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The Kingdom Isles #2
The Golden Wolf
Some secrets are clawing out of their cages.
For all his life, Ferryn Haelyn believed he killed his mother, simply by being born. Tired of his father’s guilt and favor toward Elias, his adoptive brother, he stole a fishing vessel with his first mate and took up the only life he’s ever known: piracy.
Eight years later, Ferryn sails the kingdoms and begins to unravel what was hidden. Though his father and Elias stand in his way, he takes strides toward uncovering more about the mother he never knew.
The truth will set him free, but can he pay the silver price?
For all his life, Ferryn Haelyn believed he killed his mother, simply by being born. Tired of his father’s guilt and favor toward Elias, his adoptive brother, he stole a fishing vessel with his first mate and took up the only life he’s ever known: piracy.
Eight years later, Ferryn sails the kingdoms and begins to unravel what was hidden. Though his father and Elias stand in his way, he takes strides toward uncovering more about the mother he never knew.
The truth will set him free, but can he pay the silver price?
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
1 person is currently reading
22 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2021
A stellar sequel that expertly fleshes out the two star characters, Ferryn and Maylie.
So, if you thought The Lightning Bride was a high octave swashbuckling adventure, then you will be pleasantly surprised by The Golden Wolf. D. M. Sonntag catches lightning in a bottle once more (pun intended). This is a sequel that efficiently builds on the foundations of what came before while exploring brand new territories. It keeps the same quick pace as the first book but it also spends the time needed to delve deeper into its characters. Yet again, Sonntag has crafted an incredible fantasy world rife with political factions, exotic cultures, and intricate magic.
The MVP of this book is undoubtedly Ferryn, and not just because it's his book. Sonntag peels back every layer on Ferryn's character so much to the point that he's hardly the same man than when we first met him (which is a good thing). His growth in this book is considerable and it made me want more and more scenes between him and Maylie. Our young heroine, Maylie, does take a back seat in this book which is a slight bummer but it perfectly makes sense because this is Ferryn's story.
I only had one tiny issue with The Golden Wolf and it was that the book did slow down a peg in the middle. However, this paved the way to some truly memorable scenes in the third act that had me desperate to read the third installment of this spectacular trilogy.
So, if you thought The Lightning Bride was a high octave swashbuckling adventure, then you will be pleasantly surprised by The Golden Wolf. D. M. Sonntag catches lightning in a bottle once more (pun intended). This is a sequel that efficiently builds on the foundations of what came before while exploring brand new territories. It keeps the same quick pace as the first book but it also spends the time needed to delve deeper into its characters. Yet again, Sonntag has crafted an incredible fantasy world rife with political factions, exotic cultures, and intricate magic.
The MVP of this book is undoubtedly Ferryn, and not just because it's his book. Sonntag peels back every layer on Ferryn's character so much to the point that he's hardly the same man than when we first met him (which is a good thing). His growth in this book is considerable and it made me want more and more scenes between him and Maylie. Our young heroine, Maylie, does take a back seat in this book which is a slight bummer but it perfectly makes sense because this is Ferryn's story.
I only had one tiny issue with The Golden Wolf and it was that the book did slow down a peg in the middle. However, this paved the way to some truly memorable scenes in the third act that had me desperate to read the third installment of this spectacular trilogy.
May 30, 2025
So after re-reading the Lightning Bride and my first read of the Mermaid's Shadow got me in the mood to return to the Kingdom Isles, I was itching to get started on the sequel to D.M. Sonntag's debut novel, and boy, what an enjoyable roller coaster it's been! Maylie Shadow takes a back seat in this one but that makes it no less enjoyable; I was a bit ambivalent about Ferryn in the first novel, but in giving him the helm (no pun intended!), D.M. Sonntag has really fleshed him out into a sympathetic and likeable character, in that you get to see in greater detail the reason why he is the man he is. The romance arc in this novel is certainly one of the best I've read, so believable in the developing tensions between its two leads, and it was fascinating to explore other aspects of the setting of the Kingdom Isles (I thoroughly loved the chapters set on the island of Wvlpa and the indepth look at illoba culture, gloriously well-written), and the ending is truly bittersweet, with several "What the hell just happened" moments in the final chapters that will definitely leave the readers aching for the next book in the series (I know I need the third book like yesterday!)
The only downside was that my theory there was a kraken in this proved incorrect!
Joking aside, this was a brilliant continuation of an indie fantasy series I've fallen in love with and that I can recommend enough for fans of high-seas adventure and magic! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
The only downside was that my theory there was a kraken in this proved incorrect!
Joking aside, this was a brilliant continuation of an indie fantasy series I've fallen in love with and that I can recommend enough for fans of high-seas adventure and magic! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
December 2, 2021
When you have to sit for a moment to process the pain of a book ending, you know you’ve got a winner.
All the beloved characters from Lightning Bride are back, with some amazing new additions. The well-developed characters are a major highlight in a fun story full of mystery, especially the lead character Ferryn.
Ah, what is there to say about the grumpy Geralt of the seas without spoiling anything? Just read Golden Wolf.
All the beloved characters from Lightning Bride are back, with some amazing new additions. The well-developed characters are a major highlight in a fun story full of mystery, especially the lead character Ferryn.
Ah, what is there to say about the grumpy Geralt of the seas without spoiling anything? Just read Golden Wolf.
January 6, 2024
5⭐️
PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED TO READ THE FIRST BOOK, THE LIGHTNING BRIDE, TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS ONE. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK THERE MAY BE LIGHT SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!
Okay, Ferryn. You grew on me in this book. In my defense… may have been under a love potion for part of the first book (IYKYK).
Let me start by saying I loved the werewolf lore in this book. It was so well done and incredibly fascinating to read! The whole werewolf community and culture was my favourite part of this book. I loved it. I also LOL’d a lot when the author wrote about it *maybe* being a cult. Maylie didn’t seem to mind though!
The hard part to read was about giving birth in the culture. No spoilers, but prepare yourself! It has become why no matter how much I love the broody man that is Ferryn, I can never be with him.
Maylie really came into her own this book. I’ve always enjoyed her as a character because she truly is what you’d expect, but she’s definitely more stable on her two feet. She’s more sure of herself. Less bratty. She’s really become quite a lovable character.
And the love story of this novel.
Grumpy/ sunshine is my favourite trope and Ferryn is the grumpiest of grumps and Maylie is the sunniest of sunshines. It’s a real opposites attract between these two and getting to witness their attraction come to fruition was just *chef’s kiss*.
For those who don’t like a lot of spice, this book implies the act, but does not write it out. While it could be called fade to black, it’s very tame.
Overall, this was a great book, and it’s a great series with all kinds of fantastical creatures! Highly recommend!
PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED TO READ THE FIRST BOOK, THE LIGHTNING BRIDE, TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THIS ONE. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK THERE MAY BE LIGHT SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!
Okay, Ferryn. You grew on me in this book. In my defense… may have been under a love potion for part of the first book (IYKYK).
Let me start by saying I loved the werewolf lore in this book. It was so well done and incredibly fascinating to read! The whole werewolf community and culture was my favourite part of this book. I loved it. I also LOL’d a lot when the author wrote about it *maybe* being a cult. Maylie didn’t seem to mind though!
The hard part to read was about giving birth in the culture. No spoilers, but prepare yourself! It has become why no matter how much I love the broody man that is Ferryn, I can never be with him.
Maylie really came into her own this book. I’ve always enjoyed her as a character because she truly is what you’d expect, but she’s definitely more stable on her two feet. She’s more sure of herself. Less bratty. She’s really become quite a lovable character.
And the love story of this novel.
Grumpy/ sunshine is my favourite trope and Ferryn is the grumpiest of grumps and Maylie is the sunniest of sunshines. It’s a real opposites attract between these two and getting to witness their attraction come to fruition was just *chef’s kiss*.
For those who don’t like a lot of spice, this book implies the act, but does not write it out. While it could be called fade to black, it’s very tame.
Overall, this was a great book, and it’s a great series with all kinds of fantastical creatures! Highly recommend!
August 1, 2021
The Golden Wolf by D.M. Sonntag is the second main installment in the The Kingdom Isle series, and with it comes the expansive and detailed world that was introduced to us in The Lightning Bride. Picking up right where the first book left off, TGW follows the original cast of characters with more emphasis on each of their own personal developments, while introducing new and equally as charming characters. The world that The Lightning Bride introduced to us hits its stride in this book, with thrilling new creatures and antagonists that genuinely give off their own special tones to the story whenever they’re on the page. Seafaring, mystery, and combat is at the forefront of TGW as the protagonists navigate their way through the magical world Sonntag has created and continues to build upon. This is a must read for fans of fantasy and magic, and I eagerly await for Sonntag’s upcoming projects.
December 9, 2021
Maylie and Ferryn return in the second instalment of the Kingdom Isles series. Right at the preface, The Golden Wolf is called a love story, and I agree wholeheartedly—a love story with plenty of werewolves, magic, and swashbuckling action.
I was admittedly a bit sceptical when I heard this was going to be Ferryn’s story, simply because I loved Maylie in The Lightning Bride and wasn’t ready to let her go! I’m happy to say that my earlier assumptions were blown out of the water (😏). Here, Ferryn may take centre-stage, but Maylie, Behn and the others still play pivotal roles. Like with The Lightning Bride, I enjoyed the “world” chapters sprinkled throughout, as I felt they gave much needed insight into wider events, especially when they later come to bite our main characters’ butts. This is a large, rich world with different cultures and religions—and how they’re expressed in different regions, and between Maylie and Ferryn, is fascinating.
While mermaids were at the forefront in The Lightning Bride, here, werewolves are the main preternatural creatures of interest—and I enjoyed them just as much! Ferryn’s personal journey was a pleasure to watch. Sonntag has done an amazing job of portraying Ferryn’s dour, Witcher-like personality in the opening chapters, so seeing his big heart finally open up, both to Maylie and to himself, was wonderful. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ferryn, but even more so now.
The story itself directly follows on from the events in The Lightning Bride, so I recommend a re-read, if necessary, before starting this. But for me, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this fantastic series because THAT ENDING 😱
I was admittedly a bit sceptical when I heard this was going to be Ferryn’s story, simply because I loved Maylie in The Lightning Bride and wasn’t ready to let her go! I’m happy to say that my earlier assumptions were blown out of the water (😏). Here, Ferryn may take centre-stage, but Maylie, Behn and the others still play pivotal roles. Like with The Lightning Bride, I enjoyed the “world” chapters sprinkled throughout, as I felt they gave much needed insight into wider events, especially when they later come to bite our main characters’ butts. This is a large, rich world with different cultures and religions—and how they’re expressed in different regions, and between Maylie and Ferryn, is fascinating.
While mermaids were at the forefront in The Lightning Bride, here, werewolves are the main preternatural creatures of interest—and I enjoyed them just as much! Ferryn’s personal journey was a pleasure to watch. Sonntag has done an amazing job of portraying Ferryn’s dour, Witcher-like personality in the opening chapters, so seeing his big heart finally open up, both to Maylie and to himself, was wonderful. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ferryn, but even more so now.
The story itself directly follows on from the events in The Lightning Bride, so I recommend a re-read, if necessary, before starting this. But for me, I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this fantastic series because THAT ENDING 😱
September 29, 2021
The Golden Wolf is the second book in The Kingdom Isles series, The Lightning Bride being the first. Both are books I would recommend. The exceptional worldbuilding in the first book is expanded upon in the second. New characters are introduced and the ones I grew to love in the first book return. The real prize here is that this is, at its core, Ferryn's story, and readers get to follow him on his journey to find out what happened to his mother and some long-buried family secrets. The ending left me reeling and wishing I had the third book in my hands right now!! If fantasy high-seas adventure is your thing, I recommend checking this self-published series out!
September 18, 2023
Cahzken!
This book was awesome!
It had been a while for me since reading book 1, but I quickly got reacquainted with these characters as their fun adventures on the seas continue. All the same lovable characters are here again, plus some fun new ones.
Maylie has grown a lot since book one and I really enjoyed her building relationship with Ferryn. I love the bond between the two of them. Her lightning magic is also growing ever stronger.
Ferryn is a stud of a captain, but not your typical princely hero, which I loved. The fact that this story follows his path a bit more excited me. I mean, he is loyal, strong, brave, and also a werewolf. The history of his mother and father was actually kinda sad and sweet all at once. I loved the Illoba and their werewolf sanctuary. The balance of forests, action, magic, and sailing the open waters was excelent. This book has a bit of everything. Its even a love story, but with lots of plot.
Where can I sign up for Ferryn's crew? Im going onto the seas on the Bride. Grab the Kingdom Isles series and join me(Also If you wanna know what cahzken means then you gotta read it).
This book was awesome!
It had been a while for me since reading book 1, but I quickly got reacquainted with these characters as their fun adventures on the seas continue. All the same lovable characters are here again, plus some fun new ones.
Maylie has grown a lot since book one and I really enjoyed her building relationship with Ferryn. I love the bond between the two of them. Her lightning magic is also growing ever stronger.
Ferryn is a stud of a captain, but not your typical princely hero, which I loved. The fact that this story follows his path a bit more excited me. I mean, he is loyal, strong, brave, and also a werewolf. The history of his mother and father was actually kinda sad and sweet all at once. I loved the Illoba and their werewolf sanctuary. The balance of forests, action, magic, and sailing the open waters was excelent. This book has a bit of everything. Its even a love story, but with lots of plot.
Where can I sign up for Ferryn's crew? Im going onto the seas on the Bride. Grab the Kingdom Isles series and join me(Also If you wanna know what cahzken means then you gotta read it).
June 11, 2022
I feel like my heart's been ripped out.
Do you ever read a book that is so good, so heartfelt, and so tragic that it strikes every chord emotionally and leaves you thinking about it constantly even after flipping the final page? This was that book for me.
The Golden Wolf book started out with a twist that left me stunned and kept me gripped through the whole story, through many more plot twists and surprising moments.
This complex, multifaceted world the author has created is impressive, vast, and rich. The systems of magic and cultures and how they entwine leave you with so much new to experience no matter how much you’ve already learned, and the characters and relationships leave you invested until the very end and even after.
I loved Ferryn in The Lightning Bride. He had quickly become one of my favorite book characters in book one, and now with this book two, he’s taken a place as my top favorite book heroes.
I genuinely liked Maylie in this one too. She went through a lot of growth from her journey in The Lightning Bride and came out stronger and more mature because of it.
I liked that this one was more of a romance than the first book. I was too on edge waiting to see if the romance happened between the two characters I wanted to see get together, so I skipped ahead to see and was excited that my guess was right.
There were so many sweet and romantic scenes, including a couple I had to go back and read again before I could continue with the book. I also loved that the relationship was begrudging acquaintances to reluctant allies to friends to companions to loves. That's officially one of my all-time favorite love story structures.
There were a few other predictions I had about what I believed would happen. A few of them did play out but some didn’t, so I was a little disappointed there.
After it all, the epilogue ended on a cliffhanger that left me shocked, speechless, and needing the next book for my sanity. It can’t come quickly enough!
Content: Witches and wizards, language, nudity, cut to black scenes, and a few sexual jokes or remarks.
Do you ever read a book that is so good, so heartfelt, and so tragic that it strikes every chord emotionally and leaves you thinking about it constantly even after flipping the final page? This was that book for me.
The Golden Wolf book started out with a twist that left me stunned and kept me gripped through the whole story, through many more plot twists and surprising moments.
This complex, multifaceted world the author has created is impressive, vast, and rich. The systems of magic and cultures and how they entwine leave you with so much new to experience no matter how much you’ve already learned, and the characters and relationships leave you invested until the very end and even after.
I loved Ferryn in The Lightning Bride. He had quickly become one of my favorite book characters in book one, and now with this book two, he’s taken a place as my top favorite book heroes.
I genuinely liked Maylie in this one too. She went through a lot of growth from her journey in The Lightning Bride and came out stronger and more mature because of it.
I liked that this one was more of a romance than the first book. I was too on edge waiting to see if the romance happened between the two characters I wanted to see get together, so I skipped ahead to see and was excited that my guess was right.
There were so many sweet and romantic scenes, including a couple I had to go back and read again before I could continue with the book. I also loved that the relationship was begrudging acquaintances to reluctant allies to friends to companions to loves. That's officially one of my all-time favorite love story structures.
There were a few other predictions I had about what I believed would happen. A few of them did play out but some didn’t, so I was a little disappointed there.
After it all, the epilogue ended on a cliffhanger that left me shocked, speechless, and needing the next book for my sanity. It can’t come quickly enough!
Content: Witches and wizards, language, nudity, cut to black scenes, and a few sexual jokes or remarks.
August 10, 2021
Ferryn is dope. I fell in love with him in the first book of this series, The Lightning Bride (which, if you have not read it...GO READ IT RIGHT NOW), and I was thrilled when I realized that this book was taking a deeper dive into Ferryn, both his history and his character; my excitement only grew as I actually read the story. Sonntag does a fantastic job unveiling and growing this character, while also managing the difficult task of not leaving the other characters behind. Every single character is unique and compelling, and I burn to know more about each and every one of them (which, hopefully, will happen more and more as this series continues).
Additionally, and fortunately, this is not one of those stories that succeeds in character depth yet leaves its plot stale. The narrative is a well-paced roller coaster. It slows down when it needs to slow down, speeds up when it needs to speed up, and drops into a free fall just when you think you've figured the ride out.
Simply put, reading this book is a wonderful experience. Thank you, Sonntag, for letting us share in this world you have created.
Additionally, and fortunately, this is not one of those stories that succeeds in character depth yet leaves its plot stale. The narrative is a well-paced roller coaster. It slows down when it needs to slow down, speeds up when it needs to speed up, and drops into a free fall just when you think you've figured the ride out.
Simply put, reading this book is a wonderful experience. Thank you, Sonntag, for letting us share in this world you have created.
April 30, 2022
Hi, the author here. It’s weird reviewing my own book, but as a reader I like seeing the inside scoop on how the writer crafted the book, behind-the-scenes thoughts and reflections. So I’m going to do that.
I love this book so much. I love the story, the themes, and the main character, Ferryn. He really shined in telling me how to represent his narrative; I barely went back to the first draft for reference at all, not needing to. As a writer, I have definitely grown in the craft and continue to be a better bard.
To me, I wouldn’t change much if anything, and you gotta be your own best supporter, so that’s why I gave it full stars.
This is the second book in a trilogy, with prequel novellas in between. You can find more about The Kingdom Isles series at https://dmsonntag.com/
I love this book so much. I love the story, the themes, and the main character, Ferryn. He really shined in telling me how to represent his narrative; I barely went back to the first draft for reference at all, not needing to. As a writer, I have definitely grown in the craft and continue to be a better bard.
To me, I wouldn’t change much if anything, and you gotta be your own best supporter, so that’s why I gave it full stars.
This is the second book in a trilogy, with prequel novellas in between. You can find more about The Kingdom Isles series at https://dmsonntag.com/
October 18, 2021
I usually leave long, detailed reviews, but this book was so full of an amazingly intricate storyline and world that had me engrossed the whole way through (excessively crying and gasping and fan-girl-squealing) that I don't want to give away anything.
I loved this book!!
I love Ferryn. The book is his story, and he is impossible to not love!
You definitely should read this series.
I loved this book!!
I love Ferryn. The book is his story, and he is impossible to not love!
You definitely should read this series.
October 7, 2021
I didn't want it to end!
Wow! The Golden Wolf was everything I had hoped for after reading The Lightning Bride and the novella, "The Mermaid's Shadow," (which added to the richness of TLB while giving some interesting hints of Ferryn’s past). TGW was a fast paced ride at first and I couldn't put it down. It slowed down just enough to let me catch my breath. Then I realized I was almost finished and didn't want it to end.
TGW picks up right where TLB ends, yet this time the focus is on Ferryn. Sonntag didn’t disappoint. While Maylie matures into her own gifts and strengths as a mage, Ferryn is finally going to discover who he was really meant to be. Ferryn’s story is complex, but deep and well worth knowing. He just needed some time to get acquainted with all the complexities of his family’s history so that he could appreciate his true self.
Maylie and Ferryn were born to be together, first as shipmates, then soul mates, even though so many things and characters worked against them. But destiny has a way of working these things out.
This world and story created by D.M. Sonntag is so vivid that I can see it in my head as if it was being played out like a movie (wouldn’t that would be really great!). I've come to care about so many of these characters, and look forward to reading about them in Sonntag’s Book 3 (The Forrest Heir) and future upcoming Novellas.
Wow! The Golden Wolf was everything I had hoped for after reading The Lightning Bride and the novella, "The Mermaid's Shadow," (which added to the richness of TLB while giving some interesting hints of Ferryn’s past). TGW was a fast paced ride at first and I couldn't put it down. It slowed down just enough to let me catch my breath. Then I realized I was almost finished and didn't want it to end.
TGW picks up right where TLB ends, yet this time the focus is on Ferryn. Sonntag didn’t disappoint. While Maylie matures into her own gifts and strengths as a mage, Ferryn is finally going to discover who he was really meant to be. Ferryn’s story is complex, but deep and well worth knowing. He just needed some time to get acquainted with all the complexities of his family’s history so that he could appreciate his true self.
Maylie and Ferryn were born to be together, first as shipmates, then soul mates, even though so many things and characters worked against them. But destiny has a way of working these things out.
This world and story created by D.M. Sonntag is so vivid that I can see it in my head as if it was being played out like a movie (wouldn’t that would be really great!). I've come to care about so many of these characters, and look forward to reading about them in Sonntag’s Book 3 (The Forrest Heir) and future upcoming Novellas.
October 4, 2021
There's very little I can say about this book other than it took only one day to read it. Pirates, marauding mermaids, mages, werewolves and so much more. Couple all that with war, family plots, and revenge and that leaves you with a very, very good adventure!
March 3, 2022
Moving along in the series. This novel was fast paced and exciting. A love story? Yes, but a action adventure as well.
January 20, 2022
Sonntag has delivered again! To say I’m obsessed with the world she has created would be an understatement! The story of The Golden Wolf picks up after The Lightning Bride with the characters we love and did not disappoint. You know the story had to be good when days later you’re still thinking about how it ended, and are desperate to read what happens next!
The characters are beautifully constructed, and even though this is set in a fantasy world where mermaids, marauders, pirates and werewolf-like creatures live, they are relatable with their struggles and flaws. The romance is also wonderfully planned between the two main characters (who I’ve been hoping would get together since reading TLB) and it was so rewarding to read! I also thoroughly enjoyed the twists regarding Ferryn and his growth throughout the story as well as Maylie’s.
If you like fantasy and anything I mentioned above, you need to read this series! Sonntag’s world is so unique (I mean, she’s created her own language for crying out loud!) and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!
The characters are beautifully constructed, and even though this is set in a fantasy world where mermaids, marauders, pirates and werewolf-like creatures live, they are relatable with their struggles and flaws. The romance is also wonderfully planned between the two main characters (who I’ve been hoping would get together since reading TLB) and it was so rewarding to read! I also thoroughly enjoyed the twists regarding Ferryn and his growth throughout the story as well as Maylie’s.
If you like fantasy and anything I mentioned above, you need to read this series! Sonntag’s world is so unique (I mean, she’s created her own language for crying out loud!) and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!
August 18, 2022
Well-written, but I read for escapism and this ending was awful. I'd had a terrible
day and did not need this.
So, don't.
day and did not need this.
So, don't.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews