Step into the thrilling world of Casca, where an immortal warrior battles through the ages, cursed to fight forever! The Casca series, blending historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, follows Casca Rufio Longinus, a Roman soldier doomed by Jesus Christ to wander the earth as a mercenary until the Second Coming. Created by Barry Sadler, a Vietnam War veteran and Green Beret, these action-packed novels plunge readers into the gritty heart of history’s bloodiest wars, seen through the eyes of a man who cannot die.
With a premise that fuses mythology and military adventure, Casca’s saga spans centuries, from ancient Rome to feudal Japan, delivering pulse-pounding battles and poignant reflections on humanity’s endless conflicts. If you love epic tales of survival, faith, and resilience, this series is your next obsession!
How Casca Began
In 1979, Barry Sadler, best known for his hit song 'Ballad of the Green Berets,' unleashed Casca: The Eternal Mercenary, the first of what would become a sprawling series. Inspired by the legend of Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side, Sadler crafted a unique hero cursed to immortality. His military experience infused the novels with raw, visceral combat scenes, while the fantastical curse added a layer of existential drama. After Sadler’s death in 1989, authors like Tony Roberts continued the saga, expanding Casca’s adventures across 57 books and counting.
The Heart of Casca
The series kicks off with Casca: The Eternal Mercenary, where Casca, wounded in Vietnam, recalls his ancient origins. Stabbing Jesus on the cross, he’s cursed to live as a soldier forever, fighting through Roman arenas and beyond. God of Death, the second book, sees Casca in a Viking-drenched Mesoamerica, deified as a god after surviving a sacrificial ritual. The War Lord transports him to ancient China, rising to power only to face betrayal, while The Mongol, Sadler’s final credited work, pits Casca against Genghis Khan’s hordes.
Themes of loneliness, faith, and the futility of war weave through Casca’s journey. His immortality is both a gift and a curse, forcing him to outlive lovers and comrades while grappling with his divine punishment. Sadler’s style leans into melodramatic pulp, with vivid battle scenes and historical settings that feel like a theme park ride through time. Though not always historically precise, the series captures the chaos and camaraderie of warfare across eras.
Each novel drops Casca into a new historical conflict, from the Crusades to World War I, meeting figures like Attila the Hun and Robert E. Lee. The blend of gritty action and supernatural intrigue keeps readers hooked, even if the series occasionally leans on stereotypes or predictable tropes. It’s unapologetically bold, perfect for fans of high-octane historical fantasy.
Why Casca Resonates
Casca’s enduring appeal lies in its audacious premise and relentless pace. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its addictive quality, with many devouring the original 22 books by Sadler for their raw energy. The series carved a niche in historical fantasy, inspiring a loyal following despite its pulp roots. Its exploration of war’s toll and the human spirit resonates, especially for readers drawn to military fiction with a mythical twist. Though never adapted into film, Casca’s cinematic scope begs for a screen debut.
- First Book Published: 1979 (The Eternal Mercenary)
- Total Books: 57 as of 2025
- Key Authors: Barry Sadler, Tony Roberts
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Military Adventure
Grab Casca: The Eternal Mercenary and dive into a world where history meets myth, and one soldier’s curse becomes an epic adventure!