Review of Terms of Service

Hee Via · Post by **Hee Via** » 25 Mar 2023, 23:34

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

5 out of 5 stars

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The main character of the novel, Kim, lives in a society where artificial intelligence (AI) rules, and this control over their lives began as soon as they were removed from their birth parents. Kim landed her ideal position at the AI firm, where she hoped to collaborate with more advanced AIs with abilities ranging from multitasking to creating unique personas. She and her closest buddy Shan set out on their biking adventure when she quickly discovered that the life she had been leading up to that point was a total deception. What would she think of this fresh finding? Will she be able to figure everything out in time and get her freedom at last? Or what if she makes decisions that could devastate the city as a whole and her own life as well?

In his speculative fiction, Terms of Service, Craig W. Stanfill explores a potential dystopian future when everything and everyone is controlled and dependent on artificial intelligence, as well as the myriad drawbacks that might follow from this. The book illustrates some of the potential drawbacks that can occur if we continue to enable AI to rule our lives at the rate at which the world as we know it is already being taken over by them. The book discusses the struggle against control and dominance as well as the relationship between humans and AI.

The book's cover was the first thing to catch my eye and the first aspect of it that I enjoyed because it accurately represented the book's subject matter. The story's plot, which provided me as a reader with the benefit of suspense and kept me turning the pages once I started, was also incredibly pleasant. I was attracted by the authors' excellent and straightforward writing style as well. This book is actually one of my favorites, which may be related to the fact that I have a soft spot for sci-fi literature.

Since the book was so extremely well edited and engaging to read, there was nothing to hate about it.

It was clear the author invested a lot of time and effort into producing and editing the book, so I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I have a major soft spot for science fiction books, and this particular one did not let me down in the least. Because of this, I would highly suggest it to readers who enjoy sci-fi as much as I do, as well as suspense and adventure.

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Terms of Service
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Catalina Isabel · Post by **Catalina Isabel** » 10 Apr 2023, 02:04

Looking at the title of the book, I wouldn't have guessed what it was about. I agree the cover is eye-catching and it sounds like this is an awesome book. It seems scary to imagine a world like this. Thanks for a really great review!

Hee Via · Post by **Hee Via** » 10 Apr 2023, 09:34

Catalina Isabel wrote: ↑10 Apr 2023, 02:04 Looking at the title of the book, I wouldn't have guessed what it was about. I agree the cover is eye-catching and it sounds like this is an awesome book. It seems scary to imagine a world like this. Thanks for a really great review!

Thank you for your comment and do make sure to read it when you can, i believe you wont regret the decision.

Shem Murundu · Post by **Shem Murundu** » 10 Apr 2023, 09:54

Of the two books in the AI Dystopia series, this was my least favorite. One thing that really got me confused was the gender neutrality aspect: I had a hard time figuring out what most of the minor characters' genders were, especially Kim's dates as she was trying to find a match. That was the major drawback of the book from my point of view. However, I greatly enjoyed the process of AI creation, precisely the process of breaking the symmetry between the human and the AI. Kim and Shan's adventure to the outside where they encountered the Blanks was also a thrilling part. I loved the cliffhanger ending too. But I absolutely loved everything about its sequel The Prophecy of the Heron and I'd urge you to read it if you haven't already.

Hee Via · Post by **Hee Via** » 10 Apr 2023, 18:00

Blackstenius wrote: ↑10 Apr 2023, 09:54 Of the two books in the AI Dystopia series, this was my least favorite. One thing that really got me confused was the gender neutrality aspect: I had a hard time figuring out what most of the minor characters' genders were, especially Kim's dates as she was trying to find a match. That was the major drawback of the book from my point of view. However, I greatly enjoyed the process of AI creation, precisely the process of breaking the symmetry between the human and the AI. Kim and Shan's adventure to the outside where they encountered the Blanks was also a thrilling part. I loved the cliffhanger ending too. But I absolutely loved everything about its sequel The Prophecy of the Heron and I'd urge you to read it if you haven't already.

I totally respect your opinion about it being your least favorite, i can’t for sure say this one is my favorite as i have not read the sequel yet but i will try to read it as soon as i can. Thank you for your comment.

Ajinja Odire · Post by **Ajinja Odire** » 03 Jul 2023, 23:18

I was fascinated about the technological advancement in Terms of Service. The book was interesting to read and have also liked how you've written your review.