To Best the Boys by Mary Weber

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

Release date: 3/19/19
Rating: 3/5 stars
Genre: Young adult fantasy
Features: Strong female characters, supportive family, family illness, female scientist, high-stakes competition, oppressive social systems, women's rights, science/biology
Quotes: 

"Careful, Miss Tellur. Women who don't know their place have a habit of losing their place."

"You are a specific kind of species, my girl. A strange and terrifying beauty of mind."

"You win this thing, Rhen Tellur. Enough to make [the boys] regret they weren't born women."

"You take this world and make it what it should be. And don't let the beliefs of a backward system define you. You are the one who has to live with the future, baby girl. So you live it."


What attracted me to this book was the unique plot line. Yes, a number of YA lit books have a "competition" -- Hunger Games, Caraval, Maze Runner -- but this one has a new premise: once a year, a wealthy citizen of the community hosts a dangerous and elaborate game that tests the mental, psychological, and physical strength of the contestants. The victor must be skilled in math and science, and they receive a scholarship to a college as their prize. 

I liked that this YA lit book applauded the world of academia, and moreover, math and science for women. Of course, it's even better that the book supports women in science, as the main character is a 17-year-old girl. I won't give any spoilers, but she must go up against the prevailing attitudes and systems of her day to change the status quo and follow her own scientific pursuits. 

I also liked that Rhen, the main character, had two supportive and living parents that loved her and each other. It's rare to see this in YA lit. Rhen had her own way of thinking, too, and didn't let society define her for her. She didn't let boys define her either, and she didn't ever change for a boy. (Finally!)

What I didn't like as much: the writing style, world building, and plot development. Each of these was lacking, which is a shame because the basic plot and premise was so promising. These were the main things that brought down my rating, because honestly, they are the things I appreciate most in a book. I think if the book had gone through more editing, some of this could have been remedied. 

Overall, though, if you want to read an empowering story about a girl defining her own future with a supportive, intact family and a sweet, healthy romance on the side, this is the book for you.