Really depends on what you want to dedicate to, Shield ded was nerfed pretty hard with the Wrath going to 2 rounds.

Storm makes good Defender, and Avenger, one of the races I really don't play much, I hate low int. Edges would make this shine with Shield Jabs doing very nice passive damage if you get the buckler from HighLords. Shield of LIght is nice, but only niche for fighting warriors who can offhand. YOu have enough STR to not drop it.

Dwarf: Good monk at hero, avoid doesn't work as well on Dwarf as it does on Elf, but if you gear for DAM, you can get some nasty burst damage with Intensify. Fight slowed to offset mana regen problems.

Elf: GREAT monks. Go-to race for them. Great defenses, good damage output, and very very survivable(Unless you are me and just play stupid a lot) as a monk. Your defense will be top notch with shield, your offense not quite so much. If you can snag progging gear, you'll do ok, but very very hard to seal any kills with this dedication with wrath as it is without good gear.

PM me with any specific questions.