Review of Terms of Service

[Jnan]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Terms of Service: Subject to Change Without Notice by Craig W. Stanfill follows the story of Kim, who lives in a world where everything is run by artificial intelligence. Every aspect of everyone's life is laid out for them, from bus routes, to work, to dating. There are lots of rules and expectations that must be followed, if enough rules are broken, your life could crumble before your eyes in a heartbeat. Kim’s job is to train the AIs, so she is more aware than most of how the world is run. One day, Kim reconnects with an old school friend and they get into their typical trouble. This time, going outside of where they are allowed to go. From there, Kim is roped deeper into the world of AIs and begins to see the world for what it truly is.

Stanfill has created an interesting and well-thought-out world, which immerses the reader into what it would be like to live in a world without privacy or much choice. I found it easy to fall into the world and be drawn into the story. The author shows a complex look at how different aspects of life would be affected by AIs, such as friendships, sexuality, personal choice, freedom and more. It provides an interesting and gripping discussion on what the world could turn into but also comments a bit on what our world is already like today. This book is very well constructed and edited.

Overall, there wasn’t much I disliked about the book. Some parts made me uncomfortable for sure, such as the restrictions around sexuality, but these were all parts which the book is trying to warn the reader against. The main thing I noticed could have been better was the characters. Although I liked them well enough, I didn’t feel like I connected with them as well as I could have. Furthermore, I found the romance storyline unconvincing, though I realize it was not the book's main focus.

I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I found the story and world gripping, complex and well thought out. Furthermore, it asks questions of the reading about how the world works. Although I think the characters could have had a little more depth, I don’t think that alone warrants taking off an entire star.

I would recommend this book to people who like dystopian or sci-fi novels, about stepping away from the norm and questioning what it means to be truly human in a restricted society.

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