Review of Terms of Service
Posted: 04 Feb 2023, 16:44
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
Reading Terms of Service , by Craig W. Stanfill was an absolute joy. The back story was integral to get you accustomed to the maner in which this civilization spoke and thought. The main character, Kim, was very easy to connect with despite the strangeness of her world. The author was able to pull you into Kim's life, her struggles and achievements with ease.
In my opinion, this novel connected more to society today than most. This was both unnerving and interesting. While set in a fictional dysopian future, it could easily become all too real.
Kim was a young woman raised in a truly detached society. It was illegal to form attachment especially to one sex and doing so was punished harshly. The society seemed to be set in a socialistic government with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Everything was provided for you as long as you followed the rules and never questioned why things were the way they were.
Kim was initially adequately happy with her role in society as a trainer of the lower level AI's. Her apartment was nice enough and her appliances provided adequately for her. Through her schooling she made several close friends that remained so. Most of their interactions were of a virtual nature and while she was able to get out into the real world, the outings were planned and well regulated by the AI's. All communication was monitored and any violations were punished with cold showers and a lack of variety in her meal options.
After breaking the rules with her best friend Shan while on a biking trip, Kim's world changed forever. Instead of the typical punishment which her friend Shan received, she was promoted at work. Her apartment and appliances were upgraded and her interactions with the matchmaking AI were leveled up. As always there was a catch, this time the catch proved to be overwhelming and tested Kim to the core.
The writing was very good. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars . The reason for my rating is that it was not an easy topic to jump into and again, without the back story, most would be completely lost.
While it was a great read and a very original work, getting used to the pronouns did proove challenging at times. I think possibly an even longer explanation into how society ended up where it did would have proven helpful. In doing some research, it appears that the author plans to do just that in a second novel. Once that novel is completed, I will definitely read to see if all of my questions will be answered.
This book is best for those who enjoy science fiction novels and have a good imagination. In saying that, I do believe it is a great read for most everyone. It does serve to illustrate how a few small changes could alter our world forever. It also further illustrates why history plays such an important role in all society.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Reading Terms of Service , by Craig W. Stanfill was an absolute joy. The back story was integral to get you accustomed to the maner in which this civilization spoke and thought. The main character, Kim, was very easy to connect with despite the strangeness of her world. The author was able to pull you into Kim's life, her struggles and achievements with ease.
In my opinion, this novel connected more to society today than most. This was both unnerving and interesting. While set in a fictional dysopian future, it could easily become all too real.
Kim was a young woman raised in a truly detached society. It was illegal to form attachment especially to one sex and doing so was punished harshly. The society seemed to be set in a socialistic government with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Everything was provided for you as long as you followed the rules and never questioned why things were the way they were.
Kim was initially adequately happy with her role in society as a trainer of the lower level AI's. Her apartment was nice enough and her appliances provided adequately for her. Through her schooling she made several close friends that remained so. Most of their interactions were of a virtual nature and while she was able to get out into the real world, the outings were planned and well regulated by the AI's. All communication was monitored and any violations were punished with cold showers and a lack of variety in her meal options.
After breaking the rules with her best friend Shan while on a biking trip, Kim's world changed forever. Instead of the typical punishment which her friend Shan received, she was promoted at work. Her apartment and appliances were upgraded and her interactions with the matchmaking AI were leveled up. As always there was a catch, this time the catch proved to be overwhelming and tested Kim to the core.
The writing was very good. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars . The reason for my rating is that it was not an easy topic to jump into and again, without the back story, most would be completely lost.
While it was a great read and a very original work, getting used to the pronouns did proove challenging at times. I think possibly an even longer explanation into how society ended up where it did would have proven helpful. In doing some research, it appears that the author plans to do just that in a second novel. Once that novel is completed, I will definitely read to see if all of my questions will be answered.
This book is best for those who enjoy science fiction novels and have a good imagination. In saying that, I do believe it is a great read for most everyone. It does serve to illustrate how a few small changes could alter our world forever. It also further illustrates why history plays such an important role in all society.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes