Review: Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom by Dennis Conrad (with Derinda Babcock)
"From the opening pages, Titus felt real - and I cared about what happened to him."
Today I am sharing my review of Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom as part of an iRead Book Tours event running from January 6 through February 2, 2026. This is a quick, accessible YA historical with strong heart, a steady faith thread, and just enough adventure to keep the pages turning.
I have also reviewed two of Dennis Conrad's children's books on my blog. If you are curious about his broader style, you can find those here:
Marcus and the Emperor's Coin | The Two-Cent Piece
📖 About the Book
Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom By Dennis Conrad, Derinda Babcock
Published by Write4Christ Publishing on November 2025
Genres: Teen and Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Formats: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 131
Source: iRead Book Tours, Kindle UnlimitedWhen 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.
✨ Reader Extras
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Coin Collecting Kit
Perfect for readers who are inspired by this book to begin their own coin collection. |
Julius Caesar Ides of March Desk Accessory
Perfect for YA readers who like history-themed desk accessories with a playful twist. |
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✍️ My Thoughts
I am landing at 4.5 out of 5 for Titus and the Christian Coin. It is not quite a personal 5.0 all-time favorite for me, but it is close - and the biggest reason is simple: the author made me care about Titus almost immediately.
This story drops you into a harsh reality early on. Titus refuses to deny his Christian faith, and the consequences are heavy. What I appreciated is that the book is honest about the way Christians were treated without turning graphic. The cruelty is not sugarcoated, but it is handled with YA-appropriate restraint.
The historical setting also worked for me. I enjoyed the details of Roman life and the sense of a world shifting during Constantine's reign. At 132 pages, the length feels especially well suited to teen readers.
One of my favorite touches is the coin-collecting tie-in. It adds a tangible thread that connects Titus's journey to something readers can hold in their hands.
I also appreciated the practical reader aids throughout the book. The included maps help ground the story geographically as Titus’s journey unfolds, and the pronunciation guide at the end is a thoughtful touch for young readers encountering unfamiliar names and places. Small details like these make the book feel especially well considered for its intended audience.
⭐ Review at a Glance
| Genre | Christian Teen and Young Adult Ancient Historical Fiction |
| Setting | Roman Empire during Constantine's reign |
| Length | 132 pages |
| Content Rating | G |
| My Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Quick Take | A fast, emotionally grounded YA historical with honest faith questions and vivid Roman detail. |
👤 Meet the Authors
About Dennis Conrad
A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis Conrad combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.
Dennis retired as a professor of speech communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.
Dennis became a sustaining member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1979. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.
Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
About Derinda Babcock
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.
🗣️ Guest Post from Dennis Conrad
My first novel deals with religious persecution without all the gory details.
Prior to Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome (312 A.D.), there was a time called the "Great Persecution." Horrible things happened to Christians, including being put to death in the Coliseum. Ever wonder how teenagers reading about Christian persecution could change a teenager's life today? That was why I wrote Titus's story.
Having taught high school and college, I met many students who were questioning their faith. Have you ever doubted yours? The main character in Titus and the Christian Coin works through his doubts. Titus faces bullying, is ridiculed for his faith, and struggles with his doubts. He is forced to choose between hatred and hope and between revenge and redemption. The story gives teens a role model who faces his challenges and emerges a more steadfast believer.
Want to engage a young person struggling with their faith? Or, do you know a young believer who needs their faith reinforced? If you've ever struggled to talk about what matters most, Titus's journey might be the conversation starter you've been looking for.
Blessings to you and yours,
Dennis Conrad
🎁 Giveaway
Enter the iRead giveaway: $100 Amazon Gift Card, plus an author-signed copy of Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom (one winner, USA only, ends February 9, 2026).
Be sure to follow the tour and visit the
iRead Book Tours page.
🧭 Closing Notes
If you enjoy YA historical fiction with real stakes and a steady undercurrent of faith, Titus and the Christian Coin is well worth picking up.
Do you prefer historical fiction that leans more into the history, or more into the character journey?
Look for me here ⬇️
Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Civil, respectful conversation is always welcome.
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Excellent review!
Thanks for sharing. Sounds great.
I think kids would find it interesting.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book.
Sounds like a great book.
This looks like a book I will thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for sharing.