The Legend of Valentine by Sheldon Collins
What if the story behind Valentine’s Day isn’t just a legend? In The Legend of Valentine, award-winning filmmaker Sheldon Collins breathes life into this historical legend through a brave Roman soldier named Valentine Romanus. This richly detailed story will take you into a world of forbidden love, relentless persecution, and unwavering courage in third-century Rome.
Valentine is torn between his duty to the empire and his undying love for Agatha, the woman who captured his heart since childhood. Their love story begins when young Valentine saves Agatha from a wild animal, forging a bond that blossoms in secret because of their contrasting societal classes — she, the daughter of a noble family, and he, a boy of humble origins. When their paths cross again as adults, the barriers between them remain, with Valentine’s military obligations and Agatha’s father’s disapproval keeping them apart.
Lover, Fugitive, Hero
The challenges of their love story escalate when Valentine is accused of treason by a corrupt general with a personal vendetta. Forced into hiding, Valentine’s journey of survival leads him to a Christian village where he finds healing — both physical and spiritual. Through the kindness of a Christian couple, Valentine discovers the power of faith and begins to embrace a new purpose by helping others and officiating Christian marriages in secret.
Collins crafts a tale of political intrigue and personal sacrifice as Valentine becomes a hero to many but a fugitive to the empire. The corrupt general, now emperor, orders the annihilation of the Christian village that sheltered Valentine. In a harrowing battle, Valentine fights to save lives but faces devastating losses. This further solidifies his role as a beacon of hope to those he protects.
Emotionally Moving Characters
The characters in The Legend of Valentine are wonderfully multifaceted, as Collins gives even the villains depth and humanity. Claudius, for example, harbors a tragic backstory — his hatred of Christians stems from his heartbreaking loss during his childhood, a loss instigated by members of the Christian faith. This complexity makes him more than just an antagonist; he is a man driven by pain and insecurities, making his clash with Valentine all the more emotionally moving.
Collins presents the story through multiple perspectives via different characters, giving readers a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and fears. Supporting characters like Porcia and Serena are neither wholly good nor bad; they are flawed individuals whose poor choices, that stem from their insecurities, have significant consequences. Their attempts at righting their wrongs enhance the narrative and add a layer of relatability and emotional weight to the story.
Story of Love, Honor, Faith and Courage
With vivid, descriptive language, Collins brings third-century Rome to life, immersing you in a world of lavish palaces, brutal battlefields, and clandestine Christian gatherings. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping you on the edge and second-guessing everything; will the lovebirds overcome the forces that threaten to tear them apart or will their love be another casualty of a war-torn empire? I wasn’t sure whether this story would have a happy ending or a sad one until I reached the very end.
The Legend of Valentine is not just a historical story of love, but also of honor, obligations, faith, and the power of courage in the face of tyranny. Through this book, Collins presents his impressive talents as a writer, storyteller and historian as he blends heart-stopping action with tender moments of passion, faith, and sacrifice.
If you’re a fan of creatively woven historical fiction with unforgettable characters, rich historical backgrounds, and a storyline that grips you from start to finish, The Legend of Valentine should be on your wishlist.
Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller whose career began in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films, known for their compelling narratives and rich character development, have been featured on premium television and showcased in numerous film festivals, earning critical acclaim and a host of awards.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute. His background in film greatly influences his writing, bringing a cinematic quality to his work.
Residing in California with his wife and daughter, Collins finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the great outdoors. When not writing, he enjoys spending quality time with his friends and family, hiking, biking, and exploring new landscapes.
