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Gates of Fire
- An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins
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Gates of Fire
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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.
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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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Story5 out of 5 stars
- WessexFyrd
- 20-01-21
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
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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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- Yossarian
- 24-04-23
Excellent historical fiction
This is a great story of a real event and I very much enjoyed the telling of it. It almost feels like an autobiography - recommended for history buffs
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alexander Harris
- 08-01-22
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Charles
- 02-11-23
Amazing way to consume that era of human history
One of the best historical fictions I've read. Was recommended by a friend and I can honestly say they are now my go to person for book recs if this book is anything to go by.
Touches on some difficult subjects but in a respectful way which I really appreciate.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dustin
- 10-03-14
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.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Michael O'Callaghan
- 11-03-19
stunning
amongst the most evocative and stunning things I've ever read. each sentence seems to be painstakingly and lovingly crafted. beautiful.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Aled
- 07-08-20
An epic story of humankind.
Wow, what a book. To be honest, I didn't think this would be my sort of thing, as I never read war stories. But this is so much more than that. The intertwining stories, movements in time, and brillliant use of a narrator compels you to continue reading. All brought together beautifully.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mark Russell
- 21-10-21
A moving and powerful story
buy it
listen to it
love it
what more can I say
inspirational book
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jill Desborough
- 17-07-20
Humanises the Spartan ethos and culture
I've always seen Sparta as a difficult country to really admire, quite fascist in some ways and ruthless . This story while it pretty unflinchingly takes us through the brutality of the harshest of training schools as the young men grow to become warriors, does manage to humanise their practices and attitudes and the selflessness of the underlying ethos of Sparta. Country is all. The characters are often sympathetic, humourous and struggle with their own fears and griefs . It's an engrossing, and often moving story of ultimate heroism and sacrifice.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 23-12-21
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
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