Review of Terms of Service

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 12 Mar 2022, 21:07

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Somewhere in the distant future, the human world is under the oversight of AIs. Imagine a self-thinking piece of code deciding everything for you, starting from what you can have for your breakfast to where you live. The grasp of AIs seems to be complete. But is it truly so? Craig W. Stanfill's Terms of Service is a dystopian novel, with Kim, an assistant autobot trainer, as its protagonist. She is law-abiding, punctual, and hard-working. Hence, she seems to be the ideal UCE (Unity, Community, and Equality) citizen.

The novel begins with Kim waking up to the 'wake alert' with a throbbing headache from her bed. As she rises from her bed, her 'housebot' is activated. The robot quickly fixes up hangover meds and brews a perfect mug of coffee to get Kim started. The first chapter paints a very rosy picture of life under AIs. There are bots to take care of everything. Yet, the 'customer agreement' that the book starts with is a stark reminder. Everything is not perfect in this world. The life of each human, or a 'customer' is dictated by following the 'Terms of Service'. As mentioned in the agreement, the terms are subject to change without notice. Within the first section of this novel, a reader can see just how relevant these terms are.

Terms of Service was enthralling in several ways. I found the sectioning and arrangement to be quite interesting. The book has been sub-divided into three sections that bear the names of various phases of the seasonal cycle. These seasonal transitions represent how Kim's life slowly changes. Her longingness for her mother, her frequent nightmares, and her desire to be loved was heartwarming to read. While journeying through the pages of this book, one can not help but think of Animal Farm and 1984 authored by George Orwell.

My favourite part of this book was how Stanfill has masterfully incorporated the concept of a surveillance state into a sci-fi novel. The only impediment I faced while reading this book was when the descriptions of baseball games came up. I am unfamiliar with the game and felt out of touch with the plotline during those parts. However, it is a negligible inconvenience that failed to affect my reading experience significantly. Some instances of vulgarism came to my attention while reading this book.

Terms of Service would be well received by anyone who loved the 'Matrix' movies. Additionally, this book will be equally engrossing for both sci-fi and dystopia bibliophiles. Also, Orwell fans will surely find this book riveting. The book does not contain any grammatical or punctuation mistakes. Hence, I feel it has been exceptionally well-edited. The content of the book is much captivating. Further, I found the pace of narration to be engaging throughout the length of the text. In my opinion, Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill deserves 4 out of 4 stars.

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Terms of Service
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Soraya Bayah · Post by **Soraya Bayah** » 19 Mar 2022, 01:48

I read the sample not too long ago and felt excited to see your take on the book’s content. Whenever I get the chance, I will happily indulge in this book. It seems you are on top of writing your reviews! Well done! I am only new to reading but will consider both books you mentioned. Thank you for the excellent review!

Janet Kimetto · Post by **Janet Kimetto** » 19 Mar 2022, 03:54

This sounds really interesting. I reviewed a book featuring AIs not too long ago, and it just occurred to me that I haven't read one such book that I didn't like. I'll read this when I get the chance. Thanks for the wonderful review!

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 19 Mar 2022, 08:41

I like Orwell and the Matrix, but I dislike most science fiction. Thanks for the recommendation.

Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 19 Mar 2022, 15:19

I loved the matrix movies so I guess I will love this book. The review is detailed and you provide very insightful comments for the book. I therefore commend you

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 19 Mar 2022, 20:34

thuriya albayaa wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 01:48 I read the sample not too long ago and felt excited to see your take on the book’s content. Whenever I get the chance, I will happily indulge in this book. It seems you are on top of writing your reviews! Well done! I am only new to reading but will consider both books you mentioned. Thank you for the excellent review!

Indeed. As a bonus, the book ends at cliffhanger, and the author has said that the sequel will be released in the Spring of 2022! I'm thoroughly excited for it!

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 19 Mar 2022, 20:35

C Janet wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 03:54 This sounds really interesting. I reviewed a book featuring AIs not too long ago, and it just occurred to me that I haven't read one such book that I didn't like. I'll read this when I get the chance. Thanks for the wonderful review!

This book is more like you know, Orwellian dystopia fused with a detailed description and integration of the concept of AIs. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 19 Mar 2022, 20:36

diana lowery wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 08:41 I like Orwell and the Matrix, but I dislike most science fiction. Thanks for the recommendation.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting Diana.

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 19 Mar 2022, 20:37

Sarah1738 wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 15:19 I loved the matrix movies so I guess I will love this book. The review is detailed and you provide very insightful comments for the book. I therefore commend you

I'm sure you'll find many parallels between the Matrix movies as well as this book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Sarah!

Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 19 Mar 2022, 20:45

AlphariusRE wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 20:37
Sarah1738 wrote: ↑19 Mar 2022, 15:19 I loved the matrix movies so I guess I will love this book. The review is detailed and you provide very insightful comments for the book. I therefore commend you
I'm sure you'll find many parallels between the Matrix movies as well as this book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Sarah!

Your welcome

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 20 Mar 2022, 11:04

User licenses and terms of service we accept every time we use software or an Internet service without fully understanding them could very well be the foundations of a dystopia. Thank you for your great review!

Palwika Sethi · Post by **Palwika Sethi** » 21 Mar 2022, 02:02

Thanks for an amazing insight, regarding this super-engrossing substance. Your well-designed review ensured my inclination towards the book.

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 24 Mar 2022, 20:23

NetMassimo wrote: ↑20 Mar 2022, 11:04 User licenses and terms of service we accept every time we use software or an Internet service without fully understanding them could very well be the foundations of a dystopia. Thank you for your great review!

I'm glad you noticed the subtle hint Massimo! Thanks for stopping by commenting!

AlphariusRE · Post by **AlphariusRE** » 24 Mar 2022, 20:24

Palwika Sethi wrote: ↑21 Mar 2022, 02:02 Thanks for an amazing insight, regarding this super-engrossing substance. Your well-designed review ensured my inclination towards the book.

Whoa! I'm glad my review helped you make a meaningful decision. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Palwika!

readingswithsoso · Post by **readingswithsoso** » 12 Dec 2022, 07:04

The book has been sub-divided into three sections that bear the names of various phases of the seasonal cycle. These seasonal transitions represent how Kim's life slowly changes.

I loved the parts and chapter titles. You described the Parts names perfectly.