Review of Terms of Service

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 05 Mar 2023, 19:10

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

5 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill is a science fiction novel set in the future. Kim lived in a world where AIs were harshly and dominantly ruled. Everything was controlled: food, transportation, entertainment, housing, clothing, etc. Kim works at an AI company, and everything was monitored and recorded. The company implemented social cohesion ratings for their AI trainers, including Kim. Every good performance increases their rating. The higher the rating, the greater the luxury and privilege. Kim, a diligent worker, was promoted quickly, allowing her to live luxuriously. However, Kim was discontented and unhappy. She felt an emptiness in her heart; it is because one thing is lacking—freedom. How does Kim handle her life in the authoritarian world ruled by AIs? Will Kim attain freedom? Get a copy to find out.

There are numerous favorable aspects in this 320-page book. First, I love the author's intelligible and readable writing style, with a twist of "panglobal language" (future language). For instance, the author used some words such as "selfist," "oneday," and "twoday" for days, "innies" and "outies," and generic names of companies (a food company, a housing company, etc.), which in the sense gave me different reading vibes.

Second, the author creatively develops the characters. I can effortlessly remember them. My favorites are Kim and Shan. When they got along, they forgot their responsibilities; they explored and enjoyed their time together. I was quite surprised by what happened to them in Shangri-La.

Third, the vivid imagery implied by the author was awe-inspiring. When Kim and her friends celebrated purple week, I could easily picture how joyful they were. When Kim was disappointed about what happened on her purple night, I felt like I was her friend who wanted to comfort her. Her friendship with Kelli is also admirable.

And finally, Craig W. Stanfill amazingly presents a page-turner futuristic storyline; it was trouble-free for me. However, I felt sorry for Kim's complicated situation. She was externally successful but internally broken. She considered her life sterile, barren, joyless, and lonely. (page 255)

Despite the book containing erotic scenes, drug and alcohol use, violence, humiliation, and oppression, I don't take it as repugnant because it adds to the overall beauty of the book.

Furthermore, the book includes sensible themes like love, friendship, perseverance, hard work, and innovation. Additionally, Craig nailed the ending. It makes the reader crave more.

I rate this exceptionally well-edited and excellently written book 5 out of 5 because I was stunned by its error-free, coherent writing style, and unputdownable storyline.

I recommend Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice to individuals interested in AIs. People who are captivated by exotechnology will find this book a worthwhile read. For the sake of awareness, the book contains explicit sexual scenes that are only suited to a mature audience. There were profanities scattered in the book as well. But overall, I can't wait to read more of Craig Stanfill's works.

******
Terms of Service
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 07 Mar 2023, 18:47

What an amazing review! You make me want to read it asap! Really good review!

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 07 Mar 2023, 22:06

Sara Bartolomeu wrote: ↑07 Mar 2023, 18:47 What an amazing review! You make me want to read it asap! Really good review!

Thank you so much, Sara. This book is highly recommended.

Post by **Omneya Shakeep** » 07 Mar 2023, 22:57

I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. This book is one of my favorites. The sequel is even better. You analyzed the book perfectly. Great job. Awesome review!

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 08 Mar 2023, 02:01

Omneya Shakeep wrote: ↑07 Mar 2023, 22:57 I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. This book is one of my favorites. The sequel is even better. You analyzed the book perfectly. Great job. Awesome review!

You are so supportive, Omneya! Thank you so much. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes · Post by **Nisha DSouza** » 08 Mar 2023, 06:26

I've been reading so many conflicting reviews about this book. After reading yours, I have decided to read this book. Thanks, dear. I enjoyed your review.

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 08 Mar 2023, 20:11

Nisha DSouza wrote: ↑08 Mar 2023, 06:26 I've been reading so many conflicting reviews about this book. After reading yours, I have decided to read this book. Thanks, dear. I enjoyed your review.

I think you gonna love this book. Enjoy your next read. Thank you for your lovely comment, Nisha.

Ajibola Gabriel · Post by **Ajibola Gabriel** » 09 Mar 2023, 11:05

This was quite an interesting book for me. I liked the idea of having AIs do everything for me. Although, I will not appreciate them taking control of the world.

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 09 Mar 2023, 18:26

Ajibola Gabriel wrote: ↑09 Mar 2023, 11:05 This was quite an interesting book for me. I liked the idea of having AIs do everything for me. Although, I will not appreciate them taking control of the world.

Exactly! AI is great but It won't be the one to control the people. Thanks for commenting Gabriel!

Ben Madeley · Post by **Ben Madeley** » 10 Mar 2023, 10:34

Great detailed review, glad you enjoyed the book, it really was a fascinating read. I'm glad it didn't cinfuse you like it did to me.

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 10 Mar 2023, 17:44

Ben Madeley wrote: ↑10 Mar 2023, 10:34 Great detailed review, glad you enjoyed the book, it was a fascinating read. I'm glad it didn't confuse you as it did to me.

There's nothing bothersome to me. It was trouble-free. Thank you for reading and commenting, Ben!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 11 Mar 2023, 02:55

I've seen a few reviews of this, and yours is the first to have got me interested in reading it. The structure of your review was pleasing and I loved the details that reveal Stanfill's thorough world-building. I wonder if we are headed towards speaking a panglobal language?

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 11 Mar 2023, 03:03

Alice in Scotland wrote: ↑11 Mar 2023, 02:55 I've seen a few reviews of this, and yours is the first to have got me interested in reading it. The structure of your review was pleasing and I loved the details that reveal Stanfill's thorough world-building. I wonder if we are headed towards speaking a panglobal language?

Thanks for reading and commenting, Alice. I appreciate YOU.

Hmm, I think we're heading that way. The future language presented is just a few and I think our future language is much more.

Chris Rich Nwaka · Post by **Chris Rich Nwaka** » 11 Mar 2023, 04:42

Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill seems to be a book that will enlighten the reader on AI and I do enjoy such a book. I will give this a try. Good job on this review.

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 11 Mar 2023, 17:59

Chris Rich Nwaka wrote: ↑11 Mar 2023, 04:42 Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill seems to be a book that will enlighten the reader on AI and I do enjoy such a book. I will give this a try. Good job on this review.

Thank you Chris for visiting and commenting!