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

Every time I read a Blake Crouch novel, it consumes my mind. It's all I can think about until I'm finished with it. This was no exception. I loved the world, the writing, and the pace of it. The science was easy to understand and fascinating, and the story itself was so much fun. The question if you genetically alter humans to be "perfect", are they still human? 4/5 stars, one star docked for some things at the end of the book.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a science fiction thriller set in a near future where genetic manipulation is possible. It is, for the most part, fast paced and well written. Unfortunately, this fast pace is slowed down somewhat by an enormous amount of science explained in excruciating detail. I have no idea how accurate any of this science is but it sounds authentic. It also made my eyes glaze over. I wish there had been a little less time spent on all the mind numbing science and more on the main character’s early life.

Despite all the science, the story is fascinating and Logan is an intriguing main character. It is definitely a story that will make you think and will stay with you after you finish the book.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

I don’t even know where to begin with this book! It was absolutely amazing. Lately I have found reading to be just little bit of a chore, but I was able to fully immerse myself into this book. One of the things that I really love about all of Blake Crouch’s books are that they really make me think. This book makes me imagine how our world could be different if we were really capable of gene editing as it’s displayed in this book. The havoc that it could wreak… Even though this book is very scientific (and I am not a science person) it was still easy to follow. Crouch does a great job of explaining terms and providing enough context so that the average reader isn’t lost. I can only imagine how much research was put into this title. All around, it was a fabulous read and I would highly recommend. Especially for those who are looking for some mental stimulation. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

“They seemed truly happy, and it made me happy to watch them — a thousand small kindnesses among people who had nothing to give.”


Book Dynamics✨
3 parts
1 POV
Quick paced
Loooooong chapters


Crouch is my favorite sci-fi author so I had high hopes for this one and I was not disappointed.

This one is a stark reminder to not forget what it means to be human.

I loved the aspect of Logan being a federal agent. It added a different layer to the story that Dark Matter and Recursion didn’t have.

Crouch writes true sci-fi so be prepared for a lot of words you do not know 😂 it’s semi dumbed down so you can follow though.

I very much liked that this one was all about DNA and not the multiverse like his others. It was very different in a good way!

Just like his other novels this one is action packed and paced perfectly. Even with the long chapters it was still a very quick read!



Favorite Character: Logan Ramsey 😮 yes, I loved a main character! He is layered and flawed, but a perfect MC.

5⭐️// Logan Ramsay has been trying to atone for sins of his family & just living his life. Until one job turns that upside down and he wakes up feeling different - sharper, clearer, stronger. He has been upgraded. Now it’s his job to answer the questions of how, why & for what purpose that will lead him down a twisted path & cause him to ask the question “would humanity be better if we were all upgraded or does that mess with humanity itself?”

For me, Blake Crouch books are like riding a roller coaster blindfolded - I know I’m going to love it, but have no clue what to expect at any second. Upgrade is no different - it is riveting, thought provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Dark Matter & Recursion and while this one is a bit of a different vein, I think this one is my favorite so far. Check it out if you love twists & turns, anything Blake Crouch and want to ponder what it means to be truly human.

Blake Crouch has become a go-to author for me so I was really excited to read this one. Lots of intense action scenes, some really thought-provoking and frankly scary themes running through this story. Scary for the very real possibilities he writes about but I think this is what makes his stories so good and engaging.

4.5 stars
Blake Crouch is a must-read author for me. Dark Matter and Recursion are two of my favorite books and now I can add Upgrade to the list as well. This book was quite different from those two but still just as well written and entertaining. Upgrade was a fast paced and thought provoking sci-fi thriller that I didn't want to put down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. Upgrade will be released on July 12, 2022

He does it again. I’m always so amazed at what Crouch comes up with. This book is fast-paced, no BS, and still with an element of heart ache while remaining action packed. All of his main characters are so ridiculously flawed that you want to dislike them, but you really can’t because they go through hell and back. So glad to have been able to read this early and will get it for my book shelf for sure.

Upgrade is another masterpiece by Crouch. He imagines a world in which a scientist finds a way to play God with the future of the human race, only to have all the progress come crumbling down due to short sightedness. The novel is fast paced and forces the reader to decide what they might do in the same situation. It was a bit heavy handed at times with the “we all need to be more compassionate” message, but that can be over looked with the strength of the rest of the story.

Set in the not so distant future, Upgrade plays with the question of genetic modification. Logan Ramsey, the son of a disgraced geneticist who caused millions of deaths, works for the Gene Protection Agency to stop illegal genetic activity. He finds himself targeted in an explosion which causes a genetic overhaul to his system, essentially “upgrading” him to a faster, smarter more superior human. But is this upgrade to humanity the answer to mankind’s problems or just the beginning?
I have long been a fan of Blake Crouch and while his previous other two novels I’ve read focused more on physics and time travel, it was fun to delve into the topic of genetics. Controversial at its heart, it was fascinating to think of the questions posed to ponder whether being upgraded would take away parts of what make us human. There were times when the gene talk and science bogged me down a bit (and I was a biology major and enjoy this stuff!) I think the average person will understand and enjoy this as well. This would also make a fantastic movie!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Blake Crouch has now solidified a position in my reading as - I will read every new book that is published...IMMEDIATELY.
Upgrade is a fast-paced, sci-fi thriller that could be one person's worst nightmare. The idea of genetically modifying humans is beyond thought but not beyond capability in the wrong hands. From beginning to end the story was engaging and twisty. It kept me guessing but was not completely surprised by the ending. This book is for those who like fast activity, solid story building and elements of the unknown. The science is digestible and readable for everyone. STRONGLY suggest this!

"We were a monstrous, thoughtful, selfish, sensitive, fearful, ambitious, loving, hateful, hopeful species. We contained within us the potential for great evil, but also for great good. And we were capable of so much more than this."

At some point in the unspecified near to moderately near future, Logan Ramsey, a relatively smart but not ridiculously smart dude who works for an agency called the GPA - or Gene Protection Agency - unsuspectingly enters a basement on the hunt for not-so-legal bacteria based on a tip the GPA received. All of a sudden, BOOM! Ramsey's hit with an aerosol explosion and has no idea his life is about to change forever. Hidden within the exploded material are genetic mutations that get into Ramsey's body and slowly (you guessed it) upgrade everything about his being - from his intellect to his bone density to his ability to perceive expressions on other peeps to how fast he can run. In a world where genetic mutation has become a big no-no due to an oopsie Ramsey's ridiculously smart mother accidentally engineered years before, the GPA turns from Ramsey's employer to his oppressor - wanting to cage and study him like a lab rat. But Ramsey ain't got time for that. He's gotta figure out who upgraded him and why. And, you know, save the world.

I've read Dark Matter and Recursion by Crouch (in addition to Upgrade, obviously), and maybe this is a cop out, but I'm having a hard time ranking them with respect to which one I liked the best. They're all written as if they were designed to be the script of an action movie. The premises are fun and interesting, there are elements that don't quite make sense, and the science sounds very sciencey but you know that a lot of it originated in Crouch's brain and isn't real science at all. With respect to Upgrade specifically, a super strong super fast super smart human (or is it humans? No spoilers from me!) lead to an action packed, slightly ridiculous, and tons o' fun finale. Or quasi-finale, I guess, since the Epilogue was more heartfelt and sweet and really tied the whole book together.

Also, I dug the moral dilemmas that were presented in Upgrade. What should we do as a species to save our dying planet? Is complacency worse than trying something that fails? And who ultimately makes that decision? Is gene editing the solution, or is it part of the problem?

An excellent, thought provoking story that kept me captivated from start to finish. Crouch's writing keeps you thinking and guessing in the best way.

Teaser: An ordinary man undergoes a startling transformation—and fears that all of humanity may be next.

Upgrade is Blake Crouch’s newest book. If you’re familiar with his other works (Dark Matter and Recursion), this one will feel different, but it’s the same great writing.

Upgrade felt so different because the sci-fi part of this book didn’t feel as out there. This book is about altering genomes to make people more advanced in their ability to process and react. And as I was reading this, I could see a world where this technology exists. I think in some ways it does already exist. The book takes place in a future world that has been impacted by climate change, and that doesn’t feel very far off either.

Upgrade is about good versus evil, but also not always knowing where that line is. It’s about family and sacrifice. It’s about taking chances when the odds are against you. It’s about trusting yourself and learning who around you can be trusted.

If I hold this book up next to Dark Matter, it’s not going to be able to compete, but I haven’t found another book that can. That book left me spinning my wheels for days afterwards and I think that is rare in a book. That being said, Blake Crouch is an auto-buy author for me and everything of his that I’ve read has been good.

A million thank yous to NetGalley for proving me with an free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Logan Ramsey, son of a famous scientist, works for the GPA. The GPA stands for the Gene Protection Agency and they are responsible for detecting and catching those who do gene editing. When following a lead, Logan is involved in an accident in which he is exposed to a virus and is quarantined while the doctors try to figure out what happened but Logan notices he is changing. He soon realizes everything is enhanced, his reading, his thinking, his physical body. But was this an accident?

This is the first Blake Crouch book I have read and I enjoyed it. At times the science was heavy, and a bit much for me, but it didn’t confuse me. It was a fast paced book that kept me going. I recommend this for any thriller lovers and especially sci-fi lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-arc!

Upgrade comes out 7/12