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Casca #10
The Conquistador
Sixteenth-century Mexico...where enemies of Aztec King Moctezuma are sacrificed to his bloodthirsty gods by the thousands. Among the soldiers of Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, Casca (alias Carlos Romano) returns to the savage land to seek revenge on the priests who once ripped the very heart from his chest!
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
69 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Barry Sadler
108 books78 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
American author, musician and former green beret.
To the general public he is most known for the hit single "Ballad of the green berets"
After his musical career he decided to write a series of novels centered around the character "Casca Rufio Longinius" Who is cursed for piercing Jesus on the crucifix with a spear and is forced to forever remain a soldier until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
In the mid 1980s Sadler moved to Guatemala City where he was shot in the head one night in a taxi. He spent 7 months in a coma and died more than a year later.
American author, musician and former green beret.
To the general public he is most known for the hit single "Ballad of the green berets"
After his musical career he decided to write a series of novels centered around the character "Casca Rufio Longinius" Who is cursed for piercing Jesus on the crucifix with a spear and is forced to forever remain a soldier until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
In the mid 1980s Sadler moved to Guatemala City where he was shot in the head one night in a taxi. He spent 7 months in a coma and died more than a year later.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 3, 2021
Sadler is giving Casca some humanity in an inhumane world and realizes that his stories can give a bit of the feeling of history while entertaining his reader. I was entertained and distracted enough that I got to momentarily forget the chaos that is happening around us.
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April 7, 2020
Casca returns to Mexico!
This time he is part of a crew of Spanish Conquistadors.
It was foretold he would return, he even threatened that he would, but everyone who remembered is long gone and everything about his last visit is just legend.
Casca uses modern turns of phrase that might irritate or bother other readers.
As I read, I was flip flopping back and forth; certain passages were awesome, Casca at his best. The rest was not as enjoyable with the Mexican King fearful of Casca's return and the greed of the Spaniards.
The ending was merited by all.
This time he is part of a crew of Spanish Conquistadors.
It was foretold he would return, he even threatened that he would, but everyone who remembered is long gone and everything about his last visit is just legend.
Casca uses modern turns of phrase that might irritate or bother other readers.
As I read, I was flip flopping back and forth; certain passages were awesome, Casca at his best. The rest was not as enjoyable with the Mexican King fearful of Casca's return and the greed of the Spaniards.
The ending was merited by all.
March 12, 2019
So you just a soldier doing your job. You shove a spear tip into the side of this supposed messiah, except he is the real thing. He curses you to wander the earth till his return. Not bad right, immortality and all. Oh but he also curses you to be a soldier forever at war, never to know peace. This is the story of Casca the Roman legionnaire that stabbed Christ. Forever wandering the earth fighting one war after another. Great adventure series. Very recommended
March 17, 2023
Casca 10: The Conquistador is an action-packed historical fiction novel by Barry Sadler that follows the immortal soldier, Casca, on his journey with the Spanish Conquistador, Hernan Cortes, during the conquest of the Aztec Empire. The book is a part of the long-running Casca series, which revolves around the adventures of the titular character, who was cursed by Christ to wander the earth until the second coming.
The novel is set in the early 16th century, when Spain was expanding its empire by colonizing the Americas. The story begins with Casca joining the expedition of Hernan Cortes to Mexico, where they face numerous challenges and battles against the Aztec warriors. The book vividly describes the harsh conditions of the journey, the fierce battles, and the complex political intrigue that characterized the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
The writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action scenes and suspenseful moments that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The author's attention to detail and historical accuracy is impressive, as he skillfully weaves real-life events and characters into the story. The reader is transported to the heart of the Aztec Empire, experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the indigenous people, as well as the brutality and violence of the Spanish conquest.
Throughout the novel, Casca struggles with his own demons, haunted by his memories of the past and his own immortality. The character development is well-crafted, as the reader gets to see a different side of Casca, who is torn between his loyalty to Cortes and his own quest for revenge. The subplot involving Casca seeking revenge against the ritual priests who once ripped his heart from his chest adds a layer of depth to the story, as it explores the themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions.
One of the strengths of the novel is the portrayal of the indigenous people of Mexico. The author takes care to present a balanced and nuanced view of the Aztecs, depicting them not just as savage warriors, but as a sophisticated and complex society with its own traditions and values. The book explores the clash of cultures and the impact of colonialism on the native people, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the history of the Americas.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The characters, apart from Casca, are not well-developed, and some of the supporting cast come across as stereotypical and one-dimensional. The dialogue can also be a bit wooden at times, with some of the characters spouting exposition-heavy speeches that feel out of place in the story.
Overall, Casca 10: The Conquistador is an entertaining and action-packed historical fiction novel that delivers a thrilling adventure through the eyes of an immortal soldier. The book is well-researched and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Americas, while exploring complex themes of revenge, redemption, and the impact of colonialism. Despite its flaws, the novel is a worthy addition to the Casca series and is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction and action-adventure novels alike.
The novel is set in the early 16th century, when Spain was expanding its empire by colonizing the Americas. The story begins with Casca joining the expedition of Hernan Cortes to Mexico, where they face numerous challenges and battles against the Aztec warriors. The book vividly describes the harsh conditions of the journey, the fierce battles, and the complex political intrigue that characterized the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
The writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action scenes and suspenseful moments that keep the readers on the edge of their seats. The author's attention to detail and historical accuracy is impressive, as he skillfully weaves real-life events and characters into the story. The reader is transported to the heart of the Aztec Empire, experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the indigenous people, as well as the brutality and violence of the Spanish conquest.
Throughout the novel, Casca struggles with his own demons, haunted by his memories of the past and his own immortality. The character development is well-crafted, as the reader gets to see a different side of Casca, who is torn between his loyalty to Cortes and his own quest for revenge. The subplot involving Casca seeking revenge against the ritual priests who once ripped his heart from his chest adds a layer of depth to the story, as it explores the themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions.
One of the strengths of the novel is the portrayal of the indigenous people of Mexico. The author takes care to present a balanced and nuanced view of the Aztecs, depicting them not just as savage warriors, but as a sophisticated and complex society with its own traditions and values. The book explores the clash of cultures and the impact of colonialism on the native people, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the history of the Americas.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The characters, apart from Casca, are not well-developed, and some of the supporting cast come across as stereotypical and one-dimensional. The dialogue can also be a bit wooden at times, with some of the characters spouting exposition-heavy speeches that feel out of place in the story.
Overall, Casca 10: The Conquistador is an entertaining and action-packed historical fiction novel that delivers a thrilling adventure through the eyes of an immortal soldier. The book is well-researched and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Americas, while exploring complex themes of revenge, redemption, and the impact of colonialism. Despite its flaws, the novel is a worthy addition to the Casca series and is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction and action-adventure novels alike.
December 23, 2018
This was one of the more interesting books in the Casca series for several reasons. While there was a small love interest, it didn't result in Casca taking an action that would change things.
Second, I thought it presented a different side of Casca as he returned the Mexico to see if the people were following his law about no more human sacrifices. While they had long replaced the people that Casca had visited centuries before, the sacrifices were still going on, so he judged them not worth saving. This was a much deeper sentiment than I think this character had ever expressed before.
While Casca does find a smaller friend whom he does save several times, he can't save him in the end.
I particularly enjoyed Casca's escape from the Inquisition dungeon, but was surprised that it took him years to do so. This is not consistent with how smart Casca is supposed to be in other areas. He should have thought of it before.
Overall, this was another great timewaster that was a bit better edited than some of the early volumes. I enjoyed it and it was worth the time spent reading.
Next!
Second, I thought it presented a different side of Casca as he returned the Mexico to see if the people were following his law about no more human sacrifices. While they had long replaced the people that Casca had visited centuries before, the sacrifices were still going on, so he judged them not worth saving. This was a much deeper sentiment than I think this character had ever expressed before.
While Casca does find a smaller friend whom he does save several times, he can't save him in the end.
I particularly enjoyed Casca's escape from the Inquisition dungeon, but was surprised that it took him years to do so. This is not consistent with how smart Casca is supposed to be in other areas. He should have thought of it before.
Overall, this was another great timewaster that was a bit better edited than some of the early volumes. I enjoyed it and it was worth the time spent reading.
Next!
January 28, 2023
The heretics, sorcerers and witches were burnt alive. Casca's body looked like it had died dozens of times. Casca had experienced every perversion and cruelty, had swords and spears through his body and he still lives. Captured Casca showed the Grand Inquisitor that he could tear and bite into his arms, tear flesh, the blood pouring like a river and it would start to heal again. He would spend years and years in a dungeon before faking suicide and being dumped in a grave full of stinking corpses. Casca sailed to the New World, the stink, the dangers of the huge Sea, Casca throws a man overboard that tries to crush his skull in. The Spanish are trying to pillage all the riches of the Indians. Their armour and weapons too much for the locals, piercing flesh and ripping their souls.
April 13, 2024
My first Casca novel. These damn things are hard to find and expensive when you do find them. Casca was a Roman soldier cursed with immortality. In this adventure he goes to Mexico with Cortes during the final reign of the Aztec empire. It turns out that he's actually been in Mexico centuries earlier, but I'm missing out on that part of the story. Much of the story is told without dialog, which is unusual for a typical men's adventure paperback. It was a fast and violent read. I'll look for others.
July 26, 2021
Casca returns to the New World and is recognized as the Quetza from an earlier novel. This is a good storyline that incorporates the encounter between the cultures of Cortes and Montezuma. I enjoyed the descriptions of the tribal cultures and how Cortes uses every piece of new knowledge to his advantage. The story incorporates historical facts including battles with the Tabasco tribe, the discovery and use of Marina as an interpreter, and the alliance with Xicotenga.
March 8, 2020
Not as good as others. Lots of historical stuff and we all know how the Spanish treated the natives.
November 22, 2023
Absolutely Awesome
Felt pity and sadness for both people. All deaths and destruction for greed of gold brought to life. Loved it.
Felt pity and sadness for both people. All deaths and destruction for greed of gold brought to life. Loved it.
October 31, 2025
By far my favorite yet! A lot of call backs to previous journeys and character development.
February 24, 2020
Casca returns to Mexico after a 1200 year or so absence. He is disappointed that the Aztecs did not heed his ban on human sacrifice. An interesting segment of his saga where Cortes isn't as much of a villain as the greed of members of his company are.
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January 3, 2014I have enjoyed every book in this series.
July 7, 2017
Casca The Conquistador didn't follow the usual Casca storyline and I found it quite refreshing. I possibly learnt a lot about the Aztec culture as it could all have been made up but most of the main protagonists names seemed right. It was a very short book and seemed a bit moralistic but that's fine as it was all pretty enjoyable and exciting
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews