Review of Terms of Service
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Jessica Tolbert
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Review of Terms of Service
[Following is a volunteer review of "Terms of Service" by Craig W. Stanfill.]
As I started reading Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill, I referenced the world guide and glossary provided by the author. Reading these two resources gave me some good background knowledge of the book's universe without giving any spoilers. I really enjoyed that the book stays true to its theme by including a Customer Agreement before Chapter 1 begins. I do enjoy the unconventional manner in which the collective and singular are referenced and the lack of gender confirming language. It is refreshing to see a book utilize aspects of the modern world we live in today while painting a vivid picture in one's mind of what a dystopian future could look like controlled by AI.
Many aspects of the book are exciting. I was able to vividly imagine attending a sports game, dance, and other social activities in a VR environment while physically being at home. Being timely is highly prized in this AI dominated society and efficiency is carefully curated. The author used foreshadowing well. Use of phrases like "per usual" and "as expected" during the setup of the main character, Kim's, life helps the reader understand that things in her world are predictable and mostly mundane. This makes Kim quite relatable, especially in light of the modern world's obsession with electronics and technology. Kim feels even though she has resources, technology, food, and human interaction that she is alone and sad. Soon she realizes just how simulated her life is and wants something deeper so she can completely live her life.
It was interesting to learn what substances are considered prohibited or are looked down upon. While other types of vices are encouraged, legal, and easily accessible in public settings. However, the marketing and use of these substances still, just like in today's world, contain contradictory subliminal messaging being sent by society and friends regarding overindulgence or being over emotional. The entire world is permeated, I might even use the word corrupted, to describe how integrated technology is with the physical world. AI has essentially taken over. Even on an outing in the physical world, you cannot avoid AI or some other form of technology. Some aspects of the book's world remind me of a Hunger Games atmosphere. The "justice system" that is enacted every week like a tv show is what specifically made me connect the two works. I did enjoy that the author addresses predestination and the concept of free will. Ultimately, many things that seem like a choice are an illusion and vice versa.
Ultimately, I give this book a 4 out of 5-star rating. The plot and characters were well developed, and the story was interesting, relatable, and captivating. I would like to read the second book next. I did not notice any typos or grammar errors in the book. The author truly has an eye for proper word usage and wordsmithing.
There are some things that could make the book better. I would recommend removing excessive use of the word disgorged and substituting other words in its place. The "Groupthink" concept addressed throughout the story and book's setting reminded me of a modern 1984 variation. I would like to learn more about how this book is different from the classic dystopian technology riddled world. Another aspect that I found interesting is that race was not clearly defined when introduced, and as the book continues, race is indirectly addressed but not deeply explored. This may be a lack of follow through and development or it could be a message regarding the importance or lack thereof of this characteristic in society. I would like more insight into this aspect of society. Lastly, the author would do well to expound on the confusing concept of AIs not having emotion yet being able to tell right from wrong, mean from nice, and the ability to "go mad" just like a human can.
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Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
As I started reading Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill, I referenced the world guide and glossary provided by the author. Reading these two resources gave me some good background knowledge of the book's universe without giving any spoilers. I really enjoyed that the book stays true to its theme by including a Customer Agreement before Chapter 1 begins. I do enjoy the unconventional manner in which the collective and singular are referenced and the lack of gender confirming language. It is refreshing to see a book utilize aspects of the modern world we live in today while painting a vivid picture in one's mind of what a dystopian future could look like controlled by AI.
Many aspects of the book are exciting. I was able to vividly imagine attending a sports game, dance, and other social activities in a VR environment while physically being at home. Being timely is highly prized in this AI dominated society and efficiency is carefully curated. The author used foreshadowing well. Use of phrases like "per usual" and "as expected" during the setup of the main character, Kim's, life helps the reader understand that things in her world are predictable and mostly mundane. This makes Kim quite relatable, especially in light of the modern world's obsession with electronics and technology. Kim feels even though she has resources, technology, food, and human interaction that she is alone and sad. Soon she realizes just how simulated her life is and wants something deeper so she can completely live her life.
It was interesting to learn what substances are considered prohibited or are looked down upon. While other types of vices are encouraged, legal, and easily accessible in public settings. However, the marketing and use of these substances still, just like in today's world, contain contradictory subliminal messaging being sent by society and friends regarding overindulgence or being over emotional. The entire world is permeated, I might even use the word corrupted, to describe how integrated technology is with the physical world. AI has essentially taken over. Even on an outing in the physical world, you cannot avoid AI or some other form of technology. Some aspects of the book's world remind me of a Hunger Games atmosphere. The "justice system" that is enacted every week like a tv show is what specifically made me connect the two works. I did enjoy that the author addresses predestination and the concept of free will. Ultimately, many things that seem like a choice are an illusion and vice versa.
Ultimately, I give this book a 4 out of 5-star rating. The plot and characters were well developed, and the story was interesting, relatable, and captivating. I would like to read the second book next. I did not notice any typos or grammar errors in the book. The author truly has an eye for proper word usage and wordsmithing.
There are some things that could make the book better. I would recommend removing excessive use of the word disgorged and substituting other words in its place. The "Groupthink" concept addressed throughout the story and book's setting reminded me of a modern 1984 variation. I would like to learn more about how this book is different from the classic dystopian technology riddled world. Another aspect that I found interesting is that race was not clearly defined when introduced, and as the book continues, race is indirectly addressed but not deeply explored. This may be a lack of follow through and development or it could be a message regarding the importance or lack thereof of this characteristic in society. I would like more insight into this aspect of society. Lastly, the author would do well to expound on the confusing concept of AIs not having emotion yet being able to tell right from wrong, mean from nice, and the ability to "go mad" just like a human can.
******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
