Bound by the Golden King

Veiled City #4

by Ellie Pond

There’s no leaving the Veiled City, not now. I’m in it, my heart is tied to Nico, Holter and Eros. But there’s one more who I yearn Castor Drakos.

I can’t have him. Having a human mate will make it hard for him to ever rule as king. He’s bent on changing this place. And if there’s one thing it needs, it's change. The assailant who destroyed the Glyden lobby up their attacks to a new level. And I think it’s all tied back to the death of Nico’s parents so long ago.

There’s a lot to worry about, including the safety of my cousin and aunt; And Eros’s sister.

Bound by the Golden King is a fast-paced adventure and final book in the Veiled City series. Where the heroine doesn’t have to choose, but gets to keep all of her heroes.

Genres: Paranormal, Mermaids, Why Choose

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2024

About the author

Ellie Pond is an author of Paranormal Romance. Ellie’s had many professions, including costume designer, contract archeologist, organic farmer, fabric store owner, and airline gate agent. She’s happy to be a full-time writer now. She lives in New England with her three teenage sons, husband, and father. It’s a lot of testosterone. To combat all the Axe body spray in the house, Ellie likes to travel. You can follow her on social media for her travel adventures, when we can do that kind of thing again.

Reviews

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bound by the Golden King" delves into a mesmerizing blend of paranormal intrigue, reverse harem dynamics, and cultural politics, making for a gripping read from start to finish. In this fourth installment, we follow Annabelle, a captivating hybrid of human and mermaid, along with her pod mates Nico, Holter, Eros, and the enigmatic Castor.

The allure of this story lies not only in its steamy romance and engaging drama but also in its well-crafted storyline, which keeps readers hooked with a perfect balance of action and character development. As the finale of the series unfolds, it delivers a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for readers to yearn for more.

Throughout the series, the author showcases impeccable world-building and character development, creating a rich and immersive narrative that captivates the imagination. The premise of merman and mermaid shifters is both fresh and intriguing, offering a unique perspective on the paranormal genre. Moreover, the introduction of the hidden culture beneath the sea adds depth and complexity to the story, enriching the overall reading experience.

While the series concludes with a heartwarming happily-ever-after, readers are left eagerly wondering about the fate of Belle's aunt and cousin, a testament to the author's ability to leave a lasting impression. Overall, "Bound by the Golden King" is a standout series that excels in world-building, character development, and storytelling, leaving readers thoroughly satisfied yet yearning for more adventures in this enchanting world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not disappointed with this book. I stumbled across it when looking into different paranormal romance worlds, found Dark Commander, and fell in love immediately! I then went on to read the entire series in 1 sitting 😅

Absolutely loved the pod system, and the drama they were faced with. Made reading each chapter more fun!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending!

Enjoyed the final installment on this series and how all the storylines were completed!!

I love how Annabelle’s aunt and cousin jump into their new world.

Annabelle’s final transformation doesn’t surprise me and at all and the answer to the science experiments!!!! Thrilled Castor and Nico got their heads back on straight but still.. HOLTER is just everything to me.

Reverse harem - no MM
Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Natalia Nickels · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Plotline? Great. The way it was executed? Left something to be desired.

What I loved:
MMCs (mostly)-
They really grew on me this go around. The first half-ish was tough, because Nico was projecting his own insecurities onto literally everyone else (and being a real dick about it in the process). After that it really seemed like they had Annabelle’s, and each other’s, best interests at heart.

Mystery-
This took a turn I truly didn’t expect. Once another dome was mentioned you knew where they were going with it, but the other books didn’t really lead you there before now. Interesting to see how interconnected it all was!

World building-
We learn more about how the kraken have interacted with them, what the role of the humans has been, politics and more politics… a lot was added into the place but it didn’t seem late or superfluous.

What I didn’t love:
Annabelle-
This girl got on my nerves. Idk how we got to the point of her trying to empower herself, and bringing down other women in the process. I highlighted a quote from her that gave me the ick, but basically she’s not a girls girl.

Rushed-
Things were so slow to begin with, and then suddenly EVERYTHING was happening. Some answers to this whole mystery bit simply came too easily. Still fun to read, but not well planned.

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔸️The book 4 has everything what a series finale should have:
▪️ heavy political intrigue ✅️
▪️ mystery and adventure ✅️
▪️ good action ✅️
▪️ intelligent FMC who starts to belive in herself and takes matters into her hands ✅️
▪️romance with tenderness and supportive males✅️
▪️wild and juicy spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 ✅️
▪️absolutely sweet end ✅️

🔸️I have really enjoyed to see pod being playful, safe and supporting each other. Not to mention, that a concept of mermaid "in need" who must be physically and emotionally satysfied by her males is simply delicous. ❤️

🔸️ On the side notes:
Castor - I am impressed by you Golden Boy!
Eros - the best POV for me
Nico - finally you have learned your lesson, haven't you? 😏
Hoster - you are an ultimate cinnamon roll sweetheart.

🔸️Overall, very good and fun reading.
I have enjoyed the whole series.
Highly recommended for all who loves underwater, spicy adventures. ❤️😉

P.S. I hope author plans to write some possesive kraken stories. 😎😬 We got some glimpses of badass krakens and I would say that those guys deserve their story. ❤️🤞

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Pond did it again...sucked me into a unique why-choose world that I've fallen in love with! Annabell's conclusion was exactly what I've been looking for, unfolding more of the intricacies of the mermaid world she's created and unraveling the hidden agenda hinted at throughout the other books in this series. Absolutely love Annabell's guys, the support they credit for her, and their connection growing with each other as they navigate the new podlife. It's rare to also fall in love with an author's secondary characters and Kai and Ophelia are outstanding supporting characters in this story. I hope (please, please, please) that we get a Marlee story next! Love to see how her edginess interacts with the mermaid world and customs. There's so much more to learn about this world.

Favorite quote in the book: "That's cute that you think you can control a mermaid. The only person who can control a mermaid is the mermaid herself. Males"

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth part about Annabelle who was part human/mermaid who got bitten and transformed into a mermaid hybrid and her pod mates- Nico, Holter, Eros and hopefully Castor. Annabelle is the first of her kind which puts her in a perilous position. She loves her pod mates and Castor was one but he's a royal. The council and some of the Mer people frown down at their union. Castor also has to rule during a time of unrest in the Veiled City. Then Nico's life is threatened which brings more trouble among Annabelle's mates. This is a delightful reverse harem story with engaging characters within an intriguing storyline with steamy romance and engaging drama with action that I'd enjoyed reading. Can Castor bring his people together; will they stop who's threatening Nico and will Annabelle and her pod get their happy ending in this enjoyable copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few unfinished things

Multiple 1st person pov, Veiled City, Atlantic Ocean, or something like that. HEA, maybe 3 peppers spice, no real kink beyond some very mild control, I don’t think any triggers either. I love the series. That being said, this book seemed to have even more editing issues than before, and it was honestly getting to be a little annoying. Also, I’m a little disappointed with some of the threads that were left untouched, like nowhere does it ever mention Annabelle biting Eros back. Seems to me a one sided mating bite should be causing issues? And if she loves him, why hasn’t she finished that part of the mating? And if she did, why isn’t it in the book, when it was made a big deal that she hadn’t bitten him? Also, Marina’s story was never quite resolved. I did very much enjoy the story, and the whole series, but I’m disappointed these things were never resolved. It made it feel unfinished.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is quintuple POV from Annabelle, the female part-human lead, and Castor, Nico, Eros, and Holter, the male mer leads. It is well written, and a complex, fast-paced, erotic finale to this fantasy romance series. I really enjoyed seeing how pair relationships within the larger relationship resolved and evolved. I enjoyed Annabelle’s focused determination to solve scientific mysteries. I appreciated the protectiveness of her mates that still facilitated her actions. I enjoyed the erotic intimate scenes, though reverse harem is still not my favourite flavour. I enjoyed how time as a group was balanced with time as pairs or more. I’m curious to see if the author does more with the setup she’s left at the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book. The first 3 in the series I read back in December and they immediately intrigued me because they were unique, a lil spicy, and had some action going on. This was a great conclusion to the series and I’m going to miss these characters! I enjoyed the multiple POV’s in this book. I do think this book was less spicey than the previous books (which is totally fine) and that’s probably because we had a lot more going on with it being the final book. Ellie did a great job of keeping me interested in the story and the issues at hand and what needed to happen before the end of the book. I do think the ending felt a little rushed but overall enjoyed it!

If you enjoy mermaid/ shifter, why choose, spice, found family, political intrigue, this series is for you 🤭🧜🏽‍♀️🧜‍♂️

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Loved It!

It all comes together in this amazing final storyline to the series.

Secrets are about to be revealed, some shocking, danger is around every corner, who can be trusted?

Annabelle is determined to have Castor join her pod but with danger around every corner, her pod is determined to protect and keep her safe from harm.

A super hot read as Annabelle get all the men she wants into her pod to claim all their HEA with lots of super steamy moments which will set your mind on fire as you read their sizzling journey into happiness!

What a fantastic ending to a really, really enjoyable series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LittleBookLoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like the previous books the plot was all over the place and non-existent at times. Way too many spicy scenes that took up time that could have been used to build an actual plot throughout the story instead of rushed crap at the end. A whole lot of nothing happened until the end when a lot happened in a short amount of time. It was really odd how we pretty much get nothing with Atlas other than a brief appearance in a previous book, a brief moment at a government event, and then he pops up at the end to quickly wrap up things and apprehend enemies. The MMCs are my favorite again as usual and I liked Kai and Ophelia. The FMC is still my least favorite character and such a weak female main character who had the poorest character development.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to this series was epic. I loved Annabelle from the very start of her journey in book one. And boy, does the girl know how to pick a pod. Individually, each member of Belle’s pod was a force to be reckoned with. But, together they were able to unravel a festering conspiracy that threatened the existence of the Dorian Civilization. Loved the HEA but now I want to know what happens to Belle’s aunt and cousin.

Great series. World building was awesome. Loved all the characters. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Golden King - Mermaid Unleashed

‘Her hand wraps around my neck, and our lips clash together. Every brush of her lips is like the first time for me. I will never get enough of this mermaid. I am completely addicted to everything about her.’

In Ellie Pond’s Veiled City book ok 4, Bound by the Golden King, our mermaid 🧜‍♀️ Annabelle, becomes further entwined in the politics of the Veiled City. But more importantly, she craves the Golden King, Castor, as he does her.

This series continues to grow in depth as secrets are revealed that shine light into past actions that may break any semblance of safety in Annabelle’s world.

[Lori Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wouldn’t want to be a mermaid and get to be with multiple men that cherish you in every way?!?

I truly enjoyed this book. The drama you are taken through in the last installment of the series. You will be trying to figure out how everything is going to be wrapped up.

Multiple POVS give you the full experience, which is always my favorite. Belle’s men are there for her in every way, trying to make sure she’s not only taken care of but supporting her to be her own person. 🧡

My only questions are:
WHERE IS THE EPILOGUE? I need more!!!
I need to know about the Krakens!
Sooo is the cousin and Atlas…?
I need to know what happens after everything. 🫣

[Andrea Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious, spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ , intrigue filled finale! Ellie Pond wraps up this series in the best ways possible.

This was a very fun read and to watch the pod grow in size and in emotional strength. ❤️

Where does Richeal’s research lead?
Who’s out to get Glyden?
Will Eros be free of his chains?
Will Nico let his walls down completely?
Will Belle embrace all of who she is?
What path will Castor choose?
What about that tangent cliffhanger?

And…what about the Kraken? 😉


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a series of books. This book has Belle finally getting all her pod mates. Carter isn't tempted to run away and is key in helping them find Eros sister. They work together to figure out Nico and Holters mothers book and to make the change that the Veil city needs to happen. It is full of drama, danger, sex that is x-rated and a happy ending. I enjoyed reading the complete set of books and look forward to whatever is next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Castor gets his wish!
I have been waiting all series to see is Annabelle and Castor get together. It was a long time coming but, I can honestly say that this conclusion to the series is very well written. Plus, it is fun to read and is an absorbing story.
All of the unanswered questions are unravelled and more things are revealed about the pod.
The best thing is that there could be so many spinoff series based in this lush world that Ellie has created.
This is another great 5 star book!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Belle gets Castor in her pod as she wanted. Belle's investigation into Nico's mother's journals reveals a long held secret that may have wide repercussions. I'm glad everything is exposed and Nico's parents' deaths are avenged. It is nice that Belle's transformation is complete and she is happy. I really liked the tour at the end.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annabelle it seems is right where she was always meant to be. As we dive into book four that's as much spoiler as you are getting from me.
I have been excited by this series from the beginning it's smart, playful, imaginative, action packed and will keep you guessing the entire time. You do need to read the series in order but you won't want to miss a thing. Each character is unique and has a story to tell before the finale which is so well executed!
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Kristin E. Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Paranormal, reverse harem, shifter and cultural politics. I enjoyed these four volumes in the series. This finale was just right, although I was kind of hoping for another sequel. The world building and character development are spot on in this series. The premise of Mermen and mermaid shifters is fresh and the introduction of the hidden culture beneath the sea is well portrayed.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was well written and a fab conclusion to the series. As with the other books in this series, which you must read in order, you can expect politics, intrigue, mystery, a ton of action and fab steam to have you madly flipping pages to see how things will unfold ;) I loved the ending - so sweet! Annabelle got the pod of her dreams, giving me a totally satisfying reading adventure. I'm definitely looking forward to what's next by this author ;D

[Meshell Brannin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loose ends...

You shouldn't have to read a novella to get the end of the book. And Atlas is all over the place, his character is just confusing. There is less editing needed, unless you count this whole book. You have threads of missing or unclear information. Really need to reread and possibly rewrite, or write another book for this. I think they tried to tie up everything in one book that should have been two...

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great ending!

This series was a bit if a rollercoaster for me. I didn't love the first 2 books, but by book 3, things really started to get better.

In the end, I think this was a pretty good series. I really love the whole concept of mermaid shifters, pods and cities under the sea, and I eventually warmed up to the main characters in these books.

4⭐'s! This was a good one!

[Alyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

concept

I gave 4 stars because I like the concept of the book - I think there were lots of cool pieces in this series but this is one book where it felt like the smut overshadowed the plot while the book was one that seemed more plot forward than just a book of smut for smuts sake. Really it was a 3 star for me because of the missed plot lines that could have been if the author didn’t focus SO MUCH on smut- like I get it, mermaids wanna do it all the time. Cool.

[Karen Babies · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of plot to wrap up in the final book, but I’m still giving it four stars because the writing is so much better. Castor’s entrance to Annabelle’s pod goes over as well as you’d expect it to with Nico in the picture, but Annabelle tells us exactly why. There’s no showing, but I don’t care because Annabelle finally has some autonomy, a female friend, and a bit more purpose. There’s some sex, some sharks, and some secrets. Did I mention there was exposition?

[Ashley Gamble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story concept

I really enjoyed the plot and concept of this series, but I feel like the first 3.5 books of the series were SO SLOW, and then everything happened in the last half of the last book, skipping all the detail, and leaving me with so many more questions. I get leaving some info for future series, but I also feel it’s important to tie things up in the original series too. Idk I’m not sure I’ll read more of the author, however I did enjoy the series.

[Michelle Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall

I love the concept and ending but it could use some touch ups. Like having a map of the domes in the beginning, and a glossary of terms used. I would also change the cover to just be their flukes, which Annabelle gets in this book. The plot is a little confusing and I would have liked to hear more about Marlee and the kracken king. Also more descriptive on what the flukes and blocks look like. I would read again 7/10

[Aimee Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by the Golden King is the fourth book in the Vield City series.
Annabelle and her guys race to find out who is after them and come across a cover up and secrets in the vield city. Loyalties are tested and new allies come to light as they work to build a future together and improve life in the city.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dakota Makulec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this mermaid romance. I enjoyed the story and people, and liked how it flowed. But I felt like there was something missing, almost like there used to be parts that got cut? I don’t know if it was just me wanting more since I really did like the story. I do recommend it to people who love this kind of romance story!.