Review of The Prophecy of the Heron

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Sylvia Omoshie
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Review of The Prophecy of the Heron

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[Following is a volunteer review of "The Prophecy of the Heron" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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In the aftermath of being apprehended by UCE officials, Kim is taken to the High Court, where she is found guilty of various false allegations against her. Stripped completely of her social standing, she is sentenced to District 33, a dangerous and hostile environment, to serve her criminal term. However, Kim knows all too well that the powers-that-be will be watching her every move. Having lived all her life in comfort and convenience, Kim must now struggle to survive not only her cruel fate but also the many dangers that lurk in the shadows and her surroundings.

The Prophecy of the Heron is the second installment of the AI Dystopian series written by Craig W. Stanfill. This novel, which is a sequel to the first book 'Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice', is a blend of action, mystery, and suspense. It also adopts a futuristic setting administrated by technological singularity. The narrative is a follow-up to the life of the main protagonist, Kim, after she uncovers the secrets of the ruling elite in her world. The plot, however, takes an entirely different and unexpected twist, as Kim faces imminent danger at every turn.

The story is even more complex than the prequel, as it embraces various technological concepts that may seem complicated at first, but with careful reading are easy to understand. Some things the reader will observe and appreciate are the author's creativity in world-building, and the capacity to incorporate his prowess in the field of Computer Science, to create an ideal scenario of his perception of a future that is ruled by Artificial Intelligence. This novel is stand-alone, but to get a clear understanding of the narrative, one has to read the first installment and read it carefully.

Another thing the reader will appreciate is the character development of the main protagonist. Kim, once seemingly self-serving, is elevated in this novel owing to her rebellion against evil, and her intense love for her friends. Her actions will leave readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what she'll do next. The narrative also contains various themes that propel the plot, some of them being hope, faith, and fierce determination.

The Prophecy of the Heron is deserving of a full rating of 5 out of 5 stars not just due to its impeccable editing on which I commend the author, but also the brilliant conceptuality portrayed by the author in the narrative.

As the novel contains explicit violent content and some minor eroticism, it is unsuitable for much younger readers. However, it is highly recommended to lovers of science fiction who will enjoy a storyline based on virtual reality/hyperreality.

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The Prophecy of the Heron
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