Description

Book Synopsis

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 father’s 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

Trade Review
'. . . 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 *
'Feminist YA that Doesn't Disappoint' * School Library Journal *
'From the first page To Best the Boys is explosive.' * The Nerd Daily *
'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 *
'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 *
'Romance, family devotion, and the power of female friendship round out this provoking tale . . . ' * Hope by the Book, BOOKMARKED review *
'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 *
'Weber's fantasy delves into themes of social class, feminism, gender roles, and love.' * School Library Journal *

To Best the Boys

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    £14.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 4 Aug 2026.

    A Hardback by Mary Weber

    Out of stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of To Best the Boys by Mary Weber

      Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 04/04/2019
      ISBN13: 9780718080969, 978-0718080969
      ISBN10: 0718080963

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      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 father’s 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

      Trade Review
      '. . . 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 *
      'Feminist YA that Doesn't Disappoint' * School Library Journal *
      'From the first page To Best the Boys is explosive.' * The Nerd Daily *
      '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 *
      '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 *
      'Romance, family devotion, and the power of female friendship round out this provoking tale . . . ' * Hope by the Book, BOOKMARKED review *
      '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 *
      'Weber's fantasy delves into themes of social class, feminism, gender roles, and love.' * School Library Journal *

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