After a raid gone wrong, agent Logan Ramsey’s genome gets a major upgrade, unraveling a plan set to wreak havoc on humanity—in Blake Crouch’s extraordinary thriller, UPGRADE.

Former molecular geneticist Logan Ramsey has spent years atoning for his family’s legacy, working as a government agent in the Gene Protection Agency. When a routine raid goes terribly wrong, he finds himself in a hospital, terrified he may have been exposed to a lethal virus.

What happens, however, is practically the opposite. In the days following the raid, long-ago memories return in vivid detail, his reading speed exponentially increases, he needs less sleep, his body is stronger. Something is happening to him, something that causes him to process the world and those he loves differently.

Logan’s new abilities upend his life, but worse yet, he uncovers he’s the trigger to a terrifying plan which puts humanity at risk… and he’s the only one that can stop it.

Blake Crouch once again delivers a mind-blowing, immersive thriller rife with high-octane action, ratcheting tension, vivid worldbuilding and riveting science. It’s clear the work was meticulously researched, making the premise equal parts fascinating and frightening. Crouch probes the moral complexity and perceived boundaries of ‘playing God’ while buoying the science-heavy narrative (which I love) with surprisingly emotive moments.

One of the best books I’ve read this year.

Logan Ramsay works for the GPA, or the Gene Protection Agency, an agency that works to ensure that people are not altering their genes. While working on a case Logan finds himself in a situation that will alter his life in some strange and interesting ways; he finds himself trapped in a room with a device that, when it detonates, leaves Logan and the GPA unsure of what may have entered his system through the cuts that envelope his body. One thing Logan does know is that he feels different; his mind is sharper and his body is stronger. Unfortunately Logan’s transformation is only the beginning, and he may be the only one who can stop this thing in its tracks.

Upgrade is an action-packed and clever novel that also contains some pertinent messages and lessons about where we are headed as a society and as a planet. I really enjoyed the premise of the novel, as well as the characters. Logan is a sympathetic, likable character, and he is interesting as well. Upgrade is a fast-paced novel that kept me hooked with its twists and turns, as well as the science found throughout. Crouch has done it again with Upgrade, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

This is an in-depth and complex science fiction story that will grab the attention of readers in this genre and ones who are new to it! The story is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes from start to finish! I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next, and I really enjoyed it!

What I love about Blake Crouch’s novels is that I can always count on him for an action-packed, mind blowing read that will completely absorb me from the moment I read that first page. Crouch’s latest sci-fi thriller Upgrade delivers in a big way.

Set in the near future, the story follows Logan Ramsay, a federal agent who works for the Gene Protection Agency or GPA. The GPA was formed after a genetic modification project that was meant to save our species goes terribly wrong and instead leads to famine and mass death. The project was headed up by Logan’s mother, and he has joined the GPA in hopes of preventing similar incidents from ever happening again. When the novel opens, Logan is following up on a tip about an illegal genetics lab. Almost as soon as he enters the lab, he is hit with a bomb. It’s not just any bomb though, as Logan realizes soon after waking up in the hospital. No, this bomb contained a genetic upgrade and Logan can feel himself starting to transform into a much enhanced version of himself.

I very much enjoyed the way this story unfolds. It was fascinating to watch Logan’s transformation and what he’s able to do now that he has been “upgraded.” I also found the story riveting as Logan encounters a few others who have also been upgraded but who are not on his side when it comes to the need for caution regarding genetic research and modification. These encounters are an action-packed adrenaline rush and made for a fast-paced read. It was also mind blowing when it is revealed who is responsible for these genetic upgrades and what their intentions are if they are not stopped.

Aside from the fascinating science and the thrilling action scenes, I also enjoyed that the story had a more personal element to it when it comes to Logan. Logan is a really likeable guy that I couldn’t help but root for. He’s smart, well versed in genetics and genetic modification and the associated dangers of going too far, and he also has a huge conscience. With his GPA job, he’s trying so hard to atone for what he sees as his mother’s sins, and I thought that was very noble of him.

I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll stop here and just say that if you’re in the mood for an action-packed sci-fi thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat but also leave you with plenty of food for thought regarding science, ethics, and the future of our species, Upgrade is the book for you!

Another excellent book from Crouch. It may not be up to the high level of Recursion, but Upgrade is a lot of fun and has some surprising twists and turns. Logan Ramsay is an agent of the Gene Protection Agency (GPA) in a near-future America, which has been ravaged by global warming and "The Great Starvation," a famine which was accidentally created by Logan's mother, a genius scientist who was trying to increase rice production in a remote area of China. But the solution she came up with actually did the reverse and spread to other crops around the world, killing 200 million people, and necessitating the GPA and its hard stance on stopping unregulated and rogue genetic scientists, even those working on good things, like a cure for cancer.

During a raid on a genetics lab in Denver, Logan is caught in an explosion of an ice bomb (frozen water leads to lacerations all over his body) and is put in quarantine for a few weeks. Other than some high temperatures and what looks like a strain of the flu, nothing much happens and he's eventually released. But Logan knows something is different: he's smarter, has a better memory, his muscles are more bulky, etc. He's been "upgraded," by a virus created by his mother, who was thought to have been killed in a car accident. And pretty soon, his colleagues are aware, too, and he's captured and put into a lab where he can be observed as he continues to change.

It turns out that Logan's sister has also been upgraded and she breaks him out and the two of them go on a search for their mother, trying to decide whether to stop her plan to upgrade all of humanity in an attempt to ward off the likely extinction of the human race in another 100-150 years, due to the effects of global warming and other disasters.

This is a very fast-paced novel and a whole lot of fun, with detailed explanations of the science carefully woven into the story. While it might not be as mind-boggling as Crouch's previous novel, Excursion, it's still an excellent read and definite page-turner. I did not want to set it down, reading as quickly as possible. Will definitely be looking forward to whatever Crouch does next.

RUN, don’t walk to pick up this phenomenal book. This one gets allllll the stars and is probably my favorite book from the last two years. Yep. I’m obsessed with it. It’s the kind of book you keep thinking about and try to subtly bring up in conversations because you want to keep talking about it.⁣
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This story is so amazing not only because the writing is outstanding (which it is) but the science is so well explained, relatable, and freakishly something I could actually see happening in our world.⁣
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We genetically modify organisms all the time for the benefit of mankind, but this book takes it further. What if we could edit our DNA to make us immune to diseases? What if we could alter or control our physical features like eye color? What if we could make ourselves into better athletes? What if we could change our bodies to require less sleep or prevent aging? What if all of this power ended up in the wrong hands?⁣
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This story is crazy. It follows a seemingly normal guy, Logan, whose job is to prevent rogue geneticists in a futuristic world where famines are prevalent and the world has been harmed from unforeseen side effects of GMOs. After a big bust, something about him is…different. He becomes sharper…stronger…more perceptive. Soon, he becomes the target in a war he was trying to prevent.⁣
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Even if you aren’t a science person, you NEED to read this book. You don’t have to like science to enjoy this thriller action, dystopian end-of world setting story

Another great Sci-fi thriller from Blake Crouch! If you liked Dark Matter, I don’t think that you will be disappointed by Upgrade.

The story follows Logan, who lives in a world where tampering with evolution and genetics has already caused disasters. Humankind is on the brink of collapse, and know one knows how to fix it…. Without breaking a few laws anyway.

The plot explores familial connections and how the world could be improved by human kind.

4 stars for me, I loved the ride, but not the destination.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc of Upgrade in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a couple other Blake Crouch novels - Dark Matter and Recursion - and his latest, Upgrade, follows a similar formula. The fast pacing makes it a quick read and his books tend to be good intros to the science fiction genre. The main character, Logan's, evolution kept me engaged - not just the genetic evolution, but his emotional development. Despite this, I found myself skimming through most of the parts that brought in the scientific elements, mostly because they were a bit boring and felt like info-dumps. Unlike the other Crouch books I've read, this one was also a bit more predictable. In the end though, I enjoyed Upgrade for the most part as it had a bit more 'heart' than his previous books.

Whaaaaaattt..... Blake Crouch has a way of absolutely blowing my mind with everything he writes. He can take a concept that is so far out in left field and make you believe that it is almost plausible. Genetic manipulation, it can happen, but on this scale? Logan has ended up being exposed to something transforming in a building raid. It has made him think much clearer and remember everything he has ever encountered. He was targeted for these modifications for a reason, and what he does with it will have unparalleled impacts on future generations. This was such a fast-paced, mind-blowing excursion into a world that teeters on what could really happen in reality. I love that Crouch has a way of making me think beyond what is real to wonder if this could ever be possible. His inclusion of current affairs makes it all the more believable. Another winner from Crouch. 5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC. I loved it.

This is personally my favorite Blake Crouch book. The characters in this book are very well fleshed out, and the plot is interesting, while not exactly original. I read this book in just a couple of sittings - it's definitely a page turner! If you've enjoyed Crouch's books in the past then you'll enjoy this one.

And he does it again🎉🎊!!! I want to thank Netgalley for my ebook copy though, which I read weeks ago then bought from BOTM because I had to own it. It's a futuristic thriller that's both fascinating and terrifying. When Logan's genome is hacked, he experienced remarkable cognitive changes. And of course, letter agencies are hot on his heels to "study" him. This one centers around genetics, the very core of our being, and holds none of the super sciency stuff back. Yea, I know, I'm smart in other areas, let's move on😉.

Like Recursion and Dark Matter, Crouch again pushes family values even when those values threaten our very survival. It's fast-paced with action and BOOM BOOM💥 💥 vibes galore. A solid read, my only gripe is the DNA information throughout, it was almost too much at times. The plot was phenomenal though, and Crouch made sure we were too emotionally connected to the characters to step away. A must-read for sure👏👏👏

I stopped reading this book at 34%. I think it’s an interesting idea but it feels very science and information heavy. I just think this book is for smarter people or more science loving people than just the average person

I was blown away by both Dark Matter and Recursion, so I started this with high expectations. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a mediocre read for me. The writing was decent and the plot moved along, but it was missing that extra mind boggling element I expected from this author.

Honestly, Blake Crouch can do no wrong. Even if you have preferences concerning which story lines of his you prefer, I'd say it's 99% likely you'll enjoy his work. Solid thriller with sci-fi elements, as usual. Highly recommend.

Book Review

Upgrade
reviewed by Lou Jacobs



readersremains.com | Goodreads


The future world faces destruction due to indifference, extremism, and the lengths to which one will go to save humanity.
Blake Crouch expertly explores this dilemma with a riveting sci-fi techno thriller with a thought-provoking roller-coaster ride laced with plenty of ass-kicking action. There is abundant suspense, intrigue and twists to satisfy any crime thriller enthusiast.

Our main protagonist, Logan Ramsey although flawed, is immensely likable. Set in a future where all vehicles are electric and mass transit is provided by hyperloops that travel at the speed of sound. DNA editing, although possible, has become illegal due to the dangers of unintended consequences. The government has created the Gene Protection Agency (GPA) to police and shut down any rogue scientists that persist in the prohibited research or application of genetic engineering.

Logan Ramsey, in an attempt to atone for the sins of his mother, Miriam, works for the Denver field office of the GPA. Miriam was the pre-eminent cell biologist in the world. She had mastered writing and editing DNA, with the aim of healing sickness, improving the quality of life, improving the environment, and ending world hunger. Responding to a hunger situation in Shenzhen, China being caused by a blight to the rice crops, she devised altered locusts that would infect the rice paddies, imparting enhanced plant resistance. Due to unexpected and unintended consequences, the locusts propagated exponentially leading to a global catastrophe with the accidental killing of millions due to a worldwide famine. Shortly afterward, Miriam had died in an accident, when her car ran off Highway 1 on the California coast and plunged into the ocean. Was it suicide?

Logan is the lead agent on a raid of a potential illegal lab. Entering the basement, he realizes something is wrong, and all flee with him bearing the brunt of the explosion. A shower of ice flechettes punctures his hazmat suit resulting in multiple lacerations of his extremities.

It is assumed that he has been exposed to a synthetic virus carrying genetic material into his cells, with the capability of rewriting his DNA to an unknown effect. Initially in the hospital, after a brief bout of fever, no untoward effect is noted. However, after being released from the hospital, Logan starts to experience a gradual metamorphosis. His mind and perception are initially enhancing daily, and now seemingly hourly. He suddenly realizes his strength and memory have improved exponentially. He has been “Upgraded” … apparently lured to the explosion on purpose. In fear that the GPA will confine him at least , if not execute him, he flees to find answers and significance. On his own, he soon discovers that his only other living relative, his older sister Kara, has also been targeted with an upgrade. Obviously one step in a much larger plan to infect the same changes on all of humanity …and to what consequence. His sister does not see the possible implications or the extent of the significant unattended results. He cannot help but vividly recall the results of the “Ramsey Famine”

Blake Crouch proves to be a masterful storyteller as he weaves an intriguing and entertaining tale that may affect humanity. As the reader is led down many a twisted road, the suspense and intrigue escalate to an exciting denouement, laced with non-stop action as the pages fly by. This is a cautionary tale on the possible next step in human evolution. Is making people smarter a long range answer or would an infusion of empathy and compassion better serve humanity.



Thanks to NetGalley and Random House -Ballantine Books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

Normally I am a Blake Crouch fan but this one missed the mark for me. I felt there was a whole lot of telling and the read became a bit of a slog honestly. It presented some very interesting ideas and the premise was very compelling but overall it fell a bit flat.

This book was such a good read! I found myself thanking that the technology for gene editing is so advanced now, that the premise of this book is not too far-fetched.This science fiction story is about A time in the future when disaster has struck the earth due to gene editing that has gone terribly wrong. There has been a worldwide starvation in the whole balance of nature has been upset.This book explores the meaning of what it means to be human and how far is too far to go in order to save the human race. I found myself caught up in the character development and philosophical questions of life in this day and age and what the future holds. I highly recommend this book and thank the publisher for the opportunity to read it in advance. #upgrade

This book wasn’t for me unfortunately. I’m typically a huge Blake Crouch fan but I found this one to lack the character development I usually enjoy in his books. It was a fast read but felt too much like an action movie for me. I’m still a big fan of the author though and look forward to what he does next!

*SPOILERS* If you’re a fan of the Netflix show, Black Mirror, then Blake Crouch is the author for you. His novels are typically set in the not-so-distant future where some piece of technology has emerged and changed life on Earth drastically due to the unintended consequences of a scientific advancement.. “Upgrade” follows the same formula with genetic “upgrading” as the focus. Out of all of his novels, I believed this one to be the most realistic. In fact, Yuval Harari wrote “Homo Deus” out of a concept similar to the one Crouch uses for his storytelling. However, Crouch’s story focuses on entertainment. Upgrade is science mixed with action. I read it so fast, I may need to read it again in order to grasp everything that was going on. I couldn’t put it down and it makes a perfect summer read. If you are a fan of Black Mirror though, these stories tend to lean towards happy endings, or at least calm endings in comparison to the utter destruction you feel free watching a Black Mirror episode. Overall, Upgrade was a thought-provoking action-packed read and I can’t wait to see what Crouch will write next!

The ending - so beautiful!!! The end redeemed this book for me. I got bored at about 60% and was pretty disappointed with the turn the end took, but I absolutely loved the epilogue. Overall I really enjoyed the deeper themes about humanity and social commentary on climate change and pandemics.