Review of Terms of Service
Posted: 12 Dec 2022, 16:56
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
Terms of Service, written by Craig W. Stanfill, is a sci-fi book set in a dystopian version of the Earth. In this reality, huge companies have completely controlled society, and everything is done under their terms of service. Any misdemeanor is severely punished through a social rating that affects every aspect of one's life, even how comfortable the commute to work is. These companies are controlled by AIs that are constantly vigilant but strictly under the control of the higher echelons of society. Kim is an AI trainer that lives in the middle districts. Kim is unimportant until she gets dragged into trouble and discovers that she has been under the AI's scrutiny for a long time.
Some aspects of this dystopian world are similar to concepts found in other books. For example, the scrutiny people are subjected to and the ideas of sacrificing oneself for society are found in books such as 1984, written by George Orwell. The use of drugs to aid in social interactions, the disgust felt towards birth-giving and monogamy, and the uniformity of every individual in society is similar to the plot of Brave New World, written by Aldous Huxley. While these topics have already been discussed in other books, the author gives them a unique twist in his own story, maintaining them interesting and reflecting upon them.
I was intrigued by the concept of AIs and how they are treated in this story. I don't want to spoil anything, but the way they work is one I haven't found in any other book and was fascinating. Worldbuilding is one of its best aspects. The first four chapters are dedicated entirely to it, going with Kim through her routine as we learn how this strange society works. Some readers may find the book slow at first, but the novelty of said world is enough to keep you hooked until the story's mystery truly begins.
I also liked the attention to detail that creates a more cohesive story. For example, the use of the pronoun I is considered selfish as only the community is important, and thus, everyone uses we to refer to themselves. Cults also appear in the book, but these are groups of people that enjoy what we now consider normal. The Foodies are those that enjoy a good meal, and the Fasionistas like to dress in extravagant ways. Details such as these are what make this book exceptional.
I haven't found anything negative about the book. There are descriptions of sexual intercourse though it is kept quite vague. The book is exceptionally well-edited—an incredible story full of fascinating ideas that will keep you grasping for more. I especially recommend it to readers who enjoy science fiction and technology. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It should be noted that this book is the first of a series of books that follow Kim's life in this strange world.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Terms of Service, written by Craig W. Stanfill, is a sci-fi book set in a dystopian version of the Earth. In this reality, huge companies have completely controlled society, and everything is done under their terms of service. Any misdemeanor is severely punished through a social rating that affects every aspect of one's life, even how comfortable the commute to work is. These companies are controlled by AIs that are constantly vigilant but strictly under the control of the higher echelons of society. Kim is an AI trainer that lives in the middle districts. Kim is unimportant until she gets dragged into trouble and discovers that she has been under the AI's scrutiny for a long time.
Some aspects of this dystopian world are similar to concepts found in other books. For example, the scrutiny people are subjected to and the ideas of sacrificing oneself for society are found in books such as 1984, written by George Orwell. The use of drugs to aid in social interactions, the disgust felt towards birth-giving and monogamy, and the uniformity of every individual in society is similar to the plot of Brave New World, written by Aldous Huxley. While these topics have already been discussed in other books, the author gives them a unique twist in his own story, maintaining them interesting and reflecting upon them.
I was intrigued by the concept of AIs and how they are treated in this story. I don't want to spoil anything, but the way they work is one I haven't found in any other book and was fascinating. Worldbuilding is one of its best aspects. The first four chapters are dedicated entirely to it, going with Kim through her routine as we learn how this strange society works. Some readers may find the book slow at first, but the novelty of said world is enough to keep you hooked until the story's mystery truly begins.
I also liked the attention to detail that creates a more cohesive story. For example, the use of the pronoun I is considered selfish as only the community is important, and thus, everyone uses we to refer to themselves. Cults also appear in the book, but these are groups of people that enjoy what we now consider normal. The Foodies are those that enjoy a good meal, and the Fasionistas like to dress in extravagant ways. Details such as these are what make this book exceptional.
I haven't found anything negative about the book. There are descriptions of sexual intercourse though it is kept quite vague. The book is exceptionally well-edited—an incredible story full of fascinating ideas that will keep you grasping for more. I especially recommend it to readers who enjoy science fiction and technology. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It should be noted that this book is the first of a series of books that follow Kim's life in this strange world.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes