Gates of Fire cover art

Gates of Fire

An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

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Gates of Fire

By: Steven Pressfield
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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About this listen

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • “Steven Pressfield brings the battle of Thermopylae to brilliant life.”—Pat Conroy

At Thermopylae, a rocky mountain pass in northern Greece, the feared and admired Spartan soldiers stood three hundred strong. Theirs was a suicide mission, to hold the pass against the invading millions of the mighty Persian army.

Day after bloody day they withstood the terrible onslaught, buying time for the Greeks to rally their forces. Born into a cult of spiritual courage, physical endurance, and unmatched battle skill, the Spartans would be remembered for the greatest military stand in history—one that would not end until the rocks were awash with blood, leaving only one gravely injured Spartan squire to tell the tale....

©1998 Steven Pressfield (P)2000 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.
Historical Fiction Military War & Military Fiction Greece Exciting Solider

Critic Reviews

“Gripping and swashbuckling . . . an exciting, romantic, star-crossed story.”The New York Times

“An incredibly gripping, moving, and literate work of art. Rarely does an author manage to re-create a moment in history with such mastery, authority, and psychological insight.”—Nelson DeMille

“A novel that is intricate and arresting and, once begun, almost impossible to put down.”—New York Daily News

What listeners say about Gates of Fire

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great escape from Mister Pressfield

Very easy to listen to and a great escape from the rat race on my way to and from work. Thank you Mister Pressfield!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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enthralling

This is a beautifully written novel which has.been superbly rendered by the narrator. highly recommended

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Brilliant

I have listened to this a few times now, and while short it gives a fantastic view to the life and legend of those who lived in Sparta. I found the narration to be compelling and kept me interested the entire time.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Abridgement disappointing

I can only wish there was a complete version! Derek Jacobi's performance is nevertheless excellent.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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fck me sideways

won't waste words - listen to it, then listen again

reviews have a minimum word count...

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The fine details make this feel less fictional

Great story and rendition of the classic story. I’d like to think it all went something like how this author portrayed it!

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A cracking good book

This is a great story told in an interesting way. Based on fact, most readers will know the ending but the journey to that end is terrific.

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A ture gift

I found its story inspiring and rousing. I still return for inspiration in tougher times

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Epic storytelling of an epic historical event

Easily accessible story, told wonderfully, exciting, entertaining, enthralling.
Adventure within an adventure surrounded by the adventures and perilous last stand at the hot gates.

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Fantastic

That was a fantastic story. I’d heard many good things about it but it was even better than I expected.

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