charcoal thunderstorms

by Cheyenne Raine

charcoal thunderstorms is a collection that dances with a more youthful and adventurous escape of poetry. the book has eighty poems divided into five chapters and six short stories and tales. the paperback version allows for the reader to create art within the pages where the poems dwell. there is an art to loving a storm, here is where it begins.

Genres: Poetry

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2017

About the author

Cheyenne Raine, co-owner of Raine and Rose Co., lives and writes in the San Antonio light, pulling warmth and bliss into her poetry. She is a mother of one and a cheerleader to many poets and friends. With an ever-present cup of tea steeping in her hand, she brings a full heart to every minute of her full schedule. Her published works include Maroon Daydreams, Charcoal Thunderstorms, and Lemon Acuarelas.

Reviews

[Marta :} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by thanking Cheyenne Raine for giving me this copy of her book. This hadn’t influenced in any way my review or my rating.

“you will tell them
that you were
the property of no one.
you were the chaos
in the storm and you
were the deep roar in the
jungles. a rebel of a soul.
you will tell them,
won’t you? that you were
the queen in a dusty throne,
the soldier in rusted chainmail.
you belonged to yourself.”

– queen in a
throne of chaos



This collection of poetry has a very youthful feeling to it, it will make you nostalgic, remind you of all those childhood happiness. The writing was very beautiful and I adored it, I think it was a huge part as to why I gave this book five stars. It makes me really happy that I’ve gotten to read Cheyenne’s book before it blew up (because I’m confident it will), it feels like discovering a young, very promising talent.

This book is split into five sections and the sixth one is made up of stories and tales, that I’ve also enjoyed very much. The tales are mythology-inspired and there’s this one that stood up entirely to me – Valley Magic, the writing was very magical and it was focused on elves, which is always awesome! (Elves never get enough attention)

I really adored how the sections were very different, making it very easy for anyone to enjoy at least one section. The first one called royalty + war, had this very regal, but also bad-ass feeling to it. Monster + magic reminded me very much of childhood tales (also Alice references!!!). Wilderness + city might have been my favourite out of all of them, I have a weak spot for sad poetry, poetry that inspire me nostalgic thoughts. I felt like this section was amazing. Words + sounds and young + living had some very beautiful bookish aspects in them, but also made me think of love and happiness. I think they concluded very well this beautiful and meaningful collection of poetry.

All in all, charcoal thunderstorms was very magical and I’m looking forward to seeing more poetry books from this author because she has lots of potential.

[Stephanie Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is also on my blog: https://betweenfoldedpages.wordpress....

I was given a free PDF copy of charcoal thunderstorms by the author in exchange for a review.

This poetry collection is divided into 6 sections, 5 of the 6 sections are poetry and the last is a group of stories. My favorite section was Monsters and Magic, I also really enjoyed some of the stories. My favorite story was Dreams of Dragons. Cheyenne's writing style is beautiful and magical it leaves you with in a state of awe. This collection is meant to remind you of your childhood, poems full of fantasy imagery including dragons and elves,moons and oceans. Cheyenne is very talented poet,this is actually the second poetry collection of her's I've read (Maroon Daydreams also really liked it.) I love this collection,it felt like reading a fairy tale.

I think that everyone will be able to find something in this collection that they will love. I highly recommend picking up this book. One of my favorite poetry collections of this year! I gave this book a 4.5

[Alicia Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to learn that Ms. Raine had written this book! The book is divided into 6 parts - and given the length of the book, the price is a steal!

I would recommend this book to lovers of contemporary poetry. Raine's impressive command of imagery is something to admire. She really helps the reader paint a vivid picture in their mind.

Raine's style is similar to many modern poets - with lowercase letters and fairy tale imagery, as two examples. However, her voice is unique - and her poetry is on the longer side of the spectrum.

My only criticism is that the book would have been elevated visually with a stronger font choice - and the cover would have benefited from a pop of color. But that is only surface stuff that in no way affects her words.

Definitely worth the read.

[Morgan Nikola-Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of Charcoal Thunderstorms in exchange for an honest review.

"your crown is made of embers
and your eyes hold galaxies.
you are an abyss
of trembling grace"

With her straightforward yet whimsical voice, Cheyenne Raine asks us to meet her on the side of the road, mid-journey. She conjures up a storm to wash all the silt and cynicism we've found caked all over ourselves. And she invites us to run wild and laughing through the rain with her with her while it happens.

PS: I always love the feeling of kinship I have when I finish one of her books. You feel as though you've made a friend.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free PDF of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to read this book because I really enjoyed the rich imagery of Cheyenne Raine's first book, Maroon Daydreams. I found the poetry in Charcoal Thunderstorms to be just as powerful, full of deliciously mismatched metaphors and descriptions. The playful reversion to childhood that Raine aimed for in this book definitely comes across, however I did find the exploration of childhood play to be slightly limited as a theme due to ideas and imagery repeated across several poems.

I think Raine would be a fantastic children's story writer - the end of this book features a handful of short, fun stories inspired by mythology and escapism. However, I wasn't fond of the lack of capital letters here - in story form as opposed to poetry, this became difficult to read and keep track of where sentences started!

I think this is a great book to read as your breather from a stressful day with a warm drink on the sofa!

[Leila Tualla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book with its whimsical imagery of dragons, kingdoms and queens. Broken up into 6 sections, it was hard to pick which section of poetry was my favorite. I loved the childlike imaginings and wonder that flowed in and out of her words. I could almost taste and feel and see those memories of innocence and daydreams. I'll be rereading this collection from time to time to remind myself that there was a time where my laughter sounded carefree and joy seemed like an ordinary emotion, not something to choose. Well done, Cheyenne.

​***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

[Bibliophile Brew · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ever poetry and gosh it was so worthy. Raine is so talented, this book talked to me in so many levels that I can even begin to explain. One thing was for sure, it left me wanting more.

[Sasha Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

so i'm watching this movie '1 night' and there's these scenes where it's a soft, quieter tone to them. if you've seen a romance film of any kind you know what those scene are like and i'm almost to the end of this book and my head gets this warm, fuzzy feeling - euphoria - and it's one of the best feelings in the world. cheyenne's writing from beginning to end does that for me. it's warm, it's magical, it's uplifting, it's heartbreaking. if you need a longer, but soft and warm, poetry book to read, i suggest this one. if you need a little short i suggest maroon daydreams but no matter what if you ever want that warm fuzzy feeling in the back of your mind, that euphoria, read cheyenne raine's work. she's going placing. oh and if you can focus on the book and a movie, i suggest watching 1 night with it, you'll understand why when you do.

[Ashly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like maroon daydreams (which I also highly recommend), this book is filled with poetry crafted out of magic, warmth, and whimsy. I love Cheyenne's style and will now pick up anything she writes in the future.

My favorites pieces in this collection were queen in a throne of chaos, queen of honey and salt, tired highway, horror films, daily sounds, and speechless things.

[USOM · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Disclaimer: I received this free book from the author. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

I love the way these poems are laid out and organized. There is amazing content and each poem gives you a little glimmer into a stunning world. The collection is entrancing. The collection is simple, but full of meaningful imagery that seeks to soothe you, to rouse you, to connect with you, and make it seem like you're not alone.

[Jessica C · Rating 4 out of 5]

"people
are like libraries.
each memory
held in a book.
each year
held on a shelf.

and, oh,
i am so ready
to spend hours
in the library
of you."


I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS COLLECTION. It was so well written, and I connected with so many of the pieces. It was incredible and a new favorite poetry collection for sure. I highly recommend giving it a try! The short little stories at the end were adorable and added so much to this. Definitely check it out :)

[Anne Chivon · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

This collection was such a warming experience. My favourite poems and pieces where the ones that brought fantasy in... though that doesn't make me love the others any less. The imagery was great and so inspiring. I want to write books from these poems.

Absolutely in love.

[Rebeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of poetic tales
that inspired my creativity.
I adore this poet,
her writing style, and
the wonder of
imagination this book
radiates.

[Kayla Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's the best way I can describe this collection of Raine's poetry. So many of the poems have a feeling of child-like fantasy. At the same time, they also hint of perseverance, determination and maturity. Innocent but not naive. Powerful messages lay within many of these poems, and then others just paint picturesque scenes that you find yourself longing to be a part of. Whether you're looking for poems you can identify with or ones that capture simplicity and complexity simultaneously, this collection by Raine is one that won't disappoint.

[M.F. Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, the front cover is completely my aesthetic, beautiful and intriguing, like the words inside. Cheyenne Raine, most definitely knows her craft, her writing is warm, whimsical and wonderful. My favourite section of this collection was “monsters + magic”, and my favourite poem was “running with wolves”. Cannot wait to read maroon daydreams.