4 STARS
There is a current in S. Collins’ The Legend of Valentine that pulls you under, slow and steady, until you find yourself standing on the dusty streets of ancient Rome, breathing its air, hearing the clash of ambition and love, and feeling the ache of hearts torn by fate. This is not just the story of Valentine, a Roman soldier, and Agatha, a blind woman; it is the story of promises made in childhood, of love unshaken by time, and of lives tangled in the grand, merciless sweep of history.
Valentine and Agatha—Bear and Rose, as they name each other in their youth—meet in secret as children. Their friendship blossoms despite the barrier of class, their innocence carving out a world free of prejudice. When Rose’s family abruptly moves away, it severs their bond, leaving Bear with nothing but a memory of her laugh and the promise of her love. Years roll by, and Valentine, now a soldier, has no idea where Rose is—or even if she still exists.
Fate brings them back together in a Roman street, where Valentine saves a blind woman from harm. Her name is Agatha, and at first, he doesn’t recognize her. But her words, familiar and laden with meaning, crack open his memory, and their reunion feels like the fulfillment of an ancient vow.
Here, Collins could have let the love story unfurl uninterrupted. But as in life, love in ancient Rome must contend with forces far beyond itself. The novel splits its focus between Valentine and Agatha’s rekindled love and the rise of General Claudius, whose ambition to usurp the throne weaves political intrigue into the story’s fabric. Claudius’ machinations, while compelling, hijack the narrative’s heart, pulling readers away from the lovers and into the tumult of empire.
Collins writes with an eye for detail. The grit of Rome’s streets, the flicker of torchlight in shadowed halls, and the cruel fragility of life in the ancient world come alive. The book is rich with Christian values, woven seamlessly into Valentine’s journey without sermonizing. Yet, the story stumbles where it could have soared.
Valentine, whose love for Agatha is painted as unyielding, falters in a moment of weakness with Serena, a manipulative character whose actions unravel the purity of his devotion. This one-night stand feels like a betrayal—not just of Agatha but of the very core of Valentine’s character. Worse, the aftermath, involving deceit, an illegitimate pregnancy, and a cowardly escape, further tarnishes his image.
These missteps aside, The Legend of Valentine remains an engaging tale. Its pacing is swift, its characters vivid, even if some lack depth. The love between Valentine and Agatha is tender and enduring, and Collins’ depiction of ancient Rome’s dangers and beauty is immersive.
If Collins revisits this story, perhaps splitting it into two books—one centered on Valentine and Agatha’s love, the other on Claudius’ ruthless rise—the narrative could achieve greater balance. As it stands, The Legend of Valentine is a complex yet captivating journey into a world where love and power clash with all the force of history.
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.
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