The Legend of Valentine

Review by Historical Fiction Company:

“Despite Valentine’s celebrated acts of compassion and defiance in the third century, his life remains shrouded in mystery. Over time, different versions of his story have emerged, with some historians even suggesting he may have lived in the fourth century—although this view is less widely accepted. While many revered him as a saint, he was never officially canonized. In 1969, the Catholic Church removed Valentine’s Day from the General Roman Calendar, seeking to align the liturgical calendar with historically verified figures. Despite this, Valentine’s Day evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending cultural and national boundaries. Today, it is celebrated by over a billion people, dedicated to expressing love in all its forms every February 14. Yet, the question remains: was Valentine real or simply a legend?”

Bear and Rose play by the river, their childhood innocence on the cusp of developing into something more, when Rose must leave. Her family has been called to Rome by the emperor. Then the reader is in Rome; it’s 268AD, and “The Legend of Valentine” by Sheldon Collins commences. Valentine is there, on the page, with a suitably romantic appearance and an “unwavering commitment to physical excellence”. Even at this early stage, this reviewer is hooked, turning the pages eagerly to meet Valentine’s fellow legionnaires and follow the action (and, of course, Valentine!). This book had its genesis in a screenplay, and the dialogue is plentiful and well-written, particularly the banter between the legionnaires.

“In Rome, the Senate assembled in the Curia Julia, an imposing structure boasting towering doors and lofty walls made of marble-faced concrete. Its exterior was graced with sophisticated columns, supporting an expansive interior where hundreds of senators gathered in a semi-circular arrangement around a speaker. At fifty-one years of age, Emperor Gallienus stood tall and formidable, commanding attention across the assembly. The senators, once the powerhouse of Roman politics, now spoke with voices that echoed faintly in contrast to his. The intricate folds of their togas seemed to weigh heavily upon them, as if bearing the weight of the emperor’s overarching authority. Gallienus’s voice boomed as he addressed them.”

It seems Valentine is unlucky in love, still haunted by his first true love and spurned by another, who rejected him in favour of an arranged marriage. Quite understandably given his role in history, the author emphasizes Valentine’s handsomeness and his popularity with maidens, but this reviewer is certainly not complaining! Beyond that, though, Valentine is a compassionate man of principles; he remonstrates with his friends when they make bawdy jokes, and puts his own life on the line to rescue and protect women. But Valentine is also a man of the flesh, and temptation beckons, leading him into trouble.

“The Legend of Valentine” includes complex and strong women, including Lady Serena, and sisters Porcia and Agatha. There is intrigue, and betrayal, and more than a hint of latent danger that runs through the entire narrative, as Valentine’s choices threaten his future. As the storyline becomes darker and the relationships more intricate, the focus moves to Valentine’s defense of his personal principles, and the danger he is in when he refuses to renounce them. This aspect of the plot is both inspiring but also deeply tragic.

This novel is first and foremost the story of Valentine, but the storyline is given extra dimensions through the addition of rich historical detail, both political and religious. The times are tumultuous, and Valentine loses friends and makes enemies, all the while attempting to bring stability to his own life amidst so much upheaval. The battle scenes are a highlight; they are clearly cinematic but
this makes for an enthralling read despite some overly dramatic elements.

“Swiftly and with order—adhere to the plan,” Valentine commanded in his authoritative yet calming voice as the guests hastened toward a nearby footbridge over the river. He then convened with his men to formulate their defense strategy. “How many are they?” “At least thirty, approaching from the west,” Proculo responded, gasping for breath. “The Praetorians,” Marius added grimly, just joining them. “Lord, have mercy,” Valentine muttered, aware of the soldiers’ formidable capabilities. “We shall make our stand at the bridge. Efebus and Marius, cross first and prepare to sever the lines at my command. Proculo and Linus, stand steadfast with me,” Valentine ordered as he discarded his cloak, reached for his sword, and braced for the imminent confrontation.”

The ending of “The Legend of Valentine” is intensely meaningful, and is reached only after several twists and turns that will both delight and shock the reader.

“The Legend of Valentine” by Sheldon Collins is the inspiring story of Valentine, a man of deep principle who is remembered in legend for his compassion and unwavering faith (as well as his physical appeal!). The incredible story of his life is well told with a cast of secondary characters who either wish to bed him, or murder him as a rival when his strength shows their moral weakness. An immersive tale with a surprising twist that shows that true love never dies!