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. Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Military Thriller & Suspense War & Military

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Critic reviews

"Reading this fine novel, it is not hard to understand why warfare has proved to be one of the most enduring subjects of literature." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"Derek Jacobi is brilliant: his soldiers are terrifyingly gruff, and his breathless account of the fighting is so vivid that one can almost smell the blood." ( Audiofile)
"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)
All stars
Most relevant  
The abridged version. Unanbridged does not seem to be available for UK at the time of this review.

Excellent, but it is the shorten version

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

Yes due to the amazing narration and wonderful story but sadly it is abridged to the point of distracting from the enjoyment. So many fine aspects to the story are sadly missing.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Narrator.

Have you listened to any of Derek Jacobi’s other performances? How does this one compare?

As good as the others I have listened to - please put his version of the Illiad on audible.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Moving,exciting and a wonderful example of first class narrating. Pity this is abridged if it were unabridged it would have been five stars in every area and one of the very best audio books in existence.

Awesome book but sadly abridged...

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fantastic book. a great story with really well structured character arcs. Great narration too - my favourite historical fiction

phenomenal!!

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One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened this year. It’s dramatic, deep and contains some ever-relevant philosophical ideas that can still be used in modern-day life.

An incredible story - well told!

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Gates of Fire is a truly atmospheric and palpable epic made all the richer for being read by Derek Jacobi. I have felt as though I were watching from the side lines to the point where I could almost smell the blood, see battles, hear the roars of the Spartan Warriors, and feel the squelch of mud and sludge between my own toes. I could feel my emotions get entangled with the characters, as I became totally absorbed in the book. Steven Pressfield's insight into the Spartans' lifestyle is incredible, and his book is a great work of art. This is a truly wonderful audio book that I will repeatedly listen to.

An Atmospheric, Palpable Epic

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As a Greek it gives me goosebumps to think that the events in this book are to a large extent the true history of my ancestors. An absolutely epic tale of brave men with courage, strength, virtue and honor and an interesting story of ancient military life. Definitely recommend to anyone not only for the good story but also because of the author's exploration of various themes revolving around various life virtues that really make you think about your life but also about our society as a whole. Truly an amazing book.

Amazing!

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Great book, great narrator. First book of his i have read really enjoyed it.....almost as much as Valerio Manfredi's book

Great book, shame it's abridged

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Derek Jacobi - legend. Made the characters come alive. The book can't be described as completely historically accurate, but still an interesting story set around the events of the battle of Thermopylae

Very enjoyable

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A classic and a pleasure to hear, as well as any book from Mr. Presfield.

Beautifully written

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Bright fully to life in this medium beautifully and expertly by Derek Jacobi. Thank you.

I loved it

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