Ember's Claim

A Monstrous World: The Next Gen #1

by Jillian West

The North American Pack was always meant to be Ember’s birthright, but she grew up far away from shifter culture in a sanctuary city for monsters.

Her wolf yearns to scout pack lands and socialize with other wolves, but Ember understands the risks, especially considering female shifters are nearly endangered nowadays.

So, she keeps her distance, even if she has to fight her wolf at every turn...

And that works until Ember’s team is called in on a mysterious case for the paranormal council. Their suspect has ties to the North American Pack, and Ember's wolf sees it as a perfect excuse to snoop around the pack lands.

Only big things are happening in the supernatural world, and what happens next, none of them could have guessed.

With her newly claimed mates at her back, will she be able to fix the injustices of the past? Or will everything unravel as quickly as it came together?

Ember's Claim is a standalone with no cliffhanger set in the same world as the A Monstrous World series. You don't need to have read those books to enjoy Ember's book. More info can always be found in the author's note.

Genres: Omegaverse, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Why Choose, Dragons, Magic

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2024

Reviews

[Shanna Ferris · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Monster/Shifter romance
• Friends to lovers
• Strong FMC
• Well balanced mixed species pack
• Fated Mates
• Age gap
• Br**ding kink
• Cinnamon roll MMC

Jillian West knows how to write an amazing multi-species monster romance! I have loved this series so much! But getting to listen to each book in audiobook format is blowing my mind! It was one thing to get to know these characters and this unreal world she created, but getting to listen to it, and have these incredible narrators bring it to life, and hear them give even more personality to each character has made me love this series even more!

Ember is 100% Emerson's daughter! Gosh, she was so spunky. Gosh! Jillian did such an incredible job writing her character! And as feisty and spunky as she was, I adored the way her character went so soft for these men. And as her pack started to develop and these men claimed her just as forcefully as she claimed them!

What a pack Jillian created! I always love the way she develops her packs! It really has me speechless sometimes with the way she describes each character and brings their stories together. And giving us Charity's son Veryn, who we get to meet earlier in the series, was so PERFECT. There couldn’t have been a better gentle giant for Ember! I just loved the relationship between these two! From the very start, they knew they were fated, but watching it come together. Especially when the other packmates started to join was everything! These men had no problem unapologetically claiming her! And the sweet way Lorcan, the Druid, watched over her!! Ahhh! I just loved it! But my favorite part of the story will always be the way Anders came into Ember's life! What an iconic scene! And Jillian, this incredible mastermind, did such an incredible job with the way Anders entered Ember’s life. It was unforgettable, and the way their bond formed felt like pure magic. I couldn’t get enough of their inner dialogue and the way they spoke to their inner beasts! It was absolutely perfect!

This series will forever be a favorite of mine! I can't wait for Greer's book to come to audio! I absolutely loved it when I eyeball read it! I can only imagine how incredible it will be as an audiobook!

🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Dual Narration
Narrated by Jarman Day and Vanessa Moyen

Getting to listen to the audiobook of my favorite book in this series was EVERYTHING! These two brought every single character in this pack to life with so much personality! Hearing Jarman go from each of these men so smoothly while giving them each such a hugely different voice. Especially with Lorcan's Scottish accent it had me swooning even harder for this MMC, and I didn’t think that was possible!

And you already know how much I adore Vanessa in every single one of Jillian's books! She always captures each of the FMCs so perfectly, but the way she captured Ember was PERFECT. She gave her just the right amount of spunk and vulnerability! I just adored her playing Ember!

I highly recommend this audiobook!!! It can be done as a standalone, but to really fall in love with the beautiful world Jillian has created, I suggest starting from the beginning. And to get to know Ember and Veryn's parents. You won’t regret it! I promise!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good monster romance, and Jillian West always delivers. I think second generation books are so fun and I’ve been looking forward to Ember’s story, and I love all of her mates. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“Let’s see what you taste like mixed with our other mates.”

Another smashing hit from Jillian! I’m loving this second generation of the Monstrous World characters. Ember is a total BA and I am here for it!

This was such an easy read - high octane action, loads of good feelings, and the perfect amount of spice. If you're looking for a comfort read, this is the one for you.

I have been eagerly awaiting Ember and Veryn's story, and this did not disappoint. Not only does Ember get a super-sexy dragon shifter as a mate, but she is fated to a wolf/lion hybrid (with a super fancy peen!) and an ancient druid. And all three men are 100% about Ember.

Ember's Claim is a fast burn and spicy why-choose romance that ends in a HEA. It can be read as a complete standalone (though you would be remiss if you skip out on the first generation's stories - they are that good!).

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Vanessa Moyen
5 stars for Jarman Day

Book: 3 stars

More telling than showing what happened. I think that is what happens with most Jillian West books for me.

[St.Peaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨
RELEASED DATE : 8/11/24
🌶️ : 2,5/3

I can't believe i'm saying this but i feel like those aunties on family reunion that keeps saying "Oh my god i remember you when you're still in diapers and shoving your drooled covered in my mouth!

This is probably the most action based and gore heavy story in the Jillian West World BUT I'M LIVING FOR ITT!!!!

Ember is SUCH A BAD ASS ALPHA like you can stomp me with your boots and i will thank her and kissed her boots while i'm down there :') FUCK SHE'S SO HOT :')

And also ... Veryn .... VERYN .... I'M SORRY ... WHO GAVE HIM THE AUDACITY TO BE THAT SMOOTH .. SIR YOU WERE STILL LEARNING TO FLY FROM YOUR NEIGHBOURS ROOF LAST TIME I CHECK ...

This book made me feel soo old 🤣 But again IT'S SOO GOOD!!!!

The fluff and the baddassery is balanced to perfection 🤌🤌 definitely savouring it every moment!!!

And there's Daddy Lorcan ... The man's rizz is smoother than butter. Then Anders... He's giving me such Simba vibes just the sweetest feral lion AAKKHH i kid you not i was rolling around thinking about His Lion and Embers Wolf 🥲🥲

This story is probably the least spicy book that i've read from Jillian West but when the spicy hits you it'll slap you on the face and leave a mark for sure 🤣🤣

But overall this book is soo good! You definitely can read it as a stand alone! So definitely check this one out!!❤️❤️

Book contains:
- Female Alpha
- Claiming bites
- Decapitation
- Blood
- Shifting
- Knotting
- DP

🍑 HAPPY READING YALL!!! 🍑

[Mom Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Loved loved LOVED it.
So fun to read. Great characters. Loved the plot.
The author does excellent content warnings. Ugh. Just…she nailed this delicious book.

RH no MM✅

KU✅

Alpha fmc✅

3 mates✅

Hea✅

Standalone but will potentially be a series ✅

Pregnancy in epilogues. ✅ You can avoid those if you don’t want to read that!

Spice was medium 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The story follows Ember who is Emerson’s daughter from The Monster’s Den. While you don’t have to read that book (or the rest in that series) to follow along, I would bc tbh it was also one of my faves.

Cons? At times the writing gets a bit disjointed, isn’t clear or moves to a new topic wo warning. I wouldn’t call this a literary masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. But the errors are not enough that it took away my enjoyment.

[Lilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn

It took me a few chapters to get behind Ember all grown up. And that's with me looking forward to this book. I got there but I'm unsatisfied.
It feels like this should have been a 2 or 3 books and then every thing could have been flushed out. It's fine for readers who don't want any conflict but I wanted more of every thing. I wanted more courting. A longer relationship build up. More time showing Ember learn to run a pack. More challenges.
And it pisses me off because she said in her group that if this doesn't sell well she won't do books for side characters. Then why introduce them at all??????!!!!!!

[Mary Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerson was my fave from the first set of standalones in this universe, and now, we are privileged with second gen stories. Ember is Emerson's daughter, and she is a total baddie, yet also sweet and protective to those she loves. I cheered watching the fellas back her up instead of run her over because she was certainly no damsel in distress. She needed support, and they were quick to anticipate her needs, becoming one cohesive family unit. As always, I loved the epilogues this author gifted us, and I'm super intrigued about Greer's story next.

[Amberly Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Embers story!!! I couldn’t wait to read it and get to know her and her guys!! I love all 3 of them and they were perfect for her ( I think Anders was my favorite). The story kept me in it from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book in this world!!

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.
I liked all the characters, but even with everything that happened it still didn’t feel like a lot was going on.
Maybe because the relationships were super easy and we didn’t get a lot of details about the characters?..I don’t know.
It was still pretty entertaining.🤷🏻‍♀️

[Gina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need some Ember energy!

This book is the first one in a new series—it’s basically a spinoff from A Monstrous World series. It takes place in the same world—just 20 years later. All the kids from those books are all grown up! Even though there is overlap, it truly is a standalone (there’s even a handy dandy cheat sheet for the families 😉)

In a world where men tend to hold positions of power, Ember (a fierce female alpha) changes not just her fate but the fate of the entire North American Pack. She serves as an incredible role model for a strong, yet compassionate woman in power.

This is a reverse harem/why choose book, and her fated mates are *chef’s kiss* I love how they support her without undermining her. I wish we could have seen more of their relationships unfolding, but it really is a fast paced, action packed book.

Spice wise, I give it 4 chili peppers. It’s got lots of plot, balanced with a good dose of smut. There’s a handful of scenes throughout the book, and it does get into details. There’s also some kink, multiple partners & positions, as well as tails and some upgrades to eggplants 🍆 It definitely falls on the monster side of things, but it isn’t over the top, lacking plot, constant (thus not getting 5 peppers).

Overall I give this book 5 stars, would definitely read again!

[dany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember, Lorcan, Veryn & Anders were absolute perfection.
I was so excited to read Ember’s story! Specially after reading her mom’s, and it was everything I could’ve wanted. It’s obvious, even when she was little, that she’d be a baddie… it was so cool to see her own her power and be an incredible wolf. She’s a queen though and through. So, it was meant to be for her mates to be the standard.
Veryn is so hot and cute at the same time. I loved their childhood friends to lovers trope. Anders proved to be incredibly loyal and fascinating. Lorcan is the type of love you wait for, but it’s so worth it. I know those are short descriptions but trust me when I tell you, you will love them all! I really liked seeing cute cameos from the parents!
What a fantastic omegaverse, it’s got everything for a perfect quick steamy and entertaining read.

[kase · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good but wtf was the reason to make ember 21?!? Like hello these are all imortalish shifters and demons and witches and shit, her one mate is 1,000 years old for god sake at least have let her be 25.

Also kinda weird reading a second generation but less weird bc they’re all odd ages I guess? I don’t want to read about the kid I read getting conceived in a crazy ass orgy so I have to pretend I didn’t read that lol.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad we got to see Ember’s story! I really enjoyed her mix of personality and how strong she was as an FMC. She took charge and had amazing men along for the journey. I loved seeing the characters we saw in the first generation again and in previous books - it was so fun to get their appearances in there. All in all, I really enjoyed this one. It was a solid why choose paranormal romance with good spice and a fun harem.

[✨Sandra✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was amazing! I was so excited to read the first book from the second generation of A Monstrous World Series, and it did not disappoint. I ate it all up, and read it in one sitting.

Ember is amazing. The perfect FMC which is strong and independent, but also so sweet and caring. This book was full of action, and so exciting. I loved how she formed relationships with all of her mates, and the spice was hot 🥵

This book set us up wonderfully for the next book in the series, which is Greer’s. Can’t wait to read her story next.

The epilogues were everything, and I loved the extended one set in the future.
I have loved every book of Jillian’s I’ve read, and I highly recommend this one as well 🩷

[Dark Little Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like how does she do no wrong? I'm in love with every book she writes! Ember's story was incredible, she's such a bada$$. I loved her story of growth, learning to be a leader, and living beyond your designation.

I also enjoyed seeing many of the past characters from the first four books. It was fun to see Veryn and Ember all grown up.

Jillian, as always, delivers such a sweet heart warming story that never lacks spice. I love being on her ARC team. I'd highly recommend this read and the four that come before it, they're all interconnected standalones.

[Melissa Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book since the first ever Monster’s Den book. I just *knew* Ember was going to get her own book and as each of the other harems got their HEAs and had their kids i just knew that some of them were going to be hers. And ommmggg the fact that it was Veryn made me SO happy.

Can we talk about the fact that Jillian west makes the BEST supernaturals? Lorcan was absolutely one of the coolest supernaturals that Jillian has ever written. Just the way he was old and broody and so very “well this is interesting,” about Ember being an omega (AND an “alpha”) ,… gah theres something about the old wizard type in the body of a hot as fuck Druid like yassss please.

Veryn was obviously the one I was rooting for going into everything… especially after the epilogue of his mom and dads’ book (Monster’s Mate) I KNEW Veryn and Ember’s brothers got into some shit and to find out that it was so take revenge on Embers account? Fucking YAS.

Also can we talk about how god damned cute it was that Veryn was the one chasing her? Like.. he knew he messed up when he stayed away from her because of her parents and I GET that.. I get why that happened.. but she was gun shy after that and he did fucking EVERYTHING to prove to her he would never leave her again.

ALSO ANDERS! A freaking half lion half wolf shifter? He was perrrrfect! And the perfect addition to her harem.

Ember was one lucky biatch. And the whole trying to find the bad guy mystery going on in the background was sooo interesting.

ALSO I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE TWIN GIRLS’ BOOKS!!! I love how theyre so damn different but i love them both!

5 stars!!

Huge thanks to the author and her PA for the ARC. This is an honest review.

[Ally Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this book! Ember was such a great fmc. I loved seeing her and Veryn a dragon shifter interact because of so much history between the 2. They've been friends since childhood and know they're mates. Veryn distanced himself from her at the request of their parents. Now Ember isn't as sure of him as she was. When her wolf gets her more involved with the local wolf pack, she meets 2 men who draw her in as much as Veryn does.

Anders is part wolf part lion, and he's drawn to Ember from the very second she crashes a fight. Now she's leaning on him to help her navigate her new role, and he needs his mark on her. Lorcan is a druid, and he instantly knows Ember is meant for him. There's most definitely a very big age gap between him, Ember, and her other 2 mates. He's fascinating.

I can't get over this book! Seriously, I needed a book that was low angst spicy with a HEA right now. I loved the ending. The epilogues were amazing! I know not everyone loves the extended look into the HEA for the characters , which includes starting a family, but I love them.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my new favorite by Jillian West! This series/universe was already my favorite, but this continuation into the next generation is so fun and I'm already so excited for all of the possibilities to come.

I've been wanting Veryn and Ember's story and it was just so sweet and everything I wanted it to be! I loved them as kids in their parents books and I weirdly felt so proud of who they became. As if I had any part in that lol.

I love Ember so much. Her growth as a person and as an alpha was so lovely! And she had the perfect partners to go through it with.

Overall, just a super fun and sweet read. Some light action and drama, but everything resolves quickly enough that it's not stressful. And, as always, it was hot.

I can't wait for more!

[Cheyyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if reading through all these over the last month has blended them together for me or what but I was just meh about this one.

spoilers.


I will be honest at the end of monsters mate when we get a broody veryn after murdering carson I was excited to jump right into this one. I wanted some pining...something? but we plop in the story after they already are hooking up and kill those dreams. then anders and Lorcan are just on fast forward for me.


maybe I just need a break to read something with a tad bit more angst before coming back to this world.

[The Bodacious Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.
I really like this authors monsters OMV world. I would definitely recommend this book if you’re in the mood for an OMV book that also includes other species. She has three mates and two of them were virgins, but it’s not made to be a big deal or anything. I believe she was too, but then again it wasn’t really talked about.
I also like that she was an alpha wolf herself. And she was written to be strong, but not overly masculine, which I enjoyed.
The MMC‘s were likable, and it was just an overall enjoyable short book. There was no OM or MM or MMF.

[Brittany- Honest Book Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a five star read. This is the daughter of the FMC from The Monster's Den! That cute little baby wolf that we fell in love with! This is her story! It's so freaking good yall! Ember is a BA and her mates give me all the goose bumps! I am obsessed! She always keeping everyone on their toes! I love me a strong FMC and Ember is goals!

I very much enjoyed this book! I can't wait to see what is next in this world of monsters!!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say I ate this book up. I love paranormal shifter romance and throw in why choose and I am sold. Such a good book I loved watching Ember find all hwr mates and take on a pack. Can't wait for more.

[Ashley Morefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely love this! Shows female strength and that the men will have her back, but won't stand in her way! It's a definite read, and I can't wait to see the next generation's books!

[Elektra | My Trending Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Love love love this series and next gen is so precious . I love the combination of adventure and mates. It's action packed with heaps of sweet moments and smexy. I love this series so much

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember was a great MFC!
I hope we get Rogue’s book next!

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved it!! This is the new generation from the monstrous world and let me tell you I’m here for it! Amazing start, Jillian never fails me with her books ..

[The Forgotten Bookmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like always Jillian made me fall in love with her characters and the story! I love the second generation from The Monsterous World Series. Ember is such a stubborn badass alpha wolf and her mates are everything! I cannot wait to read more from this series!

[Cloudstanloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ Spice

Jillian West has truly outdone herself with “Ember’s Claim.” This standalone novel, set in the same world as the A Monstrous World series, takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the life of Ember, a female shifter torn between her wolf instincts and the dangers of her world.

I am really excited that Jillian West went not only paranormal but shifter for this book. The blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements makes for a captivating read. Ember’s struggle with her dual nature and the high stakes involved kept me hooked from start to finish. This book is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance and shifter stories!

[Sullivan Nae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I understand this book is an extension of a series and the author is giving us a where are their kids now (and possibly a cash grab from die hard fans) (harsh I know).

However, this book had a whole lot of fuck all in it, this is how the story goes.

Wolf Girl has been in love with dragon boy for a long time, dragon boy finally convinces her to date him not just fuck him. Wolf Girl has some detective job? Bounty hunter job? She toddles off to do said job and accidentally goes onto her father’s pack lands.

Wolf girl meets druid boy along the way he turns out to be her mate.

Wolf girl saves wolf, hybrid lion boy (her mate) by fighting the alpha of the pack and becomes the big swinging dick alpha of the pack. Wolf girl is injured and then has to sleep to heal.
Wolf girl realises lion boy and Druid boy are besties.
Dragon boy finds wolf girl on pack lands and claims her this triggers the other mates to claim her and lots of fucking and claiming occurs.
Wolf girl does the tiniest amount of alpha shit, wolf girl fights off challenges from other male wolves.
Druid boy kinda dies, then is revived.
Wolf girl has to sleep to heal.
Wolf girl gets down with the triple penetration.
The end

Epilogue
Girl gets pregnant and has 4 babies.

I was not impressed and damn my New Year’s resolution to try not to DNF a book this year.