Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Mark of Thieves

Rate this book
Will Wardrew—charming, quick-witted, and brash—uses his wiles to steal for his gang, Iustitia Aecum. Time and again, chance brings him face-to-face with Bree, a down-on-her-luck IA thief who guards her heart as closely as her secrets.

In twin strokes of misfortune, both Will and Bree end up in the clutches of Baden Hatchett, the relentless police officer determined to capture every last IA thief and bring the gang to its knees. Will only wants to protect his family, and Bree only wants to lay the ghosts of her past to rest, but now they face a terrible betray the gang or face a lifetime of imprisonment.

What Hatchett doesn’t know is that Bree owes Will her life—and, following an ill-fated, impulsive kiss, she just may owe him her heart, too. How can she double-cross the boy who’s saved her not once, but twice?

362 pages, Paperback

Published July 26, 2025

5 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Kate Malden

2 books12 followers
Kate Malden is a writer hailing from a busy metropolitan city in the distant land of Canada. You can usually find her sitting on the couch with her laptop or a notebook and pen; wandering the woods with her partner (and probably carrying around that notebook and pen); staring out the window at birds, leaves, or snowflakes while daydreaming of worlds beyond this one.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
30 (46%)
4 stars
28 (43%)
3 stars
4 (6%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah M Burrow.
163 reviews32 followers
August 27, 2025
I was lucky to be given the chance to review The Mark of Thieves of my own accord, through being offered an eARC.

An exciting story, I was completely engrossed by this book.
Even though I could predict some aspects of what was to come, I still really enjoyed reading this tragic tale.
I hope the villains get what they deserve.
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,550 reviews83 followers
September 6, 2025
3.5/5 stars
Representation: LGBTQIA+ side characters, neurodivergent characters, mental health

A Robin Hood–inspired historical fantasy romance wrapped in a story of survival and resilience. Will and Bree are complex, scarred characters who have to draw on their fortitude again and again, and their dynamic is full of hurt/comfort, secrets, and those little moments of tenderness that make the relationship feel genuine. The romance itself is sweet, but make no mistake, the overall tone of the book is heavier.

The villain is not particularly nuanced, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s the kind of figure that feels alarmingly believable: someone who thrives on exploiting power dynamics in his favor. I could see him existing in our world, which made him all the more unsettling.

While this is marketed as gaslamp fiction, I didn’t feel much of that atmosphere come through because most of the book is confined to a jail setting. It could have been set in any time. That said, the writing is solid, the characters are compelling, and the romance has real heart. I found it dark (a strong positive for me) but somewhat surface-level in its exploration. Still, between the strong character work and the grounded, chilling villain, it’s absolutely worth picking up!

Thank you so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sarah.
276 reviews10 followers
August 4, 2025
First off, a huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader, I’m very grateful!

Soooo, this gem is hands down one of the best books I’ve read this year. Five stars, no question. From page one, I was in. The story kicks off with action and doesn’t give you a chance to catch your breath, which, honestly, is just how I like it. The characters are complex, resilient, and totally unforgettable. The writing? Amazing. And the emotional rollercoaster? Let’s just say I had feelings. A lot of them. The romance was on point! I was seriously rooting for Will and Bree, and I fell in love with both of them. Their chemistry, the tension, the sweet moments, it all just worked. I also really enjoyed how destiny kept pulling them toward each other over and over again.

And that ending?!! Let’s just say I need the second book like... yesterday!
Profile Image for Evelyn Lewis.
Author 4 books45 followers
December 2, 2025
This story had some strong points and some weak points. Some of both lists simply have to do with how well the book appealed to me personally.

Objectively strong: The book is full of twists and turns, with high stakes and compelling characters.
Objectively weak: The book's setting and themes demanded more worldbuilding than we got. Typically a story centering on a thieves' guild and/or class / interclass struggles will put more weight into worldbuilding, to better support the themes.

Personal likes: whump. lol. I like whump and the book did not disappoint in that regard. I like that it took long enough to get there that we could build up to some serious character drama.
Personal dislikes:
1) Baden's POV was super annoying. I can often enjoy villain POV but with him it could not be over fast enough. He was much better as a non-POV character. I do not think the 1st person present tense thing works very well for his character type.
2) I am uncomfortable when stories play fast and loose with adultery. I like it much better when there's at least a clean break between relationships. Or at least, if there's a serious unpacking of the situation at hand where you can see what the author's rationale is. I can then agree or disagree, but it's nice to know how we're supposed to be taking this. As it is, you get the sense that "adultery" didn't even register to the author as a serious concern at all. I'm not even saying that the author couldn't have made this scenario work, but to me it bears more examination. Husband being evil =/= divorced, that is an additional step.
3) Thieves guilds are a hard sell to me. You expect me to believe that Justitia Aecum only steals from rich people? Only picks the pockets of people who can afford it? How can they tell? It's a bit like the "batman never kills people, just pushes them down 4 flights of stairs." Okay, I'll buy it for the sake of the story, I guess. Why should anyone ever be okay with having their pockets picked. Idk. Basically, the whole premise requires a great deal more legwork on worldbuilding for me to feel a proper affinity with the Iustitia Aecum, which the story simply did not do.

Tldr; entertaining, but a great deal of philosophical stuff was not unpacked and simply taken for granted.
Profile Image for BookishVibesClub.
248 reviews62 followers
August 26, 2025
This was such a fun, yet morally grey and tragic-feeling, historical fiction read with a side of romance. Groups of thieves in the town, hiding from the cops, made for an adventurous story filled with suspense. You get a really good found family within these groups.
The MMC is a lot of fun to read. He is a little feral, snarky, and has all the confidence which gets him into trouble. He has a playful personality that is impossible not to love.
I really enjoyed the dynamic that the history between Bree and the husband she ran from brought to the story. The trauma past and how it comes back into the current timeline of the story brought a lot of feels.

The feels that really made this read unputdownable came from the protective MMC 🥺 and the closeness of the found family.

That ending broke me and I’ll need book two so I can see what happens next 🥺🥺🥺

A quote that pulled all my heart strings:
📚
When I look over at the boy offering to bear five more lashes in my place, all I can see is the bl00d streaming from his back. “No,” I say, and I realize with shame I’m already crying.

“Listen to me. I can handle it,” Fox says harshly. “I can take it, okay?”
📚

Language F* GD + Spicy Language
You may want to check triggers on this one.
Profile Image for Nikita.
174 reviews16 followers
August 27, 2025
“𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦.”

Just the concept of this book had my interest piqued - a dark Robin Hood reimagining set in Victorian times - and I’m happy to report that it delivered.

Our MCs: Two loveable thieves trapped by circumstance and a will to survive.
Our Villain: The despicable constable hellbent on breaking them.

For having most of the storyline take place in a prison, Kate Malden does a wonderful job weaving in depth and backstory to the characters. Their stories and growth over the course of the book is compelling and heartwrenching. There were moments that had me flying through, turning the pages as fast as I could read them, frantic to get more of Bree & Will’s story.

“𝘈 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 - 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘶𝘴. 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.”

Will starts off as a somewhat irreverent thief with a good soul, but as the story progresses we see just how much heart and caring lies beneath his careless mask of sharp wit and charm. Bree begins as a more timid character who finds her voice throughout the trials they endure in prison, and as we learn more about her character we see the bravery, strength, and fierceness she’s hidden away all along.

While this book has a good plot, it’s the characters that really made this read so intriguing for me!

And that ending?? Hello, I’m hooked and I need more!

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘣𝘺𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘧𝘰𝘹-𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧. 𝘐𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭.”

🗡️ Snarky but charming and loyal MMC
🗡️ FMC who’s a bit morally grey but has a hell of a backstory
🗡️ Robin Hood reimagining
🗡️ Prison setting
🗡️ LBGTQ+ side characters

*Thank you to the author and R&R Tours for the advanced copy! All thoughts expressed above are my own.
Profile Image for Leean.
63 reviews
August 31, 2025
Well if you love Robin Hood this book will be your kind of book, this is a fantastic read I would give it 10 stars if I could. I enjoyed reading this throughout and would highly recommend it to everyone as it’s an absolute masterpiece. I loved the characters and the story, the author did a fabulous job in writing this book.
Profile Image for Simplymetaramarie.
216 reviews23 followers
August 27, 2025
What an engaging read! A hard-knocks Robin Hood-esque gang is targeted by the constable for making him look bad. What's worse? He's about to face his greatest humiliation and does not take it well. I really enjoyed Fox and Robin, two flawed individuals who struggle with their own demons while willing to put themselves in the line of fire for the people they care about. I look forward to getting to know more about each of the members of Iustitia Aecum and their fates, especially Fox and Robin.
Profile Image for Lacielou.
29 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2025
What an amazing read, the writing was done brilliantly, I felt the emotions and the struggling through the pages and felt it in myself!!!
Would definitely recommend this passionate book
Profile Image for tonicha Pugh.
52 reviews
August 24, 2025
The mark of thieves is such a griping read. I genuinely didn't want to put it down. it was captivating from the moment you started reading. set in the victorian era about a set of pickpockets trying to help others in need while trying to keep the police at bay,
this was such an emotional read in so many different ways. can not wait for the next! I need to know more 4.5 ⭐️ 's
Profile Image for Katie.
27 reviews
August 12, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I got this one as an ARC and was not disappointed.

I really liked the plot line and the writing style was perfect to follow and understand. There are multiple POVs so you get a good understanding on all the characters involved and the opportunity to connect with multiple of them. I would love to have read more of certain characters POVs but that’s just me being greedy!

Some of the scenes were so well written I felt like I was really there with the characters. I did have to stop to compose myself at a few different points!

I’m annoyed in the best way possible with the cliffhanger ending so I’m definitely looking forward to reading further into this storyline when the time comes!

Overall a really good book and definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Claire.
15 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2025
I LOVED this book from start to finish. The gritty 1800s style setting felt incredibly real and screamed Les Mis in the best way.

Bree’s story is heartbreaking and although time period accurate is really gut wrenching to read. Please check your tigger warnings on this one!

Will. What can I say about Will. I love him. The cheeky thief with a cocky mouth and an attitude to match. I was rooting for him, for them both.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and I’m screaming into the void for more. I need book two immediately. I’m going to spend my time recommending this book to everyone I pass in the street.
Profile Image for Darlene.
192 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2025
I really wanted to love this one. It’s a turn of the century/gaslamp loose retelling of Robin Hood. How could that not be a hit? I found myself just not caring about whatever was going on, and even then it was like nothing happened?

I did enjoy the setting and overall world but unfortunately this was a miss for me. Thank your for the arc, Nerd Fam 💜
Profile Image for The Literature Lizard.
154 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ 0.5 🌶️

Huge thank you to Kate for providing me with an advanced copy of The Mark of Thieves. As always, my opinions are my own.

“A mess of contradictions—that’s us. Lies and truth tangled up together, two puppets yanked by our strings in different directions.”

I really loved the idea of a retelling of one of the most well known tales in English folklore. When I think of Robin Hood, I recall learning of the heroic rebellious outlaw and his band of men who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. 

With this, I was really happy to read about Will who is part of the "inner circle" for a group of thieves called the Iustitia Aecum. Will is the charming and careless thief who has no regard for his own safety but will do anything for the people he cares about. Thinking it would help take a load off his brother's shoulders, Will goes to inquire about a job for the IA and gets caught by the constables and taken to jail.

And then we have Bree, the woman running from her past and a runner for the IA. Accepting a large job from the inner circle is just what she's looking for.. there was her step closer to freedom. Except nothing ever goes as planned as she is tracked down by the constables and also thrown in jail.

So this begins the story of love and betrayal.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit but I personally wish there had been a bit more world building around the IA and time to get to know Will and the inner circle before the events of Will and Bree’s jailing.
All in all I think the plot has promise but I felt like it lacked the in depth emotional connection to the characters that I personally need to get really invested in a story. It wasn’t until I got to over 50% of the way through the book that I was finally getting into the story and wanted to keep reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber Myers.
90 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
You've got to check out this Robinhood-inspired romance/retelling!

Trying to prove himself to his older brother, Will finds himself in a jail cell – refusing to give up his brother or their gang, which steals from the rich to give to the poor. Meanwhile, the girl he's saved a couple of times, a runner for the gang, also winds up in jail. He's saved her and continues to do so, all while she is being blackmailed into getting him to give up information.

This is not a happy story; there are sweet moments, but the story is heartbreaking. It tells of abuse, hardship, and heartbreak. Will, who reminds me of the kids I teach, just wants to make his family proud. His dedication to his brother and family, despite the torture and pain he goes through, drives home the importance of family. Bree has a story of abuse and hardship that she's been trying to overcome. The trauma that she experienced even before the events in the book leave you sympathetic towards her, even as she is making impossible choices. Throughout the book, the theme of being kind is reiterated through Will’s actions, and the consequences that come of them. The villain in this story is truly despicable; it's easy to hate him for the choices he forces Will and Bree to make. After everything the two of them went through in this book, I really hope they get a HEA.

Needless to say, this book had me in a chokehold; I nearly read it in one sitting. The characters were well-developed and caused feelings, one way or the other. I love how each character had a distinct voice and how that got further developed with chapters from their POV. I'm ready to get my hands on the next book to continue the story!
Profile Image for Johanna Ahonen.
26 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2025
This was a stylishly written first part of a series called Iustitia Aecum.

It tells the beginning of the story of Bree, a young woman who has fallen low on the ladder of society after a family tragedy and an awful marriage deal, and Fox, a young thief who is a member of the band of thieves calling themselves Iustitia Aecum. When their lives get tangled, it’s not a story of happiness and joy, but of extreme pain and betrayal instead. But where there’s life, there’s hope…

I found Malden’s writing style in many ways very beautiful and smooth. Enjoyable, even. Which is why I’m terribly upset I didn’t really get involved with the story that much. I didn’t feel I cared that much for the main characters and the torture scenes were a bit on the harsh side - I recommend you mind the trigger warnings!

I don’t know why I didn’t feel more emotionally connected with Bree and Fox, two tragic characters who are trapped in a web of misfortune, but that’s just the way I felt. I don’t know what it was, exactly, that disconnects me from the story - maybe it was the bleakness of it all?

I was fortunate enough to be included in the ARC group for this book, and even though I’m horribly late with my review of it, I want to be honest. This book didn’t do it for me. My vibes and the book’s vibes didn’t match. Which isn’t saying they couldn’t do it for you. There’s a Dickensian touch to the bleakness of the story and if that’s your thing, you might very well enjoy reading this novel.
Profile Image for Kiana Mastelloto.
19 reviews
August 8, 2025
I liked the idea for the plot, a re-telling of Robin Hood. Will is part of the inner circle for a group called Iustitia Aecum (which roughly translates to Justice for Equity from latin). This group steals from the rich and re-distributes to the poor. Will’s older brother Jamie is the leader of the group, and Will is one of the thieves. Will is charming, funny, and cute; but at the same time a little careless and naive. In an attempt to help his brother out, he gets caught by the police and thrown in jail.

Bree on the other hand, is running from her past. She is fierce and strong. She is a pickpocket for Iustitia Aecum, which means she’s part of the group but isn’t part of the bigger operations. Her and Will have crossed paths but don’t know each other. That is until she also gets caught and thrown in jail.

I would’ve liked to see more details on the time period this is set in. And more time spent with Will outside of jail to get a better understanding of Iustitia Aecum. Overall the story was good but it lacked depth and I was never really attached to the characters. It wasn’t until I got to 75% that I was finally getting into the story and looking forward to what was coming next.

I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a light read, with a little bit of suspense and humour. Thanks to the author for an advance copy!
Profile Image for Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94).
163 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
First off, I would like to thank Kate Malden for allowing me to be an ARC reader for Mark Of Thieves! Here is my honest, non spoiler review:

When I saw that this book was meant to be a reimagined take on Robin Hood, I instantly had to sign up for it! The classic Robin Hood concept of steal from the rich and give to the poor was created in such a beautiful tale woven with rebellion and loyalty. The concept of the constables (law makers/upholders) constantly trying to find the core of the IA (Iustitia Aecum~ Robin Hood group) and bringing it down was the perfect way to give a shout-out to the beloved original classic tale of Robin Hood that we know today.

I absolutely loved the characters in this story, especially our main characters as they were given such a strong, in-depth livelihood that made you become so interested in them. Both our MC’s suffered in their past and when they meet, their idea of hope for something better starts to grow. Sparks started to grow and it soon came down to a battle of deciding who to choose once they were captured and questioned in brutal ways.

I felt like this book was so beautifully done and brought me back to the love I had for the lore of Robin Hood. The cliffhanger had me in shock and I really want to see how the second book continues on. This is a solid start to the series and I am very excited for what comes next!
Profile Image for fatedhearts_lorilee.
212 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2025
This was a 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕-𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅, 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 book. I read through it so quickly, and if I didn't have work to distract me, I probably would've finished it in a day!

Will is part of the Iustitia Aecum, which is a 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙤𝙤𝙙-𝙚𝙨𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙜, which is led by Will's older brother. We quickly learn that Will is a bit of a hot-head, and gets himself into some tight spaces. Bree is a runner for the IA, but they don't know much about each other aside from a couple of chance encounters. Despite the little that they know about each other, you can feel the 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏. When they both end up in jail, they are able to get to know one another more and we see their romantic feelings develop -- but there's more going on with Constable Baden, who is our 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏, and a completely awful person. He's giving Inspector Campbell (Peaky Blinders -- Sam Neill) vibes.

I loved getting to see more of Bree and Will's backgrounds, and I only wish some of those scenes could've been more developed, or that we'd had more of them. I love both characters, and I want to get to know them better!

But I did really enjoy this. It was a quick read and I was totally invested in the characters! I cannot waaaaaaiiiiit for book two!

4.5 stars

Thank you so much to Kate Malden and R&R book tours for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review! All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Disneysparks.
42 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2025
What a book!!

I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC team for this, so thank you Wings and Words and Kate Malden for the opportunity!!

The Mark of Thieves follows Will, the charming, quick-witted MMC and Bree, the reserved FMC who is just trying to keep her past, in the past. Some may say say fate, while others may say misfortune, but after one too many meets they both end up in the clutches of Baden Hatchett, the hard faced, relentless police officer who will stop at nothing to capture every last member of the Iustitia Aecum. With their paths seemingly intertwined will Bree and Will be able to survive this latest meet, or will their actions and hearts cost them their lives.

With a twist on the classic Robin Hood, The Mark of Thieves will have you hooked from chapter one! From fabulous character development, gripping plot and action as well as detailed world building, you will not want to put this one down, I certainly didn't. This truly was a phenomenal read, and I felt attached to the characters as well as some strong other feelings (think anger and hate 😡). Now I just need book two, like now!!

The Mark of Thieves is amazing! So stop reading this and go and buy it! Like... Now!! 🫶🙌👏
Profile Image for Sierra Gephart.
64 reviews
August 16, 2025
Huge thank you to Kate and her team for sending an eARC of Mark of Thieves!

This is a retelling inspired by the tale of Robinhood. The story starts off right in the middle of building tension between IA and the Constables. Will, a thief and part of the IA group, is trying to keep a low profile and steal what he can to help provide for those who are in need. He has a run in with Bree, a woman on the run from her abusive husband, and they use each other to ward off the constable and his men.

Will wants to prove himself as a worthy member of his team so he takes point on a meet up that ends up being a trap. He is thrown into jail where he is questioned and punished daily.

Bree ends up caught as well by someone surprising in itself. She is then given an ultimatum: get as much information out of Will about IA, or else. As the story continues, feelings are developed and she makes her choice.

This is the first book of a series and it is not a light easy read. There are hard scenes of abuse, manipulation, and characters sorting through trauma. However, it does a fantastic job of setting up for the rest of the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat!
Profile Image for Katie Dees.
4 reviews
July 31, 2025
It has been a long time that a book has held me in such a tight grasp! With various POVs you witness the story for all angles rather than just from Will and Bree’s. Kate Malden submerges you in a world of Victorian Times, and we steal from the rich to give to those who need it, a band of thieves has found themselves in the center of attention of a certain constable. Will and Bree are captures and soon realize lessons of secrets, and a betrayal.

Every chapter gave way to new developments to the plot and make you fall even more for the characters. By the end of the book, you don’t even realize you’re there until you turn the page and it’s over! While left on a cliffhanger, it makes me excited to read the next books! I can’t wait to see how the story of the IA, and Will and Bree develops!

If you’re looking for:
✔️Robin Hood reimagined
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Victorian Era
✔️Morally Grey
You are in the right place!

Check out The Mark of Thieves by Kate Malden!
You won’t be disappointed!

P.S be sure to check trigger warning before reading!
Profile Image for Kristie Bentley.
18 reviews
August 16, 2025
4.5/5⭐

Since Robin Hood is one of my favorite stories/movies, when I was offered the ARC I jumped at the chance. I've sat on my thoughts for a week before writing my review because I wanted the book to soak in.

I loved the banter back and forth between the characters. The storyline kept me engaged and wanting to read. I felt every emotion the characters were feeling, gasped when they did, cried out with them, etc. I want to give Fox the biggest hug. I need book 2, I need to know what happens next. I loved the characters and the Robin Hood tie-ins in here (Like Fox 🦊).

The only thing that threw me off (and it was needed for the story, it's just not my favorite thing) is a story told from so many points of view. I don't mind a dual POV story, but sometimes it pulls me out as more are added. HOWEVER - I understand why it was needed in this one as everyone seems to have secrets they are keeping to themselves and that can be difficult to write in 3rd person.

Overall, I am super excited for the second book and plan to buy this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2025
This book was Incredible The plot was set In the back in time which as a history girls As well as a book lover I really enjoyed that element. I emotionally Invested with the Main characters Bree and Will and I loved Them. They had great Banter and chemistry. My favourite part of this book though was the plot It well planned and beautifully written. Being the most unique and creative plot I think I have ever read. The Plot had me hooked from the beginning. This book is unlike any book I have ever read with it's plot and I loved It! My only complaint is I want the next Book tomorrow now. One more thing This is not critiquing the book in any way, I never knew I could like a book that hints at spicy scenes instead of them being in graphic detail because of my preferences as a reader. but this book proved me wrong I didn't need too much spice because the chemistry between the characters was charming and lovely.
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
699 reviews41 followers
July 30, 2025
A huge thank you to Kate Malden for giving me the opportunity to be on her arc team for her debut novel. I will admit that this was a very interesting read and the plot was filled with exciting and intriguing drama. The characters had very interesting backstories and their chemistry was spot on. This is the first book in a series so there's a good chance of getting more exciting adventures in the very near future!
We are introduced to two lost souls named Bree and Will. Will is a very charismatic thief who can charm his way out of any situation. We are also introduced to a young woman named Bree who hasn't always had the best of luck with life. These two happen to keep meeting in the strangest situations.
Things get more interesting when they both meet again when they are both captured by the police. The only out of this situation is betraying the secret of Will's gang. Bree who overtime has developed feelings for Will is trapped in a deliemma. What decision will she choose?
Profile Image for Elena-Maria Polydorou.
57 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2025
⭐ 4/5
I received an ARC of The Mark of Thieves, and honestly, if life hadn’t gotten in the way, I could have devoured it in one sitting. I want to thank the author Kate Malden and also a big thank you to Wings and Words for providing the ARC.
Even though there isn’t constant action, the tension between the two main characters is enough to keep you hooked — that slow-burn, edge-of-your-seat kind of pull.

It’s a Robin Hood–style tale about thieves stealing from the rich, but with a gritty twist. There’s a fascinating reveal about how this massive thief organisation began, and the story takes us deep into a jail setting filled with pain, betrayal, and torture. A strange, messy love story blooms between lies and survival, and there’s one character you’ll absolutely loathe.

It’s intriguing, tense, and addictive, with just enough twists to keep the pages turning. The ending isn’t a full cliffhanger, but it definitely leaves you desperate for book two.
Profile Image for Erika Paige.
38 reviews
August 17, 2025
I had the joy of reading an ARC of The Mark of Thieves by @authorkatemalden , releasing August 27. It will also be available on kindle unlimited.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🫑

This reimagined Robin Hood tale pulled me in right away with its mix of rebellion, loyalty, and heartache. The characters are richly layered, carrying both tragic histories and the hope of something more—especially as the spark of romance begins to grow.

What I especially loved was how Malden wove together familiar folklore with fresh twists, keeping the story both nostalgic and unpredictable. The pacing builds beautifully toward a cliffhanger that has me eager for book two—I can already tell this series will be one to follow.

I’m giving it 4 stars, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment. If you enjoy tales of rebels, slow-burn romance, and reimagined legends, this one is for you!
Profile Image for Ashley Bartlett.
51 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
This was such a fun read, even though it was pretty dark!
The Mark of Thieves by Canadian indie author Kate Malden is a roller coaster of emotions, and safe to say, heartbreaking. I absolutely loved MMC Will - he takes absolutely no sh*t and stands up for what he believes in. He also has a potty mouth and I LOVE it. He's fiercely loyal and will do anything to protect his family... No matter how devastating. FMC Bree is feisty, determined, and still reeling from her past. Suddenly tangled up in IA and all their troubles, her and Will must brave the sadistic nature of police officer Baden Hatchett. I was cheering them on, my heart broke for them and the ending set up so well for book 2. This Robin Hood reimagining is such a unique and intriguing story, and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Megan.
65 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2025
First of all, a huge thanks to Kate for giving me an early copy of The Mark of Thieves, this book sucked me in instantly and I could not put it down until I finished. The multiple POV's was so interesting as it allowed me to get into the head of so many characters.

The villain of this story is absolutely pitch black, the choices he forces Will and Bree to make are heartbreaking and gutting but there are lovely moments peppered in as well. Their stories tangle together beautifully and I enjoyed how their relationship blossomed throughout.

I am absolutely itching to get my hands on the next book, that cliffhanger has me numb and I can't stop thinking about it.

Bravo Kate, this book is superb! I loved it!
Profile Image for Lynn.
447 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2025
From page one this book would not let me go...did I read it in one day? Absolutely!! A Robinhood/Victorian Era retelling with multi POV's and action that will have you cancelling your plans to finish it. This was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least, with resilient and complex characters, fighting for their beliefs, their families, and themselves. And the villains of this story are truly villains and there is no redemption for them. I also loved the romance between the two main characters, I cried, swooned, laughed, just loved them and their determination to save each other over and over again..
Hands down a five star read. Now let's talk about that ending!! Need book 2!!
I received an arc of this book and all opinions are my own
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.