Member Reviews
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!
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!
I wanted a more complex book than I got. I did like some elements--it was quite feminist and such a clever concept but did not draw me in as much as I would've liked. The ending of good, though, with enough questions answered to be good, but with enough ambiguity to leave things to the imagination. I did enjoy it, though.