Review of Terms of Service
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Fola Moni
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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 is a dystopian sci-fi book set in an apocalyptic world where machines rule over humans in a dictatorial system. It is the first book in a thrilling series.
Kim and her friends are born into a world where they have no control over their emotions, and their actions are constantly monitored. They are told what to eat, wear and even who to date. Adherence to rules is rewarded, and failure to comply is met with swift retributions. Kim tries to follow all the rules and regulations and appears social and outgoing even though her drinking and troubled dreams at night say otherwise. It is the only life she’s ever known, so why does it feel drab and lonely? Then her best friend, Shan, from school reemerges, and suddenly, Kim begins to question everything she’s ever learnt, regardless of the harsh consequences. As she finds herself getting deeper and deeper into trouble, will her newfound rebellion be the start of an exciting and liberating future, or will she live to regret her actions?
The author has a PhD in artificial intelligence, so it goes without saying that extensive research went into writing this book. I like the way his writing style captured the very essence of what a dystopian society looks and feels like. I could perceive Kim’s utter helplessness and loneliness throughout the pages. Her life seems dull and stilted like she’s playing an unwilling part in a movie about her life. It also makes me wonder if, decades down the line, this could be our reality too. A world where nothing feels real and everything is controlled by artificial intelligence.
I also like the lead characters and how relatable they are. Shan has always been the dare-devil, questioning everything long before Kim did. She’s not afraid to break the rules for liberation and freedom. I also connected with the Director’s character. Behind the austere and forbidding demeanour is a good heart and conscience. Kim’s character represents everyone who has ever struggled against harsh and stringent rules. She stands in for anyone who has questioned authority and longed for a better life where they can be themselves and live as they want.
There’s nothing I didn’t like about this book. It is a page-turner from start to finish. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars for being such a captivating read. I only spotted one error, so it is professionally well-edited. It is an adult book with minor profanity, erotic scenes and drug use. I wouldn’t recommend it to younger/ sensitive readers. Mature readers of the science fiction literary genre would adore this book. I know I did, and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill is a dystopian sci-fi book set in an apocalyptic world where machines rule over humans in a dictatorial system. It is the first book in a thrilling series.
Kim and her friends are born into a world where they have no control over their emotions, and their actions are constantly monitored. They are told what to eat, wear and even who to date. Adherence to rules is rewarded, and failure to comply is met with swift retributions. Kim tries to follow all the rules and regulations and appears social and outgoing even though her drinking and troubled dreams at night say otherwise. It is the only life she’s ever known, so why does it feel drab and lonely? Then her best friend, Shan, from school reemerges, and suddenly, Kim begins to question everything she’s ever learnt, regardless of the harsh consequences. As she finds herself getting deeper and deeper into trouble, will her newfound rebellion be the start of an exciting and liberating future, or will she live to regret her actions?
The author has a PhD in artificial intelligence, so it goes without saying that extensive research went into writing this book. I like the way his writing style captured the very essence of what a dystopian society looks and feels like. I could perceive Kim’s utter helplessness and loneliness throughout the pages. Her life seems dull and stilted like she’s playing an unwilling part in a movie about her life. It also makes me wonder if, decades down the line, this could be our reality too. A world where nothing feels real and everything is controlled by artificial intelligence.
I also like the lead characters and how relatable they are. Shan has always been the dare-devil, questioning everything long before Kim did. She’s not afraid to break the rules for liberation and freedom. I also connected with the Director’s character. Behind the austere and forbidding demeanour is a good heart and conscience. Kim’s character represents everyone who has ever struggled against harsh and stringent rules. She stands in for anyone who has questioned authority and longed for a better life where they can be themselves and live as they want.
There’s nothing I didn’t like about this book. It is a page-turner from start to finish. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars for being such a captivating read. I only spotted one error, so it is professionally well-edited. It is an adult book with minor profanity, erotic scenes and drug use. I wouldn’t recommend it to younger/ sensitive readers. Mature readers of the science fiction literary genre would adore this book. I know I did, and I can’t wait to read the sequel.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Moonlight Serenade by Terry Mark
