***3 Stars*** 
 I will readily admit that the cover had me taking a closer look at this book, it's simplicity is what catches the eye and urges you to take a closer look, and after reading the blurb I figured I'd give it a go. And while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. It was that weird mix where I was intrigued by the concept, but the book never got it's claws into me. I could put it down and not feel the urge to pick it right back up, but I still wanted to know what would happen next and when I did start to read it again I enjoyed it. 
 The concept is quite simple: People separated by status which is based not only on bloodlines and affluence, but magical skill ~ Equals. Those without all of those attributes are commoners and live in freedom with the exception of Slavedays, the 10 years of their lives when they "willingly" make themselves chattel to be used as the Equals see fit and if they survive can once more live their lives as they see fit. I'm still a little. I'm still a little murky on exactly why slavedays are even in existence, but it does set up the stirrings of rebellion within the story and that's where Abi and Luke Hadley enter the story. 
 While I liked Abi and Luke, I found I liked Luke more. Abi just didn't really speak to me like Luke did and I have to admit that it was because of the situations they found themselves in. Luke had to grow up and learn to survive or he'd die. Abi, while her situation was just a dire in some regards, was much more cushy. But though Luke and Abi are touted as the main figures in the story, it was the Jardine brothers who interested me the most. We have Gavar, the Brute who is almost heartless. Silyen ~ the Sneaky One who may or may not be evil. And Jenner, the Nice One. They are all so different and I found their dynamics when they did interact quite interesting. Silyen, for obvious reasons, is the one I'm most intrigued about, but Gavar is a close second. 
 The writing is engaging and does draw you in, but the multiple POV's slowed things down for me. It wasn't that they weren't done well, or that they didn't fit within the story arc, because they all did and gave depth to the world, it was more that when I started to get really into that particular voice it was over and I was left feeling a bit perturbed that I had to change gears. There is a cliffhanger type ending, not unexpected, but it has left me with more questions than answers and though I may not be chomping at the bit for the next book, I do want to see how everything plays out, so will be keeping an eye out for it. 
 ~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~