Chloe N. Clark is a writer of short speculative fiction and poetry who tends to really hit me hard in my heart, and I mean that in the best way. Her upcoming story collection, Every Galaxy a Circle (coming Jan. 15, 2026), is no exception. Ranging from just a few pages to 15 or so, they range from science fiction to fantasy to horror, but all of them are about individuals trying to find themselves or maintain connections with others within the universe.
Many characters are compelling, and their circumstances and choices are often fascinating. A good number of the stories are uplifting, and several are heartwrenching (sometimes at the same time). As befits a poet, Clark’s use of language is also impressive, sometimes lovely and lyrical, sometimes incisive, sometimes chill-inducing. I took the time to read quite a few passages and some whole stories aloud to my partner, and kept pausing so we could share our enthusiasm or dread or other feelings. It’s not a collection to rush through, but to savor.
“All of Your Others” is the gentle start to the collection. As a woman reluctantly allows a representative of the Lethe Agency to give her his pitch for their service, it becomes clear that most people are choosing to have painful memories excised, lessening their connections to the fabric of society and to their own identities. It’s not a horror story, since the process is voluntary (despite heavy social pressure), but it does make one think about what’s important to remember for oneself/one’s self.
“The Rushing Waves” is a story about an astronaut on a rescue mission whose father was a submariner, and mysteries of the Deep and the Out. This one is not so gentle, with horrific elements, but also with some hope.
“Cave Systems of the Midwest” focuses on a woman trying to move on with her life after her husband never came back after a cave exploration. Through helping others, she sees how she can take a chance to get what she really wants. The story is full of nostalgic longing but also determination, a bit creepy in places, then scary and suspenseful, with a delightful ending.
The title of “The Dead We Carry Like Leaves” made me think of “The Things They Carried” (1990) by Tim O’Brien, about soldiers in the Vietnam War. This turned out to be a war story too, with a protagonist who’s a sort of medic whose job is to carry the memories of the fallen (literally, with chip-patches) back to their loved ones; as more people die, the voices in her head begin to overwhelm her, along with the physical toll. This one was sad and strong and beautiful.
“Someone Else’s Dreams” is an interesting one, with a protagonist who could be a monster/predator but chooses not to be (except occasionally against someone who really deserves it), enduring constant privation. They find someone that they can allow themselves to be open and vulnerable with, and there’s a moment of joy.
“Tethering” wraps up the collection with the story of Kari swimming through time, jumping from the present to flashbacks in her life, from golden memories to trauma-induced fear, to seeing someone in trouble and taking risks regardless. Another really lovely one.
I’m not going to describe all 20-plus stories here. Some of them are difficult to describe (I’ve tried to be oblique and not too spoilery in this review). Some of them didn’t move me as much, giving me “here’s a vignette of horror” vibes without really taking me anywhere (although “Leopard Seals” did have some fun rules-lawyering). However, all of them come together to enrich the tapestry of life that Clark weaves with her words.
Most of the stories have been published before, in a wide array of venues, but some are original to this collection. This isn’t her first collection, either, and some of her previous ones have won critical acclaim. Even for people who’ve read some of Clark’s work already, though, I’d say it’s well worth it to acquire Every Galaxy a Circle anyway, to experience a concentrated connection with Chloe N. Clark’s work.
Content warnings: Deaths, disappearances, disturbing transformations.
Disclaimer: I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book for review from Clark.
