The Patron Saint of Scoundrels

by Kate Malden

DESTINED TO LOVE HIM. FORCED TO BETRAY HIM. DETERMINED TO SAVE HIM.

After sacrificing everything for the people he cares about, Will Wardrew is beaten, locked up and awaiting his sentence for thievery, gang activity, and attempted murder. Even so, he’s still desperate to protect the rest of Iustitia Aecum—even Bree, the girl who betrayed him and handed Constable Baden Hatchett his brutally won victory.

All hope seems lost, but Bree refuses to surrender. Navigating the tenuous bonds of loyalty between her and IA, she joins forces with Jamie, Colette, and Geoff, who piece together a daring plan to rescue Will. Yet one question remains: can Bree really be trusted after everything she’s done?

With their loyalties and consciences tested, the gang must draw upon their strength, wits, and courage before Will is sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. Will IA survive… or will the gang go down in a blaze of glory?

ebook

First published February 11, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Hannah Ayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If your alive, there’s hope”

Book 1 broke my heart and filled me with huge emotions. Book 2 was just something else. I am in love with the way Kate writes. Her stories are so gripping and detailed to the point it makes you feel like you’re in the room with the characters. This is a series that will stay with me for a LONG time to come.

[Disneysparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Patron Saint of Scoundrels is the sequel to 'The Mark of Thieves' and it hit me right where it hurt man! Kate what are you doing to me?!

This book follows Will Wardrew, the boy who sacrificed everything for the girl he loves. He is locked up, beaten and awaiting his sentence, but he is still determined to fight and protect those he loves, the Iustitia Aecum and Bree, the girl he loves, who just so happens have betrayed him. As well as Bree, our FMC who although seems lost, refuses to surrender.

This book kept me gripped from the get go, I didn't want to put it down! From the tortured souls of our main duo, to their character development and the plot the journey was a ride. It definitely isn't a light read, there are dark moments throughout with a sprinkle of hope mixed in.

I loved book one and I ate book two up even more!

Thank you to Kate and Beth at Wings & Words for the opportunity to ARC read this book. This review is my own and is left voluntarily.

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a tale of soot-stained streets and the desperate maneuvers of the criminal underworld, look no further than Kate Malden’s latest work. Gather 'round, for this is a story that would make even the Artful Dodger tip his cap. We find our protagonist, the honorable thief Will Wardrew, in a most precarious position. Having sacrificed all for his kin, he now sits beaten and shackled, awaiting a grim sentence for thievery, gang activity, and a murder he did not commit.
The betrayal is as sharp as a razor’s edge. Bree, the very girl who was "destined to love him," is the one who handed him over to the law. She gave the brutal Constable Baden Hatchett his victory on a silver platter. But, in true Dickensian fashion, the heart is a fickle thing! Bree refuses to surrender and seeks to mend the tenuous bonds of loyalty within their gang, Iustitia Aecum. ~Thank you, Beth, and the rest of the Wings and Words Arc Community for the free Arc of this book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~

[T || · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to wings and words for this arc
I read book 1 in prep for TPSOS, and im glad I did. Book 2 picks right up where book 2 left off. I liked how Kate brings you in as a reader to feel every ounce of feelings and turmoil the characters go through.
that being said, just like book 1. there is something for me to rate it a 5. and I cannot put my finger on what is missing.
I did enjoy the read tho.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words.

Kate smashed it again. TPSOS was slower than TMOT but it made sense with where the story is going and with everything left open I fear book 3 is going to utterly destroy me.

I have more questions than answers and some people are still wandering around who definitely shouldn’t be. I’m telling you now after making me sob ugly tears the next book had better be the most satisfying ending in existence.

One thing I hate (love) about the world Kate has created is that you never quite know what’s about to come so you read the entire book keeping it away from your face ready for the next thing to destroy you. Ma’am, I tip my hat to you.

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will and Bree are such tortured souls. Souls who want to live and be loved, but life is certainly making them work for it. This is not a light and fluffy romance. It is heavy and dark. There are sweet moments, which give you hope. They remind me a bit of "The Gift of the Magi". Sacrificing themselves for the other.

I'm looking forward to book 3.

[tonicha Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of this series and I was so excited to get stuck into this book after the first book. It did not disappoint. picking up from where they last book left off is just chefs kiss.
Just like the first book this book is full of action and its crazy addictive. this book follows more on wills side of the story. cant wait for the next book.

[Chanelle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I want to say thank you to the author Kate and the Wings and Words community for letting me be an arc reader of this book. I have no words that are good enough to describe how in love I am with this story the writing is incredible and I love everything about this book. I feel deeply connected to all the characters and I really liked learning more about all of the side characters as the book progressed as well as watching the main characters love story develop. This book was an emotional rollercoaster heartbreaking and amazing and I am fully invested in the lives of these characters. I am still shocked by the ending though and hope that there will be a third book soon because I need to know what happens next in the brilliant story of the IA family and what’s next for them.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank Kate Malden for having me as an ARC reader for The Patron Saint Of Scoundrels. I was an arc reader for the first book, The Mark Of Thieves, so I was really interested to see how this second installment would continue. I’m rating this one a 4.5 stars!

I love that this second installment picked up where we left off with the first book. I felt like I was transported right back into the world of this series that I have come to love so much. With Bree on the run, I was curious to see what would happen to her, but thankfully with the help of Jaime, Collette & Geoff, she was taken in along with her captor. Seeing Hachette in custody of the IA was something I was really looking forward to and I love that Kate didn’t disappoint. With the justice system already broken, we got to see more of just how far people are willing to go in order to keep others from rising up.

My heart was racing for Will the entire time as all I wanted was for him to be rescued by the people he cared about. Will is one of the strongest characters I’ve ever seen and I loved how he was willing to sacrifice himself in order to protect Bree and to protect his family. I really liked the family dynamics in this installment and seeing all the times we got the whole gang together just made this installment feel so much more fulfilling. Kate does an amazing job at creating characters that you can’t help but want to cheer for so it was really nice to see more of those character qualities that helped make for even more relatable people to read about. If you love found family, then the Iustitia Aecum series will be the best one for you, especially if you like a little Robin Hood inspired action!

[Feral_n_Rogue Alpha Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I screamed at this book so many times. Sometimes because I was angry at a character and wanted them to speak up, sometimes because I was excited others because I knew what was going to happen and I was wishing against it.

The book picked up right where book one left off. Bree and Will running from a broken justice system and the tournament it’s causing them. I knew poor Will would be placed back into the hell they worked hard to escape and Bree would get away. Ugh.

Bree now free taking off into the night finding herself with just the right gang of people. I LOVE the coincidences she stumbles into. BUT WHY IS EVERYONE KEEING SECRETS AND LYING!?!?! Again I screamed at the characters.
The mental state her ex husband put her in is so horrible. I love her moments of strength and courage she has. The slap she delivers would have been 10x better if it was a bullet but that wouldn’t have been great for the storyline.

Will again being thrown back into his cold box was so sad. I was excited to see a new character come in and play an important role in the storyline. That little bit of hope kept me on the edge of my seat like book one. The family dynamic throughout the book was amazing. Everyone playing a bigger role and having their moments. I enjoyed seeing these characters develop.

Then Kate goes and rips my heart apart again!!! Just when hope is coming!!! I’m already needing the next book. I just knew that little bird would do that. I hope the stars aline and work out just like Jamie & Geoff. And Will needs his rock back…. I can’t stop thinking about that lol.

I read this as a ARC reader. My thoughts are my own.

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate has done it again. This sequel pulled me in and wrung out the emotions not just through the story, but also my own. Picking up where the first book ended, we follow the FMC, MMC, and their gang as they run from a broken justice system and the damage it leaves behind while fighting every odd to stay together.

What touched my heart was how they held onto each other through the chaos. Every step forward leave both physical and emotional wounds that take time, patience, and strength to process and heal. None of it was brushed aside or rushed and nothing comes easy, but watching them slowly find their footing and begin the long road to recovery put a glimpse of hope that better days are coming for them.

Again, i love how Kate really brings out the characters to live, they feel so real - people you ache for, people you despise with all your guts, and those who offer warmth and hope amid the darkness. I really love what and how Kate has brought the series so far.

Im thankful to be given the opportunity to read this in advance.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patron Saint of Scoundrels is the second book in the Iustitia Aecum series which features the adventures of a Victorian Street gang whose motives are basically the same as Robin Hood. I will say I was very impressed with the first book in this series and reading book 2 only made my admiration for this series grow. I will say this book is filled with plenty of angst and drama but that's what makes the story so enjoyable.

Will Wardrew the leader of IA gang is currently locked up is jail awaiting his outcome for all of his charges. Bree who betrayed him is desperate to get him out however, her wretched husband is determined to prevent her from doing so. Despite this she manages to get the upper hand and pursue the matter with the rest of the IA gang.

Overall I loved the whole dynamic of IA gang they are truly some wonderful individuals who truly care for each other. I am super excited to read what book 3 brings and I am sure that it will be wonderful.

[Rebecca Cairns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhh... Kate Malden. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Always with a the cliffy, eh?

And just like that, book two comes to an end. This was a decent read for me. Kate sure knows how to pull on people's heartstrings, that's for sure!
The story of Will and Bree is not light and fluffy. It is a story borne of heartache and sorrow. There's a certain character in this book who I wish every conceivable form of torture on. IYKYK.

For me, the story fell flat in some places. I feel like the book could have been slightly shorter without compromising on the plot.

All in all, I enjoyed this book for the most part and would recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction and having their hearts ripped out.

Thank you to Wings and Words and to Kate Malden for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
<3

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I'd like to thank Kate Malden for giving me the opportunity to ARC read The Patron Saint of Scoundrels. I have not been able to get Brie and Will out of my head since I read this first book and this one picks up right where the first book ended.

I absolutely devoured this book, I haven't slept in two days but it was worth it! There were some points where I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and yell at the characters to make better choices, but also so many sweet moments, and having to heal together both physically and emotionally. I feel wrung out after reading this book and cannot wait for the next one.

[Hannah M Burrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very appreciative that I got to read The Patron Saint of Scoundrels as an eARC, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Book 2 of the Iustitia Aecum series jumps into the story straight from Book 1, leaving nothing hanging.
Once again I was completely engrossed by this tragic, emotionally charged story.
I have so many feelings towards Bree and Will’s characters.
I really enjoyed the multiple-POV chapters, allowing more depth through out the story. More perspective from other IA members.
Now I wonder, what is next for all the characters? I can’t wait to see.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotional continuation of the series. We were left wondering what would become of Will in the first book. The daring and exciting escape had me holding my breath if they could pull it off. These characters have pulled me in from the beginning and it was so nice to learn a little more about them. Everyone had to grow and heal some during this story. I really hope this isn’t the end because I still feel something is missing. I received an ARC and am willingly leaving this review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this picked up straight where we left off in TMOT and I really liked hearing more from Jamie & Collette - maybe the next will have a chapter from Geoff 👀

Really enjoyed this, not quite as much as TMOT but that one will always have a special place in my heart as the first book of the genre I actually liked 😂

Thanks to Kate Malden for the ARC 😄

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to the author for letting me be an ARC reader! I was absolutely delighted to be back after also being an ARC reader for the first book. The universe was just as captivating in the second volume, even if the first book holds a special, unbeatable place for me. I loved learning more about Will’s found family, and they’re so endearing and relatable. ♡ Kate Malden truly has a gift for writing flawed, deeply human characters and genuinely detestable villains. The doctor Will encounters is also a wonderful addition and helps restore my faith in humanity. (":

[Emily]

DNF


I loved book 1 The Mark of Theives, but I just can't click with book 2. I know it is really unhelpful but I can't go in to depth about why it's just a feeling. At 1st I thought I wasn't just feeling it, so went away and came back later, I got to 25% and just didn't have the drive to read it anymore... It is a real shame as I gave book 1 a 4 star rating.

[Kat Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart.

You craft just such beautiful stories. This one was full of pain, but I feel hopeful about the future. I feel hopeful for another sunset. It's so good, so good. I just can't even
This story has so much longing and so much hope. If you like historical romances with loads of yearning and lots of action and lots of heartache, this one's for you.

[Laura Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Patron Saint of Scoundrels even more than the first book in the series. The pacing felt much faster this time, and I loved how the story follows straight on from book two without losing momentum. It really keeps you hooked and eager to see what happens next. I loved seeing how the characters developed and trusting relationships. However that ending! 😭 I need the next book now! Can’t wait to see how their journey continues.