This is a wonderfully twisty adventure of a novel!

In Upgrade, Crouch brings us a bit of very dangerous SF. The characters are compelling and sometimes threaten to break your heart.

As for our Upgrade? Our simple genetic upgrade threatens all of humanity – it becomes a roller-coaster ride of an epic story.

A fast paced and very enjoyable read!

• ARC via Publisher

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

Ladies and gentlemen, Blake Crouch has done it again! I knew I had to get my hands on this one as soon as it came out. Dark Matter and Recursion are some of my favorite science fiction novels ever.

A HUGE thanks to Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books for sending me this NetGalley ARC! This was one of my most anticipated books this year.

Summary: Genetic modification went unregulated for too long with disastrous consequences, so in typical government fashion it gets banned and policed. Our main character, Logan Ramsey, is an agent for the Gene Protection Agency. On a government raid he gets exposed to his own dose of gene editing and starts to develop new abilities.

The science of gene editing is so interesting to me! I loved that Blake Crouch mentioned some current genome modification projects and built off that with (in my opinion) pretty sound logical reasoning. I also loved the philosophical aspect of this one in regards to what makes us human. There’s even a bit of a save the planet theme going on.

My only dislike was the less realistic almost action movie like aspects of the plot. It made me think of the movie Lucy where you can unlock all your brain potential.

Overall, Blake Crouch continues to create immersive and accessible science fiction that is palatable even to those less interested by the genre.

#blakecrouch #ARC #advancereadercopy #netgalley #randomhousepublishing #ballantinebooks #sciencefiction #upgrade

Thank you @netgalley & @randomhouse for access to this ARC!! It publishes on July 12th, and you’re going to want to get your hands on it 👏🏼

I now present to you… Blake Crouch’s best work yet!!

I enjoyed Recursion and Dark Matter, but this one was just downright brilliant. Crouch is maybe the most impressive author that I’ve read. The intense scientific research that must go into his stories is just mind-blowing.

I’m not a big sci-fi reader, but I make an exception for his books because the stories are so action-packed and addictive. This one was set in a dystopian USA (which felt eerie because I could absolutely see parts of this happening in our future) and was all about the explosion of genetic mutation.

MC, Logan (unwillingly) received an “upgrade” which basically makes him a super human. We follow him on a mission to stop the outbreak of a worldwide super human upgrade.

At no point during this story was I bored. Despite some of the complex content, I couldn’t put it down. And I really enjoyed the ending. Logan’s solution to saving humanity was great, and everything wrapped up better than I could have hoped.

Even if you’re not a sci-fi reader, you absolutely must pick this up when you get the chance! It’s truly a work of art.

I was introduced to Blake Crouch earlier this year with his book Dark Matter and I immediately fell in love with the way he writes such complex subject matter in an easy to digest way. Upgrade does for cellular biology what Dark Matter did for physics. Now did I think Upgrade was better than Dark Matter? No, but that is a tough one to top. I love science and biology is a favorite subject of mine. I was honestly salivating at all the scientific jargon in this. It’s so well done! It’s like everything we fear about genetic engineering is present in this near future reality that Crouch has created and boy, did he nail it. The status of the world and the descriptions of the new U.S. was so eerie and felt very uncanny valley. I felt in Dark Matter that the science supported the story but it was the opposite in this one, if that makes sense. Personally, I found it well explained without being over-polluted but I’m curious how it will come across to the average reader.

There were a few opportunities. I love how Crouch sets up the opening chapter and dives into right away, it immediately engrossed me. The glimpses of who Logan is and his motivation as a character was great and I especially enjoyed his back story. Despite a strong opening, there was a bit of lull in the middle of the book. After that lull, I really enjoyed the second half of the book but the epilogue left a bad taste in my mouth. That final reveal was so contradictory to Logan’s entire story and I wish Crouch had made a different choice there. Either way, this was an excellent read and I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of sci-fi thrillers. If you love biology, READ THIS BOOK!

4.5 rating.

Set not too far off in the future, Upgrade follows GPA agent Logan Ramsay. This agency hunts down genetic researchers and materials in a world where gene modification is against the law. Almost all genetic work is now done illegally and researchers work out of underground labs fearing exposure and arrest. Logan is exposed to a virus and as he is recovering he starts noticing changes... soon he discovers that he has been “upgraded”. Now under suspicion for illegal use of genetic technology, Logan goes on the run. Trying to figure out if it was an accident or did someone expose him on purpose?

Lots of twists and turns with science that is 100% plausible. Kept me thinking and engaged. Crouch has another winner here!

What a wild ride! Blake Crouch has done it again, This book was suspenseful, fast-paced, and well-researched, I thought the whole premise of the book was unique and executed well. It was explained in a way I could understand but still read as complex science. The imagery was particularly powerful. His books really read like action movies!

I really enjoyed the moments where Logan reflected on his humanity, I wish there had been a bit more personal connection as I didn’t find myself super emotionally invested. However, I found the epilogue and the passages about humanity to be powerful, I wish there had been more of this and was disappointed his family played such a small role in the book,

I don't typically read science fiction books, but have read other books by the author so I gave this one a chance. It was very well done. I enjoyed the story and plot kept the book moving. It seemed like a struggle for control of the world between good and evil. I really didn't care for how the book ended. It seemed a little too simplistic but it didn't ruin the book for me as I sort of had a feeling it would end that way. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Can Logan save Homo Sapiens from going extinct? The story is a wild ride; it is far-fetching, but it's not that far off. We, as humans, are heading toward gene editing. It all started with the cloning of Dolly. Wars and climate changes are increasing yearly. It is a very intense story and loaded with scientific research that makes this story very real. However, this story does linger on the darker side of humanity. There's no longer any check and balance to any of our governments. The characters are lively and robust. The ending does leave some things for interpretation in a good way. I agree with Logan's decision on how to save Homo Sapiens, but there is a string missing in his thought process. He's missing the greed in humanity. You'll understand what I mean once you've finished reading the book. It's a must-read and I have found another fantastic writer.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have only read one other of Blake Crouch’s books but he’s by far shown he’s a must read and will not disappoint! Upgrade is another techno thriller/sci fi that will have you hanging by the edge of your seat! It’s an incredibly fast read and easily recommended to anyone who finds thrillers needing a little something extra, Blake definitely delivers!

I am a huge fan of this author and was so excited to get my hands on a review copy of this, his latest book. So much so that I went completely off script and didn't wait to start it. I usually only read a month or so ahead of publication date but here, nope, couldn't wait.
And then I stopped and worried that I wouldn't like it. That it wouldn't meet my expectations. Piffle... of course it would... and it did.
We first meet Logan Ramsay as he suffers a breech in his suit whilst working. He is taken to quarantine where he is treated. Finally he is released but this is where it all starts to get a bit weird... He starts to feel a little strange. His bones feel heavier, stronger. His senses appear sharper, his concentration increased, he remembers more details and appears to need less sleep. Starting off small, these changes soon become more noticeable and more intrusive as he also starts to see the world differently. What on earth is happening... He really needs to find out...
That's pretty much all I am saying about the book as there is stuff you need to find out at the right times. Logan is a complex character with a whole backstory of who he is and, well, his family. What I have said above is scant compared with everything Logan is and does and what is happening to him. Suffice to say it's all a bit scary, not only for him but also for mankind in general and it all become a bit of a race against time to save humanity...
The fun thing about reading this early is that I can sneak it in again just before publication day and experience it all over again - but with the benefit of hindsight. Something I am looking forward to doing. Something I really don't often do. Occasionally, as I also will with this book, I will listen to the audible as a second "read". But I hardly ever re-read!
As with all of the author's main characters I took to Logan right from the start. We connected well and that connection only grew as I got to know him as the book progressed. Other characters were just as well drawn and easy to connect to in some way - good and bad.
The plot was excellent and well executed. Enough of the sciency stuff was explained for me to be well able to follow without getting too bogged down in it all. Remember I am a relative newbie to all this sci-fi stuff! It was also delivered with no superfluous waffle or padding so it got on with itself very well indeed. Culminating in an ending which suited perfectly and which satisfied me wholly.
All in all, a cracking read that I whole heatedly recommend for fans of the genre or who wish to give it a whirl. If you haven't already read his other books, do also give them a crack. They're great too...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Logan Ramsay, a member of the Gene Protection Agency, tracks down people practicing prohibited genetic engineering. Following a lead, he enters a house and a booby trap exposes him to a virus that at first appears to have no effect. But later...

This story is a fun ride that provides an interesting perspective on genetic engineering, but the variations on some basic science fiction themes aren't compelling enough to add up to something special. Normally rating this book book four stars would be extra special, but this book was a lost opportunity to blow me away. like some of his other books, like Dark Matter and Recursion. (both five star books).

I rate most books I read three stars, so I like this book more than most I read, but I recommend reading Crouch's Dark Matter or Recursion before reading this book.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book from Blake Crouch! I've already been telling people about this book and I know many who are anxiously awaiting the publish date. I wasn't expecting the ending, but it was perfect ❤️ This book will absolutely be in our library.

Who wouldn't like an "Upgrade"? No, not your house, your job, or your seat on a plane, but in your health, your strength, your memory, and your mind? I know I would!

I really liked two of this author's other books, "Dark Matter" and "Recursion" and this book was equally as thrilling. This is a captivating futuristic science fiction/fantasy novel. The main character is a victim of an explosion that infiltrates his body with a virus that causes a modification or "upgrade" in his genes, that result in him becoming almost superhuman. However, this may not be as good as it sounds. There is also some family drama and conflict involved, but you'll have to read this thriller to find out how everything is resolved. If you enjoy a book with high octane excitement, you won't want to miss this one.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am posting this review to my Goodreads and NetGalley accounts immediately and will post it on Amazon and B&N upon publication on July 12, 2022.

Crouch has become an instant pre-order for me. I never considered myself a sci-go fan but something about the way Crouch creates these worlds that feel real with characters that you really find yourself rooting just keeps me coming back. Upgrade is no exception to this. While I thought it was a bit weaker than his last few books, I will absolutely be adding this to my personal library. Fun, devastating, and unique!

Alright, I admit it. I'm a Blake Crouch fan for life now and have to read his backlist titles. I didn't understand every single scientific principle, but I got the gist and really felt immersed in the story. I have a handful of patrons in mind already, so I've ordered a couple of copies. I think they're going to love it.

Blake Crouch has such a unique and interesting way to present information to his readers. His books are full of scientific principles that can e difficult for some to understand and comprehend. This can mean that readers may very well give up on finishing a book because of the way the content is provided by the author. This is an issue that Blake Crouch has seemed to solve. It doesn’t matter what type of information he is providing to his audience. It is presented in a way that is easily digestible to anyone and everyone.

Upgrade is a novel about the next logical evolution of humanity. Humanity is on a crash course with extinction and as much as the world sees it, they prefer to ignore it. When one scientist and her son decide to not ignore it and develop a solution, millions of people die. The results of this experiment changed the course of how gene therapy or modification for everyone. No one wanted to address the problem unless they were capable of doing it with little to no human casualty. Unfortunately, that is not always an option. A plan will not go of without a hitch. There is ALWAYS a possibility that something can go wrong. Murphy’s Law..

I love how Crouch was able to make even the antagonist relatable in readers eyes. You can not deny the course that humanity has chosen. While this may step into a wormhole for some readers, Crouch has made it possible to think about it from a logical perspective and provide a feasible solution. You become invested early on in the novel with the main character, Logan. When his sister enters the picture, you are able to relate to her as well. It is similar to seeing both sides of an argument from a unbiased perspective. The flow of the novel keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and their brain active as they fly through the unknown.

Huge thank you to Blake Crouch, Random House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read M. Crouch’s latest novel “Upgrade” This novel was at the top of my TBR read list for 2022, and it was a huge honor to read it BEFORE the summer. Speaking of summer, this will be an awesome summer sci fi thriller to enjoy on your vacation or anywhere! Ever since “Dark Matter” I have been a bona fide Blake Crouch junkie. Like his previous novels there is plenty of thriller, but it is the science and research that puts his novels over the top. I always find myself highlighting and searching Wikipedia whenever I read a Blake Crouch novel. Like any good Sci Fi, the plot deals with themes that we are facing today, and asking what if? And what if anything can be done about it? Holding the mirror up to society. Not preachy, but making the reader think. Themes of DNA obviously and how we are evolving as humans and society. I enjoyed the novel on several levels, and yes, jammed packed with action to boot! I am also excited to find out from Mr. Crouch’s twitter feed that Dark Matter is in development to be a series, yes it is really happening! Look for “Upgrade” this summer, with a tentative release in July 2022, and Dark Matter hopefully in 2023 on a streaming service near you! Thanks for reading! And thanks for your time!

My first ARC!!! This was my second book by Blake Crouch and it did not disappoint! Once I started reading this I could not put it down. The main character was so well written and I loved reading his thought processes through this controversial subject. The DNA science was easy to follow but there were some science words that I had to look up for sure. The flow of the story was fantastic and the story/plot was almost plausible in our reality which I feel made it much more thrilling and nail-biting. Much like Recursion, my heart broke at a few scenes but that is what I love about Crouch's books, the humanity and emotion that comes out when facing a mind-blowing experiment on humankind and the constant fight to maintain a link to not only humanity as a whole but to your own humanity. Highly recommend this book!

In a near-future world, Logan Ramsay is the son of a geneticist who caused one of the world's greatest tragedies. He lives with that legacy by trying to stop others from doing the same. Then he starts to notice differences in how he feels, what he notices, how quickly he can process information. Something has altered his genes, the one thing he has been trying to prevent his whole life. Now he needs to find out how this happened, who is behind it, and how he can stop it from becoming another worldwide disaster.

Wow. This twisty thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved Recursion by Blake Crouch and Upgrade gives me all the same things I loved about Recursion. This book makes you think hard about the world we live in, what's possible in the near future, and what you can do to stop it. If you liked Recursion, preorder this one now. Crouch has given me another book that I will be thinking about for many years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC.

Another fast paced, hard to put down, thrilling story from Blake Crouch. In the same vein as Dark Matter and Reclusion, you will be immediately sucked into a masterfully created near-future world.

Upgrade battles some of life’s oldest questions like what would you risk for the greater good? Would you risk a life to save many or, in this case, would you risk many lives to save all of humanity?

In many ways, this book is like catching a glimpse into our very bleak future. But much more entertaining than that.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, though it resembles his previous work, Upgrade had a unique and creative story line full of it’s own surprising twists. I highly recommend!