A story as mysterious and unique as the Labyrinth maze that lurks within its pages!

Our MC Rhen Tellur is stretched pretty thin. By day she's being courted by the prominent Vincent King who is considered an "Upper" to her "Lower" social status and by night, she along with her cousin Seleni and Seleni's boyfriend Beryll, steals blood from fresh cadavers to use to test a potential cure to a disease that is slowly taking the town and Rhen's mother.

Smart, head strong, brave, and absolute in her actions, Rhen realizes that she could not only change the course of its history, but could also help further her research in potential cures, by winning the Holms Scholarship by being the lone survivor of the unexplainable Labyrinth maze. Even more of an issue than the maze itself is the fact that it is an all boys event. Because surely no girl would ever be worthy of it. Boo and hiss.

Along side Seleni once again, the girls hatch a plan to dress as boys, enter the event, and prove that girls are just as good, if not better, than the boys. But Rhen doesn't count on Vincent or protective Lute Wilkes to also be there. And as the maze gets deeper and deeper, the more true colors and feelings start to surface.

The first chapter instantly grabbed me and was so fun to read. I was laughing out loud with certain dialogue. It definitely set the tone of the relationship between those involved. But as you get further into the story and closer to the actual maze, the story shifts to this mysterious almost eerie tone that certainly encompasses the overall atmosphere of being inside the Labyrinth.

The story is magical and special, the characters (good and bad) are awesome, and the swoons are swoon-worthy. Really enjoyed it from start to finish. And bonus: it's a standalone! Will definitely be adding it to my collection!

To Best the Boys is a really quick read that gives you all the YA tropes you need. There are elements from other books like The Scorpio Races, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.

Rhen is expected to be a homemaker and a simple wife, but she doesn't want it. She's an amazing scientist, and ultimately, she decides to enter a competition for boys to prove her worth. It's essentially TMR but instead of that whole simulation, it's meant for a university scholarship.

I feel like I didn't enjoy it as much as the other readers and reviewers did. The build-up prior to the competition was soooo much and it kind of ruined the book for me. I started getting into it about 40% in, and even then I found myself skimming so much of it that I barely grew any attachment to the characters. I DID like how empowered the women in this story were — sort of — despite all the restrictions placed on them.

This book was a solid read. It took me a bit to get into it, but things picked up at about the 15 percent mark so I write that off to establishing world building.

The idea is that we are in a world where gender roles are very present. Its sort of a futuristic past with magic? Haha, that's the best way to describe it. Honestly, the vibe for me was a lot like Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races, setting wise. The town is divided socially as well, with a lower working class an an upper bureaucratic type.

Rhen is a scientist and a girl. She is expected to marry and be a homemaker and party thrower, even if she doesn't want it. Being put in this box gives her anxiety and frustration. Which eventually leads to her decision to enter a boys scholarship competition.

Make note, there is a lot of build up prior to the competition beginning. The whole thing is not set within the competition. It does a take some time in the beginning to establish the characters, steaks and world before actually entering the competition.

There is romance, with enough tension and angst to satisfy those looking for such a thing. The first meeting of the love interest was so delightfully tropey for me- she crashes into him. He scowls. She gets blood on his jacket. Its wonderful.

The only thing that got frustrating was the extreme gender role examples. They were reinforced over and over and over. It made it unrealistic in my eyes. None of the other women, but her mother had a problem with this world. I had issues with that. Why is she the only one feeling oppressed? These things were somewhat resolved by the end, but its something I will continue to think on.

This is not a Christian book, but perfect for the christian reader. It explores a lot of biblical ideas of what it is like to be a woman and it is wonderful in its approach. For those who know what they're looking for there are plenty of biblical references. Seleni, her friend decides to confront Rhen at one point about how she wants to be a helpmate to her husband, and a homemaker. And Rhen understands that both things are okay. I liked this a lot.

The theme of the story lies with women and their power. Some of the women are content, others are not. Some of the women make the choice to marry up, some women make the choice to marry down. It explores the complexities of each of these situations very well and in a way that was truly well-rounded.

Overall, I was impressed with the story and concept. It is a standalone, so the story wraps up nicely. I have admired Weber's work since Storm Siren, so I am happy to support her in her next world!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Disclaimer: I received this ARC courtesy of Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I am grateful for the opportunity to review an ARC for my readers, but this will not influence my final rating. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and based solely on the book. 

Lately I've had an unquenchable thirst for female heroines who defy societal expectations. As if sensing my desperate need, Weber graced the markets with Rhen Tellur, a sixteen-year-old scientist who's had enough of following the rules in her male-dominated society. In To Best the Boys, Rhen joins a competition reserved for men so she just might gain entry to university — which, again, is a men-only club — and stop a deadly disease that is ravaging her port town.

Rhen is a strongly crafted character. Her motivations to cure the disease stem from her afflicted mother while her father instructs her in the sciences. I loved seeing Rhen's passion for science echo off her father's: the pair working in tandem to find a cure made for great father-daughter moments in the book. The trio live among Lower society, but Rhen is introduced to Upper society by her cousin Seleni. The two cultures inform Rhen's worldview on what is acceptable and what just simply isn't.

Despite its predominance in the summary, the labyrinth competition only takes up about 40% of the novel. Prior to entering, readers are given insight to why Rhen would make such a drastic decision. We also learn about the disease spreading in the port town. Most importantly: we are teased about the dangers of the Labyrinth, how impossible the tasks must be, how few make it through. 

Once the Labyrinth competition begins, I was fully hooked on every action/puzzle sequence. As promised, this competition is as much about wits as it is about strength, often indirectly posing the question on what "intelligences" are most important and whether the way we are tested in school is actually efficient. For such a large competition, the amount of actual tasks was small (only three), only tested lower level skills, and still managed to narrow down to one winner, but I enjoyed every minute. 

The world-building in this novel did leave something to ask for, though the characters spoke loudly enough to more than make up. The fantasy aspect did not entirely feel needed (apart from scenes in the Labyrinth where creatures of myth played a role, they were under-described and little used). The time period was not fully clear: men were required to court women they wished to marry but a lot of common era language is used. 

An interesting dynamic in the book was the friendship between Rhen and Seleni. While Rhen fights for greater independence, Seleni makes an opposite stand: she is happy being a housewife. I liked this plot line for the simple fact that female rights means being able to choose, and Seleni shows that this goes both ways. 

Quick shout out for representation moments: 

Down syndrome in a side character 
Dyslexia in a main character

Review to be posted on blog (https://bookprincessreviews.wordpress.com/): Feb 21 2019
Review to be posted on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2577266885): Feb 21 2019

To Best the Boys by Mary Weber

Where do I even start?! I loved this book. I loved Rhen, and the entire cast of characters right down to the bad guys.

I loved their quaint little port, the science, the spookies, and the romance. It had a vibe that reminded me of Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp. Very cool!

So, now I have to make some time to read it again. ;)

What an excellent read!

Buy it now and be prepared to enjoy it all in one-sitting, since you will not be able to put it down!

Without giving anything away, Iet me share four reasons why this book is a story I will read repeatedly!


1) This novel compelling spotilights a wide-range of human conditions:
the divide created when a community allows a social caste-system to exist;
the bravery of both those who endure physical affliction and those who endeavor to cure it;
the ever-present temptation to lessen one's integrity in order to increase prestige; and the complex nature of interactions between people.
(Relationship explored include: the bond between a daughter and her parents; the dynamics between girl and her crew; friction which often exists with "those" relatives; the electricity of a romantic connection; and the disheartening disconnect between who a woman is and what society is willing to accept her as.)

So much excellent food for thought!

Truly, a Jane Austen quality novel for this generation!

2) The remarkable and original concept plays out in world that is a glorious fusion of historical and magical settings.
One of the most fascinating book "countries" I have ever encountered.

3) The characters (villains included!) are well-rounded, relatable, captivating and thought-provoking.


4) The narrative is breathtakingly beautiful! The author's beautifully scripted imagery delighted me throughout the story.


This book is about as close to perfection as a story can come.
I will admit that a few of the plot points in the novel resolved too easily/quickly for my personal taste.
BUT nothing that lessened my overall delight in the book.
If anything, the story was so intriguing I wanted even more of it!

My recommendation? Buy two copies, because you will want to lend this book to your friends AND you will not be willing to ever part with your copy!

***I received an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.***

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

To Best the Boys by Mary Weber had me me hooked from the start. This book was a fantastic read and I couldn't put it, down. I think this will be a hit with all ages and genders. GREAT STORY!!! MUST READ

Cute story for young readers. I prefer more adult themes but for a young audience this story is perfect.

An assertion of female strength. To Best the Boys is a triumph in every way. From multilayered, complex characters to a haunting, vivid setting, this book will grip you. I was hooked from the first line and could not put it down until the end. I would like to thank the publishers for granting me access to this title.

5 stars - Incredible YA fantasy stand-alone.

While ‘To Best the Boys’ is set in a fictional fantasy world, it would be entirely believable as YA historical fiction if not for the touch of magic and supernatural elements.

Rhen Tellur and her cousin Seleni are strong, fearless ladies and the best of friends despite their different upbringings. Rhen’s mother was outcast from the posh ‘Upper’ lifestyle she was born into when she married a ‘Lower’ for love. As such, Rhen has grown up with the love and support of two amazing and smart parents. Against community ‘norms’ they have nurtured Rhen’s interest in science as well as her baking skills.

Through Rhen’s friendship with Seleni, readers encounter a multitude of teenagers, both stuffy, political Uppers and goofy yet hard-working Lowers; all of whom provide sarcasm and humor in the way teenagers usually do. (A set of brothers even remind me of Fred and George Weasley.)

As the blurb suggests, the cousins do, indeed, enter the scholarship competition disguised as girls – to best the boys and change their circumstances. Their time spent in the labyrinth is a joy to read. But this book is so much more than that. There’s class and gender inequality, there’s magic in the ever-surprising labyrinth, there’s family love and young romantic love and tugging on heartstrings.

It’s a beautiful, touching story that I cannot recommend highly enough.

‘To Best the Boys’ will be available on March 19, 2019. #ToBestTheBoys #NetGalley I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

This was not what I was expecting at all and I was really pleasantly surprised. I did have a bit of a knee jerk eek reaction to the title but get past that because this is a great book. Set in a regency inspired fantasy world replete with magical creatures, this is a low gore Hunger Games (not to mention a far better Maze Runner than the Maze Runner) where a coveted University scholarship is won through solving a labyrinth. Okay so anything with a Labyrinth or maze (apart from the Maze Runner - yawn) is basically catnip to me, but this really was exceptionally well done. Very trope-y but in the best possible way; there's nothing wrong with tropes if they're done right and this was. Everything was delivered fresh and new. Recommended for those who like dynamic female leads solving difficult tasks.

This has allllll the YA tropes of recent bestsellers like The Maze Runner and The Hunger Games - but adds some lovely touches that I think make it more appealing.
It's set in a Regency style era, where flashing your ankles is scandalous, and women are very much under men in terms of power and opportunities. This makes the conversations joyful to read, almost a hint of Jeeves and Wooster style camaraderie and banter.
It takes the death-trap maze or labyrinth, and makes it a test for a coveted University scholarship. The blood and maiming are thin on the ground, making it suitable for younger teen readers, but we have the clever and canny female protagonist, who disguises herself as a boy to win, against all odds.
Good, strong fare. Recommended if you like the aforementioned genres and want it nicely wrapped up in one book not three or four!

This book had everything I'd want from a book. The world building was complete in the context of the story, the characters were well rounded, and I enjoyed the writing. The writing was descriptive but not overly flowery, it was a great balance.

"My gloved left hand grips the sealed vial while my right hand tugs my flimsy cloak closer against the specter of cold that haunts every recess and shadow of our chilly coastal town."

Each chapter keep the story moving to where I didn't want to put the book down. I read half of the book in a day, the other half I read intermittently between work and other commitments. Oh and the best thing... it's not a series.

Just for fair warning, the story isn't WHAM you're in the labyrinth and the whole story is about getting out. However, what I liked about this is that you really got to understand the world Rhen lives in and why she makes the choice to enter the labyrinth. This story had everything from sadness, rage, joy, fear, resistance and all the feelings we grow up experiencing. I could definitely resonate with Rhen because I have been in similar situations at work where the men don't value women as equals or as capable. I really enjoyed the relationship between Rhen and Seleni, it was as best friends/sister should be and Beryll made me chuckle. There is some romance but it is so sweet and felt very natural, it wasn't overdone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It’s no secret how much I love Mary’s books, but this one just blew them all out of the water (yes, all of them, even Reclaiming Shilo Snow). It may actually be my favorite book, OF. ALL. TIME.
To Best The Boys is a story set in a (delightfully creepy at times) world where girls are denied higher education, the poor are denied proper healthcare, and the wealthy live in blissful (or willful) ignorance of the issues of those they consider beneath them. A young woman named Rhen Tellur disguises herself as a boy and sets out to face the mysterious Labyrinth that has only ever been open to young men for a chance to win a scholarship to a university, and to best the boys.
This is a story for anyone who has ever been told that they are less than, that they can’t because..., that they’re doing it wrong, and whose voices haven’t been heard because people don’t bother to listen.
I wish this book had existed when I was a teen. If time travel is ever possible, I’m taking a copy of this book back to my 17 year old self. As it is, I can’t wait until my niece is old enough to read it, and I want to hand a copy to every single one of my friends. I will be raving about this book for a very, very long time. This book deserves an infinite number of stars. If you want a book that will make you cry and then scream from the rooftops that we can do ANYTHING, this book is for you. ❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It’s very rare to find a story that makes me smile while my very being swells with pride from the first page to the last and I couldn’t be happier to have found that within this book.

“To Best the Boys” sees a world not that different from our own in that the rich sit as high as they can and make decisions that further their own interests without any regard for those considered beneath them, but when Rhen sees an opportunity to get a better education by joining the men’s only test through the Labyrinth she decides the reward is worth the risk and together with her cousin they travel where no woman has gone before to prove their worth and hope to tip the scales in favor of those who work for what they want rather than standing by and watching it be given to those who have it handed to them.

This book couldn’t have been more perfect. The entire first half sets up the characters and the dynamics of the world and society in a way that doesn’t feel like heavy exposition or filler to get us to the deadly maze but rather shows how important Rhen’s decision to take this test is. She’s one who straddles both lines being born in what is considered lower society but welcomed by those in the wealthy so her awareness to the struggle of her neighbors matched by the aloofness of those in the position to bring about real change makes her one you root for from the moment of her introduction.

The construct of the Labyrinth was very cool I liked how it was both something deadly a la ‘The Hunger Games’ but also focused on being a test to get into the university so it was just the physical strengths they were looking for but the mental, social and true character of the participant as well.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish and there’s so many moments that will sing to a woman’s heart whatever her age as we work everyday be it in our own lives or cheering other women on to make sure
that those who come after us are treated with nothing short of equality.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**