Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here obedient to their laws we lie.
Thus reads an ancient stone at Thermopylae in northern Greece, the site of one of the world's greatest battles for freedom. Here, in 480 B.C., on a narrow mountain pass above the crystalline Aegean, 300 Spartan knights and their allies faced the massive forces of Xerxes, King of Persia. From the start, there was no question but that the Spartans would perish. In Gates of Fire, however, Steven Pressfield makes their courageous defence--and eventual extinction-- unbearably suspenseful. In the tradition of Mary Renault, this historical novel unfolds in flashback. Xeo, the sole Spartan survivor of Thermopylae, has been captured by the Persians and Xerxes himself presses his young captive to reveal how his tiny cohort kept more than 100,000 Persians at bay for a week. Xeo, however, begins at the beginning, when his childhood home in northern Greece was overrun and he escaped to Sparta. There he is drafted into the elite Spartan guard and rigorously schooled in the art of war--an education brutal enough to destroy half the students, but (oddly enough) not without humour: "The more miserable the conditions, the more convulsing the jokes became, or at least that's how it seems," Xeo recalls. His companions-in-arms are Alexandros, a gentle boy who turns out to be the most courageous of all, and Rooster, an angry, half-Messenian youth. Pressfield's descriptions of war are breathtaking in their immediacy. They are also meticulously assembled out of physical detail and crisp, uncluttered metaphor:

"The forerank of the enemy collapsed immediately as the first shock hit it; the body-length shields seemed to implode rearward, their anchoring spikes rooted slinging from the earth like tent pins in a gale. The forerank archers were literally bowled off their feet, their wall-like shields caving in upon them like fortress redoubts under the assault of the ram. The valour of the individual Medes was beyond question, but their light hacking blades were harmless as toys; against the massed wall of Spartan armour, they might as well have been defending themselves with reeds or fennel stalks."

Alas, even this human barrier was bound to collapse, as we knew all along it would. "War is work, not mystery," Xeo laments. But Pressfield's epic seems to make the opposite argument: courage on this scale is not merely inspiring but ultimately mysterious. -- Marianne Painter, Amazon.com

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

If readers of epic historical fiction are influenced in their literary choices by successful films in the genre, then the timing of Steven Pressfield's Tides of War could not be better, with the cinematic release of Ridley Scott's Gladiator. Ironically, the very qualities that distinguish Scott's movie are here in greater concentration: tremendous historical sweep; strong, well-defined characters and bloody confrontations. The one area in which Pressfield definitely possesses the edge, though, is the fierce intelligence and rigorous authenticity of his remarkable book. As a picture of the ancient world, it is nigh unbeatable but it is the characterisation of the soldier protagonist Alcibiades (who becomes a central figure in the war between Athens and Sparta) that is Pressfield's greatest achievement.

Alcibiades is a brilliantly wrought conflation of ancient and modern sensibilities, the perfect conduit into this savage world. On the battlefield, Alcibiades has never known defeat but his success has created ill feeling among his political opponents in Athens. A trumped-up charge of treason forces him to flee to Sparta, where he engineers a series of military triumphs. However, his heart lies in Athens and, through a series of savage confrontations (both on the battlefield and in the equally dangerous political arena), he moves inexorably towards his unwritten destiny. It will be no surprise to the readers of the equally impressive Gates of Fire that this exuberant panoply of a far-off age is so luminously rendered. --Barry Forshaw

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

A Creative Masterpiece, 31 Aug 2008
Having read 'Gates of Fire' I found myself equally impressed by the scholarship and detail of Pressfield's account of the complicated events of the Pelopennesian War and ultimate defeat of the Athenian democratic ideal. True this book is a read requiring more of its readers than Gates of Fire in terms of the scope of the conflict and political machinations of the characters but their personalities commit themselves to your memory in the same way and demand your attention and empathy. Pressfield writes like a poet and a philosopher, requiring his audience to engage with the intellectual concepts of his re-created world. It is not designed to be a superficial, blood-and-gore romp and if read as such will leave the reader confused and unsatisfied. It is about the lengths to which necessity drives a man and what he is prepared to endure to realize his dreams and live with honour.

Superb, 11 Jan 2008
I have read many fine historical novels....this one of the finest of those.
Pressfield brings out the character of one of the most enigmatic and capable generals/leaders in history-Alcibiades. A man of vision, a warrior in the truest sense, a leader of people who garnered both love and hatred, a man of vision, a man of Necessity.
Told mostly through the eyes of Polemides prior to what he was expecting to be his execution for treason and murder this is a great and mature novel whether it is describing significant battles of the Peloponnesian Wars, political intrigue or the philosophy of Socrates.
The epic description of the siege of Syracuse is magnificent,blending the land battles almost seamlessly into the seaborne Athenian attempt to escape the harbour.
Huge in scope,vivid in drama,eloquent,at times thoughtful and reflective this is easily the best novel I have read about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Praise for the Tides of War, 19 Feb 2007
It isn't hard for me to say the Tides of War is probably my favorite of Mr Pressfields historical novels and to recommend it as a truly rewarding reading experience.

On the face of it the Tides of War may seem over ambitious as Pressfield tries to cover 29 years of war and strife between the Greek superpowers of their day, Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431BC-405BC form all angles at once (using his now patented method of disjointed interlocking first person narratives) when maybe a simpler structure would have sufficed and for this reason many people have maligned this novel and written it of as a dud. I though would like to present another point of view.

The Tides of War may not have the grand heroic sweep of the Gates of Fire or more character insight than in The Virtues of War or any of the mystical allure of the Last of the Amazons but the Tides of War is in one word; Human.

Mr Pressfields portrays his characters with amazing insight and humanity. Alciabiades is bold, brilliant, beautiful, a politician of great skill and a commander of superb courage until seduced by false pride and ambitions of everlasting glory. The other main characters Pommo and others have moments of triumph and joy but mainly suffering and loss, the stuff of real life and in their own ways are endemic of the main thread which weaves the Tides of War together. For while there is much suffering in the novel, both physical and mental, the sufferers also exhibit certain virtues, even when they have contributed disastrously to there own downfall Mr Pressfield's characters at times of adversity exhibit tragic dignity and glorious heroism but as in real life there is no redemption, consolation, or escape.

Pressfield's great achievement is to illustrate through the tapestry of the Tides of War that necessity is deaf to all prayers and the Fates on their shuttles of adamant weave countless inescapable devices so withstanding all our planning and maneuvering for the future the necessary will occur and we can only hope the tide turns our way but knowing it will eventually turn against us.


For Me The Tide Has Ebbed a Little, 13 Aug 2006
As a great lover of Ancient History books, both fact and fiction, I was recommended to read Gates of Fire. A book about one of the greatest stands against insurmountable odds that has ever taken place in military history. Certainly in Ancient Greece. I found the book, exciting, fast paced and extremely enjoyable. Understandably I could not wait to get my hands on Tides of War.

Although the book was quite enjoyable and well written, I just did not get the buzz out of it that I had got from Gates of Fire. At times the story dragged a little, almost to the point of boredom. I'm not sure why, but it just did not have the sparkle of the previous one.

Steven Pressfield is still a master at drawing his reader into the story and his descriptions of battle and warfare techniques are second to none. Almost to the point of leaving the reader sweating with fear and exhaustion at the brutal and barbarous battle tactics used in these ancient encounters.

It would certainly be unfair to decry the book as a bad novel. It just had something lacking for me, personally. I am sure many people will think it is a terrific read and I hope they do.

Disappointing, 27 May 2006
What can i say...after "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield became my favorite author and so i was seeking other titles of his. Seeing this one i was so excited that i got it straight away.

It was very disappointing to my oppinion. I cant pin point it but the story telling was different and boring to tell you the truth. I was not the least interested in the characters and the events didnt pull me into the story. I regretfuly say that i gave up on it mid-way and never finnished it; and i rarely do not finnish books.

I hope "The Last of the Amazons" will be better.

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

A Creative Masterpiece, 31 Aug 2008
Having read 'Gates of Fire' I found myself equally impressed by the scholarship and detail of Pressfield's account of the complicated events of the Pelopennesian War and ultimate defeat of the Athenian democratic ideal. True this book is a read requiring more of its readers than Gates of Fire in terms of the scope of the conflict and political machinations of the characters but their personalities commit themselves to your memory in the same way and demand your attention and empathy. Pressfield writes like a poet and a philosopher, requiring his audience to engage with the intellectual concepts of his re-created world. It is not designed to be a superficial, blood-and-gore romp and if read as such will leave the reader confused and unsatisfied. It is about the lengths to which necessity drives a man and what he is prepared to endure to realize his dreams and live with honour.

Superb, 11 Jan 2008
I have read many fine historical novels....this one of the finest of those.
Pressfield brings out the character of one of the most enigmatic and capable generals/leaders in history-Alcibiades. A man of vision, a warrior in the truest sense, a leader of people who garnered both love and hatred, a man of vision, a man of Necessity.
Told mostly through the eyes of Polemides prior to what he was expecting to be his execution for treason and murder this is a great and mature novel whether it is describing significant battles of the Peloponnesian Wars, political intrigue or the philosophy of Socrates.
The epic description of the siege of Syracuse is magnificent,blending the land battles almost seamlessly into the seaborne Athenian attempt to escape the harbour.
Huge in scope,vivid in drama,eloquent,at times thoughtful and reflective this is easily the best novel I have read about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Praise for the Tides of War, 19 Feb 2007
It isn't hard for me to say the Tides of War is probably my favorite of Mr Pressfields historical novels and to recommend it as a truly rewarding reading experience.

On the face of it the Tides of War may seem over ambitious as Pressfield tries to cover 29 years of war and strife between the Greek superpowers of their day, Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431BC-405BC form all angles at once (using his now patented method of disjointed interlocking first person narratives) when maybe a simpler structure would have sufficed and for this reason many people have maligned this novel and written it of as a dud. I though would like to present another point of view.

The Tides of War may not have the grand heroic sweep of the Gates of Fire or more character insight than in The Virtues of War or any of the mystical allure of the Last of the Amazons but the Tides of War is in one word; Human.

Mr Pressfields portrays his characters with amazing insight and humanity. Alciabiades is bold, brilliant, beautiful, a politician of great skill and a commander of superb courage until seduced by false pride and ambitions of everlasting glory. The other main characters Pommo and others have moments of triumph and joy but mainly suffering and loss, the stuff of real life and in their own ways are endemic of the main thread which weaves the Tides of War together. For while there is much suffering in the novel, both physical and mental, the sufferers also exhibit certain virtues, even when they have contributed disastrously to there own downfall Mr Pressfield's characters at times of adversity exhibit tragic dignity and glorious heroism but as in real life there is no redemption, consolation, or escape.

Pressfield's great achievement is to illustrate through the tapestry of the Tides of War that necessity is deaf to all prayers and the Fates on their shuttles of adamant weave countless inescapable devices so withstanding all our planning and maneuvering for the future the necessary will occur and we can only hope the tide turns our way but knowing it will eventually turn against us.


For Me The Tide Has Ebbed a Little, 13 Aug 2006
As a great lover of Ancient History books, both fact and fiction, I was recommended to read Gates of Fire. A book about one of the greatest stands against insurmountable odds that has ever taken place in military history. Certainly in Ancient Greece. I found the book, exciting, fast paced and extremely enjoyable. Understandably I could not wait to get my hands on Tides of War.

Although the book was quite enjoyable and well written, I just did not get the buzz out of it that I had got from Gates of Fire. At times the story dragged a little, almost to the point of boredom. I'm not sure why, but it just did not have the sparkle of the previous one.

Steven Pressfield is still a master at drawing his reader into the story and his descriptions of battle and warfare techniques are second to none. Almost to the point of leaving the reader sweating with fear and exhaustion at the brutal and barbarous battle tactics used in these ancient encounters.

It would certainly be unfair to decry the book as a bad novel. It just had something lacking for me, personally. I am sure many people will think it is a terrific read and I hope they do.

Disappointing, 27 May 2006
What can i say...after "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield became my favorite author and so i was seeking other titles of his. Seeing this one i was so excited that i got it straight away.

It was very disappointing to my oppinion. I cant pin point it but the story telling was different and boring to tell you the truth. I was not the least interested in the characters and the events didnt pull me into the story. I regretfuly say that i gave up on it mid-way and never finnished it; and i rarely do not finnish books.

I hope "The Last of the Amazons" will be better.

A very enjoyable read, 28 Oct 2008
Over the last few months I have read several Steven Pressfield novels and I have to say that the Afghan Campaign has been one of my favourites. All the hype focuses on another Pressfield novel "Gates of Fire"(which is excellent) but this novel almost equals it.

Each Pressfield novel is written from a different perspective and in the Afghan Campaign the book is seen from a normal soldiers view. And perhaps this is why I enjoyed it so much. Its a far easier read than Pressfields "Tides of War" for example.

Just try it, I bet you'll like it.

disappointing read, 23 Mar 2008
Having read "Alexander - Virtues of War" I was looking forward to reading this one. All in all I found it very disappointing. There were brilliant descriptions of the landscape of the region and the tribal conflicts.
The book did make me realise that so little seems to have changed since the days of Alexander. Maybe this was the intention of the author since the story to me appeared to be more about this than Alexander. The main character was not strong enough to carry the book.




The Afghan Campaign, 12 Mar 2008
If you've enjoyed his other works you'll enjoy this. Very readable historical fiction.

I have to say I didn't quite warm to the main character hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. It was still a great book though.

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

A Creative Masterpiece, 31 Aug 2008
Having read 'Gates of Fire' I found myself equally impressed by the scholarship and detail of Pressfield's account of the complicated events of the Pelopennesian War and ultimate defeat of the Athenian democratic ideal. True this book is a read requiring more of its readers than Gates of Fire in terms of the scope of the conflict and political machinations of the characters but their personalities commit themselves to your memory in the same way and demand your attention and empathy. Pressfield writes like a poet and a philosopher, requiring his audience to engage with the intellectual concepts of his re-created world. It is not designed to be a superficial, blood-and-gore romp and if read as such will leave the reader confused and unsatisfied. It is about the lengths to which necessity drives a man and what he is prepared to endure to realize his dreams and live with honour.

Superb, 11 Jan 2008
I have read many fine historical novels....this one of the finest of those.
Pressfield brings out the character of one of the most enigmatic and capable generals/leaders in history-Alcibiades. A man of vision, a warrior in the truest sense, a leader of people who garnered both love and hatred, a man of vision, a man of Necessity.
Told mostly through the eyes of Polemides prior to what he was expecting to be his execution for treason and murder this is a great and mature novel whether it is describing significant battles of the Peloponnesian Wars, political intrigue or the philosophy of Socrates.
The epic description of the siege of Syracuse is magnificent,blending the land battles almost seamlessly into the seaborne Athenian attempt to escape the harbour.
Huge in scope,vivid in drama,eloquent,at times thoughtful and reflective this is easily the best novel I have read about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Praise for the Tides of War, 19 Feb 2007
It isn't hard for me to say the Tides of War is probably my favorite of Mr Pressfields historical novels and to recommend it as a truly rewarding reading experience.

On the face of it the Tides of War may seem over ambitious as Pressfield tries to cover 29 years of war and strife between the Greek superpowers of their day, Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431BC-405BC form all angles at once (using his now patented method of disjointed interlocking first person narratives) when maybe a simpler structure would have sufficed and for this reason many people have maligned this novel and written it of as a dud. I though would like to present another point of view.

The Tides of War may not have the grand heroic sweep of the Gates of Fire or more character insight than in The Virtues of War or any of the mystical allure of the Last of the Amazons but the Tides of War is in one word; Human.

Mr Pressfields portrays his characters with amazing insight and humanity. Alciabiades is bold, brilliant, beautiful, a politician of great skill and a commander of superb courage until seduced by false pride and ambitions of everlasting glory. The other main characters Pommo and others have moments of triumph and joy but mainly suffering and loss, the stuff of real life and in their own ways are endemic of the main thread which weaves the Tides of War together. For while there is much suffering in the novel, both physical and mental, the sufferers also exhibit certain virtues, even when they have contributed disastrously to there own downfall Mr Pressfield's characters at times of adversity exhibit tragic dignity and glorious heroism but as in real life there is no redemption, consolation, or escape.

Pressfield's great achievement is to illustrate through the tapestry of the Tides of War that necessity is deaf to all prayers and the Fates on their shuttles of adamant weave countless inescapable devices so withstanding all our planning and maneuvering for the future the necessary will occur and we can only hope the tide turns our way but knowing it will eventually turn against us.


For Me The Tide Has Ebbed a Little, 13 Aug 2006
As a great lover of Ancient History books, both fact and fiction, I was recommended to read Gates of Fire. A book about one of the greatest stands against insurmountable odds that has ever taken place in military history. Certainly in Ancient Greece. I found the book, exciting, fast paced and extremely enjoyable. Understandably I could not wait to get my hands on Tides of War.

Although the book was quite enjoyable and well written, I just did not get the buzz out of it that I had got from Gates of Fire. At times the story dragged a little, almost to the point of boredom. I'm not sure why, but it just did not have the sparkle of the previous one.

Steven Pressfield is still a master at drawing his reader into the story and his descriptions of battle and warfare techniques are second to none. Almost to the point of leaving the reader sweating with fear and exhaustion at the brutal and barbarous battle tactics used in these ancient encounters.

It would certainly be unfair to decry the book as a bad novel. It just had something lacking for me, personally. I am sure many people will think it is a terrific read and I hope they do.

Disappointing, 27 May 2006
What can i say...after "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield became my favorite author and so i was seeking other titles of his. Seeing this one i was so excited that i got it straight away.

It was very disappointing to my oppinion. I cant pin point it but the story telling was different and boring to tell you the truth. I was not the least interested in the characters and the events didnt pull me into the story. I regretfuly say that i gave up on it mid-way and never finnished it; and i rarely do not finnish books.

I hope "The Last of the Amazons" will be better.

A very enjoyable read, 28 Oct 2008
Over the last few months I have read several Steven Pressfield novels and I have to say that the Afghan Campaign has been one of my favourites. All the hype focuses on another Pressfield novel "Gates of Fire"(which is excellent) but this novel almost equals it.

Each Pressfield novel is written from a different perspective and in the Afghan Campaign the book is seen from a normal soldiers view. And perhaps this is why I enjoyed it so much. Its a far easier read than Pressfields "Tides of War" for example.

Just try it, I bet you'll like it.

disappointing read, 23 Mar 2008
Having read "Alexander - Virtues of War" I was looking forward to reading this one. All in all I found it very disappointing. There were brilliant descriptions of the landscape of the region and the tribal conflicts.
The book did make me realise that so little seems to have changed since the days of Alexander. Maybe this was the intention of the author since the story to me appeared to be more about this than Alexander. The main character was not strong enough to carry the book.




The Afghan Campaign, 12 Mar 2008
If you've enjoyed his other works you'll enjoy this. Very readable historical fiction.

I have to say I didn't quite warm to the main character hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. It was still a great book though.

Superb Pressfield!, 21 Nov 2008
Having been an avid reader of Steven Pressfield's earlier works (Gates of Fire etc.) I don't mind admitting that I came to `Killing Rommel' with some trepidation. Could Pressfield transfer his fantastic knack for story-telling and historical moment from the ancient world to WWII and the North African campaign? I needn't have worried! `Killing Rommel' is a fantastic read - utterly gripping with Pressfield's trademark attention to detail and historical evocation.

Its clear that Pressfield writes as a soldier. His empathy with his characters shines through; almost as if he - and you - are there with them on the page.

`Killing Rommel' is Pressfield at his best. I usually wait until fictional works are published in paperback, but I was glad I purchased the hardback edition. Pressfield is one of a small handful of writers who can't publish their books quickly enough in my opinion! More please!


Has the ring of truth, 16 Nov 2008
Steven Pressfield is a superb reasearcher with a real feel for time and place. I have enjoyed all of his books to date. This one is a cracker. It has the ring of truth, because it is a novel woven around real events and facts. Mr Pressfield is a true craftsman in the best possible way. You LIVE the story while he is telling it. And this story is not simply action all the way. Human feelings and emotions are also portrayed. The Brits are not all heroes and the Germans are not all "baddies". Like the soldiers of the time who fought with him and against him, Steven Pressfield shows respect for Erwin Rommel, a great soldier who happened to be on the "wrong" side.

If Mr Pressfield never writes another word, his works will live on and this is one of his best. Chapeau!!!

His best since Gates of Fire, 26 Sep 2008
I have read all of Steven Pressfield's books. Gates of Fire and Tides of War are magnificent, Last of the Amazons and Alexander are only so-so; however he started to get back to his best with the Afghan Campaign. Now, with a jump in time of some 2000 odd years into the greatest conflict of the last century he has given us an absolute blinder of a book about men at war. But what made this book so special for me is that Pressfield does not go down the route of including a clunky plot device such as including a plucky American GI seconded to the LRDG/SAS in the novel to appeal to his domestic audience. He gives the British, New Zealanders, Aussies and Popski their dues and lets their astounding exploits speak for themselves. He captures the boredom of war and the explosive excitement of combat brilliantly. The sequence where RAF Hurricanes strafe a German camp will leave you breathless. As with his greatest novel, Gates of Fire, the ending of the book where the narrator talks to the veterans who served with the novel's main protagonist is intensely moving and goes some way to convey the sacrifice made by those of the WW2 generation who gave up their youth to fight. Something few of us would understand today apart from those soldiers serving in the terrible conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Well done Mr Pressfield. Trust a Yank to write one of the best books about the British and Anzacs at war!

Fantastic read, 11 Sep 2008
I love Pressfield! I think he really is one of the best writers of this genre. I would recommend this book to anyone, having read any of his previous work or those who are new to this master of his trade.

The LRDG in action!!, 15 May 2008
What a brilliant new piece of historic fiction from Steven Pressfield. I nearly missed it, I am big fan of Pressfield's other historic works but they are all set in the Ancient World. Now he has moved in to the 20th Century and the North African Campaign and has retained his skill at catching the action and characters as he describes firstly the tank battles in the North African campaign of World War 2 and then moves on to the Long Range Desert Group, the SAS and Popski's Private Army.

Its a brilliantly told story, well described with all the details and the difficulties the troops coped with in that very harsh environment. The pace is amazing with sooo much going on, a lot of action and adventure without seeming over the top or unreal. its a very well told story. I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in World War Two and historic fiction.

A bonus is a wonderfully drawn map of the North African theatre in the book.

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

A Creative Masterpiece, 31 Aug 2008
Having read 'Gates of Fire' I found myself equally impressed by the scholarship and detail of Pressfield's account of the complicated events of the Pelopennesian War and ultimate defeat of the Athenian democratic ideal. True this book is a read requiring more of its readers than Gates of Fire in terms of the scope of the conflict and political machinations of the characters but their personalities commit themselves to your memory in the same way and demand your attention and empathy. Pressfield writes like a poet and a philosopher, requiring his audience to engage with the intellectual concepts of his re-created world. It is not designed to be a superficial, blood-and-gore romp and if read as such will leave the reader confused and unsatisfied. It is about the lengths to which necessity drives a man and what he is prepared to endure to realize his dreams and live with honour.

Superb, 11 Jan 2008
I have read many fine historical novels....this one of the finest of those.
Pressfield brings out the character of one of the most enigmatic and capable generals/leaders in history-Alcibiades. A man of vision, a warrior in the truest sense, a leader of people who garnered both love and hatred, a man of vision, a man of Necessity.
Told mostly through the eyes of Polemides prior to what he was expecting to be his execution for treason and murder this is a great and mature novel whether it is describing significant battles of the Peloponnesian Wars, political intrigue or the philosophy of Socrates.
The epic description of the siege of Syracuse is magnificent,blending the land battles almost seamlessly into the seaborne Athenian attempt to escape the harbour.
Huge in scope,vivid in drama,eloquent,at times thoughtful and reflective this is easily the best novel I have read about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Praise for the Tides of War, 19 Feb 2007
It isn't hard for me to say the Tides of War is probably my favorite of Mr Pressfields historical novels and to recommend it as a truly rewarding reading experience.

On the face of it the Tides of War may seem over ambitious as Pressfield tries to cover 29 years of war and strife between the Greek superpowers of their day, Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431BC-405BC form all angles at once (using his now patented method of disjointed interlocking first person narratives) when maybe a simpler structure would have sufficed and for this reason many people have maligned this novel and written it of as a dud. I though would like to present another point of view.

The Tides of War may not have the grand heroic sweep of the Gates of Fire or more character insight than in The Virtues of War or any of the mystical allure of the Last of the Amazons but the Tides of War is in one word; Human.

Mr Pressfields portrays his characters with amazing insight and humanity. Alciabiades is bold, brilliant, beautiful, a politician of great skill and a commander of superb courage until seduced by false pride and ambitions of everlasting glory. The other main characters Pommo and others have moments of triumph and joy but mainly suffering and loss, the stuff of real life and in their own ways are endemic of the main thread which weaves the Tides of War together. For while there is much suffering in the novel, both physical and mental, the sufferers also exhibit certain virtues, even when they have contributed disastrously to there own downfall Mr Pressfield's characters at times of adversity exhibit tragic dignity and glorious heroism but as in real life there is no redemption, consolation, or escape.

Pressfield's great achievement is to illustrate through the tapestry of the Tides of War that necessity is deaf to all prayers and the Fates on their shuttles of adamant weave countless inescapable devices so withstanding all our planning and maneuvering for the future the necessary will occur and we can only hope the tide turns our way but knowing it will eventually turn against us.


For Me The Tide Has Ebbed a Little, 13 Aug 2006
As a great lover of Ancient History books, both fact and fiction, I was recommended to read Gates of Fire. A book about one of the greatest stands against insurmountable odds that has ever taken place in military history. Certainly in Ancient Greece. I found the book, exciting, fast paced and extremely enjoyable. Understandably I could not wait to get my hands on Tides of War.

Although the book was quite enjoyable and well written, I just did not get the buzz out of it that I had got from Gates of Fire. At times the story dragged a little, almost to the point of boredom. I'm not sure why, but it just did not have the sparkle of the previous one.

Steven Pressfield is still a master at drawing his reader into the story and his descriptions of battle and warfare techniques are second to none. Almost to the point of leaving the reader sweating with fear and exhaustion at the brutal and barbarous battle tactics used in these ancient encounters.

It would certainly be unfair to decry the book as a bad novel. It just had something lacking for me, personally. I am sure many people will think it is a terrific read and I hope they do.

Disappointing, 27 May 2006
What can i say...after "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield became my favorite author and so i was seeking other titles of his. Seeing this one i was so excited that i got it straight away.

It was very disappointing to my oppinion. I cant pin point it but the story telling was different and boring to tell you the truth. I was not the least interested in the characters and the events didnt pull me into the story. I regretfuly say that i gave up on it mid-way and never finnished it; and i rarely do not finnish books.

I hope "The Last of the Amazons" will be better.

A very enjoyable read, 28 Oct 2008
Over the last few months I have read several Steven Pressfield novels and I have to say that the Afghan Campaign has been one of my favourites. All the hype focuses on another Pressfield novel "Gates of Fire"(which is excellent) but this novel almost equals it.

Each Pressfield novel is written from a different perspective and in the Afghan Campaign the book is seen from a normal soldiers view. And perhaps this is why I enjoyed it so much. Its a far easier read than Pressfields "Tides of War" for example.

Just try it, I bet you'll like it.

disappointing read, 23 Mar 2008
Having read "Alexander - Virtues of War" I was looking forward to reading this one. All in all I found it very disappointing. There were brilliant descriptions of the landscape of the region and the tribal conflicts.
The book did make me realise that so little seems to have changed since the days of Alexander. Maybe this was the intention of the author since the story to me appeared to be more about this than Alexander. The main character was not strong enough to carry the book.




The Afghan Campaign, 12 Mar 2008
If you've enjoyed his other works you'll enjoy this. Very readable historical fiction.

I have to say I didn't quite warm to the main character hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. It was still a great book though.

Superb Pressfield!, 21 Nov 2008
Having been an avid reader of Steven Pressfield's earlier works (Gates of Fire etc.) I don't mind admitting that I came to `Killing Rommel' with some trepidation. Could Pressfield transfer his fantastic knack for story-telling and historical moment from the ancient world to WWII and the North African campaign? I needn't have worried! `Killing Rommel' is a fantastic read - utterly gripping with Pressfield's trademark attention to detail and historical evocation.

Its clear that Pressfield writes as a soldier. His empathy with his characters shines through; almost as if he - and you - are there with them on the page.

`Killing Rommel' is Pressfield at his best. I usually wait until fictional works are published in paperback, but I was glad I purchased the hardback edition. Pressfield is one of a small handful of writers who can't publish their books quickly enough in my opinion! More please!


Has the ring of truth, 16 Nov 2008
Steven Pressfield is a superb reasearcher with a real feel for time and place. I have enjoyed all of his books to date. This one is a cracker. It has the ring of truth, because it is a novel woven around real events and facts. Mr Pressfield is a true craftsman in the best possible way. You LIVE the story while he is telling it. And this story is not simply action all the way. Human feelings and emotions are also portrayed. The Brits are not all heroes and the Germans are not all "baddies". Like the soldiers of the time who fought with him and against him, Steven Pressfield shows respect for Erwin Rommel, a great soldier who happened to be on the "wrong" side.

If Mr Pressfield never writes another word, his works will live on and this is one of his best. Chapeau!!!

His best since Gates of Fire, 26 Sep 2008
I have read all of Steven Pressfield's books. Gates of Fire and Tides of War are magnificent, Last of the Amazons and Alexander are only so-so; however he started to get back to his best with the Afghan Campaign. Now, with a jump in time of some 2000 odd years into the greatest conflict of the last century he has given us an absolute blinder of a book about men at war. But what made this book so special for me is that Pressfield does not go down the route of including a clunky plot device such as including a plucky American GI seconded to the LRDG/SAS in the novel to appeal to his domestic audience. He gives the British, New Zealanders, Aussies and Popski their dues and lets their astounding exploits speak for themselves. He captures the boredom of war and the explosive excitement of combat brilliantly. The sequence where RAF Hurricanes strafe a German camp will leave you breathless. As with his greatest novel, Gates of Fire, the ending of the book where the narrator talks to the veterans who served with the novel's main protagonist is intensely moving and goes some way to convey the sacrifice made by those of the WW2 generation who gave up their youth to fight. Something few of us would understand today apart from those soldiers serving in the terrible conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Well done Mr Pressfield. Trust a Yank to write one of the best books about the British and Anzacs at war!

Fantastic read, 11 Sep 2008
I love Pressfield! I think he really is one of the best writers of this genre. I would recommend this book to anyone, having read any of his previous work or those who are new to this master of his trade.

The LRDG in action!!, 15 May 2008
What a brilliant new piece of historic fiction from Steven Pressfield. I nearly missed it, I am big fan of Pressfield's other historic works but they are all set in the Ancient World. Now he has moved in to the 20th Century and the North African Campaign and has retained his skill at catching the action and characters as he describes firstly the tank battles in the North African campaign of World War 2 and then moves on to the Long Range Desert Group, the SAS and Popski's Private Army.

Its a brilliantly told story, well described with all the details and the difficulties the troops coped with in that very harsh environment. The pace is amazing with sooo much going on, a lot of action and adventure without seeming over the top or unreal. its a very well told story. I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in World War Two and historic fiction.

A bonus is a wonderfully drawn map of the North African theatre in the book.

Not a fast paced read at all, 07 Jun 2008
Its like running in porridge reading this book, its has very little flow and you are not drawn to the characters. The historical content is excellent and i feel Mr.Pressfield would have been better off writing a biography. I also find the style of writing 'uncomfortable', as it appears to me that the masculinity of the characters has been removed and this makes them very unbelievable. I will have to read some factual books to round the characters off, so at least this book will encourage me to read more!

Very Graphic in Detail, 02 May 2007

The book is not so much a story as a description of events, the events being narrated by Alexander himself. He talks of battles and of his friends both from childhood and during his short adult years. He tells of the relationship between his father and how the death of his father Philip of Macedon affected him.

Alexander held all his generals in great affection but particularly Hephaestion, his boyhood friend. This is clearly shown throughout the book. Each chapter of the book is devoted to a different event or person in Alexander's life.

Steven Pressfield stands alone in his ability to describe the battle scenes of this period of history. He also has the ability to make Alexander come to life as a person. Anyone who could really tell us what the man himself was like has long since turned to dust, but Pressfield gives us a plausible and believable character for the man. I really enjoyed the book but would not say it was a casual or easy read.

Much has been said about Alexander (the Great) conquering the world. It must be remembered that Alexander was just a man, albeit a powerful man and an astute battle tactician. However it is the soldiers of Alexander who won the victories.

His army was the most sophisticated, the best equipped and the largest that the Ancient World had ever seen. Put into context it was like the British Army fighting the Zulu nation. The Zulu won a few skirmishes, but Assagis against the Gattling gun and repeating rifle was never really going to be a contest.

Very Graphic in Detail, 02 May 2007

The book is not so much a story as a description of events, the events being narrated by Alexander himself. He talks of battles and of his friends both from childhood and during his short adult years. He tells of the relationship between his father and how the death of his father Philip of Macedon affected him.

Alexander held all his generals in great affection but particularly Hephaestion, his boyhood friend. This is clearly shown throughout the book. Each chapter of the book is devoted to a different event or person in Alexander's life.

Steven Pressfield stands alone in his ability to describe the battle scenes of this period of history. He also has the ability to make Alexander come to life as a person. Anyone who could really tell us what the man himself was like has long since turned to dust, but Pressfield gives us a plausible and believable character for the man. I really enjoyed the book but would not say it was a casual or easy read.

Much has been said about Alexander (the Great) conquering the world. It must be remembered that Alexander was just a man, albeit a powerful man and an astute battle tactician. However it is the soldiers of Alexander who won the victories.

His army was the most sophisticated, the best equipped and the largest that the Ancient World had ever seen. Put into context it was like the British Army fighting the Zulu nation. The Zulu won a few skirmishes, but Assagis against the Gattling gun and repeating rifle was never really going to be a contest.

Disappointing, 13 Jan 2007
After the brilliant Gates of Fire, this is a real disappointment. The decision to have Alexander tell his own story in a first person narrative really doesn't work, and somehow (despite Pressfield's research/knowledge) none of it comes to (fictional) life. As another reviewer here has said, it's like reading a really bad military text-book.

Pressfield started brilliantly but I think his books have been declining steadily, and I wonder if he will keep writing after this?

For a brilliant fictional account of Alexander, I would highly recommend Mary Renault's Alexander Trilogy (Fire from heaven, the Persian boy, Funeral games) and for a readable history account, then Robin Lane Fox's magisterial Alexander the Great.

Feeling like reading from a history text book !, 15 Feb 2006
My own opinion of what makes a good fiction book, is having a few good characters that you can either associate with or that make you want to turn the next page to see what happens to them. This book I feel the main characters suffered at the expense of historical in depth detail. I found myself enjoying a few pages and then reading pages of what just seemed to be lists of regiments and characters (no end of them) - I just simply lost the enjoyment and sometimes the enthusism to carry on reading. I understand that Pressfield has researched this an awful lot, but that research in my own opinion drowns this book.

I am not sure if you enjoyed the Conn Iggulden Emperor series you would be entertained by this book. Emperor takes the time and effort to round off the characters, Alexander does not.

Whilst I found this book entertaining, I found myself feeling that I was just reading from a history text book alot of the time !

In historical fiction, the stakes are becoming ever higher. More and more first-rate novels in the genre appear monthly and aficionados can afford to pick and choose. Steven Pressfield has established some copper-bottomed credentials with the vigorously written epics Gates of Fire and Tides of War, and his new novel, Last of the Amazons continues this winning streak. Pressfield's colourful, operatic style may not have the nuance of such progenitors of the genre as Robert Graves, but his populist approach really pays dividends--and without any sacrifice of quality writing. Popular does not have to mean crass, and Pressfield's prose is lively and intelligent, always conjuring for the reader a brilliantly realised picture of the ancient world with maximum vividness.

Theseus is Pressfield's protagonist, and the year is 1250 BC; setting out on his dangerous odysseys, the celebrated Athenian monarch (best known for his combat with the monstrous Minotaur) has many close calls with death before taking a fateful decision: he marries the fierce Amazon queen Antiope. His action has disastrous consequences: the fearsome tribe of warrior women who spurn contact with men form a massive army and march to Athens to exact a bloody revenge. Their defeat, of course, was written in the stars, but for a remarkable period, their actions transfixed the Attic world before catastrophe overtook them.

Last of the Amazons has a whole slew of virtues, and it's hard to know where to begin in detailing them. The characterisation, for instance: Theseus is realised with imagination and authority, and his mindset is a clever synthesis of modern and ancient consciousness. The politics, too, are cannily realised, as is the minutiae of everyday life in a much-mythologised era. But it's the bloody action that, perhaps, most compels--this is not a book for the squeamish. Stick with the slightly artificial opening chapters, and you will find yourself swept up in a tale of truly epic proportions.--Barry Forshaw

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

A Creative Masterpiece, 31 Aug 2008
Having read 'Gates of Fire' I found myself equally impressed by the scholarship and detail of Pressfield's account of the complicated events of the Pelopennesian War and ultimate defeat of the Athenian democratic ideal. True this book is a read requiring more of its readers than Gates of Fire in terms of the scope of the conflict and political machinations of the characters but their personalities commit themselves to your memory in the same way and demand your attention and empathy. Pressfield writes like a poet and a philosopher, requiring his audience to engage with the intellectual concepts of his re-created world. It is not designed to be a superficial, blood-and-gore romp and if read as such will leave the reader confused and unsatisfied. It is about the lengths to which necessity drives a man and what he is prepared to endure to realize his dreams and live with honour.

Superb, 11 Jan 2008
I have read many fine historical novels....this one of the finest of those.
Pressfield brings out the character of one of the most enigmatic and capable generals/leaders in history-Alcibiades. A man of vision, a warrior in the truest sense, a leader of people who garnered both love and hatred, a man of vision, a man of Necessity.
Told mostly through the eyes of Polemides prior to what he was expecting to be his execution for treason and murder this is a great and mature novel whether it is describing significant battles of the Peloponnesian Wars, political intrigue or the philosophy of Socrates.
The epic description of the siege of Syracuse is magnificent,blending the land battles almost seamlessly into the seaborne Athenian attempt to escape the harbour.
Huge in scope,vivid in drama,eloquent,at times thoughtful and reflective this is easily the best novel I have read about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Praise for the Tides of War, 19 Feb 2007
It isn't hard for me to say the Tides of War is probably my favorite of Mr Pressfields historical novels and to recommend it as a truly rewarding reading experience.

On the face of it the Tides of War may seem over ambitious as Pressfield tries to cover 29 years of war and strife between the Greek superpowers of their day, Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431BC-405BC form all angles at once (using his now patented method of disjointed interlocking first person narratives) when maybe a simpler structure would have sufficed and for this reason many people have maligned this novel and written it of as a dud. I though would like to present another point of view.

The Tides of War may not have the grand heroic sweep of the Gates of Fire or more character insight than in The Virtues of War or any of the mystical allure of the Last of the Amazons but the Tides of War is in one word; Human.

Mr Pressfields portrays his characters with amazing insight and humanity. Alciabiades is bold, brilliant, beautiful, a politician of great skill and a commander of superb courage until seduced by false pride and ambitions of everlasting glory. The other main characters Pommo and others have moments of triumph and joy but mainly suffering and loss, the stuff of real life and in their own ways are endemic of the main thread which weaves the Tides of War together. For while there is much suffering in the novel, both physical and mental, the sufferers also exhibit certain virtues, even when they have contributed disastrously to there own downfall Mr Pressfield's characters at times of adversity exhibit tragic dignity and glorious heroism but as in real life there is no redemption, consolation, or escape.

Pressfield's great achievement is to illustrate through the tapestry of the Tides of War that necessity is deaf to all prayers and the Fates on their shuttles of adamant weave countless inescapable devices so withstanding all our planning and maneuvering for the future the necessary will occur and we can only hope the tide turns our way but knowing it will eventually turn against us.


For Me The Tide Has Ebbed a Little, 13 Aug 2006
As a great lover of Ancient History books, both fact and fiction, I was recommended to read Gates of Fire. A book about one of the greatest stands against insurmountable odds that has ever taken place in military history. Certainly in Ancient Greece. I found the book, exciting, fast paced and extremely enjoyable. Understandably I could not wait to get my hands on Tides of War.

Although the book was quite enjoyable and well written, I just did not get the buzz out of it that I had got from Gates of Fire. At times the story dragged a little, almost to the point of boredom. I'm not sure why, but it just did not have the sparkle of the previous one.

Steven Pressfield is still a master at drawing his reader into the story and his descriptions of battle and warfare techniques are second to none. Almost to the point of leaving the reader sweating with fear and exhaustion at the brutal and barbarous battle tactics used in these ancient encounters.

It would certainly be unfair to decry the book as a bad novel. It just had something lacking for me, personally. I am sure many people will think it is a terrific read and I hope they do.

Disappointing, 27 May 2006
What can i say...after "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield became my favorite author and so i was seeking other titles of his. Seeing this one i was so excited that i got it straight away.

It was very disappointing to my oppinion. I cant pin point it but the story telling was different and boring to tell you the truth. I was not the least interested in the characters and the events didnt pull me into the story. I regretfuly say that i gave up on it mid-way and never finnished it; and i rarely do not finnish books.

I hope "The Last of the Amazons" will be better.

A very enjoyable read, 28 Oct 2008
Over the last few months I have read several Steven Pressfield novels and I have to say that the Afghan Campaign has been one of my favourites. All the hype focuses on another Pressfield novel "Gates of Fire"(which is excellent) but this novel almost equals it.

Each Pressfield novel is written from a different perspective and in the Afghan Campaign the book is seen from a normal soldiers view. And perhaps this is why I enjoyed it so much. Its a far easier read than Pressfields "Tides of War" for example.

Just try it, I bet you'll like it.

disappointing read, 23 Mar 2008
Having read "Alexander - Virtues of War" I was looking forward to reading this one. All in all I found it very disappointing. There were brilliant descriptions of the landscape of the region and the tribal conflicts.
The book did make me realise that so little seems to have changed since the days of Alexander. Maybe this was the intention of the author since the story to me appeared to be more about this than Alexander. The main character was not strong enough to carry the book.




The Afghan Campaign, 12 Mar 2008
If you've enjoyed his other works you'll enjoy this. Very readable historical fiction.

I have to say I didn't quite warm to the main character hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. It was still a great book though.

Superb Pressfield!, 21 Nov 2008
Having been an avid reader of Steven Pressfield's earlier works (Gates of Fire etc.) I don't mind admitting that I came to `Killing Rommel' with some trepidation. Could Pressfield transfer his fantastic knack for story-telling and historical moment from the ancient world to WWII and the North African campaign? I needn't have worried! `Killing Rommel' is a fantastic read - utterly gripping with Pressfield's trademark attention to detail and historical evocation.

Its clear that Pressfield writes as a soldier. His empathy with his characters shines through; almost as if he - and you - are there with them on the page.

`Killing Rommel' is Pressfield at his best. I usually wait until fictional works are published in paperback, but I was glad I purchased the hardback edition. Pressfield is one of a small handful of writers who can't publish their books quickly enough in my opinion! More please!


Has the ring of truth, 16 Nov 2008
Steven Pressfield is a superb reasearcher with a real feel for time and place. I have enjoyed all of his books to date. This one is a cracker. It has the ring of truth, because it is a novel woven around real events and facts. Mr Pressfield is a true craftsman in the best possible way. You LIVE the story while he is telling it. And this story is not simply action all the way. Human feelings and emotions are also portrayed. The Brits are not all heroes and the Germans are not all "baddies". Like the soldiers of the time who fought with him and against him, Steven Pressfield shows respect for Erwin Rommel, a great soldier who happened to be on the "wrong" side.

If Mr Pressfield never writes another word, his works will live on and this is one of his best. Chapeau!!!

His best since Gates of Fire, 26 Sep 2008
I have read all of Steven Pressfield's books. Gates of Fire and Tides of War are magnificent, Last of the Amazons and Alexander are only so-so; however he started to get back to his best with the Afghan Campaign. Now, with a jump in time of some 2000 odd years into the greatest conflict of the last century he has given us an absolute blinder of a book about men at war. But what made this book so special for me is that Pressfield does not go down the route of including a clunky plot device such as including a plucky American GI seconded to the LRDG/SAS in the novel to appeal to his domestic audience. He gives the British, New Zealanders, Aussies and Popski their dues and lets their astounding exploits speak for themselves. He captures the boredom of war and the explosive excitement of combat brilliantly. The sequence where RAF Hurricanes strafe a German camp will leave you breathless. As with his greatest novel, Gates of Fire, the ending of the book where the narrator talks to the veterans who served with the novel's main protagonist is intensely moving and goes some way to convey the sacrifice made by those of the WW2 generation who gave up their youth to fight. Something few of us would understand today apart from those soldiers serving in the terrible conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Well done Mr Pressfield. Trust a Yank to write one of the best books about the British and Anzacs at war!

Fantastic read, 11 Sep 2008
I love Pressfield! I think he really is one of the best writers of this genre. I would recommend this book to anyone, having read any of his previous work or those who are new to this master of his trade.

The LRDG in action!!, 15 May 2008
What a brilliant new piece of historic fiction from Steven Pressfield. I nearly missed it, I am big fan of Pressfield's other historic works but they are all set in the Ancient World. Now he has moved in to the 20th Century and the North African Campaign and has retained his skill at catching the action and characters as he describes firstly the tank battles in the North African campaign of World War 2 and then moves on to the Long Range Desert Group, the SAS and Popski's Private Army.

Its a brilliantly told story, well described with all the details and the difficulties the troops coped with in that very harsh environment. The pace is amazing with sooo much going on, a lot of action and adventure without seeming over the top or unreal. its a very well told story. I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in World War Two and historic fiction.

A bonus is a wonderfully drawn map of the North African theatre in the book.

Not a fast paced read at all, 07 Jun 2008
Its like running in porridge reading this book, its has very little flow and you are not drawn to the characters. The historical content is excellent and i feel Mr.Pressfield would have been better off writing a biography. I also find the style of writing 'uncomfortable', as it appears to me that the masculinity of the characters has been removed and this makes them very unbelievable. I will have to read some factual books to round the characters off, so at least this book will encourage me to read more!

Very Graphic in Detail, 02 May 2007

The book is not so much a story as a description of events, the events being narrated by Alexander himself. He talks of battles and of his friends both from childhood and during his short adult years. He tells of the relationship between his father and how the death of his father Philip of Macedon affected him.

Alexander held all his generals in great affection but particularly Hephaestion, his boyhood friend. This is clearly shown throughout the book. Each chapter of the book is devoted to a different event or person in Alexander's life.

Steven Pressfield stands alone in his ability to describe the battle scenes of this period of history. He also has the ability to make Alexander come to life as a person. Anyone who could really tell us what the man himself was like has long since turned to dust, but Pressfield gives us a plausible and believable character for the man. I really enjoyed the book but would not say it was a casual or easy read.

Much has been said about Alexander (the Great) conquering the world. It must be remembered that Alexander was just a man, albeit a powerful man and an astute battle tactician. However it is the soldiers of Alexander who won the victories.

His army was the most sophisticated, the best equipped and the largest that the Ancient World had ever seen. Put into context it was like the British Army fighting the Zulu nation. The Zulu won a few skirmishes, but Assagis against the Gattling gun and repeating rifle was never really going to be a contest.

Very Graphic in Detail, 02 May 2007

The book is not so much a story as a description of events, the events being narrated by Alexander himself. He talks of battles and of his friends both from childhood and during his short adult years. He tells of the relationship between his father and how the death of his father Philip of Macedon affected him.

Alexander held all his generals in great affection but particularly Hephaestion, his boyhood friend. This is clearly shown throughout the book. Each chapter of the book is devoted to a different event or person in Alexander's life.

Steven Pressfield stands alone in his ability to describe the battle scenes of this period of history. He also has the ability to make Alexander come to life as a person. Anyone who could really tell us what the man himself was like has long since turned to dust, but Pressfield gives us a plausible and believable character for the man. I really enjoyed the book but would not say it was a casual or easy read.

Much has been said about Alexander (the Great) conquering the world. It must be remembered that Alexander was just a man, albeit a powerful man and an astute battle tactician. However it is the soldiers of Alexander who won the victories.

His army was the most sophisticated, the best equipped and the largest that the Ancient World had ever seen. Put into context it was like the British Army fighting the Zulu nation. The Zulu won a few skirmishes, but Assagis against the Gattling gun and repeating rifle was never really going to be a contest.

Disappointing, 13 Jan 2007
After the brilliant Gates of Fire, this is a real disappointment. The decision to have Alexander tell his own story in a first person narrative really doesn't work, and somehow (despite Pressfield's research/knowledge) none of it comes to (fictional) life. As another reviewer here has said, it's like reading a really bad military text-book.

Pressfield started brilliantly but I think his books have been declining steadily, and I wonder if he will keep writing after this?

For a brilliant fictional account of Alexander, I would highly recommend Mary Renault's Alexander Trilogy (Fire from heaven, the Persian boy, Funeral games) and for a readable history account, then Robin Lane Fox's magisterial Alexander the Great.

Feeling like reading from a history text book !, 15 Feb 2006
My own opinion of what makes a good fiction book, is having a few good characters that you can either associate with or that make you want to turn the next page to see what happens to them. This book I feel the main characters suffered at the expense of historical in depth detail. I found myself enjoying a few pages and then reading pages of what just seemed to be lists of regiments and characters (no end of them) - I just simply lost the enjoyment and sometimes the enthusism to carry on reading. I understand that Pressfield has researched this an awful lot, but that research in my own opinion drowns this book.

I am not sure if you enjoyed the Conn Iggulden Emperor series you would be entertained by this book. Emperor takes the time and effort to round off the characters, Alexander does not.

Whilst I found this book entertaining, I found myself feeling that I was just reading from a history text book alot of the time !

Good fiction/history stick with it though, 23 Sep 2008
Very good fiction history, Pressfield recreates the Amazons and their struggle with the Athenians. This book is a bit harder to get into than Gates of fire with Pressfiled jumping between narrators very quickly, but it is ultimately worth it. Pressfield does seem to have fallen in love with his subject matter, but this is a good addition to any keen reader of historical fiction/history.

Pressfield triumphs yet again, 24 Jul 2008
To garner sympathy to those whose civilisation that embraces savagery of an extremity and uncompromising nature is a testament to the sheer power of Stephen Pressfield's writing. You'll be cheering the destruction of Athens, in spite of the fact that you know it's the wrong thing to do. In Queen Antiope and rival, Eleuthera, Pressfield has created 2 heroines who rival Xeo, Leonidas, et al in a tragic destiny. That's not to say that men are belittled.

The final message regarding the wild, natural heart of women (i.e. their unrivalled potential to inspire love and hate with a passion) is thought provoking and eternal.

A feminist novel? Yes. A balanced, insightful look into human illogicality? Oh yes. A rollicking, unpredictable, shocking blockbuster of an all time page turner? Absolutely.

Good historical fiction, 30 May 2008
Generally a good read, the battle scenes as always are well written by this author.
I do feel he overemphasises the superiority of the Amazons over the Athenians at times though, making the latter look totally incompetent & virtually at the mercy of the Amazons. Surely if this conflict really happened, it can't have been quite so one sided?
This was the main reservation I have in an otherwise enjoyable book.

History to life...., 23 Jan 2008
Pressfield is an author that the reader will either take to or dismiss without any middle ground.

His writing style requires some effort on the part of the reader, but the effort usually pays dividends, as he manages to take a few known facts and the many myths and legends from an era in distant history, and weave a story from them that is somehow much more satisfying than the individual components would suggest.

Last of the Amazons will not win any prizes for literature, and should certainly not be the first book by Stephen Pressfield for a new reader - Gates of Fire sets the standard - but for fans of the author and the genre the title is a definite buy.

Huh?, 16 Jun 2007
After reading Gates of Fire I decided that Pressfield was good for another go....maybe he is but definitely not for Amazons...Disappointing, girly,squeamishly romantic at times...Sorry but no way!

A magnificent book, 07 Jul 2008
The best book I have ever read
If one is not moved and inspired by the Spartan code, discipline, courage and honour, then one is possibly dead
More strength to Mr Pressfield, as he continues to honour the fighting man through the ages, most recently with the superb Killing Rommel
Why can't a man like this be President of the USA and/or Prime Minister of the UK?

Go tell the Spartans ..., 03 Jul 2008
What an excellent book this turned out to be. It was my first read of a Steven Pressfield novel and, having read Valerio Massimo Manfredi's 'Spartan' and knowing the basic storyline of the Battle at Thermopylae, Pressfield's novel offers a microscopic description and analysis of those long-ago events.

The concept of having the story told to Xerxes by a survivor of the battle, relating stories of events and contributing characters, gave the book a particularly stroing plotline. I suspect this is a main feature of Mr Pressfield's writing style, as Last of the Amazons has been written in a similar vein.

There are obviously many other books about this battle, but I don't think they are as well constructed as this one. In a word (or two) - Get This.

A fitting tribute to the heroes of Sparta, 18 Jun 2008
I found this book utterly compelling. It is the sort of read that leaves you with rings around the eyes after 'just one more chapter' the night before. The characters have a way of winding their fingers around your heart so that by the inevitably tragic ending you are willing them to survive. It has a brutality that is initially quite unsettling but utterly true to the historical reality of life in the ancient world. By the half way mark I was completely absorbed and enthralled by the narrative drive and suberb characterisation. The literary style is 'beautiful' in its truth and lack of sentimentality, even when describing the grime realities of war. Do read this book and listen to this amazing tale of courage and brotherhood.

Fantastic Fiction History., 30 May 2008
This really is very good. I am a huge fan of fiction history: Iggulden, Scarrow, etc - and this from Pressfield is really up there. Quite hard to get into at first, but once in its wonderful. The characters and story are all fleshed out well and this really brings the Battle of Thermopylae to life.

Jee-zus!, 06 May 2008
Magnificent. I can only echo everything positive that's been said about this book. I'm awestruck. Truly magnificent.

A Creative Masterpiece, 31 Aug 2008
Having read 'Gates of Fire' I found myself equally impressed by the scholarship and detail of Pressfield's account of the complicated events of the Pelopennesian War and ultimate defeat of the Athenian democratic ideal. True this book is a read requiring more of its readers than Gates of Fire in terms of the scope of the conflict and political machinations of the characters but their personalities commit themselves to your memory in the same way and demand your attention and empathy. Pressfield writes like a poet and a philosopher, requiring his audience to engage with the intellectual concepts of his re-created world. It is not designed to be a superficial, blood-and-gore romp and if read as such will leave the reader confused and unsatisfied. It is about the lengths to which necessity drives a man and what he is prepared to endure to realize his dreams and live with honour.

Superb, 11 Jan 2008
I have read many fine historical novels....this one of the finest of those.
Pressfield brings out the character of one of the most enigmatic and capable generals/leaders in history-Alcibiades. A man of vision, a warrior in the truest sense, a leader of people who garnered both love and hatred, a man of vision, a man of Necessity.
Told mostly through the eyes of Polemides prior to what he was expecting to be his execution for treason and murder this is a great and mature novel whether it is describing significant battles of the Peloponnesian Wars, political intrigue or the philosophy of Socrates.
The epic description of the siege of Syracuse is magnificent,blending the land battles almost seamlessly into the seaborne Athenian attempt to escape the harbour.
Huge in scope,vivid in drama,eloquent,at times thoughtful and reflective this is easily the best novel I have read about the wars between Athens and Sparta.

Praise for the Tides of War, 19 Feb 2007
It isn't hard for me to say the Tides of War is probably my favorite of Mr Pressfields historical novels and to recommend it as a truly rewarding reading experience.

On the face of it the Tides of War may seem over ambitious as Pressfield tries to cover 29 years of war and strife between the Greek superpowers of their day, Sparta and Athens in the Peloponnesian War of 431BC-405BC form all angles at once (using his now patented method of disjointed interlocking first person narratives) when maybe a simpler structure would have sufficed and for this reason many people have maligned this novel and written it of as a dud. I though would like to present another point of view.

The Tides of War may not have the grand heroic sweep of the Gates of Fire or more character insight than in The Virtues of War or any of the mystical allure of the Last of the Amazons but the Tides of War is in one word; Human.

Mr Pressfields portrays his characters with amazing insight and humanity. Alciabiades is bold, brilliant, beautiful, a politician of great skill and a commander of superb courage until seduced by false pride and ambitions of everlasting glory. The other main characters Pommo and others have moments of triumph and joy but mainly suffering and loss, the stuff of real life and in their own ways are endemic of the main thread which weaves the Tides of War together. For while there is much suffering in the novel, both physical and mental, the sufferers also exhibit certain virtues, even when they have contributed disastrously to there own downfall Mr Pressfield's characters at times of adversity exhibit tragic dignity and glorious heroism but as in real life there is no redemption, consolation, or escape.

Pressfield's great achievement is to illustrate through the tapestry of the Tides of War that necessity is deaf to all prayers and the Fates on their shuttles of adamant weave countless inescapable devices so withstanding all our planning and maneuvering for the future the necessary will occur and we can only hope the tide turns our way but knowing it will eventually turn against us.


For Me The Tide Has Ebbed a Little, 13 Aug 2006
As a great lover of Ancient History books, both fact and fiction, I was recommended to read Gates of Fire. A book about one of the greatest stands against insurmountable odds that has ever taken place in military history. Certainly in Ancient Greece. I found the book, exciting, fast paced and extremely enjoyable. Understandably I could not wait to get my hands on Tides of War.

Although the book was quite enjoyable and well written, I just did not get the buzz out of it that I had got from Gates of Fire. At times the story dragged a little, almost to the point of boredom. I'm not sure why, but it just did not have the sparkle of the previous one.

Steven Pressfield is still a master at drawing his reader into the story and his descriptions of battle and warfare techniques are second to none. Almost to the point of leaving the reader sweating with fear and exhaustion at the brutal and barbarous battle tactics used in these ancient encounters.

It would certainly be unfair to decry the book as a bad novel. It just had something lacking for me, personally. I am sure many people will think it is a terrific read and I hope they do.

Disappointing, 27 May 2006
What can i say...after "Gates of Fire" Steven Pressfield became my favorite author and so i was seeking other titles of his. Seeing this one i was so excited that i got it straight away.

It was very disappointing to my oppinion. I cant pin point it but the story telling was different and boring to tell you the truth. I was not the least interested in the characters and the events didnt pull me into the story. I regretfuly say that i gave up on it mid-way and never finnished it; and i rarely do not finnish books.

I hope "The Last of the Amazons" will be better.

A very enjoyable read, 28 Oct 2008
Over the last few months I have read several Steven Pressfield novels and I have to say that the Afghan Campaign has been one of my favourites. All the hype focuses on another Pressfield novel "Gates of Fire"(which is excellent) but this novel almost equals it.

Each Pressfield novel is written from a different perspective and in the Afghan Campaign the book is seen from a normal soldiers view. And perhaps this is why I enjoyed it so much. Its a far easier read than Pressfields "Tides of War" for example.

Just try it, I bet you'll like it.

disappointing read, 23 Mar 2008
Having read "Alexander - Virtues of War" I was looking forward to reading this one. All in all I found it very disappointing. There were brilliant descriptions of the landscape of the region and the tribal conflicts.
The book did make me realise that so little seems to have changed since the days of Alexander. Maybe this was the intention of the author since the story to me appeared to be more about this than Alexander. The main character was not strong enough to carry the book.




The Afghan Campaign, 12 Mar 2008
If you've enjoyed his other works you'll enjoy this. Very readable historical fiction.

I have to say I didn't quite warm to the main character hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. It was still a great book though.

Superb Pressfield!, 21 Nov 2008
Having been an avid reader of Steven Pressfield's earlier works (Gates of Fire etc.) I don't mind admitting that I came to `Killing Rommel' with some trepidation. Could Pressfield transfer his fantastic knack for story-telling and historical moment from the ancient world to WWII and the North African campaign? I needn't have worried! `Killing Rommel' is a fantastic read - utterly gripping with Pressfield's trademark attention to detail and historical evocation.

Its clear that Pressfield writes as a soldier. His empathy with his characters shines through; almost as if he - and you - are there with them on the page.

`Killing Rommel' is Pressfield at his best. I usually wait until fictional works are published in paperback, but I was glad I purchased the hardback edition. Pressfield is one of a small handful of writers who can't publish their books quickly enough in my opinion! More please!


Has the ring of truth, 16 Nov 2008
Steven Pressfield is a superb reasearcher with a real feel for time and place. I have enjoyed all of his books to date. This one is a cracker. It has the ring of truth, because it is a novel woven around real events and facts. Mr Pressfield is a true craftsman in the best possible way. You LIVE the story while he is telling it. And this story is not simply action all the way. Human feelings and emotions are also portrayed. The Brits are not all heroes and the Germans are not all "baddies". Like the soldiers of the time who fought with him and against him, Steven Pressfield shows respect for Erwin Rommel, a great soldier who happened to be on the "wrong" side.

If Mr Pressfield never writes another word, his works will live on and this is one of his best. Chapeau!!!

His best since Gates of Fire, 26 Sep 2008
I have read all of Steven Pressfield's books. Gates of Fire and Tides of War are magnificent, Last of the Amazons and Alexander are only so-so; however he started to get back to his best with the Afghan Campaign. Now, with a jump in time of some 2000 odd years into the greatest conflict of the last century he has g