyranny and turmoil, their love will ignite a revolution.
Valentine, a once-fearsome warrior reborn from the brink of death, sheds his violent past for a new destiny inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Amidst the ruthless rule of a merciless emperor, Valentine undertakes a clandestine mission: to unite lovers in secret ceremonies, defying imperial decrees that threaten to obliterate the Christian faith. As Valentine’s covert acts of defiance grow bolder, he challenges the tyrannical order, planting the seeds for a celebration of love that will echo through the ages—becoming the foundation of what we now cherish as Valentine’s Day.
The Legend of Valentine is an epic tale of love, war, faith, and rebellion. Against the backdrop of an empire in chaos, this gripping saga invites readers into a world where love defies all odds, heroes rise from the shadows, and the undying spirit of hope shines through the darkest times. Discover the man behind the myth, witness the birth of a legend, and experience a love story so profound it promises to live forever. Are there any limits to what one man will endure for his true love?
Sheldon Collins’s The Legend of Valentine: An Ancient Historical Love Story that Ignites a Revolution is a detail-rich story of Roman intrigue and Christian resilience, all built around Valentine Romanus’s transformative journey. Collins’s historical backdrop is meticulously rendered, and I especially found the portrayals of Roman military life and political scheming to be the best parts of his writing. We do get points of view beyond Valentine, which allows readers to understand the machinations of ancient Rome. As much as I liked the Agatha-Valentine angle [the love story], it is the very brief affair with Serena that delivers one of the greatest arcs in the novel.
The Christian themes are clear, although not overtly heavy-handed, as Valentine’s spiritual transformation embodies the faith’s direct plight against Roman authority. Overall, this is a well-done Christian historical novel that leans into the era’s turmoil, the quiet resilience of early believers of Christ, and the fictionalized bedrock of a day now and forever dedicated to love.
The Legend of Valentine by Sheldon Collins is a historical fiction novel set in 268 AD Rome, portraying the love and defiance of Valentine, a former warrior inspired by his blind lover, Agatha. Amidst imperial tyranny, Valentine embarks on a secret mission to unite lovers in clandestine ceremonies, challenging decrees that seek to crush the Christian faith. As his actions spark a silent revolution, Valentine's story unfolds as the origin of what we now know as Valentine's Day. This epic tale is a journey of love, sacrifice, and the birth of a timeless legend. Collins brings ancient Rome to life with rich, immersive detail that made me feel as if I were walking its streets alongside Valentine.
The multisensory elements of the ancient world make you feel like you're actually living in it rather than just watching the scenes play out in your head. Sheldon Collins's expert balancing of romance and rebellion creates a narrative that's both passionate and revolutionary, showing how love can become a powerful force for change. The depth and nuance given to Valentine's and Agatha's characters add genuine emotional weight to the story, particularly in Valentine's transformation from warrior to lover and rebel and how his physical and emotional experiences shaped his attitudes and changing inner monologue as Agatha's love impacted him.
What I found most compelling was how Collins brings the slow-burning themes of love, faith, and defiance into a powerful crescendo within the plot, creating a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever stood up for what they believe in, despite the consequences. Overall, I highly recommend The Legend of Valentine to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a perfect blend of romance and social commentary.
Publisher: Hutchinson & Collins Publishing
The Only Historical Fiction Novel About the Origins of Valentine’s Day Arrives Just in Time for 2025
A Thoughtful Valentine’s Gift for the Curious Romantic
As the holiday season wraps up, readers seeking a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift can look forward to The Legend of Valentine, debuting in January 2025. Available in a standard hardcover, paperback, and special edition with premium features, this groundbreaking historical novel by Sheldon Collins reimagines the origins of Valentine’s Day, blending romance and history to bring new depth to the holiday’s traditions.
LOS ANGELES, CA — November 15, 2024 – The Legend of Valentine offers a captivating fusion of romance and history, tracing Saint Valentine’s courage and sacrifice in ancient Rome. Set in 269 AD, Collins’ novel takes readers on an epic journey with a man whose devotion amid persecution inspired one of the world’s most cherished holidays.
“The Legend of Valentine is more than just a book,” says Collins. “At a time when the world could use a bit more love, this story invites readers to rediscover the meaning of Valentine’s Day and share its enduring message with someone special.”
The audiobook edition features a full cast, directed by Collins and Beck Parker Geist, bringing the story’s characters and emotions vividly to life.
Early Praise for The Legend of Valentine
“An incredible story of Valentine’s life—well told with a cast of secondary characters who either wish to bed him or murder him—an immersive tale with a surprising twist that shows that true love never dies!”
— The Historical Fiction Company
“What I found most compelling was how Collins brings the slow-burning themes of love, faith, and defiance into a powerful crescendo within the plot, creating a story that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever stood up for what they believe in, despite the consequences. Overall, I highly recommend The Legend of Valentine to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a perfect blend of romance and social commentary.”
— Readers’ Favorite
About the Author
Sheldon Collins is an acclaimed storyteller, screenwriter, and director whose films have been featured on premium television and in numerous film festivals, receiving critical acclaim. A graduate of UC Berkeley (B.A. in Rhetoric) and the American Film Institute (MFA in Directing), Collins brings cinematic depth to his writing, immersing readers in the ancient world. Residing in California, he enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring new landscapes with his family. The Legend of Valentine is his debut novel.
ISBNs:
- Special Edition: 979-8-9913624-5-0
- Hardcover: 979-8-9913624-0-5
- Paperback: 979-8-9913624-1-2
- Ebook: 979-8-9913624-4-3
- Audiobook (Full Cast): 979-8-9913624-2-9
Release Dates:
Special Edition: January 7, 2025
Hardcover & Paperback: January 21, 2025
Ebook & Audiobook: February 14, 2025 (Valentine’s Day)
Pre-Order Now: The Legend of Valentine makes an ideal Valentine’s Day gift and will be available in a special edition hardcover with premium features, as well as standard hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Visit www.SheldonCollins.com to watch the book trailer and pre-order your copy today.
For Media and Reviewers: For review copies, interview requests, or further information, contact Sheldon Collins at StoryByCollins@gmail.com.
For Events and Interviews: Collins is available for interviews and book signings. To schedule, contact Sheldon Collins at StoryByCollins@gmail.com.
Social Media: Facebook: @sheldoncollins, Instagram: @sheldon_collins_author
