Review of Terms of Service

[Eva Acosta]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Author Craig W. Stanfill himself started working with Artificial Intelligence ever since graduating from school. When we consider this fact, it is no surprise that he makes such an outstanding yet, simplified depiction for the average reader of this technology in Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice.

The story follows Kim, an AI trainer who works in the Artificial Intelligence Company. Kim lives in a dystopian society ruled by the UCE Hierarchy, which has developed under the three main pillars of Unity, Community and Equality. All citizens also abide by the terms of service imposed by the several Companies that control everything in daily life, from food and transportation to romantic and sexual relationships.

In this social context, where AI strictly monitors everything at all times, and the most minimal mistake can completely ruin someone´s life, our main character Kim will face all kinds of challenges while she is on a journey to discover the real meaning of love and freedom, as well as reconnecting with hidden parts of her own self.

The book poses questions about free will, truth, sense of self, gender, family, connection, pleasure, morality, virtue, social status and many other matters. All of these will affect every character individually and will help us, as readers, better understand the vast complexity of the collective human experience.

Once we free ourselves of the prejudices and preconceived moral notions we face every day, we can see Kim for who she truly is: a character that we might not like but who reflects the best and worst things of humanity, the very same flaws that make us human.

I found this book a very fluid and excellent read. At times I felt confused about the final objective of the plot, but for some reason, I could not stop reading. In this sense, it is an engaging book that makes the reader deeply reflect on central aspects of themselves and the world we all live in.

For these reasons, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars . Personally, I found the ending very bittersweet, but it contributed to the overall moral questioning of the story. The book is exceptionally well-edited, and I observed no significant reason to remove any stars from the rating. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that challenges your beliefs, and I also invite you to open your mind to the truth, as marvelous and frightening as it may be.

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Terms of Service
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