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The Kingdom Isles #1
The Lightning Bride
What if finding a husband meant losing her freedom?
Maydeline Shadow dreamed of adventures on the Five Seas, certainly not settling in the Northern Kingdom with any of her mother’s choice of suitors. But when her family’s secret is exposed, Maylie is forced by old rules to find a husband.
Taking matters into her own hands, she flees her colony and is thrust into an unknown world of magic, mermaids, and marauders with new and foreign rules. She must not only discover her own mystical abilities, but a wicked ploy to destroy her family.
If she chooses the wrong man, she could lose it all.
Maydeline Shadow dreamed of adventures on the Five Seas, certainly not settling in the Northern Kingdom with any of her mother’s choice of suitors. But when her family’s secret is exposed, Maylie is forced by old rules to find a husband.
Taking matters into her own hands, she flees her colony and is thrust into an unknown world of magic, mermaids, and marauders with new and foreign rules. She must not only discover her own mystical abilities, but a wicked ploy to destroy her family.
If she chooses the wrong man, she could lose it all.
- GenresFantasy
335 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
5 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Sonntag
5 books45 followersD. M. Sonntag majored in biomedical sciences and minored in creative writing, calling herself an “analyst by day, author by night.” She has been creating stories as far back as she can remember, and is thrilled to be able to put all the fantasy living in her mind onto paper, starting with her debut novel, The Lightning Bride. She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, dog-in-law, and wild birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 26, 2020
Having read a good amount of young adult/fantasy books in my life, it’s always refreshing to find a new series that instantly grabs my attention, and The Lightning Bride does exactly that. As book one in the Kingdom Isles series, the Lightning Bride does a fantastic job in creating, establishing, and explaining the world and accompanying lore, as well as introducing a cast of interesting characters that each go through their own unique development. Original ideas are hard to come by in this genre, but The Lightning Bride’s various and intertwining plots are captivating and unique, and made it difficult to keep the book down for long. If you’re in need of a good read that will leave you wanting more, or if you’re just a fan of pirates, magic, and adventure, then I would urge you to give The Lightning Bride a read.
October 25, 2020
If you're looking for a new favorite book, you've selected the right one. I myself am completely picky selecting reading materials, yet I literally finished the book in two days unable to set it down( unless I was physically required to! DONT READ AND DRIVE!). This book will take you on an adventure following Maylie's journey but also this book has Mermaids, Magic, Marauders. Also the dark family secret you won't wanna miss! Divine willing you'll love this book just as much as I did!
April 6, 2021
I haven't read many fantasy books in my adult life, but this book helped to rekindle my old love for the worlds of fantasy. As someone who is most naturally drawn in (or repelled from) stories because of the characters, I was pleased to find that I cared about these uniquely crafted characters very quickly. As they drew me in more and more to the book, I found myself surprisingly caught up in the adventures and creatures and the overall wonderful world that this novel created. I am incredibly excited to see how this story continues throughout the rest of the series, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has either forgotten their love of fantasy or who has never had the experience of getting swept away into the joys and adventures of another world.
October 27, 2020
From the first page to the last I felt like I was taken on a journey along with Maylie and a cast of characters, through a world that was filled with tradition, adventure, secrets, power, conflict, magic, mermaids, and more. Thanks to the well defined descriptions of the characters and the Kingdoms (as well as being provided a map), I was well on my way to seeing the story play out in my mind, as if I was watching an action packed movie.
The main character, Maylie, wants more for her life than the one being offered to her, as a young woman raised in the Northern Kingdom. Somehow deep inside she knows she is destined for more. When her family’s circumstances change, Maylie believes she holds the key to helping them and she decides to take a “leap” of faith by throwing tradition out the window. But in her youthful haste Maylie has to discover that what little she did know about her world would soon be surpassed from what she learned reading her beloved pirate novel.
With every page and chapter Maylie was presented with new choices and old responsibilities that she had to navigate, both on land and at sea. She started off her adventure having to wear a disguise to escape her homeland, and found a new identity, one that would allow her to be free from the bonds and rules of her native Northern Kingdom, finding strengths she never knew she had.
What Maylie thinks as her quest to save her family’s reputation turns out as her discovery to find her true calling. Will she choose “duty” or “passion” or even “destiny?”
I couldn’t put the book down, and yet I knew it would have to come to an end, at least for now. I am so looking forward to Book 2! This book was filled with so many unique characters with their own mysterious pasts and personalities, and I want to know more about them. Hopefully Maylie will be a part of their adventures as well. Until then, I’ll just have to re-read The Kingdom Isles Book 1, The Lightning Bride, again.
The main character, Maylie, wants more for her life than the one being offered to her, as a young woman raised in the Northern Kingdom. Somehow deep inside she knows she is destined for more. When her family’s circumstances change, Maylie believes she holds the key to helping them and she decides to take a “leap” of faith by throwing tradition out the window. But in her youthful haste Maylie has to discover that what little she did know about her world would soon be surpassed from what she learned reading her beloved pirate novel.
With every page and chapter Maylie was presented with new choices and old responsibilities that she had to navigate, both on land and at sea. She started off her adventure having to wear a disguise to escape her homeland, and found a new identity, one that would allow her to be free from the bonds and rules of her native Northern Kingdom, finding strengths she never knew she had.
What Maylie thinks as her quest to save her family’s reputation turns out as her discovery to find her true calling. Will she choose “duty” or “passion” or even “destiny?”
I couldn’t put the book down, and yet I knew it would have to come to an end, at least for now. I am so looking forward to Book 2! This book was filled with so many unique characters with their own mysterious pasts and personalities, and I want to know more about them. Hopefully Maylie will be a part of their adventures as well. Until then, I’ll just have to re-read The Kingdom Isles Book 1, The Lightning Bride, again.
December 6, 2021
I was absolutely enthralled by this world! It was so interesting to see how the Northern Kingdom treated women and mermaids… and what that meant for Maylie and her family. The action and pacing were on point. So much happened and it was easy to get lost in the adventure! And the banter? So much fun! With mermaids, marauders, and magic around every corner, this book is a delight to read! 🏴☠️ ⚡️
June 8, 2021
DM Sonntag creates a vivid world for the reader that invokes Puritanical villages of old, while being a creation all her own. Her treatment of merfolk is one that I have never seen before. The idea of women going through a "turn" to become mermaids (much like other shifters of lore) grabbed my attention and illustrates her creativity. Adversaries abound in this swash-buckling adventure that forces a flawed heroine to reexamine her priorities and learn that, despite what she has been taught, men will not always be the answers to her problems.
Of all the characters, Ferryn really stands out. His motivations and history jump off the page. I am looking forward to learning more in the Golden Wolf.
Of all the characters, Ferryn really stands out. His motivations and history jump off the page. I am looking forward to learning more in the Golden Wolf.
December 21, 2021
This is an exciting, magic-filled ride throughout! The opening chapter is a thrilling and harrowing beginning to the narrative that highlights the risks and dangers the characters face. Sonntag mixes high-fantasy magic with a maritime aesthetic quite well, and it’s clear the author put a ton of time and care into the magic of the world and how it operates, as explored through the burgeoning magic users of the story.
The narrative primarily focuses on Maylie, though bounces to other characters as well. Maylie is impulsive and curious but also self-defeating, often leaping (literally) before she looks and walking right into dangerous situations. Unfortunately she doesn’t seem to learn all that often from these, but it continues to create drama.
Though the story has a great pirate atmosphere, it at times loses itself and the plot in said atmosphere. There were a few instances where scenes or chapters felt dedicated to worldbuilding more so than the actual story itself, and more than a few times it felt as if there was an entirely separate story being told and we were getting glimpses of it. Sometimes these came about naturally and other times we were just dropped into the moment.
There’s also a ton of worldbuilding crammed into a book with not a lot of runway, making the reader keep up with it all on the fly as new situations and islands are coming up. By the end, the hierarchy makes sense, but there were a few times where I got tripped up on political or magical relationships and dynamics.
Having said that, this is definitely one of the more unique and interesting fantasy settings out there. The characters feel lived in and the locations all have unspoken history to them, inviting the exploratory feel of the narrative.
The standout character of the novel is without a doubt Ferryn, who harbors a heavy lineage and family relationship throughout. He reads like a fun pirate in the vein of Edward Kenway or Captain Hook (Once Upon a Time). His dynamic with all characters made them constantly more interesting.
The Lightning Bride is a fast-paced adventure that fans of fantasy and pirates do not want to miss!
The narrative primarily focuses on Maylie, though bounces to other characters as well. Maylie is impulsive and curious but also self-defeating, often leaping (literally) before she looks and walking right into dangerous situations. Unfortunately she doesn’t seem to learn all that often from these, but it continues to create drama.
Though the story has a great pirate atmosphere, it at times loses itself and the plot in said atmosphere. There were a few instances where scenes or chapters felt dedicated to worldbuilding more so than the actual story itself, and more than a few times it felt as if there was an entirely separate story being told and we were getting glimpses of it. Sometimes these came about naturally and other times we were just dropped into the moment.
There’s also a ton of worldbuilding crammed into a book with not a lot of runway, making the reader keep up with it all on the fly as new situations and islands are coming up. By the end, the hierarchy makes sense, but there were a few times where I got tripped up on political or magical relationships and dynamics.
Having said that, this is definitely one of the more unique and interesting fantasy settings out there. The characters feel lived in and the locations all have unspoken history to them, inviting the exploratory feel of the narrative.
The standout character of the novel is without a doubt Ferryn, who harbors a heavy lineage and family relationship throughout. He reads like a fun pirate in the vein of Edward Kenway or Captain Hook (Once Upon a Time). His dynamic with all characters made them constantly more interesting.
The Lightning Bride is a fast-paced adventure that fans of fantasy and pirates do not want to miss!
August 17, 2021
Another fantastic self-published book that more people need to know about!! The Lightning Bride is a high seas adventure story and a fantasy with exquisitely detailed worldbuilding.
The book centers on Maylie, a 19-year-old woman who is desperately seeking a husband. The customs of her kingdom are rigid and religion is taken extremely seriously. I loved the character arc in this, as Maylie went from a naive woman who feels like she must rely on men into a strong, self-reliant individual. There are chapters peppered throughout the book in Maylie's brother, Behn's, point of view and he grew on me fast. Alongside Maylie, he had his own well-developed character arc. The side characters are all equally fascinating, especially the marauder, Ferryn. He's a loose cannon and it was hard to predict what he'd do next! It made the book a lot of fun. Elias, his brother, kept me on my toes as well.
The worldbuilding is amazing. I loved the unique mermaid lore, the way that mages worked and their bonding up or down, and the witch character intrigued me and I hope we get to meet her again in the next book.
Which, speaking of, just came out! I have already hit the buy button and here I go, watching the mailbox for another book. :P
The book centers on Maylie, a 19-year-old woman who is desperately seeking a husband. The customs of her kingdom are rigid and religion is taken extremely seriously. I loved the character arc in this, as Maylie went from a naive woman who feels like she must rely on men into a strong, self-reliant individual. There are chapters peppered throughout the book in Maylie's brother, Behn's, point of view and he grew on me fast. Alongside Maylie, he had his own well-developed character arc. The side characters are all equally fascinating, especially the marauder, Ferryn. He's a loose cannon and it was hard to predict what he'd do next! It made the book a lot of fun. Elias, his brother, kept me on my toes as well.
The worldbuilding is amazing. I loved the unique mermaid lore, the way that mages worked and their bonding up or down, and the witch character intrigued me and I hope we get to meet her again in the next book.
Which, speaking of, just came out! I have already hit the buy button and here I go, watching the mailbox for another book. :P
January 2, 2021
Wow what a read! I loved this book so much especially all the twists and turns. I have to admit when she met her husband, I was hesitant about continuing the story considering the build up with Jacquob (who I wished was the romance interest) but I continued reading and am SO glad I did. The ending was stunning, really stunning and I highly recommand this book to everyone.
August 25, 2021
A fantastic debut! This book was a classic adventure full of pirates, maidens longing to break their mold, and magic! I really enjoyed this fast paced tale and am looking forward to reading the next one because I seriously need more Ferryn in my life.
June 2, 2021
Have you ever wondered where you belong?
Maydeline Shadow is wondering the same thing and all the more as her family’s life and reputation in the Northern Kingdom begins crumbling.
Reviled for their connection to a world of mermaids and magic, it seems that the Shadow family is relying on Maylie to find a husband who can restore their standing.
But as Maylie searches, she realizes that her family is swept up in a story years in the making, hunted by a crazed mage who is desperate for revenge. And as the days pass, the most urgent question becomes if the Shadow family will survive the danger at all…
The Lightning Bride is an action-packed, YA fantasy novel that blends myth and magic in an exciting and unique way. Whether you’re looking for adventure on the sea or longing to know what dangers might lurk beneath the waves, this story will have something to intrigue and delight YA readers.
The biggest difficulty I had while reading The Lightning Bride was finding Maylie unrelateable at times. I struggled to connect to her character, and it made it difficult to root for her throughout the story.
That being said, there are many strong aspects to this novel. I particularly loved the way that so many different cultures were included and explored.
All in all, D.M. Sonntag has created a unique world, one that readers looking for a fantasy adventure will enjoy!
Maydeline Shadow is wondering the same thing and all the more as her family’s life and reputation in the Northern Kingdom begins crumbling.
Reviled for their connection to a world of mermaids and magic, it seems that the Shadow family is relying on Maylie to find a husband who can restore their standing.
But as Maylie searches, she realizes that her family is swept up in a story years in the making, hunted by a crazed mage who is desperate for revenge. And as the days pass, the most urgent question becomes if the Shadow family will survive the danger at all…
The Lightning Bride is an action-packed, YA fantasy novel that blends myth and magic in an exciting and unique way. Whether you’re looking for adventure on the sea or longing to know what dangers might lurk beneath the waves, this story will have something to intrigue and delight YA readers.
The biggest difficulty I had while reading The Lightning Bride was finding Maylie unrelateable at times. I struggled to connect to her character, and it made it difficult to root for her throughout the story.
That being said, there are many strong aspects to this novel. I particularly loved the way that so many different cultures were included and explored.
All in all, D.M. Sonntag has created a unique world, one that readers looking for a fantasy adventure will enjoy!
April 23, 2021
Note: This book contains a focus of religion throughout the book that is constantly mentioned. If religious talk, or a book focused on religion, bothers you, this book may not be for you.
“The Lightning Bride” is about a young girl named Maylie who lives in a society where women are not allowed to go anywhere without a man escorting them since women are pretty much considered only as possessions. When her mother and brother are outed as wicked creatures according to the Divine/God, Maylie goes to find a husband as a necessity and ends up questioning her religious teachings as she encounters mermaids, pirates, magic within herself and others, and finds a world much bigger than her own. Throughout everything, she tries to find the power within herself to not only control her magic, but also to try to change the fate of her family by marrying the right man.
The book overall was a decent read where magic, mermaids, pirates, and a seafaring adventure were prominent. Who doesn’t love adventure? The story premise really made me excited and I couldn’t wait to see how mermaids worked in this world. The story began well, very vivid, and drew me in with great pacing that made sense for a start, but there were pacing issues throughout the rest of the book. This was due to time gaps, too many character POVs that didn’t always seem to make sense for me (which broke the potential for character development and getting me invested in the characters), and by pushing action throughout the book instead of giving space for the reader to take a breath and process information.
The book was filled with action and adventure which is great to get the reader intrigued, but it also needed more balance. While it was decently balanced at the start, by midway, the pacing and action sped up ten-fold. This was most obvious, and became problematic for me, once Maylie ended up on the island and met her future husband. From the moment they met, the character development was lost and there were times where I was confused as a reader as the book went along. There were moments where I would stop reading to flip back a few pages because I was worried that I missed a page or so of vital information to bridge where the next part of the story was coming from. It’s because of that confusion that made it hard to grow invested in any characters because I wasn’t given a chance to, and my investment in Maylie was also lost. I had to push myself to finish the book and found that near the end is when a lot of the confusion was answered. The ending revealed all of the different character motivations, but for me it appeared a little too late in the book to really enjoy the novel because I felt like it could’ve been built upon from the middle and tied to the ending better. It was at the end that I truly realized what the author was trying to do, but that middle part confusion, unfortunately, just really took me out from the book.
Overall, the book had a great premise and had potential. It had a lot of action that moved the book forward, but just needed more slower moments where building could’ve occurred. If you’re looking for a seafaring adventure with mermaids, pirates, and a splash of magic, then you very well might like this book! It just didn’t quite do it for me.
“The Lightning Bride” is about a young girl named Maylie who lives in a society where women are not allowed to go anywhere without a man escorting them since women are pretty much considered only as possessions. When her mother and brother are outed as wicked creatures according to the Divine/God, Maylie goes to find a husband as a necessity and ends up questioning her religious teachings as she encounters mermaids, pirates, magic within herself and others, and finds a world much bigger than her own. Throughout everything, she tries to find the power within herself to not only control her magic, but also to try to change the fate of her family by marrying the right man.
The book overall was a decent read where magic, mermaids, pirates, and a seafaring adventure were prominent. Who doesn’t love adventure? The story premise really made me excited and I couldn’t wait to see how mermaids worked in this world. The story began well, very vivid, and drew me in with great pacing that made sense for a start, but there were pacing issues throughout the rest of the book. This was due to time gaps, too many character POVs that didn’t always seem to make sense for me (which broke the potential for character development and getting me invested in the characters), and by pushing action throughout the book instead of giving space for the reader to take a breath and process information.
The book was filled with action and adventure which is great to get the reader intrigued, but it also needed more balance. While it was decently balanced at the start, by midway, the pacing and action sped up ten-fold. This was most obvious, and became problematic for me, once Maylie ended up on the island and met her future husband. From the moment they met, the character development was lost and there were times where I was confused as a reader as the book went along. There were moments where I would stop reading to flip back a few pages because I was worried that I missed a page or so of vital information to bridge where the next part of the story was coming from. It’s because of that confusion that made it hard to grow invested in any characters because I wasn’t given a chance to, and my investment in Maylie was also lost. I had to push myself to finish the book and found that near the end is when a lot of the confusion was answered. The ending revealed all of the different character motivations, but for me it appeared a little too late in the book to really enjoy the novel because I felt like it could’ve been built upon from the middle and tied to the ending better. It was at the end that I truly realized what the author was trying to do, but that middle part confusion, unfortunately, just really took me out from the book.
Overall, the book had a great premise and had potential. It had a lot of action that moved the book forward, but just needed more slower moments where building could’ve occurred. If you’re looking for a seafaring adventure with mermaids, pirates, and a splash of magic, then you very well might like this book! It just didn’t quite do it for me.
June 25, 2025
This is a swashbuckling adventure rivalling that of "Pirates of the Caribbean"!
I flew through this book because it brought me back to the classic adventure stories I grew up with as a kid while proving to be remarkably fresh.
"The Lightning Bride" by D. M. Sonntag is a high-octave adventure set in a fantasy version of both the Golden Age of Pirates mixed with the American Revolution and let me tell you, the setting is incredible. Sonntag has created such a rich world of lore, religion, philosophy, and culture that is on par with Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. The world of the Domain and the Kingdom Isles is so detailed in its history that I get the feeling that I've only peeled back a small layer of its richness. Even the gender roles of the Northern Kingdom plays one of the most pivotal roles that drives the story forward.
At the center of the story is Maylie Shadow, a young woman who is expected to take a husband for her family but she yearns for a life of adventure. When a precarious situation befalls her family, she's forced to leave the nest and fly on her own, though unbeknownst to both her and the reader, she falls back into old habits. Maylie was such a fun character to follow in this story because she's completely out of her element and being tossed from one chaotic situation to another, just like the reader. It keeps the franticness of her quest at the forefront, but she also goes through incredible growth as a character. She makes mistakes, she's brash, and she doesn't always think things through. But by the end, you're rooting for her to kick some butt.
The other characters are standouts as well. Ferryn is the typical brooding marauder but there's a more nuanced reason for his attitude. Elias is a pure agent of chaos rivalling that of Loki and the Joker, making him unpredictable and his motives murky. Hynric is the dashing swashbuckler with charm, but he has moments where he loses his cool. The main antagonist is also a fascinating character because his presence is felt throughout the story without being fully revealed, allowing the reader to savor the build-up.
I only have a minor critique which was sometimes the chapters/scene jumps were a bit jarring. However, this allowed for a fast-paced story so it worked out once I got used to it.
Overall, "The Lightning Bride" was a spectacular adventure rivalling stories like "The Princess Bride". The world is rich, the action is heart-pounding, and the characters were all fresh and nuanced. I'm a sucker for a fun fantasy adventure, and this ticked all of my boxes. I cannot wait to see what Sonntag has in store for the sequel.
I flew through this book because it brought me back to the classic adventure stories I grew up with as a kid while proving to be remarkably fresh.
"The Lightning Bride" by D. M. Sonntag is a high-octave adventure set in a fantasy version of both the Golden Age of Pirates mixed with the American Revolution and let me tell you, the setting is incredible. Sonntag has created such a rich world of lore, religion, philosophy, and culture that is on par with Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. The world of the Domain and the Kingdom Isles is so detailed in its history that I get the feeling that I've only peeled back a small layer of its richness. Even the gender roles of the Northern Kingdom plays one of the most pivotal roles that drives the story forward.
At the center of the story is Maylie Shadow, a young woman who is expected to take a husband for her family but she yearns for a life of adventure. When a precarious situation befalls her family, she's forced to leave the nest and fly on her own, though unbeknownst to both her and the reader, she falls back into old habits. Maylie was such a fun character to follow in this story because she's completely out of her element and being tossed from one chaotic situation to another, just like the reader. It keeps the franticness of her quest at the forefront, but she also goes through incredible growth as a character. She makes mistakes, she's brash, and she doesn't always think things through. But by the end, you're rooting for her to kick some butt.
The other characters are standouts as well. Ferryn is the typical brooding marauder but there's a more nuanced reason for his attitude. Elias is a pure agent of chaos rivalling that of Loki and the Joker, making him unpredictable and his motives murky. Hynric is the dashing swashbuckler with charm, but he has moments where he loses his cool. The main antagonist is also a fascinating character because his presence is felt throughout the story without being fully revealed, allowing the reader to savor the build-up.
I only have a minor critique which was sometimes the chapters/scene jumps were a bit jarring. However, this allowed for a fast-paced story so it worked out once I got used to it.
Overall, "The Lightning Bride" was a spectacular adventure rivalling stories like "The Princess Bride". The world is rich, the action is heart-pounding, and the characters were all fresh and nuanced. I'm a sucker for a fun fantasy adventure, and this ticked all of my boxes. I cannot wait to see what Sonntag has in store for the sequel.
May 26, 2025
(Still rereading the first indie novel I ever read even now, that's how good it is!)
A rip-roaring adventure full of pirates, mermaids and magic, this novel completely subverted my expectations, creating a unique, vivid world that is so well thought and written. Maylie is a convincing and engaging character who develops from a somewhat naive and spoiled girl to a more responsible and restrained character, there were plenty of plot twists and suprises to keep me guessing and surprised, and the ending gives me hope that we'll return to the Kingdom Isles soon!
A rip-roaring adventure full of pirates, mermaids and magic, this novel completely subverted my expectations, creating a unique, vivid world that is so well thought and written. Maylie is a convincing and engaging character who develops from a somewhat naive and spoiled girl to a more responsible and restrained character, there were plenty of plot twists and suprises to keep me guessing and surprised, and the ending gives me hope that we'll return to the Kingdom Isles soon!
June 3, 2022
**This is a spoiler-free review.**
Maylie yearns for a life free from the rigid, misogynistic, merciless expectations the Northern Kingdom presses upon its women. She cannot even walk out her front door unless she's on a man's arm.
In her spare time, she reads books of grand sea-faring adventures by gentleman pirates, and knows that the sea is her only hope.
But when a secret her mother and brother carry thrusts their entire family into chaos, Maylie disguises herself as a man to escape a life-long marriage as a captive in her own home. Taking to the seas, she is thrust into a world of mermaids and mages, marauders and (hinted) werewolves.
The life she dreamed of truly carries some of the charms she dreamt of, but also a much darker side than she could have ever comprehended.
The Lightning Bride is a brilliant debut novel that any Pirates of the Caribbean/Frozen lover will adore. There is wit, grit, and sacrifice. Swashbuckling and magic-battling adventures abound on nearly every page. Romance is a side-theme for Maylie, though it is kept clean, and she discovers love-at-first-sight is not always what it seems.
Maylie grows tremendously through the book, leaving behind her naïve wealthy lifestyle and facing what truly happens when you fall too fast into adventure, love, and betrayal. I am ecstatic to see where she is swept off to next!
**Trigger Warnings: Racism, Misogyny (though condemned by main character), Oppression Using "Religious" Guise, Coercion, Drugging Mentioned, War, Death of a Loved One**
Maylie yearns for a life free from the rigid, misogynistic, merciless expectations the Northern Kingdom presses upon its women. She cannot even walk out her front door unless she's on a man's arm.
In her spare time, she reads books of grand sea-faring adventures by gentleman pirates, and knows that the sea is her only hope.
But when a secret her mother and brother carry thrusts their entire family into chaos, Maylie disguises herself as a man to escape a life-long marriage as a captive in her own home. Taking to the seas, she is thrust into a world of mermaids and mages, marauders and (hinted) werewolves.
The life she dreamed of truly carries some of the charms she dreamt of, but also a much darker side than she could have ever comprehended.
The Lightning Bride is a brilliant debut novel that any Pirates of the Caribbean/Frozen lover will adore. There is wit, grit, and sacrifice. Swashbuckling and magic-battling adventures abound on nearly every page. Romance is a side-theme for Maylie, though it is kept clean, and she discovers love-at-first-sight is not always what it seems.
Maylie grows tremendously through the book, leaving behind her naïve wealthy lifestyle and facing what truly happens when you fall too fast into adventure, love, and betrayal. I am ecstatic to see where she is swept off to next!
**Trigger Warnings: Racism, Misogyny (though condemned by main character), Oppression Using "Religious" Guise, Coercion, Drugging Mentioned, War, Death of a Loved One**
October 12, 2021
This story was great fun and the perfect escapism. Seafaring marauders, mages, and mermaids! Never have I wanted to virport so much in my life! Those who have read it will know what I'm talking about 😉
It was refreshing for the heroine to be naive and a little bit annoying - like an imperfect best friend (because in real life none of us are perfect). It added just another layer to the story-telling - frustration in the best possible sense.
This was a compelling read and so hard to put down because I just had to know what was going to happen next! This novel was full of surprises 😁 If you like adventure then this is definitely for you.
I thoroughly recommend this and can't wait for the next in the series.
It was refreshing for the heroine to be naive and a little bit annoying - like an imperfect best friend (because in real life none of us are perfect). It added just another layer to the story-telling - frustration in the best possible sense.
This was a compelling read and so hard to put down because I just had to know what was going to happen next! This novel was full of surprises 😁 If you like adventure then this is definitely for you.
I thoroughly recommend this and can't wait for the next in the series.
February 19, 2021
The Lightning Bride is a fantastic read full of mermaids, marauders, magic and adventure! The characters were well developed and so were the lands they travel to. I quickly fell in love with the world Sonntag created along with her main character, Maylie, who desires more than anything to be an independent woman. The pacing and action was very engaging throughout the whole book and I found myself having a hard time putting it down! The book also ended enough to wrap up the plot, but left it open as well. I’m hoping there is another book to see what adventure Maylie finds herself in next!
August 28, 2021
This is one riotous tale, and keeps you wondering what twist is coming next.
To call Lightning Bride something like Pirates of the Caribbean with extra magic would be a disservice. Sonntag did a brilliant Sanderson-esque job building a believable world, complete with bits of language and an entire religion. Populating this world with so many distinct and memorable characters is the clincher even before the consistent chaos virports into the fray with a puff of blue smoke.
Ferryn in particular stood out. It’s easy to connect with the grumpy Geralt of the seas.
I could gush over the story more, but why not just pick it up and see for yourself? It’s pure fun.
To call Lightning Bride something like Pirates of the Caribbean with extra magic would be a disservice. Sonntag did a brilliant Sanderson-esque job building a believable world, complete with bits of language and an entire religion. Populating this world with so many distinct and memorable characters is the clincher even before the consistent chaos virports into the fray with a puff of blue smoke.
Ferryn in particular stood out. It’s easy to connect with the grumpy Geralt of the seas.
I could gush over the story more, but why not just pick it up and see for yourself? It’s pure fun.
April 30, 2022
Hi, the author here. It’s weird reviewing my own book, but as a reader I love seeing the inside scoop on how an author crafted the book, behind-the-scenes thoughts and reflections. So I’m going to do that.
This is my debut novel. Not the first book I started plotting or writing, but the first book I published. It certainly changed and grew from the first draft written six years prior, but it’s certainly not perfect, having flaws just like me, an author and a human. I’ve grown in writing skills, learned from mistakes, but am still expanding my knowledge of the craft.
Overall, I think it’s a good story and solid start, so that’s why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
This is the first book in a trilogy, with prequel novellas in between. You can find more about The Kingdom Isles series at https://dmsonntag.com/
This is my debut novel. Not the first book I started plotting or writing, but the first book I published. It certainly changed and grew from the first draft written six years prior, but it’s certainly not perfect, having flaws just like me, an author and a human. I’ve grown in writing skills, learned from mistakes, but am still expanding my knowledge of the craft.
Overall, I think it’s a good story and solid start, so that’s why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
This is the first book in a trilogy, with prequel novellas in between. You can find more about The Kingdom Isles series at https://dmsonntag.com/
August 29, 2021
I loved this book so much! I was absolutely fascinated by the religion and the different kingdoms. It was also nice to read a fantasy heroine I could really understand and relate to. There were a TON of different men in this story, so much so I almost got them all confused, but I’m not complaining. I’m so excited to read the prequel and the next book in the series!
June 15, 2023
The MC was just so much fun. She's definitely naive and bratty, but it makes sense in the world she was raised. If you like mermaids, lore, and magick, this is definitely an adventure you'll enjoy.
Looking forward to the Golden Wolf.
Looking forward to the Golden Wolf.
February 1, 2021
This story was great from the start. So many books take chapters before the plot begins to pick up, but this book has you hooked from the very beginning. I loved the combination of fantasy, adventure, and romance in this story and it left me feeling excited to read the next book! Every character has a well-developed, fascinating story of their own and the connection of their stories adds depth to the plot. If you're looking for a unique and gripping story for your next read, look no further!
July 13, 2021
I’ve read many young adult fantasy novels that have shared tropes and similarities, but with The Lightning Bride Sonntag has created a refreshingly original story, world, and characters!
The Lightning Bride hooked me from the start, and took me on an adventure as I followed Maylie, a young woman who thirsts for the thrills and freedom of life on the seas and beyond her restrictive home society, as she gets her wish. But her adventure turns out not to be as straight-forward as it was portrayed in the novel she read as a child. Instead it is full of twists and turns, excitement and struggle, and romance and heartache as she learns how much bigger the world is beyond where she grew up. Her journey remained engaging and unpredictable to the end.
Maylie’s story was also enriched with a fascinating cast of characters. Every secondary character felt real, and I found myself invested in their stories and wanting to learn more about them. I also loved to see how Maylie’s relationship to each of them evolved throughout the course of the story.
Sonntag has also created a unique world with many layers and branches that are explored organically throughout the story. It has pirates and mermaids and magic, and the author seamlessly blends it all together to make it feel natural in this world. The magic systems are varied and contain unique elements that are interesting to learn about and to see how they affect each of the characters’ lives. I ended this book with the desire to continue exploring all the different corners of the Domain.
The Lightning Bride not only ended with a satisfying conclusion, but also with a promise of more adventure, and I am awaiting the next book with great anticipation!
The Lightning Bride hooked me from the start, and took me on an adventure as I followed Maylie, a young woman who thirsts for the thrills and freedom of life on the seas and beyond her restrictive home society, as she gets her wish. But her adventure turns out not to be as straight-forward as it was portrayed in the novel she read as a child. Instead it is full of twists and turns, excitement and struggle, and romance and heartache as she learns how much bigger the world is beyond where she grew up. Her journey remained engaging and unpredictable to the end.
Maylie’s story was also enriched with a fascinating cast of characters. Every secondary character felt real, and I found myself invested in their stories and wanting to learn more about them. I also loved to see how Maylie’s relationship to each of them evolved throughout the course of the story.
Sonntag has also created a unique world with many layers and branches that are explored organically throughout the story. It has pirates and mermaids and magic, and the author seamlessly blends it all together to make it feel natural in this world. The magic systems are varied and contain unique elements that are interesting to learn about and to see how they affect each of the characters’ lives. I ended this book with the desire to continue exploring all the different corners of the Domain.
The Lightning Bride not only ended with a satisfying conclusion, but also with a promise of more adventure, and I am awaiting the next book with great anticipation!
June 21, 2021
The Lightning Bride certainly got my brain working from the get-go, with the intensity of a well-written prologue promising revenge, and also with Maylie's family being put on Trial in the first chapter. Her whole family and livelihood is put in jeopardy as her mother's and brother's secrets are exposed, officially ending her engagement and guaranteeing she will never escape her island "prison." But her spunky personality promised action - action I thoroughly enjoyed as she went on an adventure with love, heartbreak, marauders, killer mermaids, and magic.
I liked Maylie as a flawed and almost selfish heroine. She wants to escape from her home island so badly that she's willing to become a Bride-in-Waiting and escape on a ship to a military base, all so she can marry wealthy and escape. But that's where her plan ends, with her and her brother captured! Then she just begins a spiral of seemingly bad decisions that lead to more bad decisions that she tries to convince herself. Unfortunately, they always came back to bite her in the butt.
Additionally, I really liked how Sonntag wove Maylie's relationships, especially with the men she cared for: one taught her love, another taught her betrayal, and the last taught her freedom. My heart was always fluttering with Jacquob and the charming Hynric, but also for the sweet moments she shared with Behn and Ferryn, who more importantly taught her life lessons. While I'm sure this was meant to be more romantic, I felt this succeeded quite well as a coming-of-age story for a young woman trying to escape her life and finding so much more out there!
I liked Maylie as a flawed and almost selfish heroine. She wants to escape from her home island so badly that she's willing to become a Bride-in-Waiting and escape on a ship to a military base, all so she can marry wealthy and escape. But that's where her plan ends, with her and her brother captured! Then she just begins a spiral of seemingly bad decisions that lead to more bad decisions that she tries to convince herself. Unfortunately, they always came back to bite her in the butt.
Additionally, I really liked how Sonntag wove Maylie's relationships, especially with the men she cared for: one taught her love, another taught her betrayal, and the last taught her freedom. My heart was always fluttering with Jacquob and the charming Hynric, but also for the sweet moments she shared with Behn and Ferryn, who more importantly taught her life lessons. While I'm sure this was meant to be more romantic, I felt this succeeded quite well as a coming-of-age story for a young woman trying to escape her life and finding so much more out there!
March 28, 2021
I saw this book first on some Instagram posts and was intruiged. I am not usually the biggest fan of ocean adventures and ships as a story setting but I think this book has changed my mind. The magic, mermaids, and maurader battles had me hooked and wanting more.
Maylie is coming into herself. However, who she wants to be and what is allowed conflict. In her world, women must always have a man at their side. She must marry and find a man of the house to protect her family's honor. But is it worth sacrificing herself to find a husband she doesnt know or love?
Maylie starts off as a high strung child with wild ideas and a naive mind. But she has heart and passion that help her grow and mature as she takes the world on in her own way. As she runs from her world on a ship, she discovers the true power within herself.
The pace of the story was great. I found myself wanting to know more the more I read. The magical isles and the array of interesting characters with their own motives and goals made the story feel real.
If you like detailed stories of magic, ships, the ocean, pirates, and tales of self discovery then look no further. Read The Lightning Bride.
Maylie is coming into herself. However, who she wants to be and what is allowed conflict. In her world, women must always have a man at their side. She must marry and find a man of the house to protect her family's honor. But is it worth sacrificing herself to find a husband she doesnt know or love?
Maylie starts off as a high strung child with wild ideas and a naive mind. But she has heart and passion that help her grow and mature as she takes the world on in her own way. As she runs from her world on a ship, she discovers the true power within herself.
The pace of the story was great. I found myself wanting to know more the more I read. The magical isles and the array of interesting characters with their own motives and goals made the story feel real.
If you like detailed stories of magic, ships, the ocean, pirates, and tales of self discovery then look no further. Read The Lightning Bride.
June 11, 2022
I went into this story knowing hardly anything that was going to happen, and there were so many twists and unexpected moments that I had an incredibly difficult time trying not to skim to more quickly find out what happens!
I’ll be honest, I had very conflicting feelings about Maylie. When the story first started, I was totally on her side. Then as it progressed, I started rooting for her a little less. Then I totally disliked her, then I started warming up to her again, and then as the book ended, I was back to liking her and genuinely interested in where she and her story would go.
I really liked Jacquob but knew something was going to happen to him, so I didn’t get too attached. I didn't know what to make of Elias, I had a bad feeling about Hynric from the very start, and Behn was a good character but not one I was too interested in. The only character I liked at the very beginning and all the way through to the end was Ferryn.
I appreciated that variety in this book. Not every story is meant to have characters you either totally love or totally hate. The unusual and contrasting personalities and potentials of characters really made this story stand out.
The fantasy elements and magic system were cool, including the levels of magic users, how mermaids are viewed, different creatures, and such.
The different languages, nationalities, and cultures enriched the world. It's clear the author really put her heart into this work. It did just take me until nearly to the end of the book to start to get used to and understand the unique world and words, haha.
Once I finished, I was so eager to continue with this world and characters that I immediately started reading the sequel and the novellas!
Content: There was a witch, nudity, fade to black sex, and some language, although most if not all of it was in the fantasy dialect.
I’ll be honest, I had very conflicting feelings about Maylie. When the story first started, I was totally on her side. Then as it progressed, I started rooting for her a little less. Then I totally disliked her, then I started warming up to her again, and then as the book ended, I was back to liking her and genuinely interested in where she and her story would go.
I really liked Jacquob but knew something was going to happen to him, so I didn’t get too attached. I didn't know what to make of Elias, I had a bad feeling about Hynric from the very start, and Behn was a good character but not one I was too interested in. The only character I liked at the very beginning and all the way through to the end was Ferryn.
I appreciated that variety in this book. Not every story is meant to have characters you either totally love or totally hate. The unusual and contrasting personalities and potentials of characters really made this story stand out.
The fantasy elements and magic system were cool, including the levels of magic users, how mermaids are viewed, different creatures, and such.
The different languages, nationalities, and cultures enriched the world. It's clear the author really put her heart into this work. It did just take me until nearly to the end of the book to start to get used to and understand the unique world and words, haha.
Once I finished, I was so eager to continue with this world and characters that I immediately started reading the sequel and the novellas!
Content: There was a witch, nudity, fade to black sex, and some language, although most if not all of it was in the fantasy dialect.
November 9, 2020
Couldn’t put it down!
I think it’s the sign of a great book if you finish it and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I want to see what happens next! This comes as a bit of a surprise, because I’ve never read a book from this genre before and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to admit, there were times I had to reread sections because of the different words and languages used. But learning about a world where magic and magical people reside is fascinating. It was a fast paced read, lots of adventure and excitement. I loved it!
I think it’s the sign of a great book if you finish it and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I want to see what happens next! This comes as a bit of a surprise, because I’ve never read a book from this genre before and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to admit, there were times I had to reread sections because of the different words and languages used. But learning about a world where magic and magical people reside is fascinating. It was a fast paced read, lots of adventure and excitement. I loved it!
November 22, 2020
I loved this debut novel by D.M. Sonntag. Maylie Shadow is the daughter of a mermaid and a mage and doesn't discover her abilities until she has launched herself on an adventure to leave her past behind. Twists and turns abound and the action never subsides. This was not a cliffhanger but it leaves enough unsaid to indicate that there will be another book to come. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
January 19, 2021
The sea, pirates and freedom, this is what Maylie dreamed of all her life. Restricted by the rules of her religion and society, she hopes to escape them at least a little by marrying. But all plans are put to an end when her family's secret is revealed to the whole city. Humiliated and deprived of her possibilities, Maylie breaks away from home to find a man who can fulfill her dreams and who knows nothing about her family's secret. However, that there are more dangerous things behind the events than she can imagine, leads to a journey in which she must face her own weaknesses in order to survive.
"The Lighning Bride" was a fun read in a world full of magic and mermaids. The author has created an interesting world as a basis that can produce many adventures. Maylie is a flawed main character who is still growing and could be a little annoying for me, especially in the first half of the book. But that also makes her human and with what comes up against her and her family, many would probably have fallen into the trap of making ill-considered decisions.
I liked the general mood of the story, the descriptions of the magic and the history of the world. After a very strong start, I had to push myself a little to keep reading, as it felt like a lot back and forth. Characters weren't given very much time to develop as this was pushed aside by action. This also made the story feel like it was fast forward. But after halfway through there was more space for the story and characters to develop more slowly. At that point the book drew me deep into the world. I wasn't entirely happy with the end, but it sets a good stage for the second part.
Personally, I believe that the story would have been less predictable at the beginning if I had known less about the opponent's plans (or hadn't known he even existed). But it was the interest in the supporting characters that encouraged me to read on.
It is a solid first book in the series, which makes you want to get to know this world more and makes you excited about where the characters' journey will lead. I especially liked the weaving of the mermaids and the magic into the story and I'm excited to see what the author has planned with it. Therefore I can recommend the book to all fans of fantasy, mermaids and pirates.
"The Lighning Bride" was a fun read in a world full of magic and mermaids. The author has created an interesting world as a basis that can produce many adventures. Maylie is a flawed main character who is still growing and could be a little annoying for me, especially in the first half of the book. But that also makes her human and with what comes up against her and her family, many would probably have fallen into the trap of making ill-considered decisions.
I liked the general mood of the story, the descriptions of the magic and the history of the world. After a very strong start, I had to push myself a little to keep reading, as it felt like a lot back and forth. Characters weren't given very much time to develop as this was pushed aside by action. This also made the story feel like it was fast forward. But after halfway through there was more space for the story and characters to develop more slowly. At that point the book drew me deep into the world. I wasn't entirely happy with the end, but it sets a good stage for the second part.
Personally, I believe that the story would have been less predictable at the beginning if I had known less about the opponent's plans (or hadn't known he even existed). But it was the interest in the supporting characters that encouraged me to read on.
It is a solid first book in the series, which makes you want to get to know this world more and makes you excited about where the characters' journey will lead. I especially liked the weaving of the mermaids and the magic into the story and I'm excited to see what the author has planned with it. Therefore I can recommend the book to all fans of fantasy, mermaids and pirates.
November 10, 2021
This book focuses on Maylie and what results after her family's secrets are exposed. Maylie longs for adventure and freedom but stumbles into everything she never wanted.
Positives
The Lightning Bride is very well written. It reads really smoothly, nothing about the plot feels forced or off, the characters are realistic, the conflict is intriguing, and the concepts are unique. Overall, it's just a really great book.
The characters are well developed. Their personalities believable and consistent. They have flaws that make you want to root for them. They learn about themselves and grow. Maylie especially has to look at her choices and patterns and make changes to become who she really is.
Ferryn (Yes, Ferryn is a positive all by himself.)
The plot was intriguing. Although I read the back story novella and so knew more than I should, it didn't make the book less exciting. I think knowing what was happening made it even more engaging because I was anticipating certain people to show up and trying to figure out the evil master plan. All through the book, I was guessing and avidly reading to find out what would happen.
The world building, magic systems, and all the elements of the Domain were complicated enough to be fascinating yet clear enough to be enjoyable. I appreciate it that the mages, mermaids, and witches were definitely powerful, and yet they each had limitations or had a cost for their choices. They didn't just wield unstoppable power but had weaknesses like all people.
The only negative I had is that the Divine seemed more negative than positive. I think the intention was to show how people misuse faith, though, and the other books in the series do show the Divine/God is positive and good.
Overall, The Lightning Bride is exciting, full of adventure, and just a really great book to read.
Positives
The Lightning Bride is very well written. It reads really smoothly, nothing about the plot feels forced or off, the characters are realistic, the conflict is intriguing, and the concepts are unique. Overall, it's just a really great book.
The characters are well developed. Their personalities believable and consistent. They have flaws that make you want to root for them. They learn about themselves and grow. Maylie especially has to look at her choices and patterns and make changes to become who she really is.
Ferryn (Yes, Ferryn is a positive all by himself.)
The plot was intriguing. Although I read the back story novella and so knew more than I should, it didn't make the book less exciting. I think knowing what was happening made it even more engaging because I was anticipating certain people to show up and trying to figure out the evil master plan. All through the book, I was guessing and avidly reading to find out what would happen.
The world building, magic systems, and all the elements of the Domain were complicated enough to be fascinating yet clear enough to be enjoyable. I appreciate it that the mages, mermaids, and witches were definitely powerful, and yet they each had limitations or had a cost for their choices. They didn't just wield unstoppable power but had weaknesses like all people.
The only negative I had is that the Divine seemed more negative than positive. I think the intention was to show how people misuse faith, though, and the other books in the series do show the Divine/God is positive and good.
Overall, The Lightning Bride is exciting, full of adventure, and just a really great book to read.
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