I got this one from the publisher to review awhile ago, but I swear, when I ask for a book to review, that is when "Life happens" and the book gets forgotten about. I did finally did get around to reading it though, better late that never I suppose.

I am not totally in love with this book, but I did like it. Basically this is the rich and the powerful and the magical against everyone else. They control your life, if not completely then at least for the ten years that you must become their slave. Generally you have no say where you end up but you do get to choose what ten years you will give up (unless you are a minor, then your parents can choose for you to do your ten years with them). The story focusses on one such family. The oldest child could have gone to any medical school that she wanted but gave that up when she managed to get her family a gig working with one of the said rich, powerful, magical (called Equals). They figured it was the best they could do, so why not? Of course they didn't give their other two kids a say in the matter.

Turns out their gig is not so great. Also the common folk are starting to get tired of how things operate. But oh, hey, a few of those "Equals" may also be ready for change.

The book is part of a series. I am mixed about whether or not this violates my biggest book pet peeve. I guess technically this is a full book but the cliffhanger at the end does make it very borderline. I suppose it could be called a complete book but as I said cliffhanger. Honestly this is another that doesn't feel strong enough to warrant a trilogy but as a stand alone it's perfectly fine. I am undecided about whether or not I will read the rest of the series.