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Galen Strickland

@templetongate.bsky.social

188 followers 185 following 1.2K posts

Longtime avid reader, mostly within the SFFH genres these days. Also a film and TV buff. I review those and more at templetongate.net. He/him

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Doctora Malka Older @older.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

we fucking loved it, even when there was basically nothing on it, and let me tell you something else: we loved it because of human connection, human diversity, human creativity. WE DON'T NEED A SINGLE THING ANY OF THESE COMEMIERDAS HAVE MADE AND TRIED TO SELL US IN ORDER TO HAVE A GREAT INTERNET.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

The second PM Press Outspoken Authors book in a row, this one from the next SFWA Grand Master Nancy Kress. Recommended. templetongate.net/not-what-i-i...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Not What I Intended by Nancy Kress

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I have now read 14 of the Outspoken Authors books from PM Press. All have been good to different degrees, but the latest might be my favorite so far. templetongate.net/she-is-here....

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - She Is Here by Nicola Grffith

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Ever like a lot of things about a book, but you're still confused by most of it? templetongate.net/natural-engi...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Natural Engines Duology by Ai Jiang (1. A Palace Near the Wind / 2. A River From the Sky)

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Reposted by Galen Strickland

Alex Brown 🇵🇸 (they/them) @bookjockeyalex.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Anyone got contact with someone at The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction? The Analog website contact form requires my physical address, which I don't want to provide. Apparently F&SF sent out an electronic issue in Aug, but I never received it.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Fantasy and science fiction are my preferred genres. Less so for horror—except when it is this well written. Mazywood is highly recommended. templetongate.net/mazywood.htm

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Mazywood by Tananarive Due

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I don't know. Why don't we try to stab it to death and find out.

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Ursula K. Le Guin @ursulakleguin.com · 21/09/2026

Premee Mohamed (@premeemohamed.com) reads from her story collection One Message Remains, which is shortlisted for the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction:

Premee Mohamed reads from One Message Remains

YouTube video by Ursula K. Le Guin Foundation

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I would guess a lot of fantasy fans like dragons, and I do in certain circumstances, but not as a general rule. It took me 20 years to read Naomi Novik's debut novel, which I liked, but I don't know when or if I'll continue with the series. templetongate.net/temeraire.htm

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Temeraire (His Majesty's Dragon) by Naomi Novik

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Considering it has been more than 30 years I think that is a given.

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Had some issues with logging into my host service, but luckily that was short-lived. I re-read John Varley's Mammoth, which I did not review back in 2005. Parts I liked, parts I didn't. It's a toss-up of either recommending or not, take your pick. templetongate.net/mammoth.htm

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Mammoth by John Varley

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I finished a book review but am unable to log into my host account, and until that changes I can't upload it.

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The 12th October Daye novel, Night and Silence, includes some bombshell revelations, which I tried my best not to spoil, but I fear that will be even more difficult with subsequent books. templetongate.net/october-daye...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire, Part 3

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I have read all of R.F. Kuang's novels, liking all to one degree or another, and that includes her latest, which is mainstream fiction, not a memoir, even though there are similarities between her and the main character. templetongate.net/taipei-story...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Reposted by Galen Strickland

Jen Donohue @authorizedmusings.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Saturday self-promotion!! People can't read your books if they don't know they exist!

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Jen Donohue @authorizedmusings.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Premee Mohamed @premeemohamed.com · 11/09/2026

AND ALSO I had a book come out THIS VERY TUESDAY! How can that be?! Would love to see folks picking up WICKHILLS -- a ? magical Cold War fantaspionage in a magical city ? I don't know -- but, you know, without blowing your cover. Cover illo by the amazing Tom Roberts! 🤩

us.macmillan.com

In the dangerous magical city of Wickhills, a streetwise secret agent is tasked with protecting a foreign defector from his pursuers... even at the threat of...

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

If you haven't read @premeemohamed.com what are you waiting for? Her fifth novel is a great blend of fantasy, horror, and exciting spy thriller. Highly recommended. templetongate.net/wickhills.htm

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Wickhills by Premee Mohamed

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Aleksandra Vaca @transiticsnews.com · 10/09/2026

I’m a Texan trans kid who almost died because of Ken Paxton. The world should know what he’s done. This was very difficult for me to write, but given what's at stake, I cannot bear to stay silent about what I went through at Paxton's hands. He must not be rewarded for what he's done to trans kids.

transiticsnews.com

I’m a Texan Trans Kid Who Almost Died Because of Ken Paxton. The World Should Know What He’s Done.

Regardless of Talarico’s recent statements on trans people, Paxton cannot be rewarded for the extreme suffering he’s inflicted on me and tens of thousands of Texan trans kids.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

My latest review is short and simple, but of course not as good as the book. templetongate.net/science-of-h...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Science of Herself by Karen Joy Fowler

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I am usually broke these days so have to rely on the library more for my book fix. If it had been the hardcover available first I would go pick it up, but Cloud Library came through with two titles on publication day. Wickhills by @premeemohamed.com and Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang.

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

At this time I am giving Scott Hawkins' sophomore novel a cautious recommendation, but the more I think about it, the more I think I might rate it higher if I ever re-read. templetongate.net/blacktail.htm

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Blacktail by Scott Hawkins

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Reposted by Galen Strickland

Eric Dyck @ericdyck.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Must-read speculative fiction from @premeemohamed.com in this week’s @forwardcanada.bsky.social Alberta newsletter. Illustrations by me. Devastatingly good. Go read it now. forwardweekly.ca/leave-or-rem...

forwardweekly.ca

Leave or Remain | By Premee Mohamed | Forward Weekly

Forward Weekly feature for September 6, 2026.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Karen Joy Fowler's Sarah Canary can be read as mainstream fiction or science fiction. Either way it is very good and recommended. templetongate.net/sarah-canary...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Sarah Canary by Karen Joy Fowler

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Reposted by Galen Strickland

John Wiswell @wiswell.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

It is my birthday! So I have an audiobook giveaway for the good children of the land.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

I've been re-watching Soap, so for now it's Chester Tate.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Will they also be equipped to spray their victims with a fire hose? Old Bull Conner would approve.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

For my latest review I created a 3rd page covering Seanan McGuire's October Daye books, this one starting with the 11th novel, plus a bonus novella. Still enjoying the series, and I hope to continue with it over the next few months. templetongate.net/october-daye...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire, Part 3

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The 3rd book in the Shadow of the Leviathan series (aka, the Ana & Din Mysteries), is [SURPRISE!] not the end of a trilogy. There will be at least 1 more, which I very much want to read. All 3 so far are highly recommended. templetongate.net/shadow-of-le...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Shadow of the Leviathan series (aka The Ana and Din Mysteries) by Robert Jackson Bennett (The Tainted Cup, A Drop of Corruption, A Trade of Blood)

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Monty Python, and the Holy Grail.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Is Sookie available to cater?

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Do you like magical fantasy mixed with horror, a dash of historical fiction, as well as a potential sapphic romance? Then you should read the debut novel from Cynthia Gómez. templetongate.net/mu%C3%B1eca....

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Mu�eca by Cynthia G�mez

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

My latest Varley re-read, which I enjoyed more this time around, but mainly because I had re-read Steel Beach last month. I left my original review intact, then added comments at the end. templetongate.net/irontownblue...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Irontown Blues by John Varley

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Look at that. Andy and I like some of the same books.

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Christina Orlando @cxorlando.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Hello, book people! I am the book content editor for Reactor Mag and I'm looking for sci-fi, fantasy, horror, romantasy, and speculative books coming out in 2027! If you have an adult or YA SFF/H book out next year (or publicist), share the link/info here!

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I realized after the fact that I worded something in today's book review wrong, but I haven't yet figured out how to edit it to make my point clear without spoiling what I was trying not to spoil.

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I think I read a book about this… www.bbc.com/future/artic...

The controversial story of the North American raccoons wreaking havoc in Germany

Once alleged to have been introduced by a Nazi commander, the true story of Germany's raccoons is divisive and often wildly misunderstood.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A novella that is tense and exciting up to the final couple of pages. Even with that disappointment I liked it and can recommend. templetongate.net/amusement-pa...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Amusement Park Arcana by Jennifer R. Donohue

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Cadwell Turnbull's first story collection is highly recommended. templetongate.net/all-the-hidd...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - All the Hidden Places by Cadwell Turnbull

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Premee Mohamed @premeemohamed.com · 14/08/2026

HELLO did you know THE BUTCHER OF THE FOREST is still $1.99 on ebook platforms? YES ALL! :D And they are helpfully rounded up here! An interesting old-growth forest, some independent kids, a pretty pretty unicorn, and... wait is that an altar Surely not

us.macmillan.com

The Butcher of the Forest

"A perfect mix of horror and fantasy."—The New York Times“The Butcher of the Forest” shows exactly why Mohamed is one of fantasy’s rising stars."—T...

Reposted by Galen Strickland

John Chu @johnchu.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

It's National Book Lovers Day. The Subtle Art of Folding Space is $2.99 today at all ebook retailers! Unhinged physics! Status reports in the form of egg tarts! Family drama! www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-F... bookshop.org/p/books/the-...

The Subtle Art of Folding Space

The Subtle Art of Folding Space

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Two other times I did not finish, but this time I persevered. Too bad I can't recommend it, although it seems others disagree. The Golden Globe by John Varley has a higher average rating at Goodreads than The Steel Beach, which I consider his best. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ templetongate.net/golden-globe...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Golden Globe by John Varley

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

A lot of USians can understand why.

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Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

It had been more than 30 years since I had read it, and a lot of it was almost new to me now, but my recollection of Steel Beach being Varley's best was confirmed. Then again, I need to re-read The Golden Globe. templetongate.net/steel-beach....

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Steel Beach by John Varley

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Premee Mohamed @premeemohamed.com · 27/07/2026

P.S. I would still like for people to read THE BUTCHER OF THE FOREST and then look at themselves and be like "I am 30 or 40 years old and I do not need to be the protagonist of a fairytale horror story in a magical forest" us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

us.macmillan.com

The Butcher of the Forest

"A perfect mix of horror and fantasy."—The New York Times“The Butcher of the Forest” shows exactly why Mohamed is one of fantasy’s rising stars."—T...

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Garrodigh, the dragon in John Wiswell's third novel, may have some complaints, but I have none about his story. templetongate.net/dragon-has-c...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

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Reposted by Galen Strickland

Doctora Malka Older @older.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

working on an essay about the 10th anniversary of INFOMOCRACY and found this piece I published on @reactorsff.bsky.social right after it came out in June 2016 and it's simultaneously still relevant and a total tweet-screenshot time capsule reactormag.com/living-in-an...

Living in an Infomocracy - Reactor

This article originally appeared on March 9, 2016—publishing simultaneously on Tor.com and at the Huffington Post’s Thought Matters blog. I love the drama of elections. I love the constant polls and p...

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

More than 2 weeks since my last review, but I was preoccupied with a trip to Alaska to visit my son, whom I had not seen in the flesh for about 7 years. Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest novel is another Non-SF book, but still very good and recommended. templetongate.net/intrigue.htm

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Reviews of science fiction, fantasy and horror books, films, comics and television shows

Reposted by Galen Strickland

Ghostly Bree @mostlybree.kitrocha.com · 08/07/2026

Thinking today about how often SFF folks scoff at the idea that romance requires worldbuilding when we're out here daring to build societies where consent exists and is even tangentially understood, which is a task more ambitious than any magic system.

Galen Strickland @templetongate.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

The last review copy from Edelweiss, for the foreseeable future at least, is a debut novel based on a Portuguese fairytale. Unique enough for that reason to be enjoyable, but there were a few negatives for me. I give it a reserved recommedation. templetongate.net/miserys-wife...

templetongate.net

Templeton Gate 3.0 - Literature - Misery's Wife by Joan Tierney

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