Rating: 
Summary: Good, but not the Stuff of Legend
Review: Almost 2500 years have passed since the few stood against the many at Thermopylae, and the Fallen are still not forgotten -- indeed, books are still written about the heroism and sacrifice. Witness, _Gates of Fire_.The battle scenes in this novel are full of imagery and detail -- brilliant, in fact. The characters were almost believable. In all, very realistically portrayed... ...and this is, I think, the problem with the book. Realism does not do Thermopylae justice, as it is a battle that has long, long ago passed into the realm of Legend. So, how should Steven Pressfield have written this book? Impossible to say. How would you write a novel about The Alamo? About the defense of Wake Island? About the Dieppe Raid? About Gallipoli? About any military endeavor where the Few stood against the Many, and lost -- but lost Brilliantly? Fact is, I don't think you can -- and survive the onslaught of Legend. For all of these battles, like Thermopylae, will become the Stuff of legend, long long after the novels written about them are long forgotten. Some, like the Alamo, became legends within weeks of having been fought. No mere novelist can compete with Legend. Legend does not rely upon realism. It relies upon derring-do. Upon simple concepts, like the triumph of good over evil. Of honor over dishonor. Of bravery over cowardice. Never mind the facts (Homer didn't -- and we still read his works today). _Gates of Fire_ is a good book, and by all means read it. I shall read it a few times. It just isn't the Stuff of Legend. And it leaves the reader unsatisfied as a result.
Rating: 
Summary: Words fail me
Review: This novel was so unbelievably amazing I cannot begin to describe it - it was undoubtedly the best historical fiction piece I have read in a long, long time. Pressfield is a truly gifted author and the only fault I can find with this book is that it was not nearly long enough. Too much of a good thing definitely does not apply here!
Rating:
Summary: An account of the creation of the warrior ethic
Review: Mr. Pressfield has rekindled in me the ideals that we in the military refer to as the "Warrior Ethic". He has captured what it truly means, and feels like to be a leader of men in battle. A moving account of the creation and destiny of a warrior.
Rating:
Summary: Great historical fiction!!
Review: Steven Pressfield brings history to life in this fascinating look at war, Spartan life, and the brotherhood of soldiers in combat. It is very difficult to find novels of quality that present history in an interesting, informative and digestible format. By page three I was deeply engrossed in this novel. My only disappointment was that it ended in a mere 384 pages.
Rating:
Summary: A Tour de Force of Spartan Warrior Culture
Review: The Battle of Thermopylae is considered one of the greatest stands in military history. Steven Pressfield's book brings the din of battle, the cries of the tortured wounded, and the proud, yet unforgiving warrior culture that immortalized the Ancient Greek City-State of Sparta to life. To be able to write about the times and culture of civilizations that existed so long ago is clearly a daunting task as primary resources with which to conduct research are limited. Given the circumstances, Pressfield has created a remarkable work. From the very first chapter, which tells of one lone battered and dying survivor of the Spartan contingent commencing in telling the tale of the 500 plus Greek hoplites who perished against the hordes of Persian invaders, the reader is spell-bound by the vivid descriptions of the events, people and surroundings of the ancient world. The story moves along quickly, and before you know it, you are caught in the midst of one of the most brutal, yet hopelessly uneven battles in history. I was unable to put down "Gates of Fire" and highly recommend it to anybody interested in Greek history of the Persian Wars or the Spartan warrior civilization itself. Pressfield's book is also a stirring tribute to the profession of arms, even though the protagonists who fought and died at the hot springs shed their blood several milennia ago.
Rating:
Summary: An epic adventure novel in an historical context
Review: I really enjoyed reading the Gates of Fire because of the authors ability to weave the story from an exciting historical context. I found his style of writing to flow quickly like an adventure novel with only a few lapses. I read the book within a couple of days, finding it difficult to put down. My only reservation about the book is that I felt the strong emphasis on the obedience and loyality of the surfs to the Spartans might have been a bit over dramatized. The book was entertaining and informative. I very much enjoyed this book (enough to write this review).
Rating:
Summary: Just like the subtitle says: "An Epic Novel"
Review: This book was very inspiring to me. In the face of uncanny odds, the Spartans held their ground. Pressfield does a wonderful job with the character development, etc. I was eager to follow the Spartans through all their adventures. Mr. Pressfield: Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: An informative and entertaining historical novel
Review: I found Gates of Fire to be a highly entertaining, informative and well written historical novel. It is clear that extensive research was done. The author nicely integrates Greek terminology into the narrative, teaching about Spartan culture while telling a fascinating tale. Pressfield also does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and Spartan society to life in a way which sheds a noble light on this warlike people. While Gates of Fire does not quite match the emotional punch of The Killer Angels or the anxious pace of Arundel, Pressfield's narrative style makes the book an exciting and enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I've read this year.
Review: This is history, fiction and even philosophy all in one. The "heroic" training the Spartans undergo reminded me of the training John Wooden put his basketball team through in Wooden. There's a lesson in good preparation for business, life, etc. But -- above all -- this is a great read.
Rating: 
Summary: Generally very good insight into the Spartan social strata.
Review: While most of my historical novels are generally restricted to American history, I thought I'd give Pressfield's novel a try. At first I was taken aback by the writing style but I grew quite used to it and came to enjoy it very much. The book really deals with the differentiation between Spartan society and the other Greek states. While the premise is that Xerxes wants to delve into the mind of the Spartan warrier, he really represents our own interests. While I longed for the battle to commence, I was not dissapointed once it began. "Go tell the Amazon.com readers, that here we recommend, obedient to our opinions."
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