Written by Emma Knight
From the first page, To Best the Boys is explosive. Literally. A dead man spontaneously combusts which is how every book should start. To Best the Boys by Mary Weber is a forward-thinking fantasy novel that is an easy page turner that can be read in one sitting. The book addresses issues such as discrimination by gender and class in a compelling way. The test is pretty much if the tri-wizard tournament went for one day where people had to rely on their smarts all the while they are trapped in a mysterious labyrinth of puzzles. What you win is glory and chance at an education, but then again, it depends on who you ask.
Living in a world run by a government of old men from the upper class is never going to end well. Neither is being a woman wanting to pursue a career in science in a society where female opinions are less than valued and they are only to become simple wives. Rhen Teller, our protagonist, wants more though.
As her mother’s health starts to deteriorate from a mysterious plague that is infecting the lower class, her hope for finding a cure starts to deteriorate as well. When the annual letter inviting gentlepeople to attend a deadly competition to win a college scholarship, Rhen jumps at the life changing opportunity. The only problem is that she will be the only female that will be surrounded by overconfident, blood thirsty men that are there mostly for the wrong reasons.
Being the only time of the year where your wealth and political power cannot buy you leverage means you have to rely on smarts, thinking outside the box, and endurance, something Rhen has been accustomed to her entire life in the lower class. She doesn’t go for the glory, the opportunity to go to college, or to get a better job that will get her out of the slums. No, she goes so maybe she’ll be given the chance to use equipment that could help her cure a plague that is killing people.
With her cousin Seleni by her side, dressed in a dead man’s clothing, they enter the maze for love, a chance at a better future, and an opportunity to prove that women are just as capable as men.
This book shines a light on women having more of a role in subjects like mechanics, science, and math. Throughout the book Rhen completes task alongside friends proving to her society that they are chaining down the incredible potential for all woman, that they are more than wives.
What do you want? I want my mum to live. I want the right to earn an education. I want to be the first female scientist. I want to create my own happiness.
It shows that it is important to prove not only to others but yourself that you are worthy of more and smart enough to do anything you put your mind to. That you have a voice that is valued, unlimited potential, and don’t always need a guy to be happy. Although some of the guys in this book are sweet, lovable, and actually encourage women to be their best.
What if I don’t fully belong anywhere because I belong to myself.
The story was well written, but it could have easily been longer with the contest going for more than 24 hours (which is in no way long enough.) Every character was created so well that you could clearly see each individual personality and how they became the person they now are, plus seeing their motives gave more connection to the characters. They all grow on you which makes this such a charming book. To Best the Boys is a representation of how far we have come as humans and a society, which makes me hopeful for a better future.
All: Mr Holm and Holm Manor bear only slight responsibility, liberty, and legal obligation for the future societal changes that may result from your female children believing it is within their power and right to become whomever and whatever they desire- and in doing so, to change the course of history.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. Every year, the poorer residents look to see that their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.
In the province of Caldon, where women are trained in wifely duties and men are encouraged into collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her Mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.
With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone’s ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the maze.
