Review of Terms of Service
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Mawiyya
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Review of Terms of Service
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
With the constant technological advancements we see in the artificial intelligence field today, many wonder of the possibilities these advancements might create. Will we finally create a utopian society that lacks inequality? Or will our creations turn against us? Will we use them to create something better or will they end up using us without our knowledge or consent?
The science fiction novel Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice by Craig W. Stanfill takes place in the near future in an AI-controlled society, controlled by a single AI company, which seems perfect on the surface. However, as we venture alongside our protagonist, Kim, and find more details surrounding the mysterious machines ruling the company, the truth reveals itself through a series of shocking twists and turns.
My expectations for this book were relatively few and low at the beginning. Just like any science fiction reader, the idea of an AI-controlled society, which depicts the paranoia surrounding modern technical advancements, is not new. While this book did use tropes typical of this specific niche of the science fiction genre, it completely reimagined them. It is normal to see clothing’s color being controlled in an authoritarian dystopia in order to highlight the oppressive nature the characters find themselves in; Yet smaller things such as the people not being able to even name their children were carefully thought out and shocked me at times. Later on, elements of the cyberpunk niche blend with the plot to create a compelling story that is Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice .
Another aspect I love about how real the characters feel. Kim, the protagonist, struggles with fitting in with the AI-controlled world structure. She often contemplates her past with a mother who rebelled against the status quo, an abusive caregiver, and even her anxiety surrounding dating. These aspects alongside her constant questioning of the role of the AI company, which controls everything from everyday attire color to the food choice of the day, stress her out at the beginning. Thus, she resorts to drinking as a way to cope with the stress. Throughout the beginning of the book, she consumes hangover pills after dealing with conversations and events that remind her she is different in a negative way. Kim is not depicted as a perfect protagonist. However, her quirks and struggles make her a likable protagonist.
Unfortunately the writing also has a negative side. The book is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on worldbuilding and is incredibly slow-paced. I found the first part hard to read because of the slow and boring pacing. The second and third parts are character and plot-driven, which makes them fast-paced. It is filled with action which uses the first part’s worldbuilding as a base. Evidently, the division between the parts is important; however, the slow pacing of the first part proved boring at times and did not motivate me to continue reading. Luckily, the second and third parts’ pacing is relatively good. However, some people might be thrown off by the sudden change in pacing.
While the slow pacing threw me off, I enjoyed many aspects such as the worldbuilding and Kim’s character development in this authoritarian setting. My opinion on the pacing is just my personal taste, which is why I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
The book is well edited and well written. I have not found a single grammatical or spelling error throughout my reading. It does contain mild descriptions of sexual acts, but they are rare. The positive aspects outway the single negative aspect, which is why I recommend this book to science fiction readers who enjoy heavy worldbuilding and won't mind the change in pacing.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
With the constant technological advancements we see in the artificial intelligence field today, many wonder of the possibilities these advancements might create. Will we finally create a utopian society that lacks inequality? Or will our creations turn against us? Will we use them to create something better or will they end up using us without our knowledge or consent?
The science fiction novel Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice by Craig W. Stanfill takes place in the near future in an AI-controlled society, controlled by a single AI company, which seems perfect on the surface. However, as we venture alongside our protagonist, Kim, and find more details surrounding the mysterious machines ruling the company, the truth reveals itself through a series of shocking twists and turns.
My expectations for this book were relatively few and low at the beginning. Just like any science fiction reader, the idea of an AI-controlled society, which depicts the paranoia surrounding modern technical advancements, is not new. While this book did use tropes typical of this specific niche of the science fiction genre, it completely reimagined them. It is normal to see clothing’s color being controlled in an authoritarian dystopia in order to highlight the oppressive nature the characters find themselves in; Yet smaller things such as the people not being able to even name their children were carefully thought out and shocked me at times. Later on, elements of the cyberpunk niche blend with the plot to create a compelling story that is Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice .
Another aspect I love about how real the characters feel. Kim, the protagonist, struggles with fitting in with the AI-controlled world structure. She often contemplates her past with a mother who rebelled against the status quo, an abusive caregiver, and even her anxiety surrounding dating. These aspects alongside her constant questioning of the role of the AI company, which controls everything from everyday attire color to the food choice of the day, stress her out at the beginning. Thus, she resorts to drinking as a way to cope with the stress. Throughout the beginning of the book, she consumes hangover pills after dealing with conversations and events that remind her she is different in a negative way. Kim is not depicted as a perfect protagonist. However, her quirks and struggles make her a likable protagonist.
Unfortunately the writing also has a negative side. The book is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on worldbuilding and is incredibly slow-paced. I found the first part hard to read because of the slow and boring pacing. The second and third parts are character and plot-driven, which makes them fast-paced. It is filled with action which uses the first part’s worldbuilding as a base. Evidently, the division between the parts is important; however, the slow pacing of the first part proved boring at times and did not motivate me to continue reading. Luckily, the second and third parts’ pacing is relatively good. However, some people might be thrown off by the sudden change in pacing.
While the slow pacing threw me off, I enjoyed many aspects such as the worldbuilding and Kim’s character development in this authoritarian setting. My opinion on the pacing is just my personal taste, which is why I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
The book is well edited and well written. I have not found a single grammatical or spelling error throughout my reading. It does contain mild descriptions of sexual acts, but they are rare. The positive aspects outway the single negative aspect, which is why I recommend this book to science fiction readers who enjoy heavy worldbuilding and won't mind the change in pacing.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: The Reverend Psychopath by Dr Andrew Rynne
