Review of Terms of Service

[Thomas Cudbertson]

[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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Craig W. Stanfill’s Terms of Service is a thrilling look into the possible future we may be building. Although we should be vigilant against unwittingly sowing the seeds of our destruction and greedily creating technology that could surpass our intelligence in the distant future, freedom is under threat daily in the present moment. The technology already exists. It is in our homes and our workplaces, simultaneously making our lives easier and replacing the need for us.

The first five chapters will divide opinions based on the kind of reader you are. Some will find it slow, but others will enjoy the build-up. I found the development of character and place enjoyable. The rest of the book would not have made sense without this careful scene setting. The author is introducing us to a futuristic world. The reader needs to understand the viewpoint of the main character, Kim. An AI trainer, the third-person narrative follows Kim’s life in a world ruled by AI machines.

The narrative of history has demanded vigilance against dictatorships of the type which existed in Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. But this book warns against the oppression of collective madness that would not need to be enforced by guards in uniform. Living a lie is a theme in this book. If individuals do not live authentically, they will be easier to enslave and control.

I do not have many negative comments about this book to make. It takes a heavily populated genre and makes its mark on it. I recommend it to those who enjoy political novels, thrillers, and science fiction.

I award this book five out of five stars. I noticed very few mistakes. It seemed professionally edited. It raises moral issues that need serious reflection. The dire future this book prophesies will be avoidable only if we take charge of today and the present. Although this book is about the future, there are echoes of the past and history, which repeats itself in ways we cannot imagine. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

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Terms of Service
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