To Best the Boys

by Mary Weber

[bookishzelda]

I loooved To Best The Boys. I’m not surprised because I’m a huge fan of Mary Weber’s writing.

Rhen Tellur has an untameable mind, that doesn’t fit well in a society where women are expected to know their place. That being as wives and homemakers. The world is interesting because it consist of an upper and lower port but also has some fantasy elements. Like ghouls and sirens that haunt the kingdom of Caldon. There is also the Labyrinth that runs a test every year to pick someone to earn a scholarship to the University. This has been traditionally participated in by men but when Rhen’s mom life declines because of the disease she is plagued with. Rhen takes matters into her own hands.

I loved Rhen and Seleni and their friendships. They are cousins but Rhen lives in the Lower Port and Seleni in the Upper. They don’t let their differences have any affect on how they feel about each other. They support one another no matter what. I also like how they both want different things for their lives and it doesn’t make either of them less. Just because Rhen wants to pursue studying Science and Seleni wants to marry and have a family. They don’t knock the other dreams. I love that both sides are represented. It’s something important to me because it’s something my mom infused in me. That either path is the right path if it’s what you want.

I also love Lute and his relationship with Rhen and how she totally calls him out on things he assumes. She’s like seriously you are going to think that without asking me. It’s awesome. I also like how he just likes her for who she is and they are just cute. Just way to cute. I really like them together.

There are also just some lower port characters and of course Beryll that I really liked. Maray Weber always does a great job with side characters.

The plot is fast paced and interesting the entire time. I loved the test in the Labyrinth they weren’t overwhelming or boring. It really kept the book moving. Just a really great story.

So I loved To Best the Boys and if you haven’t read Mary Weber’s other books. I love them all and you should check them out if you enjoy this story!