ABOUT THE BOOK
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 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.
- Directed by Sheldon Collins & Becky Parker Geist
- Book received ‘#1 Banner in Classic Roman Literature’ on Amazon
- Full Cast of 20 International Voice Actors
- Original music by a Grammy-nominated Composer
- Full Sound Design & Mix included
MY REVIEW
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.Â
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.Â
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 was hoping to see more of 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.Â
Thank you, Mr. Collins, for giving me the opportunity to read this book without any expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sheldon Collins is a distinguished storyteller whose career began in Hollywood as a screenwriter and director. His films, celebrated for their compelling narratives and rich character development, have been featured on premium television and at numerous film festivals—earning critical acclaim and a host of awards. The Legend of Valentine marks Collins’s debut novel, for which he also co-directed the multi-cast audiobook edition.
Residing in California with his wife and daughter, Collins draws ongoing inspiration from the breathtaking natural landscapes. Outside of writing and directing, he enjoys immersing himself in music, podcasts, and audiobooks, and actively participates in outdoor activities like biking, hiking, surfing, and skiing. His commitment to family and friends remains a cornerstone of his life.
Educated at UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the prestigious American Film Institute, Collins brings a unique blend of narrative expertise and directorial acumen to his literary endeavors.
Great review.
However, worth noting- it’s the first book in a trilogy series. Hence, the reason for a reader/listener not feeling complete closure with the Claudia character, as the storyline continues in future series.
Also worth mentioning, the Audiobook was just nominated by the 2026 SOVAS Voice Arts Awards for: Best Production, Best Directing, Best Actor and Best Sound Design.