Wow. Where to begin?! “Upgrade” is the latest offering from the brilliant mind of Blake Crouch. “Upgrade” hits the ground running, and is so action packed, I read most of it from the edge of my seat!

Set in the not too distant future, we begin in the aftermath of an experiment gone wrong. A gene-editing program called Scythe was implemented to save dying crops. It went horribly awry and inadvertently wreaked havoc on the earth’s eco-system, causing a mass loss of life and a resounding domino effect. As a result, genetic editing and engineering is being overseen by the government, and all unauthorized geneticists are no longer allowed to work in the scientific field. A branch of law enforcement , The Gene Protection Agency, is created to make sure that all illegal labs are secured and destroyed, and the scientists are taken into custody.

We follow former geneticist and current GPA agent Logan Ramsay on a raid in a reported underground lab where an explosion occurs puncturing his hazmat suit. He discovers he was infected with a sleeper cell genetic upgrade which causes him to develop super-human abilities a few weeks after the incident.

After being suspected of upgrading himself, Logan escapes the clutches of the GPA he once worked for and must race to destroy the upgrade before it falls into the wrong hands. He knows that the very thing that could save mankind could also very well be what destroys it.

Blake Crouch does an excellent job making this insanely incomprehensible scientific world feel accessible. There is just enough breakdown of scientific procedures, terms, and vernacular to help you keep pace without feeling like you’re reading a dictionary.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, and Blake Crouch for the ARC

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my hones review.

This was quite the book. At time, a little scary.

Logan works for the GPA. This is a government agency that cracks down on people who are modifying DNA. Logan's mother was a top notch scientist who had modified the DNA that killed millions of people due to famine.

Logan raids a house and ends up in an explosion. He gets really sick but then seems to recover. A moth later, he is noticing that things seem different. His bone density is changing, he can absorb what he is reading better. Turns out his DNA was modified to make him "better". He spends the next year trying to track down who did this and why.

Some of the text was hard to read as it was very scientific. It was a fast paced read that kept me interested.

Did Logan save mankind or will it self destruct???

4/5 stars.

Logan Ramsay has had an upgrade and we get to follow him as he figures out what all the changes do for him and why he was chosen.
I really enjoyed this book and love Blake Crouch’s writing. Some of the sci-fi parts were a lot and I glazed over small sections. Even with that, this flowed so well. I wanted to know what was going to happen and also didn’t want it to end! This is action packed, descriptive, and a bit intense at times.
There is an ended BUT it could be opened.
My main question is… will there be a sequel?? I am excited to see that the film rights have already been acquired and think this would be an excellent movie if they stick to the book.

Upgrade’s pacing was absolutely incredible and such an improvement from Dark Matter and Recursion! Just like the previous two - I devoured Upgrade in a day and a half.

The context of pandemic or extinction was a little eery to read but that’s on me for jumping into my books blind. I think Crouch delivers consistently entertaining books made for wonderful brain worlds or tv.

I made it 35% of the way through and gave up. I found the writing and premise both lacking. I really wanted to like it, but it’s just not grabbing me.

I was really excited when Ballantine offered me a chance to read this in advance. I loved Dark Matter and had heard good things about his previous novel Recursion, so of course I jumped on it.

But I was strangely disappointed. The premise is nothing new- I knew that going in. Man gets an upgrade, turns super smart, has to save the world, etc. etc. etc. But I typically enjoy smart characters and trusted that something new would be done with it.

I think the twist was supposed to be the way the super intelligence drowns out emotions and makes him able to set aside his personal feelings completely to do what needs to be done.

…

Unfortunately I just don’t care that much about a guy with no emotions, and I, as the reader, had no emotional investment in him whatsoever. The big emotional climax we were working up to lost all emotional impact because we’ve spent so much time feeling absolutely nothing.

The other issue I had is that because Logan is so upgraded, he really doesn’t have any weaknesses, so many scenes lost their tension.

The writing is fine- readable, action sequences are clear. The science is incomprehensible to the girl who almost failed biology.

I think if you go in to this expecting a popcorn flick, with bad ass fight scenes and hoping to see some cool side effects of becoming super human you won’t be disappointed. Plenty of readers seem to already have enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing the advanced e-galley.

This book is absolutely wonderful, but if you’re not a science heavy thinker/reader you may not love the way this book reads.

I’ve listened to all the other books from Blake Crouch on audio, and will listen to this one when it launches as well as I feel like this gives the absolute best experience.

Regardless of your level of understanding of big science-y words, I would still recommend this book!! So fantastic

I love Blake Crouch's books. They have a way of getting you to think. This is the first one I've read instead of listened to though. With the audiobook for Dark Matter I was completely drawn in and found myself listening even when I didn't have time to do so. I liked Recursion but it lacked something for me. Upgrade had more of the feeling of Dark Matter and I was completely engrossed in the story. Maybe has something to do with the point of view. I believe that both Dark Matter and Upgrade were a single point of view while I know that Recursion switched between points of view. For me Upgrade was just as good as Dark Matter and I know I'll be recommending it to many people.

Upgrade is set in our future and looks specifically at how humans are changing the world: climate change, gene editing, and much more. Logan Ramsay, our main character, feels a responsibility for the past gene editing, which his mother did, that lead to famine. Because of Logan's direct connection to the famine and deaths of so many people, he starts to work with a government agency that stops the genetic editing and cracks down on the scientists like his mother. In a raid on a possible lab he is infected with a virus that is designed to change his DNA, the very thing he is working to stop. The story follows Logan as he deals with his mother's legacy and what it means to be human as the changes to his DNA happen. I don't want to give to much of the story away, but I can tell you that it had me questioning the way I think about things.

Upgrade is a story that asks what makes a human a human. I know I'll be thinking about it for a while yet. For me a good book has me asking questions and pondering the story even after I've finished it. This is not only such a story but it has characters that are engaging and likeable. If you enjoy science fiction mixed with a touch of thriller you need to read this.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in return for my honest oppinon.

I have really enjoyed Blake Crouch's books, however this one couldn't compete with Dark Matter and Recursion for me. I thought it started really strong but the second half was much more generic that I would have loved to see. While it made me think, it was a little textbook. I could definitely see this becoming a movie and, at times, it read just like once. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent reading Upgrade but I went in with really high expectations... Still a solid read though.

I LOVED the beginning of the book. The first chapter was so gripping. Ultimately I liked it less as it went on. The epilogue was good, but Recursion was better in my opinion.

Another fast paced winner from Blake Crouch. This deals with the ethical and moral dilemma about gene editing.
Where do you draw the line when it comes to modifying the underlying genes responsible for some of the worst diseases known to mankind. Why not modify every possible gene in the body and become a "superhuman"?

The protagonist of the this book is dealing with this exact question when his mother's experiment with gene editing went awry and caused a global havoc. Without divulging much more of the story, I can say that this book moves at a relentless pace.

I have read most of the past works from the author. Looking forward to the next one.

That was one of my fastest enjoyable reads this year, possibly even last year. I've been caught up in high fantasy, and to jump into a real world apocalyptic thriller was exciting. The science was believable and understandable. I enjoyed the characters and they felt real. It's hard, especially after what we've been through in the past 2 years, to emerge from this story like this with a huge wealth of hopefulness. I liked learning about human nature at the end, and the reason we think and act the way we do. I also feel good knowing there is still hope for our world. Thank you to Netgalley for offering me a free e-book of this title in exchange for an honest review

Really enjoyed this fast paced sci-fi adventure. There was a lot of science behind the book which I greatly appreciated. You can tell the author did his research on the subject. I loved the premise of the book and while it dragged a little in the middle. The ending wrapped up wonderfully.

This book was incredible. Im typically lost with sci-fi but this is very readable. Overall I would recommend this to everyone!

Agent Logan Ramsey is on a mission to rid the world of illegal genetic modifications. Until one night during a raid he was exposed to a genetic IED that blew up and exposed him to a genetic upgrade. Imagine having your genes modified to become the best person you can be? To have the ability to run faster, think faster and better, become a genius, and strong, with the ability to read people? He's the best version of himself.

But the upgrade is not without a cost. Humans as a species have the potential for great good, but their careless behaviors are leading to the end of human civilization within the next 150 years. Upgrading a generation of people can lead to a more intelligent race that can survive longer. The upgrade may be the solution, but once we get an upgrade at what point do we lose ourselves and become something else entirely? And are the risks of exposing humans to an upgrade and losing a large percentage of the population in the process worth the risk?

This is the first Blake Crouch book I've read and I understand why he has so many fans. The book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and really brought forth some thought-provoking questions about science, our responsibilities as humans and perhaps what it really means to be human. A really good read and one I recommend. I plan to add his earlier books to my TBR and look forward to his next release.

Blake Crouch has quickly become an automatic read for me and that is saying something because Science Fiction is not a genre I typically enjoy. Crouch’s newest novel does not disappoint. I have said it before and I’ll say it again - Blake Crouch is a genius story teller, who has an amazing gift of taking wild scientific concepts (in this book - gene editing) and making it readable for regular, every day people (like me) without completely losing his audience by over explaining. Along with all the science that this book is centered around, Crouch also created unforgettable characters that you truly care about.

In this book Logan Ramsey is the son of a brilliant scientist that accidentally killed millions of people with a scientific experiment gone bad. Logan now works for the GPA (Gene Protection Agency) that tries to prevent gene editing and engineering. During a raid he gets hit with a device that upgrades his genes. He’s stronger, smarter, quicker - his genes have been upgraded and he is now considered an enemy to the GPA. So much more goes into this story because along with that simple overview is a man who has a family that he loves that is now in danger if he’s a part of their life.

This book is part science fiction, part thriller, part save the world and part family drama. The epilogue is fantastic! It’s a book I’d highly recommend. Fans of Dark Matter and Recursion will not be disappointed. Thank you to @netgalley for the advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released in July of 2022.

You can change your mind........in more ways than one.

Blake Crouch is my guy when it comes to scientifically themed novels. He is beyond brilliant when it comes to lining up the chairs of science alongside the necessary popcorn of a great human interest storyline. Crouch extends his hand and leads us through the heavy-duty elements that lie herein. He never lets the Bunsen Burner go out.

Agent Logan Ramsay works as a scientist for the Gene Protective Agency (GPA). Gene editing has become a federal crime. We're now a few years out from The Great Starvation in a post famine world. A profound impact has occured from tampering with and subverting the original intent of a gene's function. Scythe had become a biological DNA modifier system. In the wrong hands, genetic fingerprint labs have the potential to release pathogens like mad terrorists.

Logan and his UNESCO partner, Nadine, have gotten a tip on such a lab. As they enter inside, an explosion happens and ice-like particles break through his hazmat suit. As a precaution, Logan is hospitalized and tests are run. Initially, all seems to be well. But eventually, the tests come back with rapid changes to his genetic coding. Logan's fear is one of trust. He's not even sure if he should divulge his newly gained enhanced learning and spatial capabilities along with his higher cognitive function abilities. His mind is speeding at an astonishing rate.

But someone is taking notice and Logan is kidnapped from his room. He's held like a prisoner and his blood is drawn every nano second. His wife Beth and his daughter Ava have no clue as to what has happened. And here's where Blake Crouch shuffles the cards at a rapid pace. Someone knows the inner workings of Logan up close and personal and would profit greatly from a genome analysis of the new and improved Logan. Crouch gives the readers plenty of evil options here. But which one?

If you've not had the pleasure of reading a Blake Crouch novel, check out Dark Matter and Recursion. They are top-notch and attention getting. Crouch will make a scientific believer out of you yet.

I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Random House Publishers and to the talented Blake Crouch for the opportunity.

Upgrade
Blake Crouch
Science Fiction
352 pages

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley + Ballantine Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was my very first Blake Crouch novel and I certainly see what all the hype is about! I have not read many science fiction books in general, but I was impressed with Crouch’s ability to incorporate a science-heavy premise into an interesting and entertaining storyline. While I will admit that some of the more heavy DNA explanations went over my head, I felt that for the most part, the information was accessible and lent itself to furthering the plot. Certain parts of this future society made me uncomfortable as a reader, which only helped to further immerse myself in this fictional world. I especially liked the action scenes and could almost see those playing out like a movie in my mind while reading. I don’t see myself journeying too much further into the science fiction world, but I will definitely be reading more of Crouch’s work!

🧬 Science Fiction
🧬 Single POV
🧬 Future society setting
🧬 Altered DNA/superhuman storyline
🧬 Slow burn
🧬 Action-packed ending
🧬 Explores what it means to be human
🧬 Epilogue (I loved this epilogue!)

#caitsquietplacereviews #caitsquietplace #cqpfiction #upgrade #blakecrouch #ballantinebooks #randomhouse

I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the chance to read this ARC. Can’t wait for more by author!

Once again Crouch does an excellent job breaking down over complicated theories into a language that every reader can understand and enjoy regardless of their basic knowledge of science. I still liked Dark Matter the most out of all of his books so far but I still really enjoyed this one despite it being the most complex of the 3. I would definitely recommend this to people especially those who love a good science fiction