I loved his previous books so much, I was excited to read this. However, it is my least favorite. It was good, but there was a lot more science talk which in my opinion really made the story drag on.

Blake Crouch’s Upgrade is a gripping and thought-provoking science fiction thriller that delves into the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by genetic engineering. Known for his masterful blending of suspense and speculative fiction, Crouch delivers a novel that is as intellectually stimulating as it is heart-pounding.

The story follows Logan Ramsay, an agent working for the Gene Protection Agency (GPA), an organization dedicated to preventing genetic modifications that could threaten humanity. Logan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is exposed to a mysterious substance during a raid, triggering a series of genetic upgrades that enhance his physical and mental abilities. As Logan grapples with his newfound powers, he uncovers a vast conspiracy that challenges everything he thought he knew about genetic science and humanity’s future.

Crouch excels at creating complex, relatable characters, and Logan Ramsay is no exception. Logan’s transformation from a diligent agent to a superhuman grappling with his own identity is portrayed with depth and nuance. His internal struggle and the ethical questions he faces about his enhanced abilities are central to the narrative, adding layers of complexity to his character. Readers are drawn into Logan’s journey as he confronts both external threats and his own evolving nature.

The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding depth and intrigue to the story. From Logan’s colleagues at the GPA to his estranged family members, Crouch paints a vivid picture of a world grappling with the implications of genetic technology. The interactions between these characters and Logan’s changing relationships add emotional weight to the high-stakes plot.

One of the standout aspects of Upgrade is its exploration of the ethical and philosophical issues surrounding genetic engineering. Crouch raises thought-provoking questions about the potential benefits and dangers of genetic modifications, the nature of humanity, and the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, prompting readers to consider the broader implications of the story’s technological advancements.

Crouch’s writing is sharp and engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The action sequences are thrilling and well-executed, providing a perfect balance to the novel’s more introspective moments. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, leading to a climax that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

The world-building in Upgrade is another highlight. Crouch paints a vivid picture of a near-future society where genetic technology has advanced rapidly, creating a sense of realism that grounds the speculative elements of the story. The detailed descriptions of the GPA’s operations, the scientific advancements, and the societal implications of genetic modifications add depth and credibility to the narrative.

In conclusion, Upgrade is a masterfully crafted science fiction thriller that showcases Blake Crouch’s talent for blending suspense, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. With its compelling exploration of genetic engineering and its ethical implications, the novel is both a thrilling read and a profound meditation on the future of humanity. Fans of speculative fiction and thrillers alike will find much to enjoy in this captivating and intellectually stimulating book. Crouch’s ability to keep readers engaged while prompting them to ponder deep questions about science and ethics makes Upgrade a standout addition to contemporary science fiction.

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of science fiction. However Blake Crouch's incredible writing, plot, and characters make the focus of his books so much more than just science. The first time I read one of his books was Dark Matter. I was thrilled to receive this copy of Upgrade. It does not disappoint! It kept my attention, and the pages turning. Highly recommend.

"Upgrade" is a fast-paced science fiction thriller with huge stakes. Blake Crouch has mastered this kind of storytelling by tackling large philosophical questions but focusing on a small cast of characters that you get to know intimately. Unfortunately, after reading "Dark Matter", "Recursion," and the "Wayward Pines" series, "Upgrade" falls a bit short and is just not as memorable as the stories that came before it. This won't stop me from picking up future Blake Crouch titles though.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book! I am a huge Blake Crouch fan but I think this was probably my least favorite book that I have read of Blake’s . I feel like this is probably my last time reading Blake Crouch.

This is not my usual genre but I found it an exciting and somewhat frightening look into the futuristic advances in science and technology. Logan Ramsay is an agents who work for GPA, Gene Protection Agency. He becomes involved in an effort to amend the sins of his mother, Miriam Ramsay, a scientist involved with a genetic modification project. He feels compelled to correct his family's horrific legacy which explores the limits of humanity. He wants to protect his wife, Beth and daughter, Ava. While leading a raid on a suspected gene laboratory Logan is fortunate to survive an explosion. Or is he? Just as he begins to feel better he realizes that he is almost feeling "too good" in that his thinking is clearer and sharper than it was before the accident. Logan eventually realizes that he has been taken to a lab as a subject for a gene altering project on humans. Although his mother died, he can't help but think that he is being used to advance his mother's trials on altering human genomes. It is a thought provoking journey about the capabilities that might exist and the questionable moral responsibility attached.

Logan Ramsay's dream was to work with his mother, Miriam, a prominent geneticist, to help better the world. The rice paddies in Asia are dying and in an effort to save them she inadvertently sets in motion a world wide famine. Subsequently Logan works for the Genetic Protection Agency to help prevent those kinds of disasters again.

I thought the book was well written. I wish the characters had been more developed. There was a lot of science involved and while I usually love things like this I just ended up skimming and also the fight scenes. I prefer books more character driven and this wasn't it. In truth I thought it was just okay but it was well written and the plot was good.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for providing me with a digital copy.

Thanks for the review edition.

Blake Crouch is an auto-buy author for me - including this one. I absolutely love his take on sci-fi that are well researched and just so creepy. This was another great book to add to my collection.

BLAKE CROUCH IS PHENOMENAL. Crouch is an instant buy for me and I look forward to reading future works from this author.

This text is was a great Blake Crouch, reminiscent of the pines trilogy. Great book- will recommend to everyone I know.

I'll pick up every Blake Crouch book, but shortly after finishing this one I've already forgotten it.

Logan Ramsey volunteers to be infected with a virus that will alter his genetic makeup. Logan is an experiment - a guinea pig for the government to see what happens to him. Once the virus clears out, Logan starts getting smarter and smarter everyday. He becomes "superhuman" almost, or "upgraded." But now is he the only person who can stop this genetic altering from getting into the wrong hands?

This science fiction novel is very entertaining, and presents questions that are very relevant in today's society, as new viruses are created, and abound. I loved the Blake Crouch book Dark Matter, and while this was a good read, I much preferred Dark Matter. I love Blake Crouch's creativity and can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Special thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for this Advance Reader E-book in exchange for an honest review.

I so so badly wanted to love this one!!
I think its the genre, not the book!! It didn't hook me in a way that I had hoped! The concept of this might have gone over my head? After reading this, I realized science fiction isn't for me!

I tried starting this book three different times before I got past the first few chapters. A very sci-fi thriller, with genetic upgrades.

This thriller was exactly what I expected in the sense that I was intrigued from page one and could not put it down!
Great book characters were intriguing ! Highly recommend

Catching up on reviews so... Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for access to this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you are looking for a sci-fi book to read, look no further. This book is partially an action/thriller and partially an exploration of self - Mind and Body. The genetic science seems so well researched but presented in a mostly approachable way that hopefully isn't off putting to readers that may not read much science fiction. Occasionally it feels like the science is really being pounded in and I could see it being overwhelming but the pay off is worth it.

I will say that many moments felt like they were written for a hopeful film adaptation and occasionally pulled me out of the story because of that. For that reason I'm not giving 5 stars.

UPGRADE is a fun, nerdy, fast paced sci-fi thriller. I loved the "what if's" that Crouch posed in this futuristic world. The idea of genetic upgrades are both awesome and terrifying.

After reading and loving DARK MATTER earlier this year, I knew I wanted to read more of what Crouch was writing. I was thoroughly entertained and invested, though the family drama bogged it down a bit for me in the middle/end, as I was much more into the gene war than some other aspects of the plot.

If you're looking for a sciencey book that reads like an action movie, you'll love UPGRADE.

Upgrade, the latest novel from Blake Crouch, is the story of Logan Ramsey, a scientist/felon/government employee who becomes sick one day with a mysterious set of symptoms that seem to be upgrading every layer of his being, from his bones to his brain.

Upgrade is very similar in tone to Crouch’s last two books, Recursion and Dark Matter – part sci-fi, part thriller. It took me several tries to really get into it but once I got 15% of the way in I was hooked and basically read it in one sitting.

While I frankly don’t remember the plots of Recursion and Dark Matter anymore, I feel like this one will stick with me for quite a while as the topic was quite unsettling and felt somewhat closer to reality and scientific feasibility than the topics of the other books.

That said, the ending of the book detracted from my overall enjoyment. The last 20%, starting at the beginning of Part Three, felt really rushed. And the epilogue … yeah the epilogue didn’t do anything for me. It felt pretty oversimplified. This is what took it from being a four star book for me to a three star book.

That said, I’d absolutely recommend this to any lovers of speculative fiction and anyone who’s ever enjoyed a Blake Crouch book or folks with an interest in medical ethics – an engaging read that’ll leave you with lots to think about.

Blake Crouch!!!! He is quite literally the best of the best when it comes to unputdownable sic-fi novels. He is an automatic read/ purchase author, and this book did not disappoint. While I didn’t love it as much as I loved Recursion, Upgrade is a solid futuristic sci-fi novel, where the main character Logan goes through a genetic-altering event that causes such an immense effect to himself, and ultimately humankind as a whole. This has some gene warfare, virus spreading, family angst, and provokes some crazy thoughts (albeit a little scary).

Highly, highly recommend Upgrade (as well as the rest of the novels written by Crouch). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoy Crouch’s books because I think they are really dang cool to read.

In this one, Logan is a geneticist whose mom is infamous for accidentally killing millions of people by altering a gene in an insect that then destroyed crops. He went to prison after she drove her car off of a bridge, serving time for the crimes of his mother. In the current time, Logan goes into a house on a raid and gets caught in an explosion. Then weird stuff starts happening to him.

He finds out that he has been upgraded; many of his genomes have been targeted in order to make him intelligent and physically superior to the “normal” humans. This turns out to be one cog in the machine to try to save the human race.

This book was a bit up and down for me during the reading experience. There are times of heightened tension and times when the story moves slower, and I got a little bogged down when it was moving slower. This also has a lot of science talk, something to be aware of if that’s not your thing.

But the overall plot was interesting, and there were enough twists to keep it interesting without feeling completely outrageous. If you’ve read his other books or are interested in an imagined scientific future, this is a good one for you.