Review of Terms of Service
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Rosa Joy
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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 is a work of fiction by Craig W. Stanfill. The book starts with such luxury that the reader is lured into a false sense of perfection in this fulfilled world. The lead character, Kim, lives in a computerized world. Her meals are prepared and served by a house bot. It also cleans, and organizes her room and clothes. Directions are fed into a headset that directs her wherever she needs to be at the exact time. She works at an Artificial Intelligence Company. Her main job is to train Artificial Intelligence devices to accurately identify data and draw conclusions from it. Her identity is in the chips implanted in her finger and head. As the reader keeps reading, they discover that the AI is in control of the humans in the city. Punishments like cold showers, the least favorite food, and delays in transportation are dished out over minor infractions. Some punishments are very severe, like the use of batons and social status demotions.
Many aspects make Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice, an unusual book. To begin with, as much as the scenarios in the book are futuristic, they are currently happening to some degree. Kim and the rest of the population in the city spend a lot of time on screen. They are either on chit-chat, in the VR, watching movies, or listening to robotic songs. Real events are rare, such as biking or a date organized by the Matchmaking Company. Even the actual date is controlled by drug use. Another curious thing concerns gender neutrality. Everything is referred to as she, and the population are prohibited from wearing gender-showing clothes. Such practice as preferring a specific gender for sex is a breach of terms called genderism and promotes a selfist cult.
Although the life of the characters is closeted, there is hope for human beings because machines are aware that they need humans to be in control of something. Humans have emotions that machines lack. They also have a sense of identity, which is one of the crimes termed as being a selfist.
Reading the book was impressive, and I found nothing to dislike in it. The editing and organization were exceptional. The language used was clear, even as it told of new concepts and uncommon expressions. The main character was sufficiently developed, and illustrative descriptions accompanied her movements.
I rate this book 5 stars out of 5 stars. This rating is worth it because the book introduced concepts that were new to me. They were clear and hooking. The plot was entertaining. A lesser rating would not be fair to the good writing, the outstanding creativity, and the great editing.
Readers who enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, and technology books should pick this one. You will be horrified at the situation humans might find themselves in if machines learn our intimate details. Privacy and freedom under AI would be a history not known in living memory. If you enjoyed Origin by Dan Brown, you will relish Terms of Service.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Terms of Service is a work of fiction by Craig W. Stanfill. The book starts with such luxury that the reader is lured into a false sense of perfection in this fulfilled world. The lead character, Kim, lives in a computerized world. Her meals are prepared and served by a house bot. It also cleans, and organizes her room and clothes. Directions are fed into a headset that directs her wherever she needs to be at the exact time. She works at an Artificial Intelligence Company. Her main job is to train Artificial Intelligence devices to accurately identify data and draw conclusions from it. Her identity is in the chips implanted in her finger and head. As the reader keeps reading, they discover that the AI is in control of the humans in the city. Punishments like cold showers, the least favorite food, and delays in transportation are dished out over minor infractions. Some punishments are very severe, like the use of batons and social status demotions.
Many aspects make Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice, an unusual book. To begin with, as much as the scenarios in the book are futuristic, they are currently happening to some degree. Kim and the rest of the population in the city spend a lot of time on screen. They are either on chit-chat, in the VR, watching movies, or listening to robotic songs. Real events are rare, such as biking or a date organized by the Matchmaking Company. Even the actual date is controlled by drug use. Another curious thing concerns gender neutrality. Everything is referred to as she, and the population are prohibited from wearing gender-showing clothes. Such practice as preferring a specific gender for sex is a breach of terms called genderism and promotes a selfist cult.
Although the life of the characters is closeted, there is hope for human beings because machines are aware that they need humans to be in control of something. Humans have emotions that machines lack. They also have a sense of identity, which is one of the crimes termed as being a selfist.
Reading the book was impressive, and I found nothing to dislike in it. The editing and organization were exceptional. The language used was clear, even as it told of new concepts and uncommon expressions. The main character was sufficiently developed, and illustrative descriptions accompanied her movements.
I rate this book 5 stars out of 5 stars. This rating is worth it because the book introduced concepts that were new to me. They were clear and hooking. The plot was entertaining. A lesser rating would not be fair to the good writing, the outstanding creativity, and the great editing.
Readers who enjoy sci-fi, fantasy, and technology books should pick this one. You will be horrified at the situation humans might find themselves in if machines learn our intimate details. Privacy and freedom under AI would be a history not known in living memory. If you enjoyed Origin by Dan Brown, you will relish Terms of Service.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: The Final Keystone by John Kevin Crowley
