Another knock out from Blake Crouch! Taut plot. Engrossing. I always look forward to a new release from the author.

Blake Crouch is an auto-buy author for me—every time he drops a new book, I’m immediately in. Upgrade didn’t disappoint, especially as someone who loves science-forward thrillers. The way this was written plays out like a great movie—fast-paced, cinematic, and full of tension. It definitely leaned more into the scientific side of things, which I personally love as a scientist myself. While it wasn’t my absolute favorite of his (hello, Dark Matter), it still had that signature Crouch style that keeps me coming back for more. Solid 4 stars!

Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that explores genetic engineering and what it means to be human. The action kicks off quickly and doesn’t let up, with sharp writing and mind-bending ideas. Crouch delivers a tense, cinematic story with emotional depth, though some character moments feel a bit rushed. Still, it’s a gripping read packed with ethical dilemmas and futuristic tech. Fans of Dark Matter and Recursion will find a lot to enjoy here.

When I have the need to read some speculative fiction I can “scratch that itch” by turning to a Blake Crouch story. And with “ Upgrade” Crouchdoes not disappoint. In “Upgrade” Crouch asks this important question: What if the human race’s best hope for a positive future depends on our successful ability to engineer our own evolution. Put another way, can/ should we “play God” with humanity’s future? Best to begin reading Blake Crouches’ “Upgrade” to find out.

I don’t know that I’ve ever been disappointed by a Blake Crouch book. As usual there was a great mix of sci-fi, heart, and great writing. I loved trying to guess where the ending was going.

Blake Crouch writes sci fi books in a way that even if you don't love sci fi, you might like his books. Or maybe that's just me. Either way, I was engrossed in this one and I loved the whole thing. The concept of upgrading your genetics to make you stronger, faster, smarter, etc. is fascinating. Logan was a great narrator, because he said and did exactly what you would expect. He was smart without being stupid. This became a battle to save humanity... but what was the best way to do it? Logan had to read people, escape people, and figure out what to do. It was fast paced and easy enough to understand if you're not a science guru.

This was book was a ride. I did enjoy the ride. I think where Crouch excels is coming up with these sci-fi concepts that aren't too far off from reality. Very much feels like some of these things could be happening in multiverse. This book does run heavier on the science side, so if you're not into that, then this might not be for you. It adds a nice level of grounding for me.

Blake Crouch brings you his latest, Upgrade, where the main character Logan finds himself exposed to a contaminant at work and begins to notice some strange changes.

Solid sci-fi book! Blake knows how to do it

DNF for me sadly, This was my first Blake Crouch novel and I didn't enjoy his writing style at all.

Set in the future where the US has banned scientific research on gene therapy and has gone so far to set up the GPA, Gene Protection Agency, sorta like the FBI. Logan works for GPA and while raiding a house, gets injected with a type of virus that causes him to become “super human”. This virus could be the end of all humans unless he figures out a way to stop it.
This was very scientific, so I skimmed a lot of it but it was still an okay read. I’m not a huge sci-fi reader and DARK MATTER is my fav book of Crouch’s. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I ended up really enjoying this one. I might be back in my dystopian era. I put it off for so long b/c it seemed to be his lowest rated book but I was surprised how much this one kept my attention. I listened to the audiobook and it played out like an action movie. It reminded a lot of a Michael Crichton book which is one of my favorite action/thriller writers. I have always loved the topic of genetics and what makes a human a human and I think this book had an excellent blend of action and science in an easily digestible way. Would definitely watch this as a movie.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for an ARC.

I'm late to the game reviewing this book, but I'm happy I finally made the time to read Blake Crouch's latest release. While I'm not a huge Sci-fi reader, Crouch consistently makes the genre appealing. Upgrade was no different with its concept reminding me of the film Limitless with Bradley Cooper.

When two people in this dystopian world get an upgrade to a higher form of humanity, they have to decide whether it is ethical to upgrade the rest of society to save the human race. This upgrade includes the ability to think of numerous linear thoughts simultaneously, including listening to an audiobook while reading a different text. There are significant physical upgrades as well, such as reading and understanding microexpressions on the faces of others, and endless physical prowess such as running uphill for great lengths without getting tired. Naturally, the upgrades sound amazing but when everyone's capacities for knowledge and physical well-being are maxed out, there are sure to be dire consequences.

The scientific parts of this book, specifically the modifications to the human genome were fascinating. However, like all Sci-fi, the imagined reality of the story taking place in the not-too-distant future is frightening. This story did a great job of putting the reader in the main character's shoes as he came to grips with his upgrades. I found the story to lag a bit in the middle as Logan traveled the US while laying low and figuring out his next course of action. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ending and the overarching theme of compassion. This was a firm 4-star read!

I loved this. Sci fi that really made me feel like it was happening. Realistic enough to be believable but just outside the realm. Well written, easy to understand, but I learned a lot too!

NOTHING in this world has hit quite like Dark Matter and Recursion since I read them, and that includes Upgrade. I still think Blake Crouch is the king of blending complex sci-fi concepts with fast-paced thriller plots. This feels like a story that would adapt well into film, though it feels more entertaining than it does offering real depth or development.

Blake Crouch has an uncanny way of writing compelling reads. Those that once you start, you're not setting it down. All of those descriptive phrases readers use when they want everyone to know how good a book is......apply them here. This multi genre story line should scare the pants off everyone....the what ifs.....I'd say this is just fantasy, but it seems awfully real. 5 stars.

Blake Crouch's books are good, but dammit are they terrifying. This sci-fi thriller pulled me in immediately, and I just HAD to know what was going on with Logan Ramsey. There's a whole lot of science-y jargon and terminology and listening to it on audio made my brain twitchy. However, that did not take away from my enjoyment of this book. If you're already a fan of Crouch's, then you'll enjoy this one too.

Blake Crouch really knows how to write great science fiction. I’m not sure where he gets his ideas from, but they’re captivating and certainly not redundant. This book reads almost like a thriller - fast paced, mysterious, and each chapter leaves you on a cliff hanger. There’s certainly a science element that may not appeal to every reader, but if you can get around that you’ll really enjoy this.

A sci fi thriller with a superhero esque quality to it all. Not really in my wheelhouse but it was enjoyable enough and it’s always good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while. It felt slow and pedantic at times and I didn’t really connect to the MC so it wasn’t a huge hit for me but it definitely has a target audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I love Blake's writing and the way he manages to keep us interested along the book. However, compared to his previous two books which were absolutely incredible and mind-blowing, this one left me a little disappointed at the end and waiting for something more. Still a good sci-fi read!

"Upgrade" by Blake Crouch is a thrilling and fast-paced novel that delves into the ethics of genetic modification and the unforeseen consequences of playing God. Crouch skillfully combines intense action with profound philosophical questions about identity, free will, and the essence of humanity.