I wanted to read To Best the Boys the moment I first read the synopsis. A girl pretends to be a boy in order to show them up and win a university scholarship - what is not to love.

Then I started reading the book and I was slightly confused. The story is set in an alternate reality 1800ish world. I assume that it is the same world as other novels by Weber, but since I have not read any of them (yet) I am not sure.

Even though the book was not quite what I was expecting, I still found myself enjoying it. I love novels with strong characters, and adore books that are well written. I was fining both in To Best the Boys. It was bonus points that there was a strong heroine trying to find her own way.

Eventually the story does make its way into the labyrinth. I was expecting a bit more action and adventure. It was not that there was none, it just was not the main focus of the book. The book was about people and society. I found I enjoyed the story that was told much more then I think I would have enjoyed the story I expected.

The book has a strong and positively portrayed female empowerment. However, I was presently surprised that the book was also big on ability representation and socioeconomic status.