What a wild ride! Upgrade is sure to be the sci-fi thriller of the summer! It was intelligent, fast-paced, and thrilling. Not sure how Crouch does it but he has certainly done it again. I can't wait to recommend this to all of my friends! 5 stars all around!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was INCREDIBLE. I’m absolutely not surprised because I seem to love all of Blake Crouch’s book. I like how I get to learn a little bit of cool info about the world without it ever being too info dumpy.

Also, this blue cover is STUNNING.

I stayed up late to finish this book, and I woke up the next morning still thinking about different pieces of the book.

I feel so much smarter after reading his books too, which is kinda nice to be entertained and also get to read so many interesting things about the world around us.

With the recent and current COVID pandemic, this one can kind of hit a little close to home with its premise and different plot points throughout the book. But it was just enough that it never felt like too much. I’ve been trying to use books as an escape from the world around me, so I’m not super into books yet that are directly somehow tied into the pandemic. Luckily, this wasn’t one of those for me.

I absolutely adore anything and everything that Blake Crouch seems to write, and I’m already eager to read his next novel!

I will continue to constantly recommend his books to my friends!

Very suspenseful and fast paced science fiction thriller with a touch of dystopia mixed in. It’s very science heavy with talks of gene mutation and DNA mapping. It paints a very bleak future: heavily monitored surveillance, shortages of food, millions dead due to a failed attempt at gene mutation.

This book will suck you in and shake you to your core. I have never read a more realistic future scenario science fiction book. This really mirrors so much that’s already in place that really could lead to a horrific outcome.

Thank you to Black Crouch, Netgalley, and to the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

The world is recovering from an event linked to Logan's family that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Because of this event, genetic editing is illegal, with teams around the world monitoring and stopping any labs from modifying genes. Logan is ambushed on a raid one night and undergoes an "Upgrade." From there the story takes off and it's up to Logan to save humanity from receiving this "Upgrade" with a 13.5% mutation/death rate.

I really enjoyed Blake Crouch's most recent sci-fi novel. Whatever topic he chooses is always well researched and keeps the reader interested until the final page. The middle lagged a tiny bit for me and I also didnt like the villian of the story, it seemed a little forced/unrealistic to me. Besides that, well done on another action-packed sci-fi thriller. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next!

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Logan Ramsay works for the Gene Protection Agency. It was formed after genetic editing of crops inadvertently led to a planetwide loss of many crops and the Great Starvation, during which millions of people died. Now there are strict guidelines for use of genetic manipulation.

On a raid, there’s an explosion, and it punctures his hazmat gear. When he wakes in the hospital, he’s in isolation and learns that he’s been infected by a virus. But after a short amount of time, his fever is gone and he is healing well, so he’s cleared to go home.

It’s only after days and weeks go by that Logan realizes he’s smarter; his chess game is vastly better, for one, and he’s reading voraciously and understanding material he didn’t before. And then he realizes his body is stronger. Logan has somehow been given a whole-body upgrade, a tremendous feat that didn’t seem possible, despite the advances that had taken place in genetics. He must figure out who’s behind it, what their motives are, and to evade being captured by both that person and the government.

As he starts finding those answers, Logan finds himself more and more superhuman, an evolved being. He must stop the widespread use of the virus and genetic editing that changed him, but he also must decide who he wants to be, and if and how he can stay truly human. What is best for him, and what is actually best for the whole planet and its inhabitants? Even more important, who gets to make that kind of decision?

Upgrade is a compelling and very smart thriller. I enjoyed the science behind it and the possibilities that Crouch foresees. The plot is fast-paced and it kept me engaged. The story is also thought-provoking and philosophical; the main character has lots to ponder and decisions to make on his own behalf and on behalf of the world. There’s certainly plenty at stake.

I was just a touch disappointed because I didn’t think it was as mind-bending and complex as Recursion, which really blew me away and kept my brain busy considering all of the pieces of the puzzle. Upgrade reminds me more of Michael Crichton’s writing style and topics; it’s a nice choice for readers who miss that author’s novels.

Blake Crouch did it again! This book is a well written, fast paced sci-fi thriller. It’s focused around an idea of genetic engineering. Could this be our future? Can we manipulate our genome to create an “upgraded” human? I love the way Crouch makes non science readers engaged in his stories. He knows how to make complicated topics “simple” and enjoyable. With a little mix of twists and turns he takes you on a rollercoaster ride that you enjoy all the way to the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my review.

First of all thank you to the publisher for reaching out and granting me a copy.

Rounding up to 3⭐️, but if I’m being honest it’s more like a 2.5⭐️ and that makes me sad. I’ve read from and enjoyed Crouch’s writing in the past. And while this is in typical Blake Crouch writing style some things just didn’t work for me. There were instances where there was more than enough detail about something and it just took me out of the story. For example I could have done without the explanation of the inner workings of a polygraph. I also felt there was a bit of mansplaning going on when he was talking about the Racine and a few other scientific terms that are in pretty well in the public psyche. One of the things that really got to me was the repetition. If I had to read the coordinates one more time, I thought I’d scream.

Crouch did deliver on the woe is me brooding man, love of wife and kid, which for me is super annoying in any book. He also delivered 100% on his trademark short sentences and paragraphs which made for a fast and compulsive read. I definitely found it difficult to put down because I wanted to know what happened. The unfortunate part is I figured out the angles before the main character did and by the time I got there it landed pretty flat.

I do wish there was a little more actual discussion on consent and the dangers of not obtaining it versus the passive, “my mother did this to me without my consent”.

Even though I didn’t particularly enjoy this, I would still read from Blake Crouch in the future.

I cannot remember the last time I gobbled a book up so quickly. This was 100% one of those "movie in my head" books and at one point I was actually consuming buttery popcorn while reading it.

This is my first Crouch book (I know, WHAT?!) and I am so glad it lived up to the hype. Honestly, he had me at DNA. Talk nerdy to me. I love it. Crouch has created a lot of really fun (DIGRESSION- "fun" feels like a weird word to use here since I'm not convinced that the sci-fi world Crouch has created in Upgrade is really FI- it's a future that could conceivably happen) sci-fi- my favorite elements being a particular kind of exploding ice and also an anxiety-inducing stinging insect or two.

I think this quote is both the book and also real life in a nutshell:

"We were a bunch of primates who had gotten together and, against all odds, built a wondrous civilization. But paradoxically—tragically—our creation’s complexity had now far outstripped our brains’ ability to manage it. Put simply: Our situation was fucked, and we weren’t doing enough to un-fuck it."

There are a few chunks of writing on the theme of that quote that I found very satisfying and illuminating, if not endlessly frustrating. ANYWAY.

Some minor quibbles with the ending, but otherwise this was such a fun (Summer thriller/blockbuster/etc.) and also not at all fun (it hits pretty close to home) book that I would recommend wholeheartedly.

Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for the review copy!

Blake Crouch can always be counted on for a dark and creepy science fiction story and this book is no exception. The pacing is great, keeping the reader interested and turning pages. The character is likeable and easy to identify with. As always, the science is interesting and accessible. This is a great read for all sci fi and spec fiction fans.

What a fun ride! Fans of Recursion and I am assuming Dark Matter (haven't read it, YET!) will enjoy Blake Crouch's new fantastic, foray into the world of science fiction.

When Logan Ramsay realizes he's been given the ultimate "upgrade" he must decide whether the genetic advantage he now has should be used to save the human race.

A fast-paced, techno-thriller, Upgrade is a very well researched look into the moral implications of gene editing and what can happen when something that could be used for good, is taken too far. Upgrade was very timely given the scientific strides being taken in this field and I was enrapt with the push and pull Crouch paints for his readers between the two sides.

I did miss the personal connections I felt between the characters in Recursion, in Upgrade - the relationships, even between Logan and Kara didn't feel particularly fleshed out, but that may just be the nature of a first-person narrative.

A wonderful addition to his body of work, I would recommend this novel to many people - especially those who might not thing of themselves as science fiction fans.

Blake Crouch got my attention with Pines and has had it ever since!

“You are the next step in human evolution.”

Something is happening to Logan Ramsay. He's changing in unexpected ways after following up on a lead. At first, he feels strange and then....

Something has been set in motion- an upgrade, if you will, he has in essence been hacked. He doesn't know why but it is apparent that he has been targeted but what will come of this?

As the book progresses, readers get answers, and more questions will arise. Be warned there is a lot of DNA and gene sequencing discussed in this book, but one must expect that when a man's genome has been hacked! Crouch is a master of sci-fi and he can make a book about DNA interesting.

What does it mean to be human? How has human evolution changed and what changes will there be in the future? What does it mean to change? What are the consequences?

Crouch is an incredible writer and has done his research and produced Upgrade. A book that questions humanity and science while giving thrills and twists. There were some parts that I wanted more answers on, some things that I wanted to know that were not explored, but overall, Crouch has yet again, dazzled me with his brilliant mind.


#Upgrade #NetGalley.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story begins with Logan Ramsay, agent of the GPA (Gene Protection Agency), which is empowered to prevent the spread of gene editing technologies. It's a new world, one largely created by Logan's mother, a genius geneticist responsible for a genetic catastrophe that created a widespread famine. Logan follows a tip and leads a raid that results in a potential infection.

At first nothing seems to have happened; he passes all of the genetic tests. But then he gradually notices changes: he feels sharper, better able to concentrate, improved memory...the first big sign is his ability to beat his daughter at chess for the first time. He finds himself a prisoner of the GPA, but is rescued by his estranged sister Kara. She has had the same upgrade, a genetic vector designed by their mother that causes accelerated evolution.

When they discover what their mother intended the siblings find themselves on opposite sides: Kara is ready to implement the upgrade plans for all of humanity; Logan is undecided, which makes him a potential threat. Logan discovers a trial upgrade, and then confronts Kara. When she defeats him, he decides that he must upgrade himself to be her equal. This sets up what amounts to a superhero duel, which is predictable, but exciting nonetheless. Logan agreed with his sister that humanity was on the path to self-destruction--but disagreed with her methods--and in the end he finally finds an "out of the box" solution. The book ends with a letter to his daughter explaining what he decided to do. In its own way it may be just as radical, but far less destructive. It gives this scientific thriller a quiet conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.

Upgrade
by Blake Crouch

5/5

“The greatest threat to our species lies within itself.”

Logan Ramsey is a man trying to rectify the guilt he feels for participating in his mother’s work that resulted in “The Great Starvation” by working for what is essentially genetic police. In the middle of a mission to apprehend a man suspected of dealing blackmarket genetic editing materials, gets blindsided and ends up with genetic modifiers in his system. The upgrade.

This novel was probably my most highly anticipated read of the year. Blake Crouch is my favorite author, and this book is precisely why.

Pacing is something Crouch does better than anyone. Upgrade has many layers to the plot, but none took the backseat for too long. Just when you start to think you’re missing something, clarity is just around the corner.

Probably my favorite thing Crouch does is RESEARCH. Obviously with science fiction, it’s necessary, but he really goes the extra mile. Crouch is able to distill an incredible amount of background knowledge in a way that is palatable to all readers, without it feeling like info dumping or condescension.

*mild spoilers*

The character development and relation to each other is top tier. Each character is morally grey with redeeming qualities. Prime example: Miriam Ramsey. I really want to hate Miriam for being so arrogant. She caused a massive worldwide food shortage and didn't stop meddling with genetics there. HOWEVER, her motivations are very relatable: she just wanted to better the planet to prolong humankind.

“Hunger, disease, war, warming...ninety-nine percent of humanity reads about our crumbling world in the morning headlines, then ignores it and gets on with their day.”

The battle of morality is a massive theme in this novel. It hurts because neither side is right or wrong, and there wasn’t time or sample size for research before implementation. The fact that siblings would fight to the near death over this shows the gravity of the decision.

“We have a compassion problem. That, more than any other single factor, is what’s driving us toward extinction.”

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the review copy!

Completely love every book Blake Crouch has done and this hit every mark. I loved the science tech talk that was thrown in here. I loved the characters and the idea of healing as I am sure most of us could relate to wanting to heal ourselves if we ever needed.

UPGRADE by Blake Crouch is a futuristic novel packed with information about genetics and humans in the future. Since I rarely read science fiction, I was surprised how quickly I was drawn into this story. I was hooked in Part One by the personalities and building suspense. I almost quit reading the book because Part Two became a long lecture on the state of the environment and the lack of willingness to reverse the problems. I'm thankful I kept reading because Part Three reeled me back into the plot. I do like the ending and that I learned a lot about our possible future due to governmental overstepping, scientific and medical advances, and the nature of human life.

This is the first Blake Crouch novel I have read, but it will not be the last.

"Upgrade" is another brilliant science fiction novel from from Blake Crouch! I'm not typically a fan of science fiction, but Crouch's books are the definite exception. This will be one of the best books I read all year. Both creative and incredibly smart, "Upgrade" is compulsively readable from start to finish. I finished it in just a few hours because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. I was utterly captivated by Logan Ramsay's character and found myself breathless with suspense as he faced the many challenges he encountered while trying to save human kind. This book is definitely a nail biter to the end!

Along with a completely engrossing plot, Crouch's tightly woven story contains a warning to the human race as well as the very real solution to many of our real-life problems-compassion for one another.

I was absolutely dazzled by this this richly detailed novel and I know the characters and plot will stick with me for some time. Like all of Crouch's books, this one left me with a real book hangover! Five of five bright shiny stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this tremendous been in exchange for my honest review.

In the near future, a miscalculation with gene slicing intended to solve hunger lead to unimaginable disaster. As a result, governments globally forbade the manipulation of DNA. The Gene Protection Agency (GPA) is in charge of monitoring scientists and tracking black market activity to ensure the world is safe from another tragedy—at least one that originates at the cellular level.

Agent Logan Ramsey, following up on a lead, trips an explosive device with shards of ice that pierce his hazmat suit. At first, he experiences what seems like a flu, but he recovers, and his DNA scans show no changes. He can tell, though, that things are different. He feels more alert, requires less sleep, and experiences improved memory recall.

Only one person he knows—a person he thought was dead—has the skills and intelligence to manipulate his genome so completely. And she didn’t target him by accident. She has a mission for Logan.

As Logan upgrades, he must decide what it means to be human, and if the cost of the mission is worth the potential gains to humanity. However, he’s not the only one given marching orders. If Logan doesn’t fall in line, he could pay with his life.

On the run from both the GPA and the underground group who knows about his upgrade, Logan has to use all his new abilities to stay alive and out of the reach of his enemies while protecting unwitting human beings from a dangerous fate.

I’ve read all of Crouch’s previous books, and this is my favorite. The plot is exciting and fast-paced, placing Ramsey, in his words, at war. The book has near-miss, breathtaking moments and gripping fight scenes.

Ramsey, a sympathetic protagonist, always had outsized ambitions without the natural intellect to realize them. Upgraded, he can finally achieve his goals, but he has to weigh both his personal losses and those to society.

Once you close the book, you can’t help but wonder if Ramsey was ethical and made the correct decisions, which gives the book a lasting impact.

I don't know if this was meant to read as a horror - nothing in it is inherently horror-ish - but it absolutely read as a horror for me.

With the vibes of Dark Matter and a realistic dystopian "how advancements in science and technology could go wrong" plot, Blake Crouch has once again made my brain hurt and questioned what makes us, us. I really appreciate the way that he as clearly as possible explains the science without treating his readers like they're dumb.

I need someone else to read this so I can talk with someone about the scientific and philosophical themes in this novel.

4.25/5 Stars

Upgrade is focused on Logan Ramsay, an agent for the GPA (Gene Protection Agency). Logan's disparate family has been involved with gene manipulation for a long time, so it is not a surprise when he has a run-in involving his mother. After this event, Logan starts to notice changes in reaction, intelligence, among many other characteristics. Everything just explodes from there in this fast-paced, SiFi story that will keep you guessing.

I loved the way Blake Crouch made the story interesting and engaging, yet left you pondering some of the biggest questions and debates that surround DNA/gene research, discovery, and technology.

This was my first Blake Crouch novel, and I will definitely be reading more of his work based on my experience with this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You can always rely on Crouch for mind-blowing, emotionally impactful science fiction. With Dark Matter and now Upgrade, why am I still hesitant on Recursion?

Thank you for this opportunity! My Readerly gist is the one by invisiblemonster.