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Casca #6
The Persian
Inducted into Shapur II's royal forces as a commander, Casca enters the volatile lands of the Persian Empire to battle the military force of the equestrian Huns. However, other powers are teaming to plot Casca's demise; Rasheed, trusted advisor to the king, seeks a death sentence for Casca. Though cursed to journey an immortal life of a soldier, can Casca survive burning at the stake?
Fraught with religious zealots, the Brotherhood of the Lamb brands Casca a heretic. Battling a secretive, radical Christian sect, Casca must not only save his life, but that of a political dynasty...as CASCA: THE PERSIAN.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1982
75 people are currently reading
200 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 25, 2019
Six books in and I begin to lose steam.
Still enjoying the writing. While the story continues to progress through history things begin to repeat. But don't they say that history repeats itself?
Leaving the Far East and the Silk Road, Casca finds himself in the Persian Empire. Forewarned that Roman's aren't welcome in Persia, Casca decides to stay. Why not here? One place is like any other. Unfortunately, the Brotherhood of the Lamb is watching and Casca will not be able to rest for too long. Epic battles and bloodshed followed by a barbeque not to be missed.
Recommended!
P.S. Whomever transcribed this neglected to put spacing or some kind of marking for chapter breaks. Very distracting when the POV changes from one paragraph to another. Massive pet peeve.
Still enjoying the writing. While the story continues to progress through history things begin to repeat. But don't they say that history repeats itself?
Leaving the Far East and the Silk Road, Casca finds himself in the Persian Empire. Forewarned that Roman's aren't welcome in Persia, Casca decides to stay. Why not here? One place is like any other. Unfortunately, the Brotherhood of the Lamb is watching and Casca will not be able to rest for too long. Epic battles and bloodshed followed by a barbeque not to be missed.
Recommended!
P.S. Whomever transcribed this neglected to put spacing or some kind of marking for chapter breaks. Very distracting when the POV changes from one paragraph to another. Massive pet peeve.
June 11, 2021
I think the author is finally really hitting his stride by this book in the series. Sure, there is always just a tinge of misogynistic non-sense and the author's grasp of history is non-existent beyond a comic book level understanding, and there is a Western ethnocentrism to the truths espoused except he sneaks in some Eastern mystical thought when it suits him.
Sadler has his formula working by pretending to understand war and human nature while providing for complex situations that the immortal soldier finds himself thrown into usually by his own ineptitude while trying to be more than he should be. Alas, immortality is a bitch and Casca makes it his special millstone.
I'm in for the ride just as an observer and at times I find myself rooting for Casca to be burned alive or mummified just in order to see what happens next. I think in the terms of this series, this book is better than the others except for the WW II story where Casca was a Nazi fighting the Russians, well just because commies bad, and Nazis aren't in the world of Casca.
The series is no longer available on Scribd (6/21), but is on Hoopla. Of course, one can buy it for one credit from Audible, but they really aren't worth one credit.
Sadler has his formula working by pretending to understand war and human nature while providing for complex situations that the immortal soldier finds himself thrown into usually by his own ineptitude while trying to be more than he should be. Alas, immortality is a bitch and Casca makes it his special millstone.
I'm in for the ride just as an observer and at times I find myself rooting for Casca to be burned alive or mummified just in order to see what happens next. I think in the terms of this series, this book is better than the others except for the WW II story where Casca was a Nazi fighting the Russians, well just because commies bad, and Nazis aren't in the world of Casca.
The series is no longer available on Scribd (6/21), but is on Hoopla. Of course, one can buy it for one credit from Audible, but they really aren't worth one credit.
December 12, 2017
This volume is number six in the “Casca: The Eternal Mercenary” book series. “Casca #6: The Persian” (1982©) was written by Barry Sadler. For those of you who haven’t read my other reviews, Casca is Casca Rufio Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus of Nazareth while he was being crucified. Just before dying, Jesus tells Casca that he is happy in his role and that he will remain the same until they meet again. Each volume tells some of Casca’s life over the last two thousand years as he awaits the second coming of Jesus.
Because Casca doesn’t age, every 20 or 30 years he must travel to avoid questions about why he doesn’t seem to get older. In a prior volume (number 3), Casca was in China. In this, he is returning to the West and pauses to deliver a message from the emperor of China to the King of the Persians warning of impending attacks from the Huns. Casca falls into service for the King (Shapur II) and this covers the few years of that service.
This episode has two interesting sub-stories (for me). The first involves a re-enactment of a battle tactic Casca first saw in China. As the enemy advances, you have a line of “volunteers” step forward and cut their throats in front of the enemy. This is said to surprise and then terrify the Hun warriors. They turn to flee and are then defeated in detail as they try to retreat / run away. Casca relates this tactic to Shapur who decides he wants to try it and see if it works. He sends Casca out with an under-manned force, but with several times the number of “volunteers” as the Chinese used. The tactic works again and Casca is able to defeat the Huns even though out-numbered by several times his own force.
The second sub-story is about Casca’s “curse”. Because he cannot be killed, each volume has a point where the miracle / curse must be demonstrated. In prior stories, Casca has been drowned, buried alive, poisoned, fed to crabs and had his heart cut out and one hand completely cut off. In this episode, the king judges Casca to have become too popular with the army so he decides to trump up some charges of treason and then have Casca burned alive. Of course Casca survives, but the execution and recovery are explained in graphic detail. As a reader, you almost feel you are sharing Casca’s pain.
There is a third story-line which also ties back to the earlier Chinese episode, but I’ve already given too much of the story away. Final recommendation: another strong recommendation.
Because Casca doesn’t age, every 20 or 30 years he must travel to avoid questions about why he doesn’t seem to get older. In a prior volume (number 3), Casca was in China. In this, he is returning to the West and pauses to deliver a message from the emperor of China to the King of the Persians warning of impending attacks from the Huns. Casca falls into service for the King (Shapur II) and this covers the few years of that service.
This episode has two interesting sub-stories (for me). The first involves a re-enactment of a battle tactic Casca first saw in China. As the enemy advances, you have a line of “volunteers” step forward and cut their throats in front of the enemy. This is said to surprise and then terrify the Hun warriors. They turn to flee and are then defeated in detail as they try to retreat / run away. Casca relates this tactic to Shapur who decides he wants to try it and see if it works. He sends Casca out with an under-manned force, but with several times the number of “volunteers” as the Chinese used. The tactic works again and Casca is able to defeat the Huns even though out-numbered by several times his own force.
The second sub-story is about Casca’s “curse”. Because he cannot be killed, each volume has a point where the miracle / curse must be demonstrated. In prior stories, Casca has been drowned, buried alive, poisoned, fed to crabs and had his heart cut out and one hand completely cut off. In this episode, the king judges Casca to have become too popular with the army so he decides to trump up some charges of treason and then have Casca burned alive. Of course Casca survives, but the execution and recovery are explained in graphic detail. As a reader, you almost feel you are sharing Casca’s pain.
There is a third story-line which also ties back to the earlier Chinese episode, but I’ve already given too much of the story away. Final recommendation: another strong recommendation.
December 16, 2020
Early in the book, there is a Jewish character named Samuel who warns Casca away from Persia. “Do not linger in this land or you will live to regret it.” This advice from a wise man of the world that Casca does not follow. This warning hangs over Casca’s head throughout the book until it has disastrous consequences towards the end.
From the last book, we see Casca leaving China and following the Silk Road back towards Rome. Along the way he runs into a Hun raiding party. He then becomes an advisor and general to the King of Persia, Shapur II. He also runs into Jugotai who we last saw as a child in The Warlord but is now an old and wise man. Not bad for a short trip along the Silk Road.
We see Casca become more and more successful and rises higher up among the Persians. However, throughout the story the Brotherhood of the Lamb is in the shadows waiting for their move. We get more scenes of the Brotherhood of the Lamb and their beliefs, which are very weird, but could easily fit into the “Christian” Gnostic teachings that were prevalent in this era. We hear some of their Scripture as well as an understanding how they are secretly run.
The big battle in this book takes place in Bacteria (modern day Afghanistan) with the Huns besieging the city of Kushan. Shapur II sends Casca to lead his forces to relieve the city. The battle isn’t as simple as lining up an army and attacking. Casca thinks tactically and ensures his plan is put into action. Casca’s tactical military mind are once again the most exciting part in these books as we watch plans take shape and be executed.
This is a solid Casca adventure that hits all the right notes for me. It does not really change the Casca formula around too much, but it does give us a new historical empire for Casca to play around in. The setting was especially interesting as I knew little of Shapur II and his empire.
From the last book, we see Casca leaving China and following the Silk Road back towards Rome. Along the way he runs into a Hun raiding party. He then becomes an advisor and general to the King of Persia, Shapur II. He also runs into Jugotai who we last saw as a child in The Warlord but is now an old and wise man. Not bad for a short trip along the Silk Road.
We see Casca become more and more successful and rises higher up among the Persians. However, throughout the story the Brotherhood of the Lamb is in the shadows waiting for their move. We get more scenes of the Brotherhood of the Lamb and their beliefs, which are very weird, but could easily fit into the “Christian” Gnostic teachings that were prevalent in this era. We hear some of their Scripture as well as an understanding how they are secretly run.
The big battle in this book takes place in Bacteria (modern day Afghanistan) with the Huns besieging the city of Kushan. Shapur II sends Casca to lead his forces to relieve the city. The battle isn’t as simple as lining up an army and attacking. Casca thinks tactically and ensures his plan is put into action. Casca’s tactical military mind are once again the most exciting part in these books as we watch plans take shape and be executed.
This is a solid Casca adventure that hits all the right notes for me. It does not really change the Casca formula around too much, but it does give us a new historical empire for Casca to play around in. The setting was especially interesting as I knew little of Shapur II and his empire.
December 7, 2018
If I could give 3.5 stars, I would. Casca the Persian is another entry in a series that, overall, I enjoy as a mindless time-waster on the train, a plane, etc.
In this installment, Casca decides to head to Persia to see what is up with King Shapur II. However, during his time with them, once again he tangles with the Brotherhood of the Lamb.
I enjoyed the battle scenes and Casca finds yet another, wiser, "old" friend who helps him in the end.
Of course, Casca buys, frees and loves a slave woman who we don't really learn a lot about, other than she can dance the dance of the veils. There is pretty well a small love interest in every Casca book, so it was expected.
One thing a bit different I liked that was a good twist was how Casca's Egyptian friend turns out to be the Elder leader of the Brotherhood of the Lamb and "rewards" Casca's tormentor to be the next one to enjoy the pain and suffering that Christ did.
I'm starting to find the poor editing and sometimes lazy writing a bit annoying, but the overall premise still works for me. As I said before, these would be a lot more enjoyable if they were somewhat chronological. I think that the idea kind of took off and the author was forced to put Casca into situations he could easily write about, rather than come up with a coherent plan and narrative.
If you have time to waste and don't want to hurt yourself intellectually, this is the series for you. If you need more depth and storyline, well, I would look elsewhere.
Worth the in between time spent reading.
In this installment, Casca decides to head to Persia to see what is up with King Shapur II. However, during his time with them, once again he tangles with the Brotherhood of the Lamb.
I enjoyed the battle scenes and Casca finds yet another, wiser, "old" friend who helps him in the end.
Of course, Casca buys, frees and loves a slave woman who we don't really learn a lot about, other than she can dance the dance of the veils. There is pretty well a small love interest in every Casca book, so it was expected.
One thing a bit different I liked that was a good twist was how Casca's Egyptian friend turns out to be the Elder leader of the Brotherhood of the Lamb and "rewards" Casca's tormentor to be the next one to enjoy the pain and suffering that Christ did.
I'm starting to find the poor editing and sometimes lazy writing a bit annoying, but the overall premise still works for me. As I said before, these would be a lot more enjoyable if they were somewhat chronological. I think that the idea kind of took off and the author was forced to put Casca into situations he could easily write about, rather than come up with a coherent plan and narrative.
If you have time to waste and don't want to hurt yourself intellectually, this is the series for you. If you need more depth and storyline, well, I would look elsewhere.
Worth the in between time spent reading.
June 24, 2018
This tale has Casca returning from beyond the great wall after serving the Lords of Chin.
He becomes embroiled in fighting the Hun hordes in the name of Shapur II (309-379)
His life is like a roller-coaster, one moment on the up then plummeting to a great low.
Love the history of these books as their is a lot of factual information to be gleaned from these pulpy novels.
If you research the author, Barry Sadler, he had a really interesting life & death!
Can easily be read in a day or two.
Great holiday escapism around the pool as you burn to a crisp!!!!!!!!!!!
He becomes embroiled in fighting the Hun hordes in the name of Shapur II (309-379)
His life is like a roller-coaster, one moment on the up then plummeting to a great low.
Love the history of these books as their is a lot of factual information to be gleaned from these pulpy novels.
If you research the author, Barry Sadler, he had a really interesting life & death!
Can easily be read in a day or two.
Great holiday escapism around the pool as you burn to a crisp!!!!!!!!!!!
June 8, 2021
This is a fun series. Casca leads a Persian army into some battles against the Huns. His healing ability keeps him going, and his experience in war makes him a formidable enemy to any opponents no matter how strong and ruthless they are. The Brotherhood of the Lamb is still tracking him, and this weaves some interesting subplots into the fabric of the story. I like the way that Shapur, the Persian king is depicted, and I like that he is a real part of history even though the story is fictitious. The book is easy to read but is not meant for children.
October 2, 2013
This book had a good ending. The story was good historical fiction per usual, but it had some other compelling elements that I would not want to ruin for anyone with plans to read it.
December 10, 2019
The sixth Casca book coming in order after his trip to Chin. He serves the Persian Empire under Shapur II. He frees a slave woman he massively overpays for and she becomes his mistress.
March 8, 2023
“Casca 6: The Persian” is the sixth book in the Casca series written by Barry Sadler. The book is a historical fiction that takes place during the Persian Empire. The story follows the adventures of Casca, an immortal soldier who has been cursed by Jesus Christ to live forever as punishment for being the Roman soldier who pierced his side with a spear during the crucifixion.
The book opens with Casca living as a merchant in Persia. However, his peaceful life is soon interrupted by the arrival of a new emperor, Darius III. The emperor is determined to conquer the world and Casca finds himself caught up in the conflict. He joins the Persian army and sets out to conquer Greece.
The first thing that strikes the reader is Sadler's attention to detail. The author does a great job of describing the historical setting, including the geography, culture, and politics of the Persian Empire. This makes the story come alive and helps the reader understand the context in which the events are taking place.
Another strong point of the book is its action sequences. The battles are described in vivid detail, with plenty of blood and gore to satisfy fans of the genre. Sadler also does a great job of conveying the chaos and confusion of the battlefield, as well as the strategic thinking required to win a battle.
However, the book also has its weaknesses. One of the biggest issues is the lack of character development. Casca is a one-dimensional character who is only interested in fighting and survival. He has no emotional depth or complexity, which makes it hard for the reader to empathize with him. The other characters in the book are also fairly two-dimensional, and it's hard to care about them.
Another weakness is the plot. While the story is engaging and action-packed, it is also predictable. The reader can see the twists and turns coming, which takes away from the suspense of the story. Additionally, the ending is unsatisfying and leaves many loose ends, which may frustrate some readers.
In conclusion, “Casca 6: The Persian” is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction and action-packed stories. The author's attention to detail and ability to describe battle scenes are both strong points of the book. However, the lack of character development and predictable plot may turn off some readers. Overall, while not a masterpiece, it's a solid entry in the Casca series that delivers on its promises.
The book opens with Casca living as a merchant in Persia. However, his peaceful life is soon interrupted by the arrival of a new emperor, Darius III. The emperor is determined to conquer the world and Casca finds himself caught up in the conflict. He joins the Persian army and sets out to conquer Greece.
The first thing that strikes the reader is Sadler's attention to detail. The author does a great job of describing the historical setting, including the geography, culture, and politics of the Persian Empire. This makes the story come alive and helps the reader understand the context in which the events are taking place.
Another strong point of the book is its action sequences. The battles are described in vivid detail, with plenty of blood and gore to satisfy fans of the genre. Sadler also does a great job of conveying the chaos and confusion of the battlefield, as well as the strategic thinking required to win a battle.
However, the book also has its weaknesses. One of the biggest issues is the lack of character development. Casca is a one-dimensional character who is only interested in fighting and survival. He has no emotional depth or complexity, which makes it hard for the reader to empathize with him. The other characters in the book are also fairly two-dimensional, and it's hard to care about them.
Another weakness is the plot. While the story is engaging and action-packed, it is also predictable. The reader can see the twists and turns coming, which takes away from the suspense of the story. Additionally, the ending is unsatisfying and leaves many loose ends, which may frustrate some readers.
In conclusion, “Casca 6: The Persian” is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction and action-packed stories. The author's attention to detail and ability to describe battle scenes are both strong points of the book. However, the lack of character development and predictable plot may turn off some readers. Overall, while not a masterpiece, it's a solid entry in the Casca series that delivers on its promises.
April 10, 2018
Another great Casca adventure.
September 2, 2024
Another solid entry in the Casca franchise’s sword and sandal epic.
July 20, 2025
One of my favorites in the series so far! Can’t wait to see what happened to Casca next.
September 29, 2025
Slow start but it was a good story once I got into the narrative.
January 16, 2024
Not much really happened. Casca delivers a message from China to a sometimes cruel Persian king. Finding Casca has much experience in battles, he is persuaded to join his army as a leader. After a successful suicide mission, he is made a general and leads a campaign, beating the bestial Huns, who threaten Persia. Casca buys a savage woman and tames her. This seems to have little to do with this story. Casca is then betrayed by one of the group of christian crazies who blame him for killing Jesus 350 years ago and Casca is set to be burned alive.
An aside: Casca tells the stories of his 2,000 years of life to a friend, who then tells a friend. But how does Casca know what goes on between the christian crazies who are on his trail?
An aside: Casca tells the stories of his 2,000 years of life to a friend, who then tells a friend. But how does Casca know what goes on between the christian crazies who are on his trail?
April 29, 2015
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
April 19, 2016
The biggest problem with these books is they go so fast. As always Casca is in the thick of the fighting.
September 23, 2015
A decent, 30s pulp style read, but I'm starting to detect a template in the plots. This *may* be a series where you have to space the books out a bit.
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September 27, 2015Another great book
Casca has been a great series thus far and I'm sure it will be in the next to come. I've enjoyed this book and the way it went.
Casca has been a great series thus far and I'm sure it will be in the next to come. I've enjoyed this book and the way it went.
January 21, 2016
Entertaining book with some great battles.
July 8, 2016
Fantastic! Great tactics, techniques and procedures described in his battles as a Persian General. Excellent story within storyline.
May 14, 2021
A nice series
This is a fun series to read. I read it when I was younger and decided to read it again. It has interesting characters and an intriguing storyline
This is a fun series to read. I read it when I was younger and decided to read it again. It has interesting characters and an intriguing storyline
November 12, 2021
Great story
Another amazing story following Casca throughout the ages that pulls you into what the brutality and kindness that is humanity
Another amazing story following Casca throughout the ages that pulls you into what the brutality and kindness that is humanity
July 28, 2010
I like quite a few of the Casca books. Haven't read them all.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews