Reader Reviews
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Book One "The Eternal Mercenary"
Submitted by Ed Pagett of Morton,
Washington ([email protected])
5-2-98
I didn't see any
reviews on your site so I guess a good place to start would be at the beginning
of the series with book number one 'the Eternal Mercenary'.
The first time I read this story I was left with the impression that the
author of this book, Barry Sadler, was definitely on to something here.
The characters are believable and have many real qualities. Definitely
not one of your basic run of the mill adventure stories.
I guess
the things I liked about book one was how the whole idea of immortality
never settles well with Casca, the main character. From the first time
he discovers that he cannot die, when stabbed by a jealous boyfriend of
a woman he was secretly seeing, he is sure that his future will be full
of trouble. This is driven home many times throughout the story. Being
unable to die is not always a blessing.
The chapters
that deal with his 40 plus years as a laborer in the greek copper mines,
then his days as a gladiator and slave were probably the most memorable
for me. I caught myself wanting to go outside a couple of times while reading
the part about the cave in when Casca is working underground. Being buried
alive takes on a whole new meaning when one cannot die. The fighting in
the Arena and the personalities he encounters while a gladiator were very
memorable, especially Jubala the African.
When all is
said and done the book leaves you wanting more and, with another 21 books
in the series, there is plenty where that came from.
Two thumbs up
!!
Book Nine "The Sentinel"
Submitted by
"Stewart, ColinX W" ([email protected])
5-18-98
The book I choose to write a review for is #9 The Sentinel. It is one
of my favorites. After saving a village and then spending 100 plus
years frozen in a cave on a mountain, he is thawed out by a young lady
when the village is attacked once again. He saves the village and
Casca gets to live a somewhat normal life with a wife and child for a
short six years. We also see the fury of Casca's wrath and severity of
Casca style justice when someone tries to hurt his family and friends.
All in all it is and emotionally tense book with Casca's more brutal
side coming to the surface. He even gets to give back to the
Brotherhood of the Lamb a little of what they've been giving him for
so long. I give it a 2 thumbs up, 5 stars, and an "Ave Caesar"
Here is my favorite quote from book #9 The Sentinel:
He didn't regret that he had no spikes to puncture Gregory's wrists
and feet. It had been a special occasion when they'd done that to
Jesus.
"How do you like it? Is it as glorious as you expected? You know,
you're luckier than Jesus. You're going to live a lot longer than he
did, and you'll know pain that you've never dreamed of. When the
swelling starts in your legs and the weight of your body gradually
dislocates your shoulders, your own hanging weight will force your
lungs to labor harder and harder to get a breath. I have seen men last
two days, but I don't think you're that strong. You probably won't go
more than ten or twelve hours. So enjoy yourself. I am."
Book Twelve "The African Mercenary"
Submitted by Anon.
5-29-98
In this story, which takes
place a couple of years after the book 'Soldier of Fortune', Casca is again fighting for pay in a
conflict he knew very little about previous to being contracted.
In the vein of some other books
about Mercenary activity I have read Casca puts together a team of professional Soldiers for hire,
including Gus Betelman, George, and Van, to attack and assassinate Matthew Dzhombe who is the
ruthless leader of the ficticious African nation Kimshaka. Gus really stands out in this story as
a strong character, but was not as entertaining as he was in 'Panzer Soldier' or 'The Legionnaire'.
Sadler did a good job of setting up Dzhombe
as a man who really needed killing. The picture he paints is reminiscent of Idi Amin, but with an identity
and psychotic thoughts all his own. By the time the raid is pulled off I was really hoping that Casca and
his team would be successful in their mission.
The plot and the action is well defined and
realistic. My understanding is that Sadler had some experience with Africa, and in my opinion it really
shows in this story. It isn't all a victory for the good guys either, as one of the main characters dosen't make
it through the mission, but I will leave that to you to read yourself.
I give this book an 7 out of 10 points when
put up against the other books in the series. I liked Gus better in Panzer soldier and the Casca books dealing
with modern warfare aren't really my favorites. It is a good read, and worth the time.
