Gates of Fire

An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

By: Steven Pressfield

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

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

So glad I didn't live in Sparta during this time

Would you consider the audio edition of Gates of Fire to be better than the print version?

I did not read the print version, but I think that, for me, the book would have been hard for me to enjoy as much as the audio version. The narrator did a great job and had the perfect voice and timing for this story.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I don't think the end was a surprise, the journey was more of a surprise - the journey of this little Greece boy and how war shaped his entire life. It is hard for me to imagine living during this time in Greece. The author's words and the narrator's voice made it all seem very real.

What about George Guidall’s performance did you like?

Great diction, great timing. I feel like he gave the perfect voice to this heavy subject.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

There is a film about this book, at least two of them -- "300" and "The 300 Spartans".

Any additional comments?

This is a history book written as a fiction story. I usually don't read war/battle stories nor history of this long ago. It is not a book for the light-hearted looking for a bit of entertainment. There are so many characters and place names that I sometimes wished I had a map and a list of who's-who to refer to while I was listening. It has some tough situations that some may be uncomfortable reading about. But, I am planning a trip to Greece and I feel like this book really was great preparation for the trip and gave me a good insight into Greek history and what it was like to live back then. I think when I see some of the places mentioned in the book and visit the museums, I will understand so much better. If you are into history and/or war/battle stories, the story is written well and the narration is very good.

A Shining Star...

Excellent! Very readable and entertaining. I found myself thinking about the book when not reading and reliving certain passages.

Highly recommended.

Really Well Done

I really enjoyed this audible. The Narrator George Guidall has a really great voice for story telling. I found myself not wanting to stop listening It really keeps your attention. I highly recommend this if you like anything to Sparta and the Spartans. .

Great Book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was familiar with the basic story, but this book adds so much to the story of the 300. Great story and performance.

Loved it

I really enjoy Steven Pressfields work. Gates of Fire though I could not stop listening to. The narrator does a nice job as well!

Such a fantastic book.

George Guidall does a fantastic job bringing Pressfield’s words to life. This book is such a great story, I wish they would make a movie nothing like the disaster that is “300” but that actually follows this book.

Fantastic piece of work

I couldn't suggest a book more than I suggest this one. I plan to check out his other works, that I have not already, such as The Last of the Amazons.

Fantastic!

This work in its entirety, would make an incredible movie! The story is told seamlessly.
It’s informative and entertaining. I couldn’t keep my mind on anything else for my desire to continue the epic adventure .

Amazing storytelling

Pressfield dives deep into the Spartan mindset and what made the culture unique. His ability to combine the true history while using fictitious characters was awesome.

Amazing book that will strengthen the mind

This book helped remind me how imperative it is to be strong minded. The story of this young boy becoming a Spartan warrior and the experiences he went through paint a amazing movie in the mind.