Due to a thing called the "slave days compact" drafted hundreds of years ago, anyone without magical gifts has to perform ten years of servitude between ages 10-50. They get to choose when. Luke's father has been accepted to three medical schools but now he and his wife have decided to get their mandatory "slave days" over with and bring their children along so they can too! All as one big family! 
 Only there is a snafu, as it turns out the aristocratic magical family they were all supposed to go slave for together didn't have any need for Luke and he will be sent elsewhere. Well, his parents draw the line there and get pissed and are all like "he comes with us" and "stuff your paperwork" and after they got roughed up for dissenting "You can't just assault people." 
 To which they are reminded "You all began your slave days and entered a state of legal non-personhood. You are now chattels of the state. To explain for the little one here, " he said, looking at Daisy, "that means that you are no longer 'people' and have no right at all. At All." Abi gasped and Mum made a low moan, pressing her hand to her mouth. 
 Why is this news to them, the people who have apparently been going along with this for centuries? Why have they not revolted before now? 
 Contempt all around. 
 This book has a high amount of four and five stars reviews, so take mine with a grain of salt as I am dropping this sucker in the electronic DNF pile at only 7% in. I just can't.