Review of Terms of Service
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Review of Terms of Service
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
In Terms of Service: Subject to change without notice, Craig W. Stanfill transported readers to a dystopian world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme. The protagonist, named Kim, is employed by an AI corporation that specializes in creating machines that can function autonomously without the ability to think for themselves. Society was controlled by the AIs, from food and housing to transportation and clothing, even down to the elevators. The quality of life was determined by a social cohesion rating, which was based on how well-behaved the AIs perceived individuals to be. Those who value their individuality and disregard the rules, known as selfists, are seen as a threat to the concepts of unity, community, and equality and face punishment if discovered. The story is fast-paced and intense science fiction that will leave you questioning the consequences of an advanced AI-controlled society.
Kim starts off following all the rules and working diligently, but soon realizes that her life is lacking something. She felt lonely, sad, and depressed. Her monotonous routine was shaken up when her best friend Shan, who was known for causing trouble, transferred to the east. Together, they break some rules and get into trouble with the AIs. Instead of getting fired, Kim was promoted to train high-level AIs. This new role opens her eyes to the fact that her entire life has been a script written by the AIs, and nothing seems real to her anymore. Through this realization, Kim understands the importance of individuality and how the AIs have suppressed it in both her and others.
The author began the novel with a striking use of descriptive language, painting a clear picture of the setting for the reader. The book was divided into three distinct parts, each named after a phase of the seasonal cycle, which adds an interesting dynamic to the story. The protagonist, Kim, goes through significant personal growth and change, much like the changing seasons. The author expertly wove themes of loss, trauma, and the search for connection into the story. The novel also included moments of levity, making for an engaging and well-rounded reading experience. The characters are also expertly crafted, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
One of the things that impressed me about this book was the way the author introduced the main character and their world at the beginning of the novel. It allowed the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story and understand the setting and context. Furthermore, the author's use of real-world knowledge about AI and his imaginative storytelling created a believable and intriguing future scenario. Another aspect of the novel that caught my attention was the relationship between the characters Kim and Kimberly. The portrayal of the AI as having human-like characteristics was both unique and moving. I was particularly touched by Kimberly's dedication to protecting and guiding Kim. The author's writing style also provided a deeper understanding of the functioning of AI.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that while the first couple of chapters did an excellent job of introducing the main character and setting the scene, they felt a bit slow-paced to me. However, as the story progressed, I found myself fully engaged and invested in the plot. I did not encounter any errors, which means the book was exceptionally edited. Overall, I would rate Terms of Service: Subject to change without notice by Craig W. Stanfill 5 out of 5 stars The reasons for my rating were the positive aspects mentioned. I recommend it to those who love science fiction and stories about AI. And also to readers who are looking for a thought-provoking read.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
In Terms of Service: Subject to change without notice, Craig W. Stanfill transported readers to a dystopian world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme. The protagonist, named Kim, is employed by an AI corporation that specializes in creating machines that can function autonomously without the ability to think for themselves. Society was controlled by the AIs, from food and housing to transportation and clothing, even down to the elevators. The quality of life was determined by a social cohesion rating, which was based on how well-behaved the AIs perceived individuals to be. Those who value their individuality and disregard the rules, known as selfists, are seen as a threat to the concepts of unity, community, and equality and face punishment if discovered. The story is fast-paced and intense science fiction that will leave you questioning the consequences of an advanced AI-controlled society.
Kim starts off following all the rules and working diligently, but soon realizes that her life is lacking something. She felt lonely, sad, and depressed. Her monotonous routine was shaken up when her best friend Shan, who was known for causing trouble, transferred to the east. Together, they break some rules and get into trouble with the AIs. Instead of getting fired, Kim was promoted to train high-level AIs. This new role opens her eyes to the fact that her entire life has been a script written by the AIs, and nothing seems real to her anymore. Through this realization, Kim understands the importance of individuality and how the AIs have suppressed it in both her and others.
The author began the novel with a striking use of descriptive language, painting a clear picture of the setting for the reader. The book was divided into three distinct parts, each named after a phase of the seasonal cycle, which adds an interesting dynamic to the story. The protagonist, Kim, goes through significant personal growth and change, much like the changing seasons. The author expertly wove themes of loss, trauma, and the search for connection into the story. The novel also included moments of levity, making for an engaging and well-rounded reading experience. The characters are also expertly crafted, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
One of the things that impressed me about this book was the way the author introduced the main character and their world at the beginning of the novel. It allowed the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story and understand the setting and context. Furthermore, the author's use of real-world knowledge about AI and his imaginative storytelling created a believable and intriguing future scenario. Another aspect of the novel that caught my attention was the relationship between the characters Kim and Kimberly. The portrayal of the AI as having human-like characteristics was both unique and moving. I was particularly touched by Kimberly's dedication to protecting and guiding Kim. The author's writing style also provided a deeper understanding of the functioning of AI.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that while the first couple of chapters did an excellent job of introducing the main character and setting the scene, they felt a bit slow-paced to me. However, as the story progressed, I found myself fully engaged and invested in the plot. I did not encounter any errors, which means the book was exceptionally edited. Overall, I would rate Terms of Service: Subject to change without notice by Craig W. Stanfill 5 out of 5 stars The reasons for my rating were the positive aspects mentioned. I recommend it to those who love science fiction and stories about AI. And also to readers who are looking for a thought-provoking read.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: East Wind, 2nd Edition by Jack Winnick
