Review of Terms of Service
- Salome Ogani
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Review of Terms of Service
Craig W. Stanfill's science fiction novel, Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice, is set in a time where technology has advanced to the point where AI plays a vital role in the world's functioning. This has led to a radically different society, with new technologies and ways of life that have become the norm. As a result, the world is not just a futuristic version of our own but rather a unique and complex creation that offers readers a glimpse into a possible future.
The protagonist of the story is a young woman named Kim, who has always dreamed of working for AI companies. Finally, she gets her wish and becomes a trainer. However, the reality of her job is far from what she had envisioned. Kim finds herself living a comfortable life in a decent district, but she still feels a deep sense of loneliness and solitude. Seeking to break free from her mundane existence, Kim agrees to go on an adventure with her childhood friend, Shan. Together, they embark on the adventure, which leads to a chain of events that ultimately shatters Kim's perception of reality. As the story unfolds, Kim discovers that everything she had believed in was merely a "web of illusion." How will she cope with the knowledge that her entire world is not what it seems?
I found the plotline of the novel to be quite appealing as it portrayed a world where economic equality was the norm. In this society, people were not divided based on gender, race, or religion, which are often the root causes of economic inequality and discrimination in our present world. Despite the focus on Kim, the novel actually features a wide range of side characters, many of whom appear only briefly. However, this works in the protagonist's favor, as readers are left with no choice but to root for her and take her side. I appreciated how the author crafted a world that reflected the ideal of economic equality and the importance of mentorship, all while keeping the reader invested in the main character's journey.
While I enjoyed the book's creative expression of the environment and characters, I couldn't help but feel that the character development was lacking, and the conversations in some chapters felt forced, making it a somewhat tedious read. The entire plot revolves around Kim, and although other characters are introduced, they are not developed to the same extent. Additionally, there were times when the description was sparse in comparison to other scenes where the author's descriptive prowess shone through. Because of these negative aspects, I am rating the book 4 out of 5 stars.
Despite these drawbacks, the book was exceptionally well edited. I would recommend it to readers interested in sci-fi novels and those who want to explore the themes of artificial intelligence, emotional deprivation, and their impact on society and the earth. Overall, the book's world-building and exploration of AI technology were fascinating, and the author's talent for crafting vivid descriptions was evident in many parts of the book. Despite the occasional pacing issues and underdeveloped characters, I found myself fully engaged in the story and intrigued by its concepts.
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Terms of Service
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