Review of Terms of Service
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Janet Kimetto
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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: Subject to Change Without Notice by Craig W. Stanfill is a science fiction novel depicting a futuristic world controlled by key monopoly companies (a company for every service) using AIs. The companies control every aspect of people's lives and have their terms for the services they offer, hence the title, which I think is perfect.
The real leaders, though, are known as the "Hierarchy." They are above the companies, yet so much mystery surrounds them. On the surface, their objective is to promote unity, community, and equality (UCE), which sounds like a noble undertaking, except for the cost.
The story focuses on Kim, who works for The Artificial Intelligence Company as an AI trainer. She knows to keep her head down. Theirs is not a world you would want to stand out in, what with the AIs keeping watch at all times, docking points for negative behavior, and in turn, lowering a person's social cohesion rating (which determines where and how a person lives). And standing out for good behavior isn't a better alternative either.
This book's description warned about a slow start, but I'm glad to mention that I did not find the said chapters slow. When I chose to read it, it was because I wanted something different. I got that and more. The book had so many positive aspects. Kim's job as an AI trainer, to begin with, made her the perfect main character. In some situations, it could get frustrating dealing with AIs because they are programmed a certain way, and it takes a person who knows them to find a loophole.
The story was also excellently developed; I can see the world in my mind, though it's not a place one would want to live in (or at least I wouldn't). Moreover, there was excellent character development. It's difficult to choose one character as a favorite (I even loved the refrigerator!).
The only thing I did not like was the note on translation explaining the use of pronouns. Attributing the absence of gendered pronouns to challenges encountered in translating the book from its original language, Panglobal, to English leaves room for questioning. I wondered why the writer couldn't just reconcile the two languages. I think the explanation given in the second book, which makes the absence of gendered pronouns (and the rest of it) a part of the story's reality, can be used in this book as well.
I'm happy to give Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice 5 out of 5 stars. Its editing is perfect; I did not notice any errors. I recommend it to those who love science fiction; this is one book I think every science-fiction fan should read. I found the story unpredictable, and I loved the twists and turns.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice by Craig W. Stanfill is a science fiction novel depicting a futuristic world controlled by key monopoly companies (a company for every service) using AIs. The companies control every aspect of people's lives and have their terms for the services they offer, hence the title, which I think is perfect.
The real leaders, though, are known as the "Hierarchy." They are above the companies, yet so much mystery surrounds them. On the surface, their objective is to promote unity, community, and equality (UCE), which sounds like a noble undertaking, except for the cost.
The story focuses on Kim, who works for The Artificial Intelligence Company as an AI trainer. She knows to keep her head down. Theirs is not a world you would want to stand out in, what with the AIs keeping watch at all times, docking points for negative behavior, and in turn, lowering a person's social cohesion rating (which determines where and how a person lives). And standing out for good behavior isn't a better alternative either.
This book's description warned about a slow start, but I'm glad to mention that I did not find the said chapters slow. When I chose to read it, it was because I wanted something different. I got that and more. The book had so many positive aspects. Kim's job as an AI trainer, to begin with, made her the perfect main character. In some situations, it could get frustrating dealing with AIs because they are programmed a certain way, and it takes a person who knows them to find a loophole.
The story was also excellently developed; I can see the world in my mind, though it's not a place one would want to live in (or at least I wouldn't). Moreover, there was excellent character development. It's difficult to choose one character as a favorite (I even loved the refrigerator!).
The only thing I did not like was the note on translation explaining the use of pronouns. Attributing the absence of gendered pronouns to challenges encountered in translating the book from its original language, Panglobal, to English leaves room for questioning. I wondered why the writer couldn't just reconcile the two languages. I think the explanation given in the second book, which makes the absence of gendered pronouns (and the rest of it) a part of the story's reality, can be used in this book as well.
I'm happy to give Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice 5 out of 5 stars. Its editing is perfect; I did not notice any errors. I recommend it to those who love science fiction; this is one book I think every science-fiction fan should read. I found the story unpredictable, and I loved the twists and turns.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
“Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”
Latest Review: Ghost With Two Hearts by michael r french
