Set in a dystopian past where most of the land has still not discovered electricity, “or voltricity as its know in the book.” Dustbloods and Fairbloods live together but one is more privileged than the other due to one having a shadow and the other not.
Dustbloods are forced to repay their debts to the fair blood landmasters. Threw the men working in the mines and family’s can sell there daughters to the welcome houses where on their 16th birthday they are forced into prostitution.
The book does not go into exact details so no need to worry if your sensitive to the topic.
One of the girls kills the man she was supposed to serve on her 16th and the group of friends end up on the run. Chased down by the law, having to risk their lives fighting against the stereotypes of dustbloods and the struggles of others feeling jealous because good luck girls we seen as better off than the men down the mines.
It has sibling love, freedom, and finding your place in a society that looks down on you.