Casca #06: Persian

I liked this book, but not as much as the previous Barry Sadler books. But I still highly recommend anyone who has has an interest in this series to locate a copy and read it. I can't wait to get into the next book in the series.

Casca falls foul of the Brotherhood in Persia whilst serving the King Shapur II. A typically good Sadler novel, well-paced, informative historically and full of action. This follows on from The Warlord and precedes the Damned, so its best to read these books in that order to get the feel of the life of the main character. You can't help feeling for the main character as he is betrayed and sentenced to burning at the stake - but I won't give the plot away by telling you how an immortal man survives that! Read it for yourself, its a great action fantasy adventure.

I am giving this one the four star rating simply as it is not one of the best in this great series. It is certainly not anywhere near the worse though, and is leaps above the books recently written in his name. Now don't get me wrong. Sadler is still holding to the original premise of the series and his writing skills are still being maintained. He has not gotten sloppy in this one as he did in some of the later books. Casca has returned from his long, long stay in China, ends up in Persia, as as Casca seems to always do, gets quite mixed up in the local wars going on at that time. Casca becomes one of the leading generals in the Persian Army, and of course, collects the enemies that go along with his particular occupation. The action is great. Sadler has done his research on this one and it is quite historically acurate. It was a very enjoyable read. Like another reviewer here though, I found the narration of our hero's love life a bit boring, and quite in the way of a good story. I get the impression that the author just threw that aspect in because, well, because he was Sadler. If you are a fan of the Eternal Mercenary, then you will enjoy this one and quit likely will not be disappointed..I know I was not. Highly recommend this one.

Casca falls foul of the Brotherhood in Persia whilst serving the King Shapur II. A typically good Sadler novel, well-paced, informative historically and full of action. This follows on from The Warlord and precedes the Damned, so its best to read these books in that order to get the feel of the life of the main character. You can't help feeling for the main character as he is betrayed and sentenced to burning at the stake - but I won't give the plot away by telling you how an immortal man survives that! Read it for yourself, its a great action fantasy adventure.