Review of The Prophecy of the Heron

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Kauthar Lami Ahmed
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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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The novel The Prophecy of the Heron by Craig W. Stanfill is a work of AI dystopian fiction that takes place in the author's envisioned future. It is a sequel to his earlier book, Terms of Service. The story unfolds engagingly and thrillingly, and the characters are well-crafted, resulting in a unique and thought-provoking read.

Kim finds herself in District 33, a harsh and degrading neighbourhood full of criminals and thieves, after violating a law by kissing Shan. She is labelled a traitor for her actions, and her new surroundings are a mystery to her. The director closely monitors her, annoyed by her defiance. Kim makes new allies and enemies, and she fights to survive. Mags and Luz are two individuals she encounters on her first day, who express a desire to harm her. Kim suspects that the Artificial Intelligence Center has targeted her. In need of money, she accepts a job as a pedicab driver for a businessman named Len. She worries about the safety of Shan, with whom she planned to elope but lost contact after their encounter. Without the amenities of her previous life, such as a housebot or other technology, how will Kim survive in District 33? The only way to find out is to read the book.

The protagonist of the story, Kim, shines brightly throughout the narrative. Her courage and resilience are commendable, as she manages to survive the violence and aggression in District 33 and even secures a new job and forms new friendships. She is an exemplary figure, having remained committed to her values and actions despite facing numerous challenges and death threats. The plot is captivating, with each chapter introducing new elements that add to the intrigue. The book is full of exciting discoveries and revelations about the undisclosed workings of AI.

I have no criticisms of this book. I highly recommend this book to fans of science fiction and dystopian literature who enjoy a captivating storyline filled with action, suspense, and mystery. It may appeal to both adult readers who seek a thought-provoking, high-stakes narrative and young adult readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic, AI-centric novels. As the story's setting and interpersonal connections are critical to the central plot, I suggest readers of the first book also read it.

I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This is an enthralling and innovative story that deals with a unique subject matter: a society that relies on artificial intelligence (AI) in a dystopian setting. Despite its complexity, the plot is full of adventure and excitement as the protagonist strives to save humanity. The book was also exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

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The Prophecy of the Heron
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