This was his third book that absolutely hooked me in from the first page and did not let go. We met Logan, an agent for the Gene Protection Agency, in the middle of a mission that leads to him getting injured and ultimately genetically modified with some, well, upgrades. I absolutely love how Blake Crouch seamlessly weaves together thrills and philosophy. The intensity is always too notch while there’s so many thought provoking angles to mull over. Having read 3 of his works, I can definitely see some of his Crouch’s signature writing in here which I love because it doesn’t feel redundant but just adds a touch of familiarity to a new and interesting story.

I absolutely love Blake Crouch’s writing and can’t wait to start exploring his pretty extensive backlog while recommending his work to literally EVERYONE ALWAYS.

DNF at 41%. I really enjoyed the author’s previous work, Dark Matter, so I was looking forward to this new sci-fi. However, it starts off a bit slow, and the plot didn’t really compel me to keep reading.

Blake Crouch delivers another stunning and unforgettable novel with Upgrade. In the past, I have compared Crouch to Andy Weir as one of the best contemporary sci-fi authors. Like Weir, Crouch is a master of his craft and his works are best known as being in depth tours of theoretical science. In Upgrade, Crouch explores a more tangible science in genetic science, but also toes the boundary of theoretical genetic science. Crouch explores both genotype and phenotype in his book Upgrade which allows for a blend of physical science and theory that take the reader on an incredible journey of scientific possibility. Potentially Crouch's best work thus far, most certainly his most researched work. I will continue to recommend his books and eagerly await whatever comes next.

SYNOPSIS: The mind-blowing new thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Dark Matter and Recursion… “You are the next step in human evolution.”At first, Logan Ramsay isn’t sure if anything’s different. He just feels a little . . . sharper. Better able to concentrate. Better at multitasking. Reading a bit faster, memorizing better, needing less sleep. But before long, he can’t deny it: Something’s happening to his brain. To his body. He’s starting to see the world, and those around him—even those he loves most—in whole new ways. The truth is, Logan’s genome has been hacked. And there’s a reason he’s been targeted for this upgrade. A reason that goes back decades to the darkest part of his past, and a horrific family legacy. Worse still, what’s happening to him is just the first step in a much larger plan, one that will inflict the same changes on humanity at large—at a terrifying cost. Because of his new abilities, Logan’s the one person in the world capable of stopping what’s been set in motion. But to have a chance at winning this war, he’ll have to become something other than himself. Maybe even something other than human. And even as he’s fighting, he can’t help wondering: what if humanity’s only hope for a future really does lie in engineering our own evolution? Intimate in scale yet epic in scope, Upgrade is an intricately plotted, lightning-fast tale that charts one man’s thrilling transformation, even as it asks us to ponder the limits of our humanity—and our boundless potential.

Blake Crouch does it again! I was absolutely enthralled with this book. Equal parts sci fi and dystopian, it was thrilling and something that was hard to put down. I loved the character development. 5 stars, and will deff recommended to everyone!

4.5 stars

I think this book was really strong at the start and then fell off at the 65% mark, pacing-wise. The ending, though, was extremely satisfying.

High action, smart, generally fast-paced, futuristic, and incites a lot of thought-provoking ideas. I would recommend!

This is the first book I’ve read by Blake Crouch, but it will definitely not be my last. This is going to go on my list as one of my favorite science fiction books.

The main character of the story is Logan Ramsay. Logan is the son of Miriam Ramsay, a brilliant geneticist who killed hundreds of millions of people while trying to help provide more food for people. Miriam’s terrible mistake made the whole science of gene modification against the law.

Logan is actually one of the people who seek out anyone breaking the law and modifying genes. During a raid, he was struck with glass shards that pierced his skin. He soon finds himself changing. Senses are sharpening, bones are getting denser, he is becoming an upgrade of himself. The question is, who did this to him?

There is a lot of science in this, a slew of genes and what they do. It doesn’t distract from the story, it just adds to the whole complexity of what’s happening.

It’s science, it’s the future, it’s action packed, it’s a can’t-put-it-down page turner. I loved every bit of the ride from page one to the end. I received an ARC of the book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for my copy of Upgrade by Blake Crouch in exchange for an honest review. It published July 12, 2022.
This was definitely in the vein of Crouch's previous books, and has earned its places next to them on the shelf. I would definitely consider this a "dad book", however, I am not a dad, and I found this to be interesting, gripping, and fast-paced.
I noticed a lot of parallels to today, and it was very well-executed. Lots of action, understandable scientific descriptions, and a very thought-provoking scenario of living my morals, this will keep you on the edge of your seat.

“We don’t have an intelligence problem. We have a compassion problem. That, more than any other single factor, is what’s driving us toward extinction.”⁣
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Quick Summary: UPGRADE takes place in the future where a former scientist, Logan Ramsay, has been genetically upgraded (against his will). He takes on the task to save humanity from extinction.⁣
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Another great sci-fi novel from Blake Crouch! I’ve said it once and I’ll say it forever… don’t be put off by the “sci-fi” label. Crouch’s books are accessible to everyone despite your reading interest. If you like fast-paced, action-packed, thrilling stories then you will enjoy his novels.⁣
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Now onto UPGRADE! I enjoyed the story arc in this one. This novel focuses on a DNA upgrade that can be injected through an IV. The effects of the upgrade begin to show themselves as the body begins to change. The genetic upgrade was fascinating (obvi) but also terrifying- like the unknown tends to be. I also LOVED the incorporation of climate change. I am a climate nerd and was here for all of that.⁣
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At the beginning of the book, the reader learns of a terrible starvation that had ended within the previous couple decades. The plague was started because a couple scientists were genetically modifying some insects and the results were devastating. I thought this was pretty fascinating and wouldn’t be mad if Crouch wrote another book centering this storyline.⁣
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I love an audiobook but I think this one is best read with a physical copy. I feel this allowed me to be more immersed in the story and not get lost in any technical science jargon- there’s not too much in the book but it doesn’t take a lot to lose me 🤪⁣
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Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! UPGRADE hits shelves TODAY! I’m already waiting for Crouch’s next novel!⁣
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4 stars

I couldn't get caught up in this book the same way I did while reading Dark Matter and Recursion. I got about 80% in but to be honest, I just didn't really care about the ending and felt like starting a new book. Oh well.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Another great read from Blake Crouch. His mix of science fiction and horror really works for me. I enjoy the characters, the plot, and the pacing. Couldn't wait to start the next chapter each time. Can't wait for the next book by Blake Crouch. #Upgrade #NetGalley

I’m not usually a big fan of sci-fi, but I loved Dark Matter by this author so I knew I wanted to read this one. I love how Blake can mesh a sci-fi book with thriller in it!
It was terrifying to read about what could happen if we could alter our genes like in the book. I really liked Logan, but I didn’t like his sister or mom. He wanted what was best for everyone in the world! I also really loved his wife and daughter, and the relationship he had with them. I hated how it ended with them, but I know the author did what he thought Logan thought was best.

Blake Crouch did it again! I am so not a sci fi fan but whenever I get a book by Crouch, I literally cannot put it down. It’s almost an indescribable feeling.

I will say this one hit a lot closer to home in terms of reality especially as the pandemic rages on and we face endless supply chain issues. I think something like this might be able to happen some day and that was unnerving. Even if it was unnerving all I wanted to do was continue reading.

One of my favorite things about science fiction is the questions it lets us confront. In this case - if you were able to upgrade yourself - stronger, faster, smarter - would you want to do it? If you had the ability to upgrade - would you think everyone should be upgraded?

This was very much a fast paced action movie of a book. It was fun but not a favorite for me and I don’t think much will stick with me. Thank you to the publisher for the advance reading copy.

Logan works for a government agency against genetic modification. He also carries around with him the baggage of his brilliant scientist mothers' misdeeds. When Logan is ambushed and injected with an "upgrade" serum, he finds that he can remember everything, is stronger and faster and is an overall optimized version of himself. On the run, he must figure out who wanted him upgraded and why before he is turned into a lab rat.

This book is part The Fugitive and part sci fi thriller. Crouch is clearly a fan of Michael Crition and fans of his books will love this. I have read and enjoyed his last two books also and I did like this one, but it was really slow in parts and kept me having to choose to finish it. I just didn't care that much about the characters and their plight and didn't fully understand the stakes.

However, I thought it had just the right amount of science- it was easy for me to understand (not being a science person) and I found it compelling. I know many of my friends will really enjoy this one and I am glad I read it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

This book started out strong and then crossed over to a boring science class. I kept thinking "Where is the editor?" There was so much science jargon that I basically skipped half of the book. This might make for a good movie but not a good book.

The time is in the not-too-distant, somewhat dystopian future where gene technology has been developed to the point where nearly anything is possible. Logan Ramsay, an agent with the Gene Protection Agency (GPA), works diligently to prevent illegal gene technology from being used for nefarious purposes. He’s rather average, working his job, a family man who deeply loves his wife and daughter and attempts to keep his head down low due to a tragedy in his past. During a raid on an illegal lab his genome is hacked, infected with a virus that results in an “upgrade” that results in mental and physical enhancements.

At first glance this sounds great, right? Who among us couldn’t use a bit of an upgrade? I know my memory could use one. But be careful of what you wish for. What happens to the essence of what it is to be human?

I won’t give away any more details of the plot, as it’s such fun to discover for yourself. But there are reasons that Logan has been chosen for the upgrade, and the repercussions have far-reaching consequences. Those who think the way to save humanity by upgrading all humans, will be pitted against those who think you can’t save humanity by destroying humanity. Logan is an easy character to root for as you watch him make difficult and personally devastating choices.

There is a heavy dose of science, which readers will either find fascinating or will gloss over. Whichever you choose to do doesn’t matter as this is as much a crime thriller as it is sci-fi, and is enjoyable either way. I can’t say if the science is accurate, but it certainly made for a thrilling, suspenseful tale. The author takes familiar themes rooted in reality and gives them his own fresh twist. But the science and philosophical questions never overwhelm good storytelling.

I loved Dark Matter, and with this book, I’m officially a superfan of the author’s.

I'm a huge huge fan of Blake Crouch. I think he's one of the best sci-fi authors out there right now. I was SO excited to see that he has a new release and immediately requested an ARC of it.

This was a rollercoaster of a read. It wasn't my favorite book of Crouch's, but it was worth my time for sure. Crouch is not modest with Upgrade's plot. This book asks some big questions of its readers:

What if you could change the course of humanity for the better? What if we could stop climate change, stop rampant consumerism, and end the selfish individualism that almost seems inherent to humanity at this time in history?

It also places the weight of the world (literally) on the main character's shoulders. What if you and you alone could be the answer to the world's many problems? Would you risk everything - your family and even your life - to fix humanity and the planet for the better?

Yes, it all sounds a little cliched and cheesy, but I could easily see this book becoming a wild ride of a screenplay and movie. It's bold, adventurous, and involves some interesting musings on genetic engineering and CRISPR technology, and I liked it.

It's not as introspective or reflective as his previous books, but it was a fun read that delivered for a great sci-fi story that I think Crouch's readers will thoroughly enjoy. Thank you to Random House Books, Blake Crouch, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!

This is my third Blake Crouch book, and he is for sure an auto-buy author for me.

Blake has a way of writing super complicated and dense topics in a way that makes me as the reader feel smarter. I would never read about altering DNA in a textbook, or take a class on it, but I loved all of it in Upgrade. Talk nerdy to me!

While I'm sure this topic in general has been done before in other books or shows or movies, the way it's presented in Upgrade is captivating. Exploring the consequences of humans altering their DNA, not only for themselves and loved ones, but for all humans and the world around them, was fascinating, scary, and plausible all at once. I felt like I was in an entire Black Mirror movie rather than just the typical one episode.

This is one of those books that is better to read without knowing much or anything at all about it. Don't read the synopsis. Don't read spoilers. Just start reading, and buckle up.

I like when I go into a book knowing what I’m gonna get — in this case, a fast, fun, sci fi thriller. Crouch always reliably delivers and though this isn’t my favorite of his books, I enjoyed the journey. Its themes are very relevant to the threats our world faces today, and I appreciated his exploration into what could be next for humanity.

I like many kinds of books but science fiction is one of the genres I’ve never been able to get into. In fact, I quit trying altogether years ago. However, three years ago a patron at the library talked me into reading Recursion by Blake Crouch and it ended up being one of my favorite books of the year. He makes science fiction accessible. There are no far away galaxies just scientific breakthroughs that seem very plausible. They are fast paced and read very much like thrillers-I love them. His most recent book, Upgrade was another home run for me.

I loved this book. It hooked me immediately and soon I was off on a fast paced roller coaster ride full of twists and turns. Crouch tackles scientific technology that is set in the not too distant future that seems plausible and accessible and that is terrifying. It also poses big ethical questions that will leave you pondering them for days. This book is already in development with Steven Spielberg’s production company and I cannot wait. Everyone should be reading Blake Crouch.
Thank you to @netgalley for an advanced arc of this book.