Galen Strickland
@templetongate.bsky.social
Longtime avid reader, mostly within the SFFH genres these days. Also a film and TV buff. I review those and more at http://templetongate.net/. He/him
My latest book review is for one of my favorite's of the year. Highly recommended.
templetongate.net/everlasting....
templetongate.net/everlasting....
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
November 21, 2025 at 8:06 PM
My latest book review is for one of my favorite's of the year. Highly recommended.
templetongate.net/everlasting....
templetongate.net/everlasting....
Two years late, I finally got to Alix E. Harrow's Starling House, a contemporary gothic horror tale mixed with pseudo-historical fictions. Good and recommended.
templetongate.net/starling-hou...
templetongate.net/starling-hou...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
November 16, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Two years late, I finally got to Alix E. Harrow's Starling House, a contemporary gothic horror tale mixed with pseudo-historical fictions. Good and recommended.
templetongate.net/starling-hou...
templetongate.net/starling-hou...
If you see this, post an album cover with a motor vehicle on it.
November 8, 2025 at 6:06 PM
If you see this, post an album cover with a motor vehicle on it.
My latest review (okay, more of a synopsis as usual) is for the tenth of Seanan McGuire's InCryptid series. Another exciting, perilous adventure, but I think the ninth book is still my favorite so far.
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The InCryptid Series by Seanan McGuire, Part 2
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
November 6, 2025 at 9:04 PM
My latest review (okay, more of a synopsis as usual) is for the tenth of Seanan McGuire's InCryptid series. Another exciting, perilous adventure, but I think the ninth book is still my favorite so far.
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd
November 6, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd
Reposted by Galen Strickland
It’s official! I have a short story collection coming out Nov 3! Pre-orders open now! And look at the gorgeous cover designed in-house by @hollylynwalrath.bsky.social
www.interstellarflightpress.com/houseofillus...
www.interstellarflightpress.com/houseofillus...
The House of Illusionists by Vanessa Fogg
A sea-witch calls to souls from the deep. In modern suburbia, a middle-aged woman fights to keep her daughter from the clutches of a Faerie Queen. . . and finds herself confronting her own past and de...
www.interstellarflightpress.com
June 19, 2025 at 1:54 PM
It’s official! I have a short story collection coming out Nov 3! Pre-orders open now! And look at the gorgeous cover designed in-house by @hollylynwalrath.bsky.social
www.interstellarflightpress.com/houseofillus...
www.interstellarflightpress.com/houseofillus...
Reposted by Galen Strickland
Not the spookiest of stories, but still appropriate for Halloween. Another combined book/movie review. Why did they release the movie in April instead of October?
templetongate.net/something-wi...
templetongate.net/something-wi...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature/Films - Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 31, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Not the spookiest of stories, but still appropriate for Halloween. Another combined book/movie review. Why did they release the movie in April instead of October?
templetongate.net/something-wi...
templetongate.net/something-wi...
I rarely listen to audio books but I know someone who does, so this is to bring it to the attention of @brindlepug.bsky.social
Trick or treat! I have one free copy of the WEARING THE LION audiobook and I want to give it out to a lucky trick-or-treater. I'll draw the winner at random in a few days.
To enter: show me a costume you loved wearing, or tell me your favorite Halloween costume.
(Follow me so I can DM you later!)
To enter: show me a costume you loved wearing, or tell me your favorite Halloween costume.
(Follow me so I can DM you later!)
October 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
I rarely listen to audio books but I know someone who does, so this is to bring it to the attention of @brindlepug.bsky.social
Just because it was not common in my family does not mean I am not aware that it is common in many families and cultures. Everyone would know that if they would ever read a book by someone from another culture.
Yes!
In Trinidad lots of people can be your aunt!!! We also call our parents cousins aunts and uncles. An older woman who is a family friend and has been there all the years is your auntie. I refer to myself as auntie age now.
Auntie is not limited to a "blood relation." It's also used for respect!
In Trinidad lots of people can be your aunt!!! We also call our parents cousins aunts and uncles. An older woman who is a family friend and has been there all the years is your auntie. I refer to myself as auntie age now.
Auntie is not limited to a "blood relation." It's also used for respect!
Wait, are people really upset that Mamdani spoke about his “aunt,” and it was actually his father’s cousin and not his father’s sibling?
Because that is an extremely normal thing a lot of cultures do. Including a lot of large Jewish families!
Because that is an extremely normal thing a lot of cultures do. Including a lot of large Jewish families!
October 28, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Just because it was not common in my family does not mean I am not aware that it is common in many families and cultures. Everyone would know that if they would ever read a book by someone from another culture.
Testimony of Mute Things is the fifteenth Penric & Desdemona story overall, but since it is out of the chronological order of Pen's life, it is actually fourth. As with everything of hers I've read, it is good and recommended.
templetongate.net/penric6.htm#...
templetongate.net/penric6.htm#...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Penric & Desdemona, Part 6 by Lois McMaster Bujold (Adventure of the Demonic Ox, Testimony of Mute Things)
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 27, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Testimony of Mute Things is the fifteenth Penric & Desdemona story overall, but since it is out of the chronological order of Pen's life, it is actually fourth. As with everything of hers I've read, it is good and recommended.
templetongate.net/penric6.htm#...
templetongate.net/penric6.htm#...
Today's review combines a book and its filmed adaptation. Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree.
templetongate.net/halloween-tr...
templetongate.net/halloween-tr...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature/Films - The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 26, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Today's review combines a book and its filmed adaptation. Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree.
templetongate.net/halloween-tr...
templetongate.net/halloween-tr...
The ninth InCryptid novel is my favorite so far, which I previously said about the fourth. My comments on Imaginary Numbers starts with a paragraph on the bonus story, since it is set before the novel.
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The InCryptid Series by Seanan McGuire, Part 2
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM
The ninth InCryptid novel is my favorite so far, which I previously said about the fourth. My comments on Imaginary Numbers starts with a paragraph on the bonus story, since it is set before the novel.
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
templetongate.net/incryptid2.h...
If this does not qualify him for the Nobel Peace Prize, what will?
"Well, I don't think we're gonna necessarily ask for a declaration of war. I think we're just gonna kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. Okay? We're gonna kill them. You know, they're gonna be, like, dead. Okay? Yeah."
Trump has abandoned even the pretext of following the law.
Trump has abandoned even the pretext of following the law.
October 23, 2025 at 11:44 PM
If this does not qualify him for the Nobel Peace Prize, what will?
Reposted by Galen Strickland
"purity tests" "circular firing squad" "the left eat their own" are such bullshit phrases.
people disagree on politics! that's how it works.
deal with it instead of whining about marginalized people correctly pointing out that certain "compromises" only strengthens fascism
people disagree on politics! that's how it works.
deal with it instead of whining about marginalized people correctly pointing out that certain "compromises" only strengthens fascism
October 20, 2025 at 2:23 PM
"purity tests" "circular firing squad" "the left eat their own" are such bullshit phrases.
people disagree on politics! that's how it works.
deal with it instead of whining about marginalized people correctly pointing out that certain "compromises" only strengthens fascism
people disagree on politics! that's how it works.
deal with it instead of whining about marginalized people correctly pointing out that certain "compromises" only strengthens fascism
Reposted by Galen Strickland
Hi Melissa I'm not demanding ideological purity, I'm a trans man demanding that my civil rights not be sacrificed. I am demanding that I be allowed to live with dignity and with access to medical care that I depend on to survive. No one's civil rights are negotiable. Due process is not negotiable.
Folks demanding political / ideological purity fail to see that this is no longer a movement belonging to the left / liberals. This is an opposition against fascism. By definition it must be big tent. Failure to grasp this: see divided oppositions in Eastern Europe as your failed examples.
October 20, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Hi Melissa I'm not demanding ideological purity, I'm a trans man demanding that my civil rights not be sacrificed. I am demanding that I be allowed to live with dignity and with access to medical care that I depend on to survive. No one's civil rights are negotiable. Due process is not negotiable.
Nghi Vo's Singing Hills Cycle is now 6 novellas, with a 7th due next May. I had reviewed the previous 5 on one page, but have split them to 2 pages, plus I added an index page that has links to all my reviews of her work. All are recommended.
templetongate.net/nghi-vo-inde...
templetongate.net/nghi-vo-inde...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Nghi Vo - Index of Articles
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 18, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Nghi Vo's Singing Hills Cycle is now 6 novellas, with a 7th due next May. I had reviewed the previous 5 on one page, but have split them to 2 pages, plus I added an index page that has links to all my reviews of her work. All are recommended.
templetongate.net/nghi-vo-inde...
templetongate.net/nghi-vo-inde...
One of my infrequent non-SF reads coincides with Banned Books Week, which ended Saturday, the day I started it. Both historical fiction and a sympathetic look at a young woman's exploration of her sexuality. A National Book Award winner, highly recommended.
templetongate.net/last-night-a...
templetongate.net/last-night-a...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
One of my infrequent non-SF reads coincides with Banned Books Week, which ended Saturday, the day I started it. Both historical fiction and a sympathetic look at a young woman's exploration of her sexuality. A National Book Award winner, highly recommended.
templetongate.net/last-night-a...
templetongate.net/last-night-a...
My latest review is for the debut novel of someone who has had a significant career in film and TV. I liked it, maybe not as much as others might though.
templetongate.net/simultaneous...
templetongate.net/simultaneous...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Simultaneous by Eric Heisserer
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 11, 2025 at 7:47 PM
My latest review is for the debut novel of someone who has had a significant career in film and TV. I liked it, maybe not as much as others might though.
templetongate.net/simultaneous...
templetongate.net/simultaneous...
Jamie Sandthorn was here.
just found this weird tent thing made out tree branches with a bunch of animal bones placed in a circle around it. Not really thinking about it much though. it's fine and it doesn't bother me
October 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Jamie Sandthorn was here.
We should all be as woke as woke can be. Great books!
Also, just a duology? No others planned?
Also, just a duology? No others planned?
US Kindle readers: The Alloy Era duology (Meru + Loka) is on sale for the month of October. Get both for less than $5 and enjoy some “woke as woke can be” #spaceopera and far future #sciencefiction.
(Yes, that is an actual review that someone left for MERU, and it still brings me great joy. 😂)
(Yes, that is an actual review that someone left for MERU, and it still brings me great joy. 😂)
October 9, 2025 at 12:16 AM
We should all be as woke as woke can be. Great books!
Also, just a duology? No others planned?
Also, just a duology? No others planned?
I read Vanessa Fogg's novelette The Lilies of Dawn in 2016 but did not review it then. I should have, because it is very good.
templetongate.net/lilies-of-da...
templetongate.net/lilies-of-da...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Lilies of Dawn
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 8, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I read Vanessa Fogg's novelette The Lilies of Dawn in 2016 but did not review it then. I should have, because it is very good.
templetongate.net/lilies-of-da...
templetongate.net/lilies-of-da...
Vanessa Fogg's first story collection comes out next month. It is excellent. Highly recommended.
templetongate.net/house-of-ill...
templetongate.net/house-of-ill...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The House of Illusionists, and Other Stories by Vanessa Fogg
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 6, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Vanessa Fogg's first story collection comes out next month. It is excellent. Highly recommended.
templetongate.net/house-of-ill...
templetongate.net/house-of-ill...
I hope this is not the last we see of Reid and Henryk, but I will read whatever Premee writes. I suggest you do the same. The link is for the 3rd novella, but you can scroll up for comments on the previous 2 stories.
templetongate.net/annual-migra...
templetongate.net/annual-migra...
Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Annual Migration of Clouds by Premee Mohamed + We Speak Through the Mountain + The First Thousand Trees
Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows
templetongate.net
October 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
I hope this is not the last we see of Reid and Henryk, but I will read whatever Premee writes. I suggest you do the same. The link is for the 3rd novella, but you can scroll up for comments on the previous 2 stories.
templetongate.net/annual-migra...
templetongate.net/annual-migra...