Gates of Fire

An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: George Guidall

Gates of Fire puts you at the side of valiant Spartan warriors in 480 BC for the bloody, climactic battle at Thermopylae. There, a few hundred of Sparta’s finest sacrificed their lives to hold back the invading Persian millions. The time they bought enabled the Greeks to rally - saving, according to ancient historian Herodotus, “Western democracy and freedom from perishing in the cradle.” How did the Spartans accomplish this superhuman feat? This is what the King of Persia hopes to learn from the sole Spartan survivor. The squire’s story indeed reveals the incredible rigors of Spartan training - and more importantly, how the whole culture fostered the mindset of fearlessness.

Steven Pressfield has skillfully combined scholarship and storytelling to bring the whole world of ancient Sparta brilliantly to life. George Guidall’s dramatic delivery enhances the richness and feeling of this inspired recreation.

©1998 Steven Pressfield (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

A great story

Where does Gates of Fire rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

#1

What other book might you compare Gates of Fire to and why?

I don't think you can compare it with anything. The history can be compared to the events that took place at the Alamo but this is an epic story. The story line was well written and enjoyed how it flowed.

Few achieve that ending!

This book is a must! I cannot say enough good things about it. The author's classical passion for the momentous events of this world changing battle are clear and perfectly expressed by George Guidall's flawless performance! The true courage and dedication of the men facing the absurdly overwhelming odds against them is thrown at us with merciless but necessary audacity, and their exemplary sacrifice a lesson for us all to remember today, thousands of years after their heroism and selfless actions shocked the ancient world and remain today as a banner for freedom and the cost of it. The overall perfection of this book is marked by the chill I felt when Mr. George Guidall narrated the words: "Tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here obedient to their laws we lie." An standing ovation for both, author and narrator!

By far my favorite novel

This book is a master piece of work. I have never read or heard anyone be able to put in words the meaning of brotherhood, patriotism, or the bonds of friendship formed in war, like this author has. My all time new favorite book.

Brilliant and Vivid Fictional Account - MUST READ!

WHAT I ENJOYED:
-The narration of George Guidall contributed an authenticity and depth to the story that is hard to understate. He was about as perfect as a narrator could be for this project.
-Pressfield has a down-to-earth yet beautiful writing style that is quite gripping. His talent is a great illustration for why books are far better than all other mediums.
-For a story centered around an epically historic battle, the themes of family, friendship, and nationality are truly sweet paring. Consider my heart-strings pulled.
-The battle scenes are as good as expected and then some. Pressfield vividly brings the reader into the fray with all the gore, heroism, and grim reality one can take.
-What else? Yikes, this was such a good book. The plot pacing, structure, and execution are all top notch.

WHAT I DISLIKED:
-There is not much I disliked. However, I was left wanting for a bit more detail after the battle and on the war itself. There are allusions, but I would have preferred more.
-Additionally, I would have enjoyed more depth into the Spartan culture, especially as the children grew to young adulthood.

Fantastic

What a wonderful, honest and brutal depiction of the time and incredible, quotable leadership. wonderful

A great example for military leaders

I loved this book. what it means to be small in numbers but prolific in action and meaning. military leaders learning what they should be more like.

A Fantastic Journey

What made the experience of listening to Gates of Fire the most enjoyable?

Knowing it was historically accurate (or as much so as possible)

What did you like best about this story?

It's history

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to say

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Loved how the author portrayed these Man-Tanks as being human, having sorry, fear, and horror.

Any additional comments?

It's a bit harsh in some points -- graphic, language, brutal. There are moments that it's certainly not a pleasant read (a distanced rape scene, etc). But definitely worth a read!

An extraordinary re-telling of the story

Any additional comments?

This is an exceptionally well-written and well-narrated story not just of the Spartans at Thermopylae (the "Hot Gates") but of the world of the Spartans and the Ancient Greeks. The battle itself, while in some senses the climax of the book, really is only the capstone to all that has come before. The protagonist is not even a real Spartan -- he came to Sparta as a refugee as a youth but has been serving Spartans the rest of his life. Every character comes alive as an individual. Indeed, even the Persians are not the comic book version seen in the recent movie, "The 300", but real and vibrant. I cannot recommend this book enough.

One of my favorites

This story is inspiring and well delivered by narrator. . The speeches in the last chapters are beautifully written. I include them in my all time favorites to reread. #inspiring#greece#sparta#warriors##greatnarration#tagsgiving#sweepstakes

exceptional

While a fictionalized version of a true story, one still is made to feel as though this could be the way it went down. Felt like I was on the inside, tasting feeling fearing...abslutely the best !