Every Dark Cloud

by Marisca Pichette

Living in a post-climate disaster world protected by a layer of artificial cloud, Mallory knows every shade of darkness, their world lit sparingly by bioluminescence. But when Rein stumbles across their path—radioactive light bleeding from their teeth, their skin twisted and burned—Mallory’s worldview implodes, and the true cost of their survival becomes all too clear.

A haunting cli-fi novella ideal for fans of Tiffany Morris and Stephanie Feldman, EVERY DARK CLOUD combines a dystopian setting and class-conscious narrative with a glimmer of hope for our shared humanity.

Praise for Every Dark Cloud:

"Part enchanting dreamworld, part blistering nightmare, Every Dark Cloud warns us of humanity's worst impulses, and reminds us of its best."

-- Stephanie Feldman, author of Saturnalia

"Marisca Pichette's Every Dark Cloud is a spare, unflinching, yet wonderfully compassionate window into a future that feels all too possible — but even in the darkness of late-stage capitalism taken to its (un)natural extreme, Pichette never loses sight of human connection, both to each other and to the natural world. It's a quick, fully realized read with its fingers planted firmly in the soil, delightfully queer sensibilities, and characters I would gladly follow far beyond these pages."

— Jaq Evans, author of What Grows in the Dark

"Part dystopia, part horror, Pichette has created an inventive and emotionally evocative world where profound and unsettling truths are held in light and darkness. Every Dark Cloud is a gripping, genre-defying novella shot-through with beauty and sporror."

—Tiffany Morris, author of Green Fuse Burning

"Lyrical, graceful, and dark -- Marisca Pichette’s Every Dark Cloud is a marvel of climate fiction. Pichette pulls off an absolute coup by creating an immersive world that delights even as it terrifies, down to the sentence-level. But don’t be fooled. This eerie world is not some far-off, hypothetical dream land of elsewhere. Pichette’s novella dares us to stare directly at our future, in the tradition of the very best speculative by interrogating a possible future, we can most clearly see our present."

— Caren Sumption, author of Three Songs for Roxy and So Quick Bright Things Come to Confusion

Genres: Horror, Novella, Science Fiction

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Marisca Pichette is an award-winning author of speculative fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Her debut collection of speculative verse, RIVERS IN YOUR SKIN, SIRENS IN YOUR HAIR, was nominated for the 2023 Bram Stoker and Elgin Awards. Their cli-fi novella, EVERY DARK CLOUD, is out now from Ghost Orchid Press. Marisca lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Jamedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

Every Dark Cloud is a bold cli-fi novella, written by Marisca Pichette, published by Ghost Orchid Press. An imaginative piece set in a future where humans live in the near dark after a climate disaster, with protective towers creating an artificial cloud that filters light, showcasing the naivety of many of the inhabitants of this society in relationship with the price paid to maintain this system.

Living in the post-climate disaster world protected by artificial clouds, Mallory is in a decent position working designing habitats for wealthier people, a comfortable life in the darkness. However, when Reins stumbles into Mallory's path, with his teeth shining and burned skin, her vision of the world totally changes after discovering the price of survival; a discovery path that will open a new vision of the world and its goverment.

Our duo of characters play excellently within the classical archetypes of the naive city-dweller and the hopeless rebel, giving it enough nuances to become a compelling story. The compassion and care shown by Mallory towards Rein is certainly heartwarming, and you cannot avoid cheering for Rein's cause, especially when the real prize is shown; you can understand why they took that action plan.

Pichette's worldbuilding is another of the highlights of this novella; not only because the post-climate disaster is a possible future, but also with how well it is reflected a population that is adapted to this semidarkness, depreciating the sight in favour of other senses such as the smell and the tact. The pacing is really in the spot, making this a great read.

Every Dark Cloud is a bold and imaginative cli-fi novella, an excellent book that will make you think about the cost of survival and how we need to care of the planet instead of looking for solutions to counteract the consequences. What a great addition to Ghost Orchid Press' collection!

[Marisca Pichette · Rating 5 out of 5]

May this little book shine a light in the darkness—and encourage us all to recognize all we fail to see.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Although it's short it's a well paced story that includes satisfactory elements that introduce characters, present their journey and even include tension and a fight with an evil corporation. Good pacing , easy to understand and it's perfect to introduce readers to distopian scifi or for scifi readers to enjoy a short easy read in one stiting. Has some creative elements, never a dull moment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyndsey Croal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully dark eco dystopia with rich worldbuilding and lots packed into its novella length. I loved how it built in examination of future tech in a post climate collapse world with resilience, connection to nature, and rebellion at the heart of the story. Ultimately hopeful amidst the darkness! A poignant short read.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a total impulse read that wasn’t in my plans at all and I’m so glad I chose to do it! What a cool story! The world building was my favorite part, but the story itself was cool too with a good pace. I liked the characters a lot and still think about their potential lives before and after this story now. I really hope we’ll get another one in this setting. It has so much potential!

Honestly, I think my biggest criticism is its length. While it worked well as it is, it also totally had the potential to be a full-length novel, which I probably would’ve enjoyed even more because that would’ve allowed for even more of the awesome world building and some more character development!

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

I didn't actually realise that this was a short story - apparently, I missed the page count. Thus, I tried to turn the page, expecting the next chapter, and was sorely disappointed not to find one. Which, I think, is the mark of a brilliant short story.

I loved this. Beautifully written, fantastic world-building. I could see it in my head right away. And smell it.

Needless to say, I will gladly read more by Marisca Pichette!

I received an ARC for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lil Bookish Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella set in a post apocalyptic world after climate change has rendered the earth essentially ininhabitable. They created some clouds to protect everyone… or so they thought.

We follow a designer, her job is to designs homes for private clients. When she meets someone who turns her world upside down. Everything she believes has been dashed to ribons and her faith in the government crumbles. I love seeing our character deal with this news and the choices they make. They are relatable and compelling in their thoughts process and descriptions of their world as it is.

The commentary here on trusting in a government that lies to you and covers up their mistakes instead of dealing with them and what that can lead to was so relevant and heartbreaking.

I truly believe this will be a modern classic especially with the current state of our climate and the response the people in power are having which is basically a not my problem attitude that will only end in fire.🔥

There is also brilliant representation in this book, out MCs are non-binary and one is blind, the way the author uses the other senses in it’s descriptions is so clever and works perfectly for the world they have created.

Thank you to the publisher, Ghost Orchard Press for providing me and EARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha Baugus · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best things about climate fiction is the numerous ways that authors find to both destroy and save the world. The idea of a global cloud covering to protect humanity (and some other species) from the increasingly dangerous sun was one I had not heard before, so my interest was piqued. The immediate logical problem I saw with this plan was, in fact, the primary conflict of the book, but I was significantly more interested in the relationship between the two main characters, Mallory and Rein. The naive city-dweller and rebellious outlander dynamic is rarely one I like because I feel like the dynamic is too often flattened in boring stereotyping, but Mallory and Rein both gave the other space to be what their circumstances made them to be without blaming or accusing the other of willful ignorance or unnecessary disobedience. Their relationship was gentle and charming. To be clear, there aren't really romantic overtones to their relationship, and that's one of the things that made it all the sweeter. Platonic love can be (and often is) just as powerful if not more so than romantic love. And their motivations for each other were believable, sincere, and deep.

My biggest critique of the book was the ease with which the crisis was resolved. I can't say more without giving too much away, but I think the book needed about 50 more pages to more successfully manage the fallout of the characters' choices and the culmination of their relationship. I'd love to see what Pichette would do with a full-length novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annie Ishmakovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Every Dark Cloud by Marisca Pichette✨


Firstly a big thank you to Ghost Orchid Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.


Every Dark Cloud is a horror novella set in a future where humans live in the near dark. It's been 80 years since a climate disaster resulting in the creation of towers that help form a protective artificial cloud above. 


This novella showcases beautiful descriptions of a possible ecosystem that could develop despite the drastic changes to the world, as well as the haunting reminder of what civilization risks when we do not heed climate warnings.


I think that's the scariest part of the novella; the realistic possibilities.


This novella is officially coming out on the 25th of March 2025 and I rate it 5/5⭐s

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’ve been many tales about what the world would be like if we had no Sun. The first image that comes to my mind is the original Matrix, with its stormy landscape and a pair of men left to stare in amazement at what their ancestors did.

‘Every Dark Cloud’ takes this further. What if the Sun became so detrimental to life that in order to survive, we must protect ourselves from it, living in total darkness?

Architect Mallory has a normal job in a normal office, until we realize that she has to operate primarily via touch and smell. Because total darkness means total. All that survives on her walk home are mushrooms and plants that can survive without natural light. Every building has scent identifiers so residents can find their way. We get a sense of this world being unsustainable, with no solution except to survive somehow.

Then a man falls from the sky. Covered in lesions as if from severe solar radiation, it appears that he came from above the protective cloud-cover - but how? Suddenly the piercing sound of sirens wail, because he’s being hunted. What’s Mallory to do?

This is a very timely ‘What if’ tale of government conspiracies, ecological disaster and also human connection, culminating in a burst of hope that’s beautifully refreshing in these cynical times. Mallory is just one person, but she’s able to make a difference; Rein’s desperate escape likewise. The system can be challenged.

It’s a relatively short book that zips along, never wasting any time and not outstaying its welcome. We can imagine the wider impact on the planet and other communities from what is perceived by Mallory - she may start out relatively naive, but she’s not at all stupid. As she considers what life might be like with light, birdsong and warmth, we’re reminded of what we might take for granted every day, and what we need to do to reconnect with the world and our fellow creatures.

This is the joy of the book: that we are gently challenged to ask ourselves what we’d do in such a situation. To continue the Matrix analogy, which pill do we take? The skill of the author here tells us that the choice is clear, and that we have the power within us.

‘Every Dark Cloud’ is truly the silver lining that we need right now.

I was kindly sent this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Adam Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Dark Cloud is a deep and atmospheric eco-apocalyptic novella about two people discovering that the world is not quite what they thought it was. I loved my time with this story. Read the full review on .

[Bitsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! I just wish it was a full novel rather than a short story. I think this book could also make a wonderful film and/or I’d love to see art based off it.


“Every Dark Cloud” is probably in my top ten for favorite book worlds.
It’s about a post apocalyptic earth where humans have created, basically giant cloud coverings to block out the overbearing sun, and now live underneath them. This leads to an almost alien world, where they’re in near constant darkness, and rely on bioluminescent and artificial lights to see. They’ve developed heightened senses as well to make up for their lack of vision, Toph style. Just so cool.

I could definitely see a full novel set in this world too. And on one hand I wish we had more time to get to know the characters. Or that we were introduced to more people.

Great if you’re a fan of: Post apocalyptic, government conspiracies, sci fi, short reads, futuristic stories.

4.3 🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫🍄‍🟫

I received an Advanced Copy of this book and this is my Honest Review. Thank you to the Author

[Melynda Wangsness · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A back turned on the past, a promise not to repeat it."

What amazing world building for such a short read!

I received an advance review copy and I am sharing my honest opinion.

Every Dark Cloud is an addicting tale of humanity's greed and selfishness, but also how these qualities are outshined by our creativity, resilience, adaptability, and love.

This novella builds a believable world that could very well be our future. Even with the short length, the character development is deep, mirroring humanity in the face of late-stage capitalism.

Pichette's writing allows the reader to peer into the reality of what it will take for humans to survive the disasters we create.

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful and enchanting novella that has all the elements I love. It’s post apocalyptic/climate fiction with horror elements (as climate disasters are the most horror there could be right?) and I was totally hooked from the first words I read: “WE ALL KNOW THE HISTORY. How grass used to be green, clouds once white, night broken by hours of day.”

The world that the author built is atmospheric and poetic even in its bleakness and desperation. Because the ozone layer didn’t exist anymore, after all beings were literally burning to death due to the scorching heat and solar radiations, the coalition came up with the idea of clouding the world with artificial clouds, plunging Earth into total darkness, save for bioluminescence produced by mushrooms. The description of this world, although horrific, given plants and trees are no more, was haunting but beautiful. I loved the idea of humans having to resort to their other senses, given sight wasn’t useful anymore.

Apart from the amazing world building, the characters Mallory and Rein are so layered and well depicted. Their first encounter and then their relationship is what makes them both grow, especially Mallory.

I won’t reveal much more of the plot because amidst the beauty of this dark world, there is betrayal, twists and yet again despair for the fate of humanity. Everything is at risk again, the menacing burning sun is making an appearance yet again, and with it all hope.

But, when humanity has something to live for, something to fight for, that’s when their ingenuity surfaces and where the brightest ideas stem from. And Mallory has learnt from Rein what exactly is worth fighting for.

I found this novella so compelling! As I mentioned to the author after finishing it, I work in nature conservation and looking at the state of our environment, I am left every day with pessimism and hatred for humanity. But, this novella ignited warmth in my heart and made me feel hopeful that we will be able to understand what’s at stake and we’ll be able to change our ways.
This is a novella that goes straight to the heart first with a punch and then with a hug.

Thanks to the author and Ghost Orchid Press for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Mahaila Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Marisca Pichette and Ghost Orchid Press for providing me with a review copy through Booksirens.

Every dark cloud takes place in a future where lethal solar radiation was blocked through the construction of bio-engineered clouds by the united world governments. These clouds drastically alter ecology—killing the trees and encouraging the proliferation of bioluminescent fungi and bacteria. In a world set in the dark, its people must rely on their senses of touch, hearing and smell to navigate.

A small detail that I loved was that each character was referred to using they and them pronouns.

In many ways this book reminded me of the film Vesper (2022); however, fans of that film will notice that the book is much lighter and more optimistic.

I was somewhat disturbed by Mallory’s disgust at Rein’s severe burns. She is so repulsed by them and by any physical contact with Rein, which upset me. In becoming closer to Rein, Mallory becomes less concerned with their appearance and more concerned with Rein, the individual. It could be argued that this shift represents Mallory’s disillusionment with the powers that control her world. It will be interesting to see if there is any continuation of this story. I am curious to learn about the exploitative Bio-Homes work conditions and the geopolitics of this future.

[Luke Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Every Dark Cloud by Marisca Pichette, is a science fiction post apocalyptic novella set in a future where the sun has become so intense that humanity has resorted to living in darkness.

The world that Pichette has created is interesting. This new dark Earth has given way to bioluminescent bacteria and fungi that provide limited light, but humans have adapted to use senses other than sight to navigate.

I thought that this was intriguing, albeit a little unrealistic. There isn’t really any explanation given as to why humanity hadn’t taken to lighting up the darkened world with artificial lights. It does come across as a contrived attempt at setting up a bioluminescent setting without doing too much worldbuilding.

Sadly, Every Dark Cloud doesn’t offer much beyond the surface level. In places where it could go deep, it steers well away. It avoids saying anything that we haven’t heard before and takes very few chances.

Beyond that, the prose is simple and easy to follow and it’s a very quick read. It’s a simple tale of corporate greed and the tendency for humanity to make shitty things shittier. It didn’t wow me, but you might like it if climate fiction is your thing.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and intriguing dystopian novella with themes of climate change and corruption.

The sun is dangerous - causing radiation burns to people, destroying plant life, and devastating the world. To solve this, large towers have been built to create artificial cloud cover to block out the sun. As a result, the people below have lived mainly in darkness for the last 80 years.
Mallory is a designer for BioHomes, creating hi-spec homes for the elite. When Mallory is returning home (along a bioluminescent mushroom path!) they meet Rein, someone with glowing pink teeth, no eyes, and covered in radiation burns. If Rein is telling the truth, then everything Mallory thought they knew is a lie.

The story is fast-paced and the main characters are likeable. The concept of the cloud cover and a world of darkness was interesting and the world building was fantastic.

I would have loved this to be a longer story as I was really invested in it! Will be looking out for more by this author.

Thanks to Ghost Orchid Press for sending me a copy.

[Brett Mitchell Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying that the writing and sentence construction was really great- I’ll be seeking out more from this author.

The premise was magical and she is a really good writer…. I just think it was too short to deliver on how ambitious the concept was. We had so much time in crafting the world that the story itself felt a bit secondary, despite how compelling the plot was. I would have loved to have more time to savor and get to know the world and characters more. Both Mallory and Rein were compelling in their own ways and they were both very easy to root for.

The only place I truly need to side eye is *Spoiler maybe*
I don’t think they ever managed to explain to me or convince me on WHY this world exists in total darkness instead of using electricity to light it when they use electricity for everything else. It made for an eerie and isolated-feeling read but I just kept thinking “Why don’t they just turn on their lights!?”

[Gianaclis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give five star reviews very often, but in this case, they were easily earned. In fact, the only real issue I had with the book, is that it's NOT a full length novel!

Pichette creates a believable world that probably any of us would love to visit (that is, until its dark truth is exposed) The writing itself is gorgeous, but not overly lyrical, making for a smooth, enjoyable read. Gong back to my only "complaint", I found the story moved a bit too quickly in the end, wrapping things up quickly== where I wanted to linger and have more story. I understand this is the author's first long work, so perhaps they'll consider revisiting this world and it's fascinating characters for a full length novel in the future. Sign me up!

Thank you to Book Sirens and Ghost Orchid Press for an advance copy of this novella.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved the imagery and ideas in this story and really enjoyed what we did get to see of the two main characters' development. However, the biggest drawback of this story is its length. So much more could be done with this concept and I'd like to see more progression of the characters and the relationship between them. This could have easily been expanded into a full length novel or series. The timeline was also a bit off. Most of the story takes place in about 24 hours, then the final 20% is a year long summary. The ending was too abrupt and the resolution felt too simple. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this novella and will definitely look out for more work from Pichette.

Please note I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing premise well executed. The world building was done well and was introduced in way that felt very natural in the story. I was especially a fan of how you are shown that people have adapted to the conditions of near total darkness. Very evocative imagery (who doesn't love a little bio-luminescence? or a lot). The pacing was also very good, and the story felt like it was exactly as long as it needed to be (though I would also not be mad at having more of this world....) Interesting characters that I was not expecting to get attached to in so little time, but i did! I liked them, and I was happy with how things ended. Overall really solid & I'd give it a 4.5.

(I received this book as an ARC for free through booksirens & this review is done voluntarily!)

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strongest part of this book is the world building. It may be a short novella, but the work Pichette has put into research and developing just how a world like this would function is impressive. I would love to see a movie or show based on this novella just to see how they present this dark world illuminated by fungus. It sounds eerily beautiful.

The plot is simple, but not in a negative way. Having a small cast of characters and a simple narrative, really lets the world building shine through.

Full review here: https://www.blog.melodyemcintyre.com/...

[Makayla Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used the CAWPILE method to get the rating for this book. Was it necessary? No. It’s pretty easy to determine the rating when it’s straight 10/10 across the board.

All jokes aside, this story has me willing to sell a finger just to extend it. Ugh. It was SO GOOD. I 100% recommend. I blasted through it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and enthusiastically.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot happens in this short story. I'm amazed when an author can put together such an engaging story in few words. Marisca Pichette accomplished this satisfactorily.

The writing and transitions from scene to scene is smooth and kept me engaged the entire time. The world Pichette developed for the story is amazing and the writing style gives it a unique visual in my mind.

I thought this story was the perfect length and I am excited to read more!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just now getting started with more sci-fi books, and this was a GREAT novella that excited me to read more! I think the pacing was great for a novella, it was fluid and still gave me the tension and excitement a book 2x long would give me. The world-building that was done in such a short duration was a beautiful site to see. I was itching for 10 more pages at least! Thank you for allowing me to read it

[David O'Mahony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is innovative, with a unique story rooted in humanity’s desperate attempts to deal with climate collapse. I’ve never read anything like it.

With science fiction elements and ominous, evil agencies operating to their own agendas, it’s part dystopian but also part hopeful - more than that, actually, with an emphasis on original thinking to resolve enormous problems.

[Íde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the immersive world building in this one, especially for it being such a short read. The setting was so different - a future earth with an artificial cloud layer so dense that people have gotten used to living in the dark, and artificial lights hurt their eyes - but Pichette made it so easy to imagine that I never slipped into picturing a sunlit (or lamp lit) world.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good, quite quick read! A nice sample I hope of this writers works as I did very much enjoy it. I liked the story idea & the style of the writing, so I do recommend! A good fun & exciting read!

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but poignant work of sci-fi eco-fiction which paints a remarkable picture of a world both strange and familiar while grappling with the decisions we make and the consequences that results--good, bad, and uncertain.

[Runalong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really innovative SF dystopian tale of a world locked in darkness in more ways than one. I just think the ending feels a little too rushed but the journey to get there is well worth a look

Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...