Logan Ramsay, a perfectly ordinary agent, now works for the GPA- the Gene Protection Agency. After a raid where an aerosol explosion occurred, Logan is feeling different. At first he felt sick, but months later, he is feeling better than ever. He can remember the smallest details of his life, read multiple books in a day, perform better physically, and experience his senses at a new level. When his employers find out he has been upgraded, they take him into custody. When he finds out who did this to him, he is terrified. After breaking out of custody, he finds out that the person who did this has plans to upgrade all of humanity. But Logan is worried this will affect the population in an extremely detrimental way. He makes it his mission to stop this upgrade from going any further.

I am not usually a big fan of sci fi, but this book was fantastic! Blake Crouch writes incredibly developed characters and breathtaking stories. This book was full of science and out of this world things, but it’s also a love story. I think it’s really beautiful that he can do both simultaneously. While there is a lot of gene science explained in the book, I didn’t feel like it was too descriptive or that the complex information was necessary to understand the storyline. It was a very clever idea and kind of terrifying that science could possibly advance to that level. I look forward to reading Blake Crouch’s other books!

Another gripping, thought provoking and fast read book from B. Crouch.
I have been a big fan of his work since reading Dark Matter. Each novel is hard scifi based and unique in its own storyline that also depicts the what ifs, the can bes and the capacity of the human mind to go further.
As with this book, it deals with current events of global warning and human's impending doom if we don't take steps towards solving climate change (as one of the growing issues of our world today in the book). Tied into this is a world where genetic engineering has taken center stage with the ability to design, manipulate and redefine our DNA code both used for good and evil. Herein lies the dilemma of how far one would go to save the world if there is such a discovery where it can save humankind.
The story is lead by Logan, who is a son of a renowned geneticist who has discovered a way to save the world through opening the mind to become more self aware, stronger, smarter. And through this assumption, people with the like mindedness of being knowledgeable would be able to save the world. However, such as the case of being omnipotent that you lose one's sense of compassion to replace logic and rationality. Thus, brings the story to Logan fighting between heart and mind and realizing that to save humanity, one has to have both in order for people to unite on a common goal of self preservation.

A great read! Thought provoking and scary - as even though this is fiction, it still hold some truth of where we are at now. There is good action that kept me reading as well as learning the scientific details of DNA, DNA altering which he explains well. I recommend this book!

This was so propulsive with such a great ending. I loved reading about all of the genetics, and it gave me lots of food for thought. Blake Crouch hasn’t let me down, and this is my new favorite of his books. This one in particular made me think about humanity and compassion in a world of advancing technology.

In a reckless world barreling toward possible human extinction, what would you be willing to do to ensure a viable future? Which is the right path to take?

Fast-tracking a major scientific breakthrough seems like the only hope, except there are no guarantees in the genetic lottery. Who will ultimately make these hard choices . . . and the sacrifice?

I finished this book in two days and what a fun read it was . . . a great blend of action, adventure, and science!  With so much to consider and talk about, this will be an exciting book club pick.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine for an advanced copy of Upgrade for my unbiased evaluation.  5 stars

I was sucked into “Upgrade” from the first chapter! The world Blake Crouch created in this novel is spine-chilling and yet eerily realistic. Like his previous novel’s “Dark Matter” and “Recursion,” the author clearly researched scientific threats to bringing a sense of realism to his text. Living in a post-pandemic world, this tactic forces me as a reader to ponder what existence would be like with an “upgrade.” I felt Blake’s novel had the right level of suspense and a plot deep enough to make me root for the main character all while interrogating his surroundings. What I love most about Blake’s sci-fi writing (especially in Upgrade) is that nothing seems written without purpose… I hung onto every word. All in all, this was a well-crafted page turner that any thrill-seeking reader is sure to enjoy!

I really enjoyed this book. The science was interesting. It was fast paced and character driven.. Futuristic, but believable.. The ending was excellent - it doesn't take brains and brawn to be the good guy - compassion wins out,

Upgrade hits a little too close to home during a pandemic, but I still give Blake Crouch's latest mainstream sci-fi novel 4 out of 5 stars. I read Dark Matter in almost a day; I was thrilled when I was allowed to read Crouch's latest book early.

I received an advanced copy of Upgrade from Netgalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for this honest review.

Logan Ramsey is an agent of a new government agency in the future GPA: Gene Protection Agency. In this future, designer babies were only the beginning. The human genome has been cracked and can be hacked to unlock humanity's potential. But Logan isn't just an agent; he's also the son of the woman who caused the world's greatest tragedy due to gene modification. Her intentions weren't nefarious, but still, billions died at her hand.

One day after an accident in the field, Logan's life is forever changed when he falls ill with a mysterious illness following an explosion. It starts with chess, but he soon realizes that physical and cognitive abilities have been enhanced. Logan has received an upgrade.

A little bit Limitless, and a little bit Jack Reacher, Upgrade explores what it might mean to upgrade the human race and take us to the next stage of evolution. This book is a page-turner you won't want to put down.

I've always been a sucker for the hyper-competence micro-genre, and Upgrade is the best example of this category in recent memory.

Hyper-competence is difficult to write well, primarily because readers are unforgiving of mistakes made by hyper-competent characters. Blake Crouch clearly spent time polishing this novel, because there wasn't much that broke my suspension of disbelief – a huge deal in this type of work.

If you're into hyper-competence, gene tech, big questions about the future of humanity, and fast-paced action, this book will be right up your alley.

This one is really hard for me to rate. I'd put it at solidly 3.5, rounded up because I think my main issues with the book are those that are probably specific to me and aren't likely to offend the wider crowd.

There was a lot about this book that I really liked. The very beginning of the book is a little slow as Crouch does some world-building and introduces us to everyone. Once the plot really takes hold, though, the action ratchets up fast and I was loving the ride. The whole middle of the book kept me quite entertained, with plenty of little mysteries and twists, plus a decent amount of action of the car chase/fight scene/running for your life variety.

But then I started to get bored around 60-70%. The action just became gratuitous. There were SO MANY fight scenes and climbing up buildings and such. There wasn't enough plot to satisfy me at this point. And the science! The science was lovely in the beginning half. It made sense to a non-scientist. It seemed possible in the near future. It was really cool, no other word for it. But then the science sorta jumped the shark. This may be a personal thing, but it started to feel less plausible. I was only barely comfortable with the futuristic-ness of the early book science, and now you're throwing this crazy truly sci-fi/comic book level science at me? I can't tell if I got bored with the science because it was just TOO MUCH or if the science itself took a nosedive. All I know is, my reading took a nosedive and even in the climax of this book, I could barely make myself read. It was boring in a too-much-stimuli sort of way. There was just so much happening, but it was all so detailed and it didn't lead to enough furthering of the plot.

But then there was the epilogue. My faith in Crouch was immediately restored. I considered giving the book 5 stars because I was so touched. But I didn't cry, and that's usually what I save my 5 star reviews for. This was no Dark Matter, but I did really really enjoy the ending. I enjoyed it so much, I almost hope he writes a sequel someday. Unfortunately, I couldn't forget and forgive my past grievances with this book, no matter how accurate/correct I found the ending (can't explain without major spoilers).

All in all, a good book, maybe even great in some places, but with a few issues that I couldn't ignore. I'm definitely going to read all the past books by this guy that have been languishing on my to-read list ASAP.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What is the first thing you would do if you were suddenly smarter, able to read whole pages at a blink, carry on multiple conversations at once, and run like the Bionic Man? Our hero Logan reads his TBR. Yup. Turns to the stack of 12 books on his nightstand and knocks them out. Then he tries to save the world.

I love Crouch’s writing. It’s fast-paced, smart, sciency, and thrilling. What sets him apart is how he makes me care about his characters. Logan is a conscientious, hard-working, law-abiding agent for the GSA (Gene Protection Agency), just going about his business when his DNA is hacked by an unknown entity. We get to see his amazement and concern as he uncovers improved skills, and wonders about his humanity. Did the Upgrade make him more human, or less?

That he worries about this, the future of humanity, and his family makes him an endearing character worth pulling for. I enjoyed the story immensely, and the epilogue is icing on an already incredible cake.

Yup. The epilogue. Regina at @confettibookshelf captures how I feel better that I could, so I will quote her GR review. “9/10 epilogues are completely unnecessary turds, but this one was…thoughtful, heartfelt, and unexpected.”

Thanks Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books, Blake Crouch, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Expected US publishing date is 19 Jul 2022.

Upgrade is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller about an ordinary man who becomes extraordinary overnight--whose DNA has been modified. Logan Ramsey experiences significant physical and mental changes to become almost superhuman.

Born with an IQ of 118, Ramsey ends up in an impossible situation, overcoming the stain on his family name, his new gene alteration, and his mother’s and sister’s extreme actions to put Earth on a new course. His mother caused the Great Starvation due to her creation of the Scythe DNA modifier system, and Logan paid the price with prison time.

Now working for the Gene Protection Agency, he’s sent out on a raid and hit by an explosion and exposed to a toxic substance. He discovers his genetic code has been changed, and the agency that employed him has jailed him in a glass cage. His sister Kara, a former POW with the same genetic alteration, helps him escape. Together, they discover their mother’s dying wish to unleash another genomic upgrade.

It is Logan’s race against time to end or save humanity against all odds, enduring pain, pressure, loss of family, and friendships to right the wrongs of his mother. Brilliant and technically written, Blake Crouch creates a harsh dying world searching for answers with a superhuman hero. I thank Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it. #Upgrade #NetGalley #sci-fi books #thrillers

Mindblowing. Blake Crouch has become one of my favorite authors. This story shows the good that can be done by genetic engineering, but watch out for the bad! Logan Ramsay isn’t sure if anything’s different. He just feels a little sharper. Better able to concentrate. Better at multitasking...who doesn't want this? Reminds me of what is promised by many products available to us in 2022, right? But with what can be done in a lab, should it be forced or done without your knowledge - what if things go wrong? This book will make you think about it! The science in the book is thoughtfully written and easy to follow. It is a fantastic thriller and keeps you turning pages to see just what happens to Logan, and his sister, and his long gone mother - and the human race.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book. If Crouch writes it, I'm reading it.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a sci-fi thriller set in the near future. Logan Ramsey is attacked and soon figures out someone has edited his genes. He is smarter and sharper both in mind and body. Who did this to him? Are there others. In a fast-paced story he tries to figure everything out and do the right thing. The author always has a remarkable story, and the writing was very good. I highly recommend his book. Thank you, Net Galley, for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and comment on Blake Crouch's "Upgrade."

I've had a hard time connecting with techno-thrillers of late so I did *not* expect to enjoy this book anywhere as much as I did nor to be so engaged by the characters and the story.

I think what really helped was the fact that the reader is thrown into the action almost immediately. There's no great buildup or backstory (the backstory is provided really well throughout the book and in context), the main character and some of the others are established from the get-go and we're off on the journey with them.

It's a book about genetic manipulation so obviously there's quite a bit of reference to the science but none of it gets in the way, you can understand as much or little of it as you need to to keep on track with the story and enjoy the action.

Although this is set in the not-too-distant future, in addition to the advanced genetic science, In a move that'll no doubt upset the more conservative/right-wing reader, Crouch introduces very real present-day societal and global concerns in a very concrete way. Misinformation and misuse of the digital world, the exploitation of fear of science by expedients politicians, climate change (Manhattan is partly underwater),

This, for me, was a real page-turner. The pacing was excellent and the writing engaging. Highly recommended.

Upgrade by Black Crouch is a thrilling, science fiction novel set in a not to distant future. Logan Ramsay lives in a world where he knows that the well-intended actions of his mother's team resulted in massive crop failure and the death of over 200 million people. As a direct result, genetic modifications are now significantly regulated and off limits to science outside of the illegal black market. Logan works with the government agency that shuts down illegal operations, but on his latest mission something goes wrong. As he recovers from his injuries, he realizes he is stronger, smarter, needs less sleep, can remember things with a precision that is impossible,,,, and he is in trouble. Logan must discover what has happened to him, who has done, and what are the bigger implications all while evading the government and coming to terms with his past.

The pages of this story basically turn themselves and I found it nearly impossible to put it down once I began to read. The story is entertaining and reads almost like a blockbuster hit, but also manages to make important underlying messages about the way that humans care for each other as a whole and the world we live in and rely on! While I would say this is a dystopian future, it feels pretty realistic and as such is thought provoking.

I would highly recommend for a variety of readers- those who like science fiction thrillers, dystopian futures, people interested in genetics, or just someone looking for a fast paced exciting read. I think this is my favorite Blake Crouch novel yet! Thank you to #NetGalley, Blake Crouch, and Random House Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for this review!

BLAKE CROUCH DOES IT AGAIN. Crouch is legit one of my favorite authors. This book was dense and smart. It took some concentration, but man was the payoff worth it!

I received this book as an ARC and this is my review. Wow! I loved this book! The futuristic embellishments and the science are a knockout! The story is loaded with flawed, but colorful characters. Crouch’s imaginative world is scary and amazing. I totally recommend this book to readers who want to follow the fantasy and science fiction of this truly gifted author.

QUICK TAKE: Ultimately extremely enjoyable, but definitely reminiscent of films like LIMITLESS and LUCY. The story of a man who is accidentally exposed to a dirty bomb that genetically modifies his DNA is propulsive and entertaining and action-packed, but I would have preferred more insight into the MC's family dynamics with his sister and mother, and I was way more fascinated by the "gene war" and world-building than I was with the central plot. That being said, my review here is meaningless as everyone and their mother is going to read this one!

Blake Crouch is the best at bringing the future into the present. He is also one of the best at opening your mind to deep thought. A lot of his concepts have stuck with me for years after I read his books. This was no exception. I highly recommend it.

If we were smarter,would we be better? Blake Crouch explores this question in "Upgrade" in an action-packed ride packed with enough science facts and fiction to satisfy any fan of near-future thrillers.