This book has a great premise-- 7 deadly sins, 7 students to embody them. However, it is even better in its execution because it is difficult to determine exactly which sin each student embodies and instead, each of them seems to be a mix of a few. Basically, how we act as human beings in real life. 
 Redgate dealt with so many issues in her debut novel, and she handled most of them fearlessly and more than adequately. I felt that Olivia, the "slutty" character, was particularly likable and well-rounded-- two traits that are challenging to find in that sort of character. 
 Like fellow Kenyon alum John Green, Redgate's prose is smooth, and it also occasionally slips into some middle school philosophy at times. The characters say things that are perhaps slightly too profound for their ages but teenagers are apt to emblazon on a journal or instagram post. 
 The romance in this story? Downright steamy between (view spoiler)[ Olivia and Matt (hide spoiler)] without ever becoming sexually explicit. 
 Unfortunately, since I am a teacher, I am always going to get squeamish around student teacher relationships, no matter how small the age gap, so that part didn't quite speak to me. There is a HUGE difference between a 17 year old and a 23 year old because a whole lot of growing and changing happens in that time. I don't think that's just me. 
 However, it also has this great teacher moment: 
 "Prospero. Any idea what he might symbolize?" 
 Shit. The Tempest . Definitely didn't read it. "Does it matter?" I say instinctively. 
 "Ha. Interesting question," Garcia says, resting his yardstick on his shoulder. "Does symbolism matter?" 
 He pauses for an overlong moment, as if he's legitimately wondering whether it doesn't and his whole job is a lie. Then he says, "Here's the thing. When we look at symbols we're playing God. Symbolism gives us a bigger picture than just actions and events. That lens organizes stories and gives them resonance; it adds an order we never see in the chaos of the real world." 
 And in that moment, not only did Redgate capture a true sentiment of all teachers and accurately define the purpose of symbolism, but she inserted a little metafictional moment for all of the readers astute enough to pick up on it. Her lens of deadly sins helps organize this story into a pattern that the reader can understand, but ultimately, they are unimportant to the characters living this life. 
 Overall, a great debut novel for Riley Redgate, and I will certainly look out for her follow-ups.