Customer Rating: 
Summary: Captivating!
Comment: Although the martial nature of this book makes blood, guts and foul language seem appropriate, an edited copy might be in line here for the young or tender. That said, the story is absolutely captivating. I feel like I was there. Not only has Pressfield painted an accurate picture of Herodotus' account, he has filled in the lines with a realistic story line that forces the reader to think deeply about love, courage, patriotism and freedom. This is not just a war story, it is a penetrating look into our humanity. It is an inspiring novel that makes one wonder at ones own dedication to freedom, family and fraternity.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good blend of history and fiction.
Comment: Gates of Fire is the tale of the heroic 300 Spartans who made their stand at Thermopylae through the eyes of a fictitious by-stander.
This book is fairly engaging though many parts do drag and take some time and dedication to get through.
If you're interested in Greek history and don't mind this not being a full blown history book it is definitely worth reading.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Great Great Read
Comment: Before I bought this I said to myself, "What more can be said about the brave 300?" Now I realize, plenty! This is a very well-written book and offers a total immersion in the sounds and sights of ancient history. You will receive an education and also be enthralled at the same time. This one is really worth getting!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!!!
Comment: The story is focused around the Persian invasion of Greece and the battle of Thermopylae. I found that this book brought me closer to the main characters more than any other book I have ever read. Stephen Pressfield has mastered character creation and has captured the essence of Spartan lifestyle. After reading this book it became obvious to me that Steven Pressfield did his homework, this is no fanciful tale and is likely one of the most accurate depictions of Spartan warfare and close quarter combat. I would recommend this book to anyone who is minutely interested in ancient history, military, culture, or warfare. However, this book is not for the faint of heart is very gritty, violent, bloody and vulgar as warfare at that time was. I give this book five out of five stars. Although this isn't the greatest book I've ever read it is certainly in my top 10.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Marvelously recreated
Comment: Gates of Fire takes you along on the Spartan's march on the Persian Empire. Steven Pressfield does a marvelous job recreating this lost civilization and the historic and cultural aspects of these great empires. The battles are done with such realism that you might as well dawn the shield and sword and be in the midst of it. The battles, the journey and the path these heroes march are all brought back in vivid detail that was painstakingly research and recreated. This is a must for all fans of this ancient culture.
Summary: Captivating!
Comment: Although the martial nature of this book makes blood, guts and foul language seem appropriate, an edited copy might be in line here for the young or tender. That said, the story is absolutely captivating. I feel like I was there. Not only has Pressfield painted an accurate picture of Herodotus' account, he has filled in the lines with a realistic story line that forces the reader to think deeply about love, courage, patriotism and freedom. This is not just a war story, it is a penetrating look into our humanity. It is an inspiring novel that makes one wonder at ones own dedication to freedom, family and fraternity.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good blend of history and fiction.
Comment: Gates of Fire is the tale of the heroic 300 Spartans who made their stand at Thermopylae through the eyes of a fictitious by-stander.
This book is fairly engaging though many parts do drag and take some time and dedication to get through.
If you're interested in Greek history and don't mind this not being a full blown history book it is definitely worth reading.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Great Great Read
Comment: Before I bought this I said to myself, "What more can be said about the brave 300?" Now I realize, plenty! This is a very well-written book and offers a total immersion in the sounds and sights of ancient history. You will receive an education and also be enthralled at the same time. This one is really worth getting!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!!!
Comment: The story is focused around the Persian invasion of Greece and the battle of Thermopylae. I found that this book brought me closer to the main characters more than any other book I have ever read. Stephen Pressfield has mastered character creation and has captured the essence of Spartan lifestyle. After reading this book it became obvious to me that Steven Pressfield did his homework, this is no fanciful tale and is likely one of the most accurate depictions of Spartan warfare and close quarter combat. I would recommend this book to anyone who is minutely interested in ancient history, military, culture, or warfare. However, this book is not for the faint of heart is very gritty, violent, bloody and vulgar as warfare at that time was. I give this book five out of five stars. Although this isn't the greatest book I've ever read it is certainly in my top 10.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Marvelously recreated
Comment: Gates of Fire takes you along on the Spartan's march on the Persian Empire. Steven Pressfield does a marvelous job recreating this lost civilization and the historic and cultural aspects of these great empires. The battles are done with such realism that you might as well dawn the shield and sword and be in the midst of it. The battles, the journey and the path these heroes march are all brought back in vivid detail that was painstakingly research and recreated. This is a must for all fans of this ancient culture.