Review of Terms of Service

[Shani Mutarura]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill is an interesting read. The book starts by giving a disclaimer on its translation. From there, we are given terms of service. The reader comes to later learn that these are terms of service for the use of AI machines. AI technology is the prominent theme in the book. We are introduced to Kim who works in an Artificial Intelligence Company.

Through Kim’s lens, the reader is able to see how AIs have robbed humans of their basic freedoms and choices. Their schedules, meals, gender identities (gender-neutral) and more are controlled by the system (AIs). After teaming up with her best friend Shan and breaking some rules, Kim begins to doubt the social structure of life. She is forced into a predicament. Will she be able to overpower the oppressive system or will it overpower her?

I like how the author used wordplay to communicate the feel of the book. In the beginning, the book is wordy. This presents a slow and boring mood, reflective of Kim’s life. As Kim begins to have an awakening, the writing also becomes looser and better. Kim is a functional alcoholic. She drinks heavily and often. The writer allows us to understand why Kim is like that. She was separated from her mother and taught to suppress her emotions. This is also reflective of the alcoholics and drug abusers in society today. They resort to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their situations/traumas.

This book is so futuristic! It fits in perfectly with today’s changing world. There is a rise in AI technology and in as much as it can make life easier, it can also make life unbearable. The infusion of sarcasm and humour makes the book even better. It’s funny to see Kim having to hide her smile in the cafeteria so that the AIs don’t think she likes the meal and make her eat it later.

From pale-coloured clothing, gender neutral humans, days being named Oneday to Sevenday, to nameless people and companies, this book is worth every cent. The fact that I found no errors and that it was exceptionally well-edited made it better. Because there is nothing that I didn’t like, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to lovers of science fiction, artificial intelligence, futuristic stories, conspiracy theories and romance. I would however advise for reader discretion as there are themes of gender non-conformity, drug abuse and sexual content.

******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes