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

The Story is good The Narrator is Great

Steven Pressfield, has created a compelling, entertaining story - well written on many levels. You won't be disappointed by the author. What makes this a great listen is the narrator George Guidall. Mr. Guidall is a voice actor with depth and real life experience. The author has created a good story and Mr. Guidall's performance propels it to a higher level. Some narrators such as Scott Brick, have a style and narrate books written in their style. Mr. Guidall is a voice actor who brings to life the character in the story. This author partnered with this voice actor equals five star winner.

Hard to read

I bought this book thinking that it was the story of the Battle of Thermopylae. While it is that, most of it concerns the life of the narrator of the story, the (fictional) single Spartan survivor of the battle, as he relates it to the Persian King Xerxes after the battle. The result is that most of the book concerns not the battle itself, but the lives of those living in Sparta, both citizens and non-citizens, and hence gives us a view of what life was like growing up in this most military of states.

I had, of course, first heard about Sparta when in Elementary School and had my first formal presentation of the story in High School history class but, after reading this book, I have to say that I had no real idea at that time what the term "harsh upbringing" really meant. Steven Pressfield has clarified that term in great detail and this book will stay with me for some time to come. I found it very hard to read but, at the same time, found myself reluctant to put it down until I had heard what happened to those involved. Not those actually involved in the battle of course but those related to the primary characters in the book. The idea that 300 or so Spartans and their more numerous allies could hold off the entire Persian Army for 7 days (3 days of which was battle) seemed incredible to me when I was young and still seems hard to believe, but the details in the book are presented so well and so clearly that I could almost imagine myself as being an invisible observer as the battle progressed.

This is not an easy book to read (or listen to), but is well worth the effort for the clarity it gives to one of the pivotal moments in history. The narration by George Guidall is very well done, as one would expect from him, and the tone suits the events. I may not re-read this book but I am glad I went to the effort to buy and listen to it. I recommend this book to those with an interest in history in general and the early Greek states in particular but do not recommend it to the squeamish. It is, as I wrote, a hard book for me to read.

Tell the Spartans, stranger passing by

"Tell the Spartans, stranger passing by,
that here obedient to their laws we lie."

Good authors are often graced with one great book. 'Gates of Fire' is Pressfield's henosis. It is lyrical, compelling, thought provoking, and soars above most works of historical fiction (at least those that shrug in the mud of military historical fiction). Like most of Pressfield's work, 'Gates of Fire' deals with the common soldier, the grunt, the squire. His narrative is informed by a people's history of Greek history. For me, the most surprising aspect of 'Gates of Fire' was the nuance Pressfield's gave to Spartan women.

If I sound too enraptured, too possesssed, I apologize. I am sure that there are faults in this novel, but they are few and mostly irrelevant. Pressfield wasn't aiming for 'War and Peace', he wasn't trying to capture the flag of high literature. His goal was more humble, but he more than won it.

Spectacular!!

This book rates at the top of my Audible listens and I have listened to many over the years. History, culture, action, told so well that I truly did not want it to end.

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.

Brilliant, riveting and timeless.

My headline says it all! Looking forward to "The Virtues of War" next... and a great narration too...

Book on Courage

Would you listen to Gates of Fire again? Why?

YesEmpowering

What did you like best about this story?

standing up for what you believe

Which scene was your favorite?

training

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

A book a father could pass down to a son.

All per my husband

A Journey Worth Experiencing

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

I'm not sure as my life just doesn't have time for a good long read anymore. Not to say that it wouldn't be even better but just not for us that have discovered Audible as a modern indispensable option in their busy lives. I listen often and found this book because of George Guidall's narration right up there in my favorite narrators list.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Too many.

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many.

Who was the most memorable character of Gates of Fire and why?

Too many.

Any additional comments?

I'd say that this listen is for those that appreciate attention to detail and authors that not only write well but take the time to contextualize their works. Painting the verbal picture is definitely one of Pressfields strengths. This might not be for those who would rather a story flow or move at a faster pace. At the same time, for a story whose ending we all know, I enjoyed every minute of it. There is a long list of life insights presented in ways that for folks like me will enjoy the insights and potential lessons sewn throughout.

Finaly

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

Love this story. Made the audio book.

What did you like best about this story?

History, battle, love. everything

Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Who was the most memorable character of Gates of Fire and why?

The Spartan Phalanx.

Any additional comments?

I have waited for audible to get this story in the unabridged for a long time. Several suggestion letters later its here!

Outstanding. One of George Guidall's best.

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

I am a fan of the narrator and whenever I read lists of his best work, this is always at the top. I read the book before I found the recording, and sometimes that give me too high of an expectation. George Guidell surpassed my expectations. Without putting on accents or staging elaborate changes in volume or inflection, he give each character a believable and unique voice. Even speaking Greek he fills the characters with emotion and life. Very easy to listen to, very easy to emerse yourself in the story.

What did you like best about this story?

I first read Gates of Fire more than 10 years ago, long before the movie or comic book "300" came out. As much as enjoyed both, I was saddened by its success because I knew many people would take it as the definitive fictionalization of the historical battle of Thermopylae. That title clearly belongs to this book. The story, which we all know the end to, remains suspenseful because of the characters. We as readers become invested in their lives and struggles.

Any additional comments?

Things this book is not:-A mystery novel-A romance novel-A spy novel-An exact historical account of the Battle of Thermopylae. -The story of one man/woman struggling to find love in a world of economic oppression and/or vampires.There are some reviewers who have criticized this book for not being "literature." Personally, I read for the stories. This is a great story that runs more to the "epic" than "slice of life." There are curse words used, but used in the context soldiers of all eras would use them. There is great humor. There is tragedy, There is drama. There is adventure. There are characters you cheer for and those you hate. I would add that this is probably a more popular book with men, particularly those who have in one way or another spent time in military service. My wife does not get why the characters (either historical or fictional) would make the choices they do, but to those who have been on the line or in the fight, it's moving to hear our thoughts, fears, and relationships described so eloquently. These are not strictly male concepts, but I have found every guy I have recommended this book to has loved it, and most of the females I lent it to said it was good, but couldn't find a particular character to connect with.

Wow, did that really happen?

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

To know that it is recounting of actual events that changed the world forever - brilliantly detailed stirring a palette of emotions throughout.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It has to be Xeones for his intimacy with the reader.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When the Spartans raid the tent of King Xerxes.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes if only. My wife almost divorced me some days.

Hoped for more

It's strange to write a 3 star review when so many of the others are 5 stars. I feel like i'm missing something here...I just couldn't engage with the story or connect with any of the characters. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and it's basically all I read/ listen to. Well researched yes, but difficult to follow and felt like a slog to finish.

As for George Guidal ('the world’s most acclaimed and prolific audiobook narrator') he was OK, but no attempt made to differentiate between characters with accents, different tones of voice etc.

Try Killer of Men (Christian Cameron) for a proper yarn set around the same time.

wow

what a book, I become attached to the spartan characters and their journey, and was inspired by their fight to the death against overwhelming odds, this was an emotional ride

Great read

Really skillfully written. I was engaged for the entire story, which was as moving as it was thrilling.

stunning

amongst the most evocative and stunning things I've ever read. each sentence seems to be painstakingly and lovingly crafted. beautiful.

Monotone ruins a great tale

I’ve read and rated this novel in my top five ever, however, this rendition is a dreadful corruption by one of the blandest narrators I’ve ever heard.

It’s a real shame that a story written so engagingly and transportatively is ruined so completely here. He sounds distant, bored, and the emphasis and grandeur is just all one great flat line… it became background noise, and a boring background at that…

Avoid, and buy to read. You will not regret owning this novel. You won’t finish this audiobook.

Great depiction of an epic story

One of the best historic novels I've listened to/read. The BoT remains one of the pivotal points in world history and this is perfectly represented by Pressfield.

one of best books ever read

massive fan of this time period and the author brings it to life so we'll. this would have made a better film than 300 version. hughly recommended

A moving and powerful story

buy it
listen to it
love it

what more can I say

inspirational book

Superb listen!

I couldn't switch this tale off
Kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire story, even knowing the final outcome.