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.]
Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill
As we follow Kim in a world run entirely by artificial intelligence, we learn how she trains the operational automata that monitor and survey every aspect of human life. The values of Unity, Community and Equality are instilled in every citizen from birth in order to provide a sterile yet safe world for all. A world free from conflict, disease, homelessness or hunger. A world provided for them by the AIs. Thoughts of individuality are quickly quashed by the enforcement of penalties and the threat of demotion or something worse: being forced to live in the poorer parts of the city, being assigned the least desirable jobs, and having the most unpleasant living conditions. Kim strives to fit in and tries to suppress her feelings of emptiness and loneliness in an effort to improve her circumstances and standing in life. Yet excitement and peril await her as she is caught up in an unstoppable chain of events that prove to her that free will is only an illusion.
I love the long build-up before we reach the main plot because it creates a complete picture of a world in which the reader becomes fully immersed. Portraying the day-to-day grind as Kim works, eats and sleeps her way through a life that is unexceptional by the standards of the time creates a more realistic and believable story. We get to know her and her surroundings in a deeper and more meaningful way. The idea that AIs might force us to limit our use of pronouns to one for all is an interesting concept. Everyone is classified as ‘she’ (no matter whether they are male or female) and they refer to themselves as ‘we’. Only the AIs are allowed to use the word ‘I’, setting themselves apart as the overlords that they have become. This effectively introduces the concept that individuality is a crime and selfishness is taboo in polite society.
This is one of the most gripping books I’ve ever read. After reading a few non-fiction books on AI’s future and its continued development, I am convinced that this book is entirely plausible. It’s often said that well-written and researched science fiction can, and does, predict the future. I hope that in this instance, that is not the case!
I struggle to find anything negative to say about this novel; the characters are believable and relatable, and the story is imaginative and engaging. It has been meticulously edited, and I detected no grammatical errors or typos. I read it in just two sittings. For that reason, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
As this book contains some sexual content, I recommend it for readers over the age of 12. Regardless of age, fans of dystopian Science Fiction will love this book.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill
As we follow Kim in a world run entirely by artificial intelligence, we learn how she trains the operational automata that monitor and survey every aspect of human life. The values of Unity, Community and Equality are instilled in every citizen from birth in order to provide a sterile yet safe world for all. A world free from conflict, disease, homelessness or hunger. A world provided for them by the AIs. Thoughts of individuality are quickly quashed by the enforcement of penalties and the threat of demotion or something worse: being forced to live in the poorer parts of the city, being assigned the least desirable jobs, and having the most unpleasant living conditions. Kim strives to fit in and tries to suppress her feelings of emptiness and loneliness in an effort to improve her circumstances and standing in life. Yet excitement and peril await her as she is caught up in an unstoppable chain of events that prove to her that free will is only an illusion.
I love the long build-up before we reach the main plot because it creates a complete picture of a world in which the reader becomes fully immersed. Portraying the day-to-day grind as Kim works, eats and sleeps her way through a life that is unexceptional by the standards of the time creates a more realistic and believable story. We get to know her and her surroundings in a deeper and more meaningful way. The idea that AIs might force us to limit our use of pronouns to one for all is an interesting concept. Everyone is classified as ‘she’ (no matter whether they are male or female) and they refer to themselves as ‘we’. Only the AIs are allowed to use the word ‘I’, setting themselves apart as the overlords that they have become. This effectively introduces the concept that individuality is a crime and selfishness is taboo in polite society.
This is one of the most gripping books I’ve ever read. After reading a few non-fiction books on AI’s future and its continued development, I am convinced that this book is entirely plausible. It’s often said that well-written and researched science fiction can, and does, predict the future. I hope that in this instance, that is not the case!
I struggle to find anything negative to say about this novel; the characters are believable and relatable, and the story is imaginative and engaging. It has been meticulously edited, and I detected no grammatical errors or typos. I read it in just two sittings. For that reason, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
As this book contains some sexual content, I recommend it for readers over the age of 12. Regardless of age, fans of dystopian Science Fiction will love this book.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Timewise by Robert Leet
