I loved every bit of this story which gripped me from page one. I couldn’t put this down even if I wanted to as the mystery had me yearning for the solution!

I wanted to read this book because of the feminist vibes and labyrinth as I find them cool. So, this book is about how a girl named Rhen bests the boys in a maze competition for annual scholarship, held by Mr. Holm in which only boys are allowed to participate. So our MC Rhen and her cousin don a disguise and enter the competition which had claimed lives of 5 contestants so far. Sounds interesting, right? I thought so too.

Likes:
✔Headstrong, inspiring feminist MC.
✔Friendship between Rhen and her cousin Seleni
✔Supportive father
✔Rep of dyslexia, autism and down’s syndrome

Now let me tell you what I didn’t like about this book:

Dislikes:
✖I wish it was more show, don’t tell but sadly it was the other way around. I was promised magical labyrinth and magical creatures and I kept waiting for them to make significant appearance instead I was only told the characters hear the screeches of sea sirens and pregnant mountain basilisks. There was not enough magic. It felt like I was promised velvety Magnum ice cream but they handed me sugar-free candy! 😫

✖The much awaited competition starts after 50% of the book and lasts only for few pages. So unsatisfying.

✖The labyrinth was supposed to be fierce and deadly but it turned out quite the opposite. There was no intense competition between the contestants to keep me on the edge and waiting for the next thrilling moment because there were no thrilling moments. It was all mundane.

✖The star plus drama type disguise. Rhen chopped off her hair and Seleni pinned up her hair and covered them with a hat. They also lowered their voice when they talked to other contestants so they won’t be recognized by the very same boys they grew up with. Sounds familiar? 😉

✖The male characters were supper dull, boring and annoying. Seleni’s fiance, Beryll, was a chicken and Rhen’s suitor was an hypocrite (read punchable). Rhen’s crush Lute was nice and caring though but he didn’t ● click with me.

✖There was a lot of gross talk about bloated corpses, stolen blood samples etc.

✖This story could have been completed in 70-100 pages, at most.

✖(Spoiler in this para) The ending was unjustified and did not make sense at all. Mr. Holm was actually a woman who magically takes on different appearances. May be we should have been told a lil bit about what in Merlin’s beard that sort of magic was, if it really was magic at all? And if she could transform herself with magic then why couldn’t Rhen and Seleni?
Why there was an entrance test again after the winner was announced?

Conclusion:
I liked the feminist theme of the story but not how it was executed. May be my expectations were too high. You may like this book if you like a light fantasy read and a strong and inspiring feminist MC.

Couldn't get into the book, and DNF it after 100 pages. I really wish I could have continued on and finish it, because it sounded like it would be right up my alley

Mary Weber has done it again. This book is everything I wanted and more. Like most books I review, I read it once, set it aside, then read it again for a second-impression to see if I missed anything the first go-around. Just wow. I love everything from the feminist approach to the determination to become whatever you want no matter the cost. To not let others or your surroundings define you. What a great message for readers and a swirling adventure taboot!

This book was for sure a fun read, it was unique and very interesting to read. Filled with old-timey clothing and style throughout the novel, it felt as if I had been transported back in time. Hints of magical creatures and illusions made appearances and made the story feel more imaginative and easy to digest! I loved Rhen, our main character. I love female main characters who have a love for, and participate in, S.T.E.M. I loved the love interest, he was kind and supportive and never once tried to change the main character or shove her into a box that most females are forced into in the society that exists within the book.

The only thing I wish could have been better was the length of the competition! I would have loved to see more challenges take place!

<i>*This book was given to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review*</i>   
First, the cover is gorgeous, and the premise sounded like it would be a mashup of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner with some girl power thrown in. I wasn't wrong, but it left me wanting more. There were parts I really enjoyed, but others that fell flat with some plot issues that weren't really fleshed out. The main character was likable and the classism and sexism were handled well. It has checked out well in my library, so a good addition to the collection.

Unfortunately I was unable to read this story it had issues loading onto my tablet and even with contacting publisher and netgalley it wasn’t working. I will though but this and eventually put out a real review for the story.
Will rate a three for not wanting to not mark and seems unfair to put 1 when I wasn’t even able to read it. Thank you again for trying to help everyone

I enjoy this story so much! Finally got a chance to review it. Was super pumped up when my request been accepted. I love the concept, the plot (bit twist at the end), and definitely the maze! Wish it could have been more explored but overall, amazing!

*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This. Was. Great. Solid fantasy story line and really interesting well-drawn characters and a healthy dose of feminism for all concerned. Big fan and thoroughly enjoyed flying through this novel.

I have not had the time or interest to get through this book, unfortunately. I requested based on the author and would love to get to it eventually.

To Best the Boys is a book about shattering the status quo, and eliminating double standards. It brings you into the world that gives the boys all of the advantages, and leaves you feeling vindicated with true girl power.

"To Best the Boys" was a nice suprise. I wasn't expecting such a good book. It's full of girl power and adventures. Still I missed something while I was reading the book. I would have wanted to have more action in the labrynth. As it was the first book for me, from the author I really liked it. So I will read more of her work.

It exceeded my expectations but I also wasn't blown away; it was very slow to get going in my opinion and the pacing felt decidedly off. I did however enjoy how strongly feminist it is!!

I had a hard time getting into this one. It may have just been a little too young for my tastes. I tend to prefer a little older YA.

I was really intrigued by the synopsis: a girl enters an all-boy competition that sees super dangerous and intriguing. It is a true representation of feminism! The plot was rather simple but the characters, even the secondary ones where interesting. As a whole a fun and entertaining read with a good message.

To Best the Boys is a young adult fantasy novel that I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this much!

Every year, teenage boys are given the opportunity to compete for a scholarship to the all boys Stemwick University. They must face the labyrinth and come out alive in order to win. Rhen, deciding to change her future and win the scholarship, dresses as a boy along and enters the competition with her cousin, Seleni.

This was a quick and light read that discusses a world that is not too far-fetched, considering the historical background our society is based upon. This male dominated world best showcases the struggles our maternal predecessors faced as they were put into roles deemed appropriate based on their gender alone. This view of women as less than still occurs in our society today, making the story that much more powerful to read. Rhen, like many women, refuses to sit by and let this treatment continue on. An overall amazing story that I recommend checking out.

Copy was kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Unfortunately, I did not get. the chance to read this ARC prior to its release--I'm hoping to work through my backlist now that we're home for the coming weeks!--but we did end up buying this book for the library collection.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this title. I will review this title at a different date.

I got this book via Netgalley and I am grateful.

However, I did not like To best the boys. I thought it was quite boring, because the characters are bland. After finishing the book, I can't remember the main character, except for the fact she is dressed up as a boy and enters a maze to get a scholarship, because she is smart.

The quizzes, challenges, in the book, which the characters have to endure, are really nice! I liked those parts the most, but it was really predictable, unfortunately.

To Best the Boys was my first read by Mary Weber. It is a great feminist tale that has some of the action and adventure of the Hunger Games. It has great plot twists and characters! I look forward to more by this author!