Rating: 
Summary: Not earth-shattering, but...
Review: I've read this stuff before. Sven Hassel (in the days of my youth) wrote books about a group of German Army misfits fighting on the Russian Front in WWII. Hassel's descriptions of close-quarter combat are very similar to those described in Gates of Fire. Although Pressfield's research is good, I do wish that he would have omitted the part about the Spartan raid on Xerxes's camp. Rawlinson (the translator of Herodotus) seriously doubts whether this actually took place and attributes the incident to embellishment by Diodorus and, later, Justin and Aristides. If you've read Herodotus's History before you've read Gates of Fire, the latter is a let down. If not, be sure to read History afterwards.
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic historical novel!
Review: This book is a phenomenal look at a Spartan and militaristic society. It describes in full detail the love, loyalty and duty that military personnel feel towards one another as they face the ultimate test. It also shows the trials and travails that develop the necessary requirements of a person who will sacrifice their very life for their country. The novel is clearly written and fast paced for an exciting read. Steven Pressfield's ability to draw upon the experiences of Persians, Spartans, soldiers, women, servants and kings to create this historically significant event makes this book one of the best I have ever read. The author is not trying to advocate a 21st Century Spartan society, he is brilliantly depicting a historical event while exploring some remarkable truths about what it takes to be a soldier. Anyone with an open mind about history, philosophy or military affiars will love this novel!
Rating:
Summary: come and get 'em
Review: The first time I read the book it took me a long time to finish. Let me explain if I may. For you see I did not want the book to end, that moment in time has always enthralled me and now it's characters have brought that moment to life. In this day of differences the author reminds us on the morning of the last day when prior to battle; the Spartan"Knights", Thesbians allies,slaves, squires,and the Spartan king Leoniedas himself, faced each other and all exchanged arms,armor and the crimsom cloaks. They were now all one, race, station and virture was irrelivant. A very human issue, especially in our modern times. Maybe we could learn from this? I knew what was going to happen in the end and that is why it took me so long to finish. Raving about it I actually lent the book out before I had concluded it. Upon finishing the book Pressfeild's conclusion of the story does not leave the reader cheated of closure. I would hope, on a personal note that the book done with quality so deserved, is made into a movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Apalling
Review: What really, really scares me is that this piece of reactionary pseudo-history is highly rated among U.S. Army people. One would like to think that people who have the duty and privilege to defend democracy should be able to spot protofascims at its worst when it smacks them in the face. Not to mention the worst prose I've been exposed to in a long time. One of the worst books I've seen in my life if not the worst, and believe me, I've read some stinkers.
Rating:
Summary: BATTLE BLOOD BATHED BRONZE!
Review: This book was not only informative and fairly accurate but a hell of a ride! Having a classics professor who specializes in ancient Greece as a close friend and a life long interest in the subject myself, I thought I knew something about Spartan life. Gates of Fire puts you there with an adrenaline rush. Not only from the battle sequences but from the everyday life of a Spartan which was devoted to the "work" of war. A true inspiration to anyone considering a career in combat arms. An insight on how men draw strength and courage from women as well as from any form of training. The mindset of the warrior is revealed. Not the new age definition of a warrior but of the man whose life is dedicated to the work of strategy, tactics and logistics in matters of defending the "polis" and defeating the enemy.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable
Review: One of the finest historical novels I have read. A wounded Greek prisoner of war explains to the Persians the nature of Spartan society and why the Greeks preferred to die fighting for their freedom rather than behave reasonably and accept the inevitability of the overwhelming Persian forces. Pressfield's description of the values and psychology of Spartan society is vivid and compelling. His description of the physical intimacy and brutality of man to man combat in a phalanx is unforgettably vivid. A brilliant book, anything by Pressfield is worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Best of the Best
Review: of all the books i have read,and i have read many of everysubject matter in literature,Gates of Fire was the best.As a formermember of an elite fighting force,the Navy Seals,i can attest to this novel's accurate depiction of comradery,fatigue,and the over comming of insurmountable odds on will alone.
Rating:
Summary: Nice Fighting
Review: Excellent account of battles, but most everything else falls flat. Author makes clumsy use of homoerotic elements to illustrate bonds between characters. Male anatomy is one focus of the book. Characters are quite simple and dialogue is laughable. Emphasis on combat and half-baked "warrior philosophy" should have strong appeal with adolescent males.
Rating:
Summary: When Honor Mattered
Review: Stephen Pressfield has brought Thermopylae and all its honor to life in a remarkable way. The Spartan Band which held this pass held as well the Western tradition of honor and purpose. Obedience to the needs of the Spartan people and their heirs can be seen in many of Pressfield's characters, the slave who would rather run than be Spartan, as well as the Spatan noble. Pressfield captures this honor and the Persian king's wonderr at it, and the book is well worth the read for anyone who would understand Western virtue.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliantly Brutal
Review: Not only a brilliantly-constructed book, but visceral to the point of being emotionally draining--I felt roughly this dazed after my first viewing of "Saving Private Ryan". Pressfield's depiction of the brutality of ancient warfare brings a new appreciation that these were real events involving real humans. Someone should attempt a film!
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