Who Would Like This Book:
If you love military history, ancient Rome, and action-packed adventures with a supernatural twist, this book will grab you from the first page. The central idea - a Roman soldier cursed with immortality after piercing Christ during the crucifixion - makes for an endlessly fascinating, globe-trotting character. Barry Sadler mixes gritty battlefield realism with rich historical detail, tossing in humor and genuine emotional depth. Fans of pulp action, military fiction, and even those who enjoyed 'Highlander' or time-spanning heroes will be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers might find the prose clunky and the editing quite rough, especially in e-book versions. If you prefer polished, literary writing or deep psychological exploration, this might not hit the mark - the book leans more on action than introspection. The pacing can feel repetitive since Casca’s story is, by design, an endless cycle of battles and new wars, which some might find monotonous after a while.
About:
'The Eternal Mercenary' in the 'Casca' series by Barry Sadler follows the story of Casca, a Roman soldier cursed to walk the Earth as a soldier until the Second Coming after piercing the side of Christ during the crucifixion. The plot takes readers on a journey through various time periods, from Judea to modern-day Vietnam, as Casca grapples with his immortality and the consequences of his actions. The writing style is a blend of historical accuracy, fast-paced storytelling, and a deep exploration of Casca's inner torment as he navigates through centuries as a mercenary.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, explicit sexual scenes, and references to trauma.
Has Romance?
While the book contains elements of romance, it is not a primary focus of the narrative.
From The Publisher:
When they flew Casey into the hospital at Nha Trang, the medics were sure he'd die. That he didn't was only the first surprise.
The second, bigger one, was that Casey had been fighting for two thousand years, ever since that day on Golgotha when he put his lance into the side of the Man on the Cross.
"Soldier, you are content with what you are.
Then that you shall remain until we meet again."
So does Casca's journey begin, a man who cannot die, does not age, and knows no skill but those of battle. He becomes The Eternal Mercenary.
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"The Eternal Mercenary" by Barry Sadler is a military fiction novel that was first published in 1970. It is the first book in the "Casca" series, which tells the story of a Roman soldier who is cursed by Christ to live forever as a mercenary.
The novel begins in the year 30 AD, with the protagonist, Casca Rufio Longinus, serving as a centurion in the Roman army. Casca is the soldier who pierced the side of Jesus Christ with his spear during the crucifixion, and as a result, he is cursed to live forever. He is betrayed by his own men and sentenced to death, but he miraculously survives the execution and goes on to live a life of endless warfare and adventure as a mercenary.
The book is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of battles and skirmishes as Casca travels around the world throughout history. The story takes place in a number of different settings, including ancient Rome, medieval Europe, and even World War II-era Germany. The descriptions of the battles and military tactics are well-researched and detailed, making the action scenes especially gripping and intense.
Casca is an interesting protagonist, and the reader is given insight into his thoughts and emotions as he struggles to come to terms with his immortality. He is a complex character, torn between his desire for companionship and his fear of getting close to anyone who will inevitably age and die while he remains forever young. He also struggles with his guilt over his role in the crucifixion of Christ, and he spends much of the book searching for some kind of redemption.
One of the strengths of the book is its historical accuracy. Sadler clearly did his research, and the novel is filled with details that make the different time periods come to life. From the weapons and armor used by the soldiers to the political and social structures of the different societies Casca encounters, the book is full of interesting and informative historical tidbits.
However, there are also some weaknesses to the book. For one, the plot can be somewhat repetitive at times. Casca tends to find himself in similar situations throughout the book, fighting in battles and getting involved in political intrigue in different historical settings. Additionally, some of the characters feel a bit underdeveloped, with their motivations and personalities not always clearly defined.
Another issue with the book is the way it handles certain themes. While the story is overall quite enjoyable, it can be uncomfortable at times due to its portrayal of women and people of color. Women are often depicted as objects of desire, and the few female characters in the book are typically relegated to the sidelines. Similarly, people of color are often portrayed as savage or exotic, and the book can be insensitive in its handling of racial issues.
In conclusion, "The Eternal Mercenary" is an engaging military fiction novel with an interesting premise and a well-researched historical setting. While there are some weaknesses to the book, including a somewhat repetitive plot and problematic handling of certain themes, it is still an enjoyable read for fans of the genre. The series has a dedicated fan base, and for those who enjoy this first book, there are many more in the series to explore.
What can you read after
The Eternal Mercenary?
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