Some books quietly surprise you. Others make you think deeply about who they’re written for—and why. Titus and the Christian Coin lands squarely in that second camp for me.
Let’s start with what this book does well, because there are things worth applauding here.
One of the biggest hurdles with Christian fiction—especially for me—is tone. Too often, faith-based novels feel like sermons dressed up as stories. Characters exist to deliver lessons. Plot bends around theology. And readers can feel like they’re sitting in a pew instead of turning pages.
This book avoids that trap more than most.
The author weaves scripture and Christian themes into the narrative in a way that feels intentional but not overwhelming. Faith is present, central even, but it doesn’t stop the story every five pages to explain itself. As someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward Christian fiction because it can feel preachy, I appreciated that restraint.
Another standout? The maps.
Having a map at the start of each chapter was genuinely helpful. I always knew where I was in the Roman world, which is especially important in historical fiction set across multiple regions of an empire as massive as Rome. That visual grounding made the journey easier to follow and gave the story a sense of movement—even when the narrative itself sometimes felt emotionally still.
And Titus as a character? I liked him. A lot.
His arc—from persecution, to enslavement, to survival—is compelling on paper, and Titus himself is kind, steady, and earnest. He represents resilience in the face of cruelty, and his endurance through suffering is clearly meant to inspire young readers navigating their own struggles. His journey from broken slave to Roman citizen carries symbolic weight, especially for a Christian audience.
That said…this is where things started to wobble for me.
I wanted more immersion.
For a story set during Constantine’s reign—a time loaded with political, religious, and cultural tension—I found myself craving sensory detail. What did people wear? What did the mines smell like? What did Titus look like? What color was his skin, his hair, his eyes? Other than the cover there weren’t many descriptions of Titus. What did Rome feel like at street level? What does Rome smell like?
Historical fiction shines when it shows us the past. Here, the book often tells instead.
At times, reading this felt less like being inside a story and more like reading a historical account. You’re told what happened, not necessarily made to feel it.
That distance kept me from fully connecting.
I also wanted Titus to question God more.
Faith journeys—especially powerful ones—usually include doubt, anger, and moments of spiritual low points. Titus remains remarkably steady throughout the book in my opinion. Admirable? Yes. Realistic? Less so. Without a true emotional low point, the resolution didn’t land with the weight it should have. Triumph feels most earned when it rises from despair, and here, that felt missed.
Another small but notable wish: I would have loved to see Titus’s movements tracked on the maps—showing where he was going, not just where he was. That extra layer would’ve elevated the reading experience, especially for visually oriented or historically curious readers (hi, it’s me).
That said, the back matter was excellent. The dictionary and additional resources were thoughtful and useful, particularly for young readers or classrooms. It reinforces that this book isn’t just telling a story—it’s trying to educate, too.
Final Thoughts
Titus and the Christian Coin is not a book for everyone—and that’s okay.
This is a solid choice for:
Church libraries
Christian schools
Christian parents seeking age-appropriate fiction (or any parent wanting clean, cozy fiction)
Teens interested in faith, resilience, and early Christian history
If you’re a reader who loves deep sensory immersion, emotional complexity, and characters who wrestle hard with belief, this may feel a bit distant. But if you’re looking for a historically grounded, faith-forward story that emphasizes hope, forgiveness, and perseverance during times of persecution, this book delivers exactly what it promises.
For me, it’s a respectful, well-intentioned read with strong ideas—one that I liked, but didn’t fully feel.
And sometimes, that’s the difference between a good book and a great one.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨(3.5 out of 5 stars)
Thank you to the author for my honest review. Book tour sponsor is iRead Book Tours.
About the book:
Genre: Christian Teen and Young Adult Ancient Historical Fiction
Publisher: Write4Christ Publishing
Release date: November 3, 2025
Synopsis:
When Titus refuses to deny his Christian faith, Roman persecution destroys his family and condemns him to a brutal life in the copper mines of northern Italy.
Underground, surrounded by despair and danger, he must choose between hatred and hope, revenge and redemption.
From a mine collapse to an emperor’s audience hall, Titus’s journey spans the Roman Empire during Constantine’s transformative reign. Alongside Tribune Felix, he discovers that true freedom comes through forgiveness, not force. Authentic historical details bring ancient Rome to life while timeless themes of faith, friendship, and courage inspire modern readers.
This gripping adventure combines accurate historical research with compelling storytelling. Readers will witness early Christian persecution, experience Roman culture, and walk through Constantine’s palace while following Titus’s transformation from broken slave to Roman citizen.
An unforgettable tale where archaeological accuracy meets heart-pounding adventure, proving that faith can triumph over the darkest circumstances and that God’s love never abandons His people.
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Meet the author:
Dennis Conrad began writing stories for children in 2007. Over the years, he and his wife, Diane, have entertained their 11 nieces and nephews. He has taught high school through university and around the world. He’s helped many to see God in their lives.
As a former coin collector of fifty years, Dennis combines his love of Jesus, the Bible, children’s literature, and writing stories about coins.
He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ tiktok ~ goodreads
Derinda Babcock is an author and graphic designer. She lives in southwestern Colorado near the base of the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. In her previous career as an English as a Second Language teacher, she worked with students of all ages and many different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The richness of this experience lends flavor and voice to the stories she writes.
connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ linkedin ~ goodreads
