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.

This, my friends, is peak sci-fi thriller for a biologist. Crouch is a fast-passed author that excels in taking technologies and topics that could be possible in the near future and creating absolute societal crises for the protagonist to solve.

Upgrade revolves around using gene editing technology as biological warfare. In the reality of the novel, scientists have uncovered the ability to edit the genome of humans faster and more efficiently than even CRISPR can today. They use it to better themselves as well as an agent to edit the genes of those that oppose them. The main character of this book, Logan, is the target of such an attack that leaves him modified in ways that even he fails to comprehend. He transforms into a super-human of sorts. As he runs from authorities that worry he could change the course of human evolution, he ponders the ethical responsibility he now holds.

This book was fun and overly dramatic but also, as a biologist, had many interesting questions about ethics, the basis of genetics in a future where genetics are easily altered, and the general concept of humanity. It felt like I was watching an action movie and needed popcorn, and completely loved the pieces of biology that were snuck into the action.

*I would like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Unfortunately, for this one, the superhero advanced genetics aspect didn’t interest me as much is Mr. Crouch, his other books and premises. I finished it, but it’s may be my least favorite of his at this point.

Highlights:
✨Thriller that leans into the science fiction genre with DNA upgrades
✨Themes of humanity, ethics on genetic engineering, climate change
✨Henry Leyva does an excellent narration, keeping pace with the nail-biting action. His narration also helped me not get lost in the weeds of the scientific details.

Bottom Line: First half provides scientific details; last half action movie. If you're a Blake Crouch fan, you'll like this one too.

Unlike many others who read and loved wayward pines this was my first book by this author and while I enjoyed it I didn’t fully connect with the story. Maybe I’ll just have to jump into wayward pines and give that a shot

First of all, I love Blake Couch’s books! My previous two reads were both 5 star reads so I had really high expectations for this book. It was very good, for sure, but definitely not my favorite of his.

The beginning started out really strong - and I loved the premise of genetic engineering and the ethical questions associated with doing so. I love the brainiac nature of Couch’s books and how I often feel like my unscientific brain is stretched beyond my capacities. Plus, he excels at still injecting so much heart into his characters and this book was no exception.

The ending alone was absolutely perfect and bittersweet.

Crouch is an autobuy author for me. This book was incredible. I believe this is one of those specific tastes books and requires people to focus on what he's actually saying.

Blake Crouch's "Upgrade" is a fast-paced, thought-provoking thriller that delves into the ethical and societal implications of genetic engineering. The story follows Logan Ramsay, a government agent tasked with enforcing the gene-editing ban, who becomes inadvertently "upgraded" himself. As his intelligence and abilities skyrocket, Logan becomes a pawn in a larger game with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.

Crouch masterfully weaves together a gripping plot with a deep exploration of scientific possibilities and their potential consequences. The narrative is relentless, propelling readers through a series of twists and turns while raising questions about the very nature of human evolution. Logan's internal struggle as he grapples with his transformation is both relatable and unsettling, making him a compelling protagonist.

The novel's exploration of genetic manipulation is both fascinating and terrifying, offering a chillingly plausible vision of the future. Crouch doesn't shy away from the ethical complexities, presenting both the potential benefits and the horrifying risks associated with tampering with the human genome. While the scientific concepts are simplified for accessibility, they remain grounded in real-world research, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

However, "Upgrade" is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with action sequences occasionally overshadowing character development. Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and the ending may leave some readers wanting more closure. Additionally, the novel's reliance on scientific exposition can be overwhelming for those seeking a purely action-driven thriller.

"Upgrade" is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of the potential future of genetic engineering. It's a page-turner that will keep you hooked while raising profound questions about the nature of humanity and the limits of scientific progress. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths in concept, pacing, and ethical exploration make it a worthwhile read for fans of science fiction and thrillers alike.