This, my friends, is peak sci-fi thriller for a biologist. Crouch is a fast-passed author that excels in taking technologies and topics that could be possible in the near future and creating absolute societal crises for the protagonist to solve.

Upgrade revolves around using gene editing technology as biological warfare. In the reality of the novel, scientists have uncovered the ability to edit the genome of humans faster and more efficiently than even CRISPR can today. They use it to better themselves as well as an agent to edit the genes of those that oppose them. The main character of this book, Logan, is the target of such an attack that leaves him modified in ways that even he fails to comprehend. He transforms into a super-human of sorts. As he runs from authorities that worry he could change the course of human evolution, he ponders the ethical responsibility he now holds.

This book was fun and overly dramatic but also, as a biologist, had many interesting questions about ethics, the basis of genetics in a future where genetics are easily altered, and the general concept of humanity. It felt like I was watching an action movie and needed popcorn, and completely loved the pieces of biology that were snuck into the action.

*I would like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Unfortunately, for this one, the superhero advanced genetics aspect didn’t interest me as much is Mr. Crouch, his other books and premises. I finished it, but it’s may be my least favorite of his at this point.

Highlights:
✨Thriller that leans into the science fiction genre with DNA upgrades
✨Themes of humanity, ethics on genetic engineering, climate change
✨Henry Leyva does an excellent narration, keeping pace with the nail-biting action. His narration also helped me not get lost in the weeds of the scientific details.

Bottom Line: First half provides scientific details; last half action movie. If you're a Blake Crouch fan, you'll like this one too.

Unlike many others who read and loved wayward pines this was my first book by this author and while I enjoyed it I didn’t fully connect with the story. Maybe I’ll just have to jump into wayward pines and give that a shot

First of all, I love Blake Couch’s books! My previous two reads were both 5 star reads so I had really high expectations for this book. It was very good, for sure, but definitely not my favorite of his.

The beginning started out really strong - and I loved the premise of genetic engineering and the ethical questions associated with doing so. I love the brainiac nature of Couch’s books and how I often feel like my unscientific brain is stretched beyond my capacities. Plus, he excels at still injecting so much heart into his characters and this book was no exception.

The ending alone was absolutely perfect and bittersweet.

Crouch is an autobuy author for me. This book was incredible. I believe this is one of those specific tastes books and requires people to focus on what he's actually saying.

Blake Crouch's "Upgrade" is a fast-paced, thought-provoking thriller that delves into the ethical and societal implications of genetic engineering. The story follows Logan Ramsay, a government agent tasked with enforcing the gene-editing ban, who becomes inadvertently "upgraded" himself. As his intelligence and abilities skyrocket, Logan becomes a pawn in a larger game with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.

Crouch masterfully weaves together a gripping plot with a deep exploration of scientific possibilities and their potential consequences. The narrative is relentless, propelling readers through a series of twists and turns while raising questions about the very nature of human evolution. Logan's internal struggle as he grapples with his transformation is both relatable and unsettling, making him a compelling protagonist.

The novel's exploration of genetic manipulation is both fascinating and terrifying, offering a chillingly plausible vision of the future. Crouch doesn't shy away from the ethical complexities, presenting both the potential benefits and the horrifying risks associated with tampering with the human genome. While the scientific concepts are simplified for accessibility, they remain grounded in real-world research, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

However, "Upgrade" is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with action sequences occasionally overshadowing character development. Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, and the ending may leave some readers wanting more closure. Additionally, the novel's reliance on scientific exposition can be overwhelming for those seeking a purely action-driven thriller.

"Upgrade" is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of the potential future of genetic engineering. It's a page-turner that will keep you hooked while raising profound questions about the nature of humanity and the limits of scientific progress. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths in concept, pacing, and ethical exploration make it a worthwhile read for fans of science fiction and thrillers alike.

My sci-fi experience is normally relegated to Doctor Who and other pretty basic stories, not stories with a looooot of science jargon. That being said, no amount of science jargon could stop me from loving this story. It was unexpected in the best possible way.

I highly recommend this book to sci-fi lovers (and sci-fi toleraters, though you may have to skim some of the more intense DNA structure monologues lol).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC of this book (I know this book published a hot minute ago, I'm trying to catch up on my ARCs lol)

Okay, first of all I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to reading this excellent novel. I’m mainly a mystery person but have been veering into sci-fi more and more in recent years. Still, I got this review copy and promptly set it aside. Fast forward two years to when I stumbled across one of Blake Crouch's stories in an Amazon short story collection. Loved it and found my way back to Upgrade.

With everything going on with AI, Neuralink and genetic engineering, the premise of this book is even more relevant than it was in 2022. Suddenly Logan Ramsay is just a little better at, well, everything. Whereas before he never lived up to his brilliant mother’s expectations, now he’s a bona fide genius. There are other changes as well. He’s stronger, faster, more agile. He can understand and analyze people’s thoughts better than they can.

In short: he’s been upgraded.

But even he can’t figure who decided to upgrade him–or why. As the plot moves forward, Logan learns the truth: he was just the guinea pig. Somebody wants to upgrade the entire human race and Logan is the only person capable of stopping what he sees as a catastrophic mistake.

This was a fast-paced, action-packed page turner that not only kept me reading, but stayed with me after I finished the book. It’s well plotted and I liked Logan’s character, as well as the person (or persons, actually) he ends up fighting against. If you’ve ever seen the 1996 movie Phenomenon, you might remember John Travolta’s character George Malley–a small-town mechanic who unexpectedly gains remarkable intelligence overnight. As is true of George, there’s something relatable about Logan and his mixed feelings about the transformation. Like George, Logan also had to cope with the interpersonal fall-out that comes with such a radical change.

Most of all, I like the way Crouch raises the big questions–questions we as a society should be thinking hard about instead of moving full speed ahead in search of ever greater profits. Yuval Noah Harari speculates that humans will disappear in a hundred years, “upgraded” via biotech and AI. That scares the hell out of me, so it was nice to grapple with the end of life as we know it and still have fun.

Will definitely be reading more of Crouch’s sci-fi.

Like Recursion and Dark Matter, Blake Crouch's latest is a propulsive page-turner. It's not my favorite premise, because I feel like "genetically modified super-humans attempting to cling to their empathy" is thoroughly explored territory at this point. Our main character, Logan Ramsey, is once again a well-meaning guy who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances and rises to the occasion without any real temptation or lapses in judgment. The women in his life and his relationships to them are Very Important to him, because he is a Good Dude. But really, the other characters are more plot devices than people, because we gotta keep the story humming along. If you're looking to read something fun & fast with a biotech Crichton vibe, this is for you. It's a beach read for Dads, Brads and Chads.

I like the consistency in Crouch';s work, he does not miss. There is mastery to his storytelling and his concept around genetics is alarming but rings possible.

The master of Sci Fi is once again proving exactly this! What I love about BC books is that the writing is done in a manner that you actually don’t feel lost and you can keep up with all the scientific parts of it! Ever since Dark Matter I’ve been looking forward to see what Blake can come up with next and it’s always so amazing!

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.