Gates of Fire
An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae
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Gates of Fire
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Narrated by:
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George Guidall
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Written by:
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Steven Pressfield
About this listen
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, LLCYou may also enjoy...
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What listeners say about Gates of Fire
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kalen Davidson
- 2017-12-02
Epic. Visceral. Awesome.
I truly enjoyed the immaculate detail and awesome storytelling. A truly epic tale of human struggle, strength and war.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Langer MD
- 2022-02-05
'More Than Acceptable' Historical Fiction
I admit that I was swayed by a Publishers Summary that implied a more historically accurate depiction/interpretation of the battle of Thermopylae (made famous by the film version of Frank Miller's '300'). Instead, this book is a fictional story about a young Greek who joined the Polis of Sparta after his home was sacked, participated in the battles against the Persians, and describes life, training, and adventures in Sparta in the 4th century BC.
Steven Pressfield's action-heavy offering is a great tale (well-written, populated with interesting characters, plotted reasonably well, with an immersive setting, making some excellent philosophical points about life & death, and including some of the best descriptions of pitched battle I have ever read).. just not what I anticipated. Ben Kane and Bernard Cromwell actually provide similar "man-in-the-trenches" stories more effectively (if less maturely).
George Guidall's narration is similarly overshadowed by the availability of superior readers (I get the impression that Recorded Books Inc. could have cast this project better).
That's not to say that the reading isn't professional.. Guidall delivers a performance with commendable diction, cadence, and tone, but he reads slightly too slowly (listen at 1.15X), and with unimaginative voice-acting (every character sounds similar).
In toto, the recording is "passable".
Altogether, this is a creditable effort from all standpoints. I rate 'Gates Of Fire' 8.5 stars out of 10. I bought the book on sale (and I'm glad I took the chance), but fans of cerebral historical adventure books are warranted in spending a Credit on it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- 2023-03-16
Remarkable
Without a doubt one of the most outstanding performances I’ve ever had the privilege to enjoy. The story is constructed so beautifully. I was not expecting such a work of art as this. It captures the moments and the emotions that weave through them. The picture of life in these times is stark and humbling. It makes you realize how lucky those that live in safety and security are. That this is possible is down to men like the Spartans, for they and those like them endure such hardship so they can fight for others. This book is a testament to that.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eleena
- 2019-07-04
Freaking Epic!
Loved it! Pure epicness througout the whole tale, very inspirstional and thought provoking! I bought the actual book just so i could own a physical copy, and gifted another copy to my friend.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- alison
- 2022-08-30
Great great book
Well written .. a wonderful story .. inspiring recounting of leadership and loyalty … definitely a great read
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robert Dawson Link
- 2018-05-25
one of my favs
I read this book in my early 20s and is still one of the best books I've ever read. it translates to audiobook perfectly.... what a great story.
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2023-03-04
A great story and a great performance
Great historical fiction, with a great Narration. The story comes alive to the modern reader but stays true to the characters at their place in history.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tyler Benedet
- 2021-08-18
outstanding
brutal and beautiful.
lessons in lbeing a leader or future and current leaders.
narrator was excellent.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah
- 2022-01-19
I couldn't get enough
Simply put, this is a superb listen. 5 stars all around. I already somewhat knew the story of the battle of Thermoplae, thanks mostly to the movie The 300, however this book weaves a complelling tale of the Spartan way of life. Seen through the eyes of a Squire, the narrator takes the listener on such a beautifully detailed journey, that one feels transported in time. You get to feel the passions and emotions, the guts and the grit that made up the psyche of the heroes of this battle. I felt compelled to listen... And was left bereft by the end.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-06-14
Excellent historical fiction - would recommend
Excellent historical fiction - would recommend. Really well-told story and characters. Excellent narration and glad I listened.
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4 people found this helpful