To Best the Boys

(Hardback)

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Description

The task is simple: Don a disguise. Survive the labyrinth . . . Best the boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if 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 fathers microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue 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 handsthrough the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holms labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesnt know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

Praise for To Best the Boys:

Atmospheric, romantic, inspiring. KRISTEN CICCARELLI, internationally bestselling author of The Last Namsara

"Smart, determined, and ready to take on the world: Rhen Tellur is an outstanding heroine with every reason to win a competition historically intended for boys." Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling author of The Incarnate Trilogy and coauthor of My Lady Jane

A Hunger Games/Handmaids Tale mash-up. BN Teen Blog

Reviews

'Feminist YA that Doesn't Disappoint' * School Library Journal *
'Weber's fantasy delves into themes of social class, feminism, gender roles, and love.' * School Library Journal *
'This book is one of a kind. We couldn't put it down and didn't want it to end. There's something for everyone.' * Swoony Boys Podcast *
'This was impossible to put down and absolutely engrossing -- I was fully enveloped in this world and contest. . . I highly recommend for all lovers of YA fantasy.' * YA Books Central, 5/5 stars *
'Perhaps my favorite thing about this novel is the ability it has to stay grounded, to show us characters who are so often unrepresented and to remind us that we all can fight and play our part for a better world and a better future.' * Bowling Green Daily News *
'From the first page To Best the Boys is explosive.' * The Nerd Daily *
'. . . unique worldbuilding and a strong, courageous heroine who breaks the stereotypical gender rules and who will make herself an enduring place in readers' hearts. An enjoyable, exciting new read.' * Booklist *
'Romance, family devotion, and the power of female friendship round out this provoking tale . . . ' * Hope by the Book, BOOKMARKED review *
'From the spooky story world to the like-HUNGER-GAMES-but-for-college contest to the whip-sharp heroine, TO BEST THE BOYS has so much to offer. A great pick for DIVERGENT fans.' * The Story Sanctuary *

Author Bio

Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean. Twitter: @mchristineweber Facebook: marychristineweber