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Anchor for the Changed #2

Claimed Ember Bound

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My freedom was short-lived, but this time, being a test subject is my choice. To save one of the men called to me, I’m willing to play the Conclave’s game.

The sooner this week is over, the sooner I can return to my family and to the three men called to my Sept so far.

I want to focus on living, forming friendships, pushing boundaries, and strengthening the bond with my men.

But when my birthday comes early, and the rest of my Sept are revealed along with hidden secrets, tensions rise.

Factions are working in the shadows to try and break me, forgetting I’m not alone anymore. I have reasons to fight, and those reasons will keep my hope and fire alight.



Claimed Ember Bound is book two of a series which must be read in order and ends with a cliffhanger. It is a slow burn, medium build why choose romance novel, meaning the main character will not choose between love interests. There is sensitive content; please read the warnings before starting the series. Your mental health is more important than pages read.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

233 people are currently reading
207 people want to read

About the author

Aisling Cousins

7 books264 followers

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5 stars
612 (46%)
4 stars
401 (30%)
3 stars
257 (19%)
2 stars
42 (3%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for G.
516 reviews205 followers
November 27, 2023
Cant wait for the next book
Profile Image for ✧ FLINN ✧ (Semi-Hiatus).
562 reviews119 followers
November 28, 2023
Will not read anything else by this author. Second series that doesn’t work for me + I hate the use of trauma and abuse for trope, she should do more research about this subject before writing characters that goes through this, it baffles me how the female character is treated and how her abuse is disregarded as something mundane. It’s too triggering for me, I can’t recommend this series.
Profile Image for Laura (lady_h_reads).
826 reviews359 followers
March 23, 2023
Claimed Ember Bound was a one-sitting read – this baby completely surprised me. I cracked it open, thinking I’d knock out a few chapters before bed, and found I could not put it down. It was a “one more chapter, then I’ll go to sleep” situation. I lost much sleep that night, but it was totally worth it.

Everything is ramped up from the first book – the action, the angst, the steam (though still on the low/medium side), and the drama surrounding the government wanting to control or use Ember. We find out more about the lore of the Anchors and the Changed, which on their own are fascinating concepts, and we delve further into each of the characters’ lives. We discover the identities of the other men in Ember’s Sept and watch as the conclave tries to keep them from her.

I loved getting to know each character at a deeper level. The men each went from a fated mate Ember was required to accept into her Sept, to a person with worth she could truly accept as a partner at the emotional level. They helped Ember learn to live, to heal.

The steam is still on the slower burn end of the spectrum, but it does begin to pick up as the book progresses. Even though they are fated mates, emotional connection comes first. All interactions are MF.

This book ends in a killer of a cliffhanger. I was not ready for that last page. I am looking forward to the next part of the story.

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Features: Magic Academy, Hurt/Comfort, Trauma Survival, Fated Mates, Found Family, Government Corruption, Slow Burn
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose
Book Type/Ending: 2nd in Series, Cliffhanger
TW/CW: See Content Note in Book
Profile Image for Mary Rose.
882 reviews53 followers
March 14, 2023
The cliffies always get you when this author is involved. lol

Ember is a fantastic blend of vulnerable and sweet with tough and capable. She doesn't let her past define her future. Her freedom means everything to her, and she holds onto it for dear life. I love that we get to see who rounds out her Sept in this book and that the bonds have started to form. Tons of great world building and relationship development to sink your teeth into while we wait for the steamy bits. After that brutal ending, I can't wait to see how Ember kicks butt and shakes up the Conclave and their nasty old "traditions".
19 reviews
June 14, 2023
Good story but I hate cliffhangers

I have just finished the first two books. It is confusing to discover how many books will be in the series. If I had known that this is truly the second of three I would have WAITED to read them. Without a definitive release date, and with the amount I read I know I will forget the first two books by the time the third is out. Very frustrating and has left a bad taste to otherwise pretty good books.
Profile Image for Ness.
594 reviews
dnf
April 6, 2023
DNF'd at 60%.

Okay. Some thought-provoking bits. Overall, not good enough to keep reading. I'll probably pass on future books by this author.

Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
654 reviews19 followers
July 18, 2024
**Review shared for series**

Honestly I'm surprised I finished the series..

Like The Therian Omega which I DNF by Aisling Cousins.. the main idea is so good.. but the execution just... lacks. There are some major aspects of this series that really ruined it for me. I was able to ignore these issues and finish but as much as I would love for this to be something I reread in the future - I don't think I'll have the patience.

Characters -

The mmcs were mostly pretty likeable and unique. The biggest flaw was Aaron and Zane. They are twins but they felt like the same person. The only difference was that Aaron liked to cook for Ember. Zane's personality was very surface level. The other's each had their own quirks that made them unique.

Skylar- Ember's brother was so self-absorbed.. I hated him and was so happy when one of Ember's mates ended up calling him out on his bull in the third book.

Ember was a more sweet and innocent fmc. She had strength, power, and was more than capable of taking care of herself but she wasn't overly cocky and was still willing to let the men dote on her. I do think there should have been a little more trauma and healing involved in her growth but that brings me to the other issues I had...

There were a few things that almost made me DNF.

First, the fact that this girl was born and raised in captivity for 24 YEARS. But a few DAYS after being in a horrible car accident is expected to attend an academy? Like... absolutely no time to deal with anything that happened to her..? And everyone just expects her to be completely normal? The freaking leaders of their kind re-traumatizes her in a room full of people including her biological father and they call her worthless because she can't have children and like.. no one bats an eye really?

Which brings me to my second biggest issue. The antagonists in the story all act like a bunch of high schoolers and it just kind of takes away from immersing the reader into the story because it is just so far from believable. These people are supposed to be the leaders of the Changed but there is no way they would get away with so much for so long. The insults and actions were so juvenile. And just to be clear... it only gets WORSE throughout the series.

Why the f*ck is one of her mates calling her "pet" when the man that tortured her for 14 years called her that? It isn't even really spoken about between Ember and Helios? Like.. huh? Sounds like a trigger to me and she is just... fine with it? I don't even know. Was so freaking weird. Just another example of this story being about a traumatized fmc but... not giving any thought into the fact that she is traumatized?

The pheromone control was never really explained well.. It was just such a weird aspect to the story since it was so important but not really fully explained.

Her have six or seven mates was another part that was kind of not explained well. It went back and forth and different people seemed to think she would have a different amount and it felt like it was going to be something that was kind of like an "what?!" moment for those in the story but... wasn't?

Why the heck was the representatives magic so weak? Dixon appeared to not have any magic at all? This is something that comes up a few times but is never explained.

Overall, the ending was a little unsatisfying. There were some things that were pretty open ended - which makes sense because it sounds like there will be more stories for the world but it made this story feel a bit rushed and unfinished in a way. Also like... everyone that hurt Ember died way too easily. Like literally snap of the fingers and they died. After all that? 50% of the last book was Ember being in captivity again but just like that those that put her there died like nothing..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for bersabea giudice.
971 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2025
La sindrome del libro di mezzo, è questo quello di cui soffre questo libro, o almeno lo spero, perché altrimenti è stato solo noioso e le speranze in un finale intrigante sfumano quasi completamente.

Partiamo dalla protagonista, se nel volume precedente avevo apprezzato e compreso la sua remissività, in questo mi aspettavo che uscisse un pò gli artigli, che si facesse valere, non solo sporadicamente e per tenere il broncio all'uno o all'altro dei suoi compagni.
Invece Ember è una sonnambula, è questo il termine che più di una volta mi è venuto in mente mentre leggevo, è un'ameba priva di personalità , e il finale di questo libro racchiude perfettamente quello che è la protagonista.

Anche gli MMC non si salvano, sono riuscita a scorgere le loro potenzialità nel libro prevedente, soprattutto nei più grandi, Vetrus, Atticus e Helios, ma in questo libro si sono appiattiti come tutto il resto.

Spero che scopriremo anche le vere motivazioni del Conclave, perché il fatto che siano così tenacemente contrari a Ember non può essere solo perché è sterile, visto che moltissimi gruppi di legati sono composti da persone dello stesso sesso.

La parte romance lascia tantissimo a desiderare, questo libro era l'occasione per sviluppare tutti i legami invece niente da segnalare, una linea piatta.

Spero che l'ultimo capitolo della trilogia mi sorprenda, non ho abbandonato tutte le speranze, ma non sono ottimista.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,326 reviews47 followers
March 13, 2023
At the end of 2022, when I had to consider which book was my most anticipated read for the new year, I didn't have to think about it very long. "Claimed Ember Bound" was by far on the top of that list. I have been counting the days until this second book in the "Anchor of the Changed" series would release, especially after the author released some teasers that haunted me in my dreams.

Saying that I love this series and its characters is an absolute understatement. I know the author keeps apologizing for making us wait for the next book(s) in her ongoing series, but I don't believe that's necessary. With the way I devour these books, I fully anticipate needing to wait for my next kick. This second book contained fewer surprises for me compared to book one, but I do enjoy the way everyone comes together to protect Ember, without trying to suffocate her along the way. I'm curious to see some relationships develop further in the next book, and I especially look forward to see more of Helios and his 'family'. And the more I read, the more my thirst for vengeance for some of these side characters blossoms as well...

"Claimed Ember Bound" is a great second book, and I'm can't help looking forward to book three!
Profile Image for Amanda Crossland.
1,173 reviews13 followers
May 13, 2023
Man…

I probably should have waited to read this book… until the series was done. That ending, was harsh. I think it was worse than the last book.
Aisling writes flawlessly in a way that makes it easy picturing the fmc and her sept. She writes about ppl in power abusing it and using it in those deemed weaker. It made me angry, and all I wanted was the fmc to speak up more often. Granted she has grown exponentially, but speaking up isn’t really her forte. She’s very talented, in magic and combat. She’s sweet, caring, but rarely defends herself. I’d love to see her grow more, build that self confidence. I rated it 4* because after a book of painful flashbacks, lots of bullying from the conclave as well as some of her peers. It wasn’t balanced to the point of how bad the flashbacks were (amazingly written) to having something amazing happening to offset those painful moments. We all knew something was going to happen… I sure hope that her current bond finds her quickly.
286 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2023
Dream Magic Sexy Time!

So this series has me by the NECK! I’m not sure how I will live the next two weeks waiting for the third book! So freaking good. Twists and turns… I love that the characters are all mid 29s and older. The plot of the story is about magical beings that came to be form a magical event that “changed” a portion of the earth’s population hundreds of years ago. So these Changed beings don’t actually mature until 25. So while she’s an adult, she still has the support of her family. The scientific testing the happens to her in the first half of her life isn’t actually on page, which I find extremely helpful. Mostly flashbacks or her telling the others about certain things. But of course all good books have to have that cliffy!! This one is the human that tortured her for years has come back to steal her away again! Cannot wait to see how this is resolved in the last book!
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,960 reviews110 followers
December 7, 2023
3.5 stars different but somewhat boring

The story is somewhat different but I found myself getting bored with the mundane. I’m surprised by the strides Ember is making after years of abuse and she’s showing like zero to no adverse affects. Like she doesn’t still flinch or freak out. I’d have expected it with others outside her bond group. How Myra wants to be her friend and claims BFF without realizing that socially Ember probably doesn’t know how to be one. These things aren’t being addressed. Then we spend lots of time on descriptions of things but not enough on going to class when the Sept or all the interactions with the Sept. We don’t have a lot of answers as to why Ember is able to do the things she can. We have minimal answers. Let’s hope book 3 ties them all up really well.
Profile Image for Rachel Stephens.
2,320 reviews41 followers
March 14, 2023
Excellent!!!
From the first character this book captured my attention!
I feel like we learn a lot in this book and there are a few twists throughout. Some I definitely was surprised about.
There was suspense, a bit of humor, angst, a little steam and much more!
Told in multiple POV. We also get some side characters as well.
I love Ember! She is so strong, caring and a little sassy. I think she grew in this book.
We finally learn who all is in Ember's Sept or Harem! I honestly I couldn't pick a favorite. I feel like the author did a great making each guy unique though.
I thought this was a great addition to the series!
After that ending though I wanted to scream! I can't wait for book 3!!!
Profile Image for Melo.
831 reviews19 followers
April 3, 2023
3.8 stars.
This series touched my heart, well book 1 more so. Reading about a big harem is always iffy at best, we lost some of the men here. The only way I can describe this book is that it reads like a filler. Book 1 ended on a massive cliff hanger then book 2 more or less swept it under the carpet like it was nothing. Book 2 was so obvious about something going wrong it wasn't even a shock. Kind of lost the edge there.

I really would have liked to see more personal growth, trauma is complicated yes...but.. a little bit of something would have progressed this plot a bit.

What concerns me is just how many books are going into this series if we are moving at such a snail's pace. Two whole books and we've gone through like 2 months at most hmmm
223 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2023
This book picks up right where the first ends, but after the last cliffhanger did, it didn't seem to really answer the questions of the cliffhanger but maybe that will get resolved in the next book.
I was worried that with big harems that some characters would kind of gall away but I was surprised that they all seemed to have been giving the time to get their stories out.
Ember is coming more into herself and with more confidence and with more of her mates helping her more intuned power. I might have said a few unhappy words when this book ended but it just makes me want to get to the next book now!!
3 reviews
November 13, 2023
cliffhanger grr

It is awesome like all the other book by this author in this series and the Therian Omega series, but the cliffhanger is killing me. I knew I should have waited until the series was complete to start it. I knew I would not be able to stop reading once I started but I was in reading low with books that looked interesting so I went with the author I have come to love and now I stuck waiting. Anyways obvs I like the series, would recommend etc. I hate reviews that give spoilers so all I’ll say is it just keeps getting better. If you like RH that isn’t only about spice and actually has a good plot check these out.
Profile Image for Tanya.
1,240 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2023
"Claimed Ember Bound" is a great second book, I felt like we learned a lot in this book but there are a few twists and surprises throughout. There was suspense, a bit of humor, angst, a little steam! I love that we get to see who rounds out her Sept in this book filled with tons of great world building and relationship development to sink your teeth into while we wait for the steamy bits. Leaving you on another cliffhanger and waiting for book 3. Once I started this book, I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Kristin Lindes.
537 reviews21 followers
March 23, 2023
As with the first book, I am currently alternating between running around screaming and rocking in the corner. I honestly can't get enough of Ember and am definitely going to reread this ASAP. Questions are answered, loyalties revealed and you finally start seeing the bigger picture. Ember's Sept is surprising as well as expected. How deep does the Conclave's rot and deception go? I'm not sure I can say more without spoiling it. Just read it! And then read it again to see if you missed anything in your excitement the first time.
1,210 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2023
Great Read.

The second book in this series was just as good as the first book. I really enjoyed reading it and I didn’t see the cliffhanger at the end coming. The characters all had more growth in this book and the cliffhanger at the end of the last book was dealt with early on in the book. The story was interesting and I just wanted to keep reading to get to the end, although I was a bit gutted when I realised the story was over for now. Overall, it was a really good book and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.
Profile Image for Miranda May.
Author 47 books531 followers
March 25, 2023
I adore this series and the worldbuilding that Aisling has put into this. These characters are amazing and as soon as I picked up the book, it didn’t get put down until I was done. I had to know what was going to happen next. Definitely some things that I didn’t see coming and they were fabulous surprises… mostly. But that cliffhanger?!?! My heart can’t take it and the Kindle almost went flying. But man, was it good. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Booklovingmummy.
844 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2023
Loved this!!!

This book is fantastic!

It’s unique, emotional, fast paced, action packed and interesting! The characters have depth and draw you in wanting to know more, there’s danger lurking that keeps you on your toes and guess what’s coming next but you are also rooting for Ember and her Sept and those in her life to come out on top!

That ending has many theories going through my head and can’t wait to see what’s to come!

Loving this series!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
2,600 reviews15 followers
March 28, 2023
Woohoo! I was really excited to get my hands on this book. I felt empty after reading the first so I knew the second was gonna be good. The twists and turns are really good. Ember is such a great character and I love how strong she is. Now she has found all her mates she can grow on her relationships and I can't wait for it to be even more in book 3. The end here left me again feeling it. So yes cliffy but sigh, it's a good one at least and leaves me wanting book 3.
Profile Image for Heather.
213 reviews
March 29, 2023
This series has me hooked, I had to take a few days to digest everything and get over that darn cliffhanger before writing this review. I about threw my kindle across the room I was so upset, even though I could see where things were going and had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen, I'm just devastated. There are a lot of fantastic ideas and characters in this series and I can't wait to see how everything works out for Ember and her Sept. REALLY looking forward to the next book!!
Profile Image for booksss.
78 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2023
That cliffy was killer!! I’m already dying for the next book and I just finished this one. It’s so hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but I will say I am absolutely in love with all the characters. I feel like we got to know all the characters a lot better and it definitely made me love them even more. The story is getting so interesting and I can’t wait for the next one to see where this goes.
Profile Image for Katrina True.
164 reviews4 followers
April 18, 2023
I have fallen in love with Ember and her men. The problems they deal with, encountering different pieces is very intriguing. I am a little upset because of course Aisling had to crush me with another cliff hanger and now I have to wait for the next one. I definitely have book hangover trying to cope. But I loved every second of it! Love the characters and the story line! Can't wait to see where she takes us next!
669 reviews5 followers
April 28, 2023
What a great continuation of this series! The things that Ember goes through, the unexpected allies, the unexpected enemies, the twists and turns in the plot! There is so much going on. I love how accepting Ember is of her new friends and bonded and how their relationships develop. I love how the magic of this world has been created, and how the men all will do anything for their Anchor, Ember. A great read.
70 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
AMAZING!!

This is AMAZING! The depth of the characters, the world building, magic, the relationships of the characters are just phenomenal. I honestly wouldn't change anything in this series especially this book. Ember is strong but vulnerable and each of the guys brings different aspects to the relationship. You also get point of views from her fathers and brother. This series has made it on my favorite list and will definitely be a reread.
30 reviews
March 25, 2023
It's a must

Wow just wow. I mean the first book was good but this book went beyond expectations. I loved seeing the characters and their relationships develop I absolutely love ember taking control and speaking out to the conclave. I really hope book 3 has her kicking ass. Can't wait to get book 3. Is there a way to get information on when it will be released?
Profile Image for Kirsty.
237 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2023
Sensational!

I absolutely loved the first book, I loved the second even more and now I can't wait to read book 3.

Embers story is harrowing, and I love how this book focuses on us getting to know the characters more, and learning more about the power-hungry, insidious evil that are the Representatives.

I am dying to learn what happens next!
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