To Best the Boys, (Hardcover)

To Best the Boys By Mary Weber Rhen Tellur has never been like other girls her mind is consumed with matters of intelligence and thinking (GASP!!!) And she wants nothing more than to continue her education but higher education is only for boys. But Rhen is determined to find the cure for the illness that the poor of her town are succumbing to. As more of the Lowers fall ill the Uppers act as if their disease is due to lack of basic cleanliness and that poverty is just another symptom of their substandard intelligence. But Rhen knows if those in power and with the means to fund the research would listen this growing danger could be cured. But as a young woman, her voice is just ignored by the Upper men. This year Rhen is going to make everyone take notice and listen to her concerns - this year she is going to best the boys and win the scholarship to Stemwick University, an all-male institute. She is going to get the education she needs and find a cure to the crippling illness before time runs out for her mother. But to do this she'll need to disguise herself as a boy and hope no one notices her before she enters the labyrinth. And then there is a little matter of surviving the labyrinth which is a test of one's intelligence, knowledge, common sense, ability to think under pressure, and character. Does hiding your identity count as a strike against character? Only time and the labyrinth will tell. To Best the Boys is an exciting fantasy read that will keep the reader turning the pages as the story progresses. This is a blend of realistic with factors that tend towards superstition and old wives tales - sirens and ghouls which I have to say are more than a little creepy. There is also a class dispute brewing between the Lowers and the Uppers and Rhen is in the middle of it thanks to her background which has her in both worlds and yet in neither. Actions have consequences and nothing can remain hidden forever as Rhen is about to discover firsthand. Change is coming to the kingdom of Caldon...and it is about to start in the Labyrinth. I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.