[jc77]

Hi all.

I've been racking my brain (and web searching) trying to think of a book I read probably 15 years ago.
I'm not sure whether it is strictly fantasy so I'll post in the sci-fi forum as well.
I think the book (it may have been a series) is called The Sentinel, and is about Gaius Cassius, the roman soldier who stabbed Jesus with the spear while Jesus was being crucified. The novel tells how Jesus 'cursed' Gaius, giving him eternal life to fight in all future world conflicts in order to redeem himself.

If anyone can think of the author's name, or the books name if I haven't got it right, I'd be eternally grateful.

cheers
jc

[Ropie]

Just a considered guess - Michael Moorcock?

[Nimea]

jc77, welcome to sffworld.

I have moved and merged your thread from the SF forum with this one and removed your second post. There is a redirect-link still in SF to this thread here so you still have the effect of showing up in both forums.
BUT - I did this because we do not like double postings all over the forum, okay?

Now about your question: could it be the series Casca by Barry Sadler (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/barry-sadler/)? The ninth book of that series is called The Sentinel.

Maybe your search did not turn up anything because you were looking for the wrong guy? Gaius Cassius or better Gaius Cassius Longinus was one of the conspirators against Ceasar - but the name Longinus also is the name attributed to the soldier that stabbed Jesus hence the Spear Longinus or Holy Lance or Spear of Destiny. (And that is the reason why I know about the name Longinus - okay, I give in: I know it because I watched the short-lived Heath Ledger series "Roar" ;) )

And am I wrong or is the name not given in the Bible? Ah, ignore that, only general mumbling by Nimea.

So, is this the series?

[Erebus]

More info HERE (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/051509997X/ref=nosim/102-1879235-3214525?n=283155).

[Radone]

I remember reading a few Casca novels. Casca was the Leginnaire who stabbed Jesus with a spear and was cursed with immortality. He is a warrior throughout the next 2000 years and is severely injured in a firefight in Vietnam. The MD taking care of him is shocked when he completely recovers from what should have been multiple fatal wounds, and Casca tells him his story. The books are innumerable, and I believe there are over 20.

[jc77]

Wow, that's it. Thanks for all the replies.
Obviously my memory is all over the place, but The Casca series was what I was after.

Thanks again to everyone.