Gates of Fire

by Steven Pressfield
Gates of Fire cover
Good Books rating 4.67
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1572
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780553812169
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Gates of Fire brings to life the heroic sacrifice of the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Through vivid storytelling, the novel captures the bravery, discipline, and camaraderie of these legendary warriors as they face the vast Persian army. /n/n Stephen Pressfield's meticulous research and immersive prose transport readers to ancient Greece, offering a profound exploration of honor, duty, and the human spirit. This is not just a tale of battle, but a testament to the enduring legacy of those who stood firm against impossible odds.

Reviews
Speesh Reads · 2012-04-07
captivating 4.50

The book is thoroughly captivating, well-written, and packed with detail and interesting characters. It builds nicely throughout, leading to a compelling narrative.

The reviewer at Speesh Reads praises 'Gates of Fire' as a thoroughly captivating book that is well-written and rich in detail. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the way the story builds throughout, creating a compelling narrative. The reviewer's positive tone indicates that they found the book engaging and well-crafted, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    It is a thoroughly captivating book, well-written and packed with detail and interesting characters.

    The book builds nicely throughout, leading ...

    The book is thoroughly captivating, well-written and packed with detail and interesting characters.

Dave de Burgh · Dave de Burgh · 2011-01-18
enthralling 5.00

The novel is incredibly enthralling and one of the reviewer's all-time favorites. They highlight its ability to captivate and engage the reader.

Dave de Burgh describes 'Gates of Fire' as an absolutely, incredibly enthralling novel and one of his all-time favorites. His enthusiasm for the book is evident, suggesting that it has a powerful impact on the reader. The reviewer's high praise indicates that they found the book to be a standout piece of historical fiction, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Absolutely, incredibly enthralling, and definitely one of my all-time favourite novels.

    For more info about Steven and his work, check out his ...

    Absolutely, incredibly enthralling, and definitely one of my all-time favourite novels.

Dear Author · 2007-09-15
intense 4.50

The book is filled with intense scenes, not just on the battlefield, making it a rare and captivating read. It leaves a lasting impact, with sections that are hard to put down.

This reviewer found 'Gates of Fire' to be an incredibly intense and captivating read. The intensity isn't limited to the battlefield scenes; the emotional and personal moments are equally gripping. They describe it as one of those rare books that leave a lasting impression, where you finish a section and feel compelled to keep reading. The reviewer's enthusiasm suggests that the book's depth and storytelling make it stand out, making it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    Wow. The book is filled with intense scenes and not only the battlefield ones.

    This is one of those rare books that I would finish a section and ...

    The book is filled with intense scenes and not only the battlefield ones.

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