Gates of Fire – Greatest Historical Fiction Novel Ever Written?

Dienekes, upon hearing that the Persian archers were so numerous, that when they fired their volleys, they blocked out the sun, replied, with a laugh, “Good. Then we’ll have our battle in the shade.”

The tale of Leonidas and his Spartans is perhaps a familiar one, glorified in Frank Miller’s graphic novel – 300, and the movie of the same name, directed by Zack Snyder. If you’re a fan of either the comic book or the movie, this book is a must read. If you’re a fan of ancient history, Greek or otherwise, this book is a must read. If you’re a fan of epic battles, this book is a must read. Even if you’re not interested in any of the above, this book is still a must read. The U.S. Marines certainly think so, and this book is taught at West Point, the United States Naval Academy.

Gates of Fire is easily my book of the year so far, and I find it difficult to imagine I’ll be reading a better book in the next few months. The Brothers Gwynne have been raving about this book for a while now, and I finally gave in, as I had a few extra days left over this month after finishing my usual TBR. More booktubers need to read and review this book. It is, quite simply, excellent.

It’s been a good year for historical fiction in general, as far as my reading goes. The best series I’ve read this year has been The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell, a retelling of the Arthurian Legend. Gates of Fire is a standalone, and is the tale of 300 – King Leonidas and the valiant Spartans who held the line at the Battle of Thermopylae against the ruthless invading army of King Xerxes’ Persians.

“Have a hearty breakfast, for tonight we dine in Hades!” – Leonidas

We learn about the story of the Spartans from Xeones, a survivor of the battle who is captured by the Persians. He narrates his tale to King Xerxes and his historian. It is a tale of hardship, loss, and sacrifice, but one that inspires greatly, for it is also a tale of valour, stoicism, camaraderie, and honour.

The author’s prose is brilliant, and every single character is memorable. A bit like Bernard Cornwell’s tale of Arthur, you know the basics, but can’t help reading page after page anyway. There was not a single page where I got bored, not a single page which the book would be better off without. This is an absolute page turner, and of the hardest books to put down. A story that will stay with you for a long long time, if not forever.

There is plenty of philosophy as well, all of it enjoyable and enlightening, never overbearing. There are interesting discussions and lectures on the concepts of bravery and ‘false’ courage, fear and love, slavery and freedom. Female characters, few in number, do get plenty of chances to shine. Ladies Arete and Paraleia in particular are highly influential, and even the reasoning behind the selection of the 300 is particularly poignant.

A queen may not be a woman as others. She may not possess her husband or children as other wives and mothers, but may hold them only in stewardship to her nation. She serves them, the hearts of her countrymen, not her own or her family’s. – Queen Gorgo

It is of course impossible to review this book and not mention the action sequences. I’ve read books by authors who write absolute top tier battle scenes – Bernard Cornwell, of course, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, Steven Erikson, to name a few. But Steven Pressfield might just be my new favourite. Even before the actual battle of Thermopylae, there is masterly description of another, roughly a hundred pages in. The manner in which the author transports you into that battlefield and guides you along the way, is an example of highly accomplished writing.

An absolute masterpiece, and highest possible recommendation.

“Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie.”