Review of Terms of Service
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RobinDawn
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Review of Terms of Service
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
TERMS OF SERVICE* Subject to Change Without Notice is a work of science fiction in which Kim, the main character, explores the futuristic world led by Artificial Intelligence. The author, Craig W. Stanfill examines the emotions, feelings, states, and thoughts of Kim as she moves from being an exemplary citizen to an action-driven person that assumes the risk of going against the machine.
Ever since the first page that introduced the language concept of the world I absolutely loved this book. I believe the first sentence of every book is its make-or-break and I can declare almost that the first sentence of TERMS OF SERVICE* Subject to Change Without Notice can get any reader hooked, even before the fifth chapter. I really loved going along with Kim in her day-by-day job, discovering the world, and being immersed in the action.
Something I did not particularly enjoy about this book is the narrator's voice which seems to imitate Dr. Sewss's style. It feels like the author did not settle for showing the world and its characters, choosing to also tell the readers how to think and what to feel about what is happening, in instances such as: "And, of course, cue the hottest new band playing the hottest new musical sensation—Afro Punkmetal. Catchy!" (page 12). I believe that the world has been incredibly built and I loved discovering it, as I previously stated. However, forcing the narrator's thoughts on me as a reader was a deterrent. Continuing on the aspect of the style in which this book was written, I wish to comment on the short sentences that are supposed to announce what is happening in Kim's environment that sometimes hit the level of strange: "The pitcher checked the sign, shook one off, then smoked one fastball after another down the center of the plate. Strike one! Strike two! Foul ball out of play, strike three looking! An excellent start" (page 24). I am aware that the story is placed in an alternative future led by Artificial Intelligence, but I think the storytelling could be more rooted in actual description and not instances of a toaster going ding.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars rating due to the negative points I have mentioned above. I really believe that if you can get used to the narration style, you will enjoy the Terms of Service. Maybe this can be tagged as a subjective rating, but I really think this book has so much potential for the next big hit in world-building! I loved the adventures and the character development, as I said. I think this is a strong suit of Dr. Stanfill, therefore I think this book is worth your time.
I would highly recommend this piece of work to fantasy and SCI-FI lovers, as the author manages to really focus on a world that could not survive without Artificial Intelligence. Moreover, I think the book will be enjoyed by a mature audience, as some themes are hidden between the lines.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
TERMS OF SERVICE* Subject to Change Without Notice is a work of science fiction in which Kim, the main character, explores the futuristic world led by Artificial Intelligence. The author, Craig W. Stanfill examines the emotions, feelings, states, and thoughts of Kim as she moves from being an exemplary citizen to an action-driven person that assumes the risk of going against the machine.
Ever since the first page that introduced the language concept of the world I absolutely loved this book. I believe the first sentence of every book is its make-or-break and I can declare almost that the first sentence of TERMS OF SERVICE* Subject to Change Without Notice can get any reader hooked, even before the fifth chapter. I really loved going along with Kim in her day-by-day job, discovering the world, and being immersed in the action.
Something I did not particularly enjoy about this book is the narrator's voice which seems to imitate Dr. Sewss's style. It feels like the author did not settle for showing the world and its characters, choosing to also tell the readers how to think and what to feel about what is happening, in instances such as: "And, of course, cue the hottest new band playing the hottest new musical sensation—Afro Punkmetal. Catchy!" (page 12). I believe that the world has been incredibly built and I loved discovering it, as I previously stated. However, forcing the narrator's thoughts on me as a reader was a deterrent. Continuing on the aspect of the style in which this book was written, I wish to comment on the short sentences that are supposed to announce what is happening in Kim's environment that sometimes hit the level of strange: "The pitcher checked the sign, shook one off, then smoked one fastball after another down the center of the plate. Strike one! Strike two! Foul ball out of play, strike three looking! An excellent start" (page 24). I am aware that the story is placed in an alternative future led by Artificial Intelligence, but I think the storytelling could be more rooted in actual description and not instances of a toaster going ding.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars rating due to the negative points I have mentioned above. I really believe that if you can get used to the narration style, you will enjoy the Terms of Service. Maybe this can be tagged as a subjective rating, but I really think this book has so much potential for the next big hit in world-building! I loved the adventures and the character development, as I said. I think this is a strong suit of Dr. Stanfill, therefore I think this book is worth your time.
I would highly recommend this piece of work to fantasy and SCI-FI lovers, as the author manages to really focus on a world that could not survive without Artificial Intelligence. Moreover, I think the book will be enjoyed by a mature audience, as some themes are hidden between the lines.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Always Strive to Be a Better You by Pete Hall
