Upgrade takes place in the near future of the United States. Genetic engineering is illegal after an attempt to use genetically engineered locusts to combat diseases in rice plants in China leads to the Great Starvation and the deaths of 200 million people. Like most illegal activities, though, making genetic engineering against the law didn't stop people with the means and knowledge to continue genetically engineering organisms in a dark lab and selling them to the highest bidder. 

 

That's where people like Logan Ramsey come in. He's an agent for the GPA, or the Genetic Protection Agency, and it's part of his job to track down these dark labs and illegal geneticists and make sure they're stopped. Logan gets some intel that leads him to a raid of a suspected dark lab in an abandoned Victorian house. However, when he reaches the basement, he discovers the information has led him into a trap. A bomb goes off, and the shrapnel that injures Logan is laced with a virus designed to encode dramatic changes in Logan's genome. 

 

Logan becomes the first enhanced human with increased intelligence, problem solving, strength, and hundreds of other improvements. He also learns he isn't the only person to receive this upgrade. The rest of the story unfolds as Logan seeks to understand why he was targeted and what the person who did this to him plans next. With the powers available to this mysterious geneticist they could unleash changes upon humanity that no one can stop. Logan is going to try his best to do just that, though. 

 

For Logan, the entire reason he joins the GPA is out of guilt. He feels guilty that one of his family members is the geneticist responsible for the Great Starvation, and even though he hates going on raids, he feels obligated by this guilt to put a stop to dark labs. This is also his motivation in stopping whomever is attempting to upgrade innocent people who may or may not survive the changes.

 

This is the main conflict throughout the book. It's between two superior intellects. The "bad guy" always trying to outthink and outmaneuver Logan while Logan does the same in an attempt to find and stop them. There's action and gun fights, and I really enjoyed the suspense built up throughout the story. I was never quite sure if Logan would prevail because the antagonist always seemed to be a step ahead of him. 

 

I also really enjoyed how Blake Crouch was able to take complex genetic science and terms and make it easy for a lay reader to understand. I am by no means a geneticist, but I was able to mostly follow what was being said scientifically speaking. I’m sure if a professional geneticist read this book they'd be able to poke holes in it, but for its intended audience, the story was easy enough to read and was engaging. 

 

Upgrade isn't all about science and action, though. Logan really struggles with his emotions. His enhancements make it easy for him to lock his emotions away, but he even questions if that's right or good for him. After all the genetic changes that have been forced on him, he even wonders if he is human anymore. So, he's reluctant to allow himself to lock away all of his emotions because it's part of his humanity, even if he understands that his emotions can't be allowed to flaw his judgment in pursuit of his goals. The internal, emotional conflict was just as compelling as the external, physical conflict throughout the book. 

 

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I finished it within a few days. However, literally the final three pages really disappointed me. I knew this story was never going to have a happy ending. How could it with how drastically Logan changes throughout? But, I feel like the epilogue negated almost the entire argument the book was presenting. I've thought about it more since I finished, and I don't feel as upset about it now. But, immediately after finishing the book, I just thought to myself, "What was that?!" I felt let down by the ending, but it won't stop me from reading other Blake Crouch books. 

 

Ultimately, I gave Upgrade by Blake Crouch three out of five stars. It's a thrilling read with more than a few exciting twists and turns, and it's presented in a realistic, believable way. The issues surrounding genetic engineering and environmental issues are issues we deal with today, and it was interesting to see a fictional world where the consequences were actively happening. The only thing that bumped it down to three stars for me were those final three pages. I still encourage everyone to read it just to see how they feel for themselves, though.

Taking place in the future, this sci-fi story was an enjoyable read for me!
I love the topics of genetics /genetic engineering and microbiology explained throughout the book. We also see the author touch on the ethics of genome alteration. The plot and decision-making moments that the main character, Logan, goes through helped keep me invested in the story. Some parts were a little slow but they eventually pick up with the bits of action spread throughout the book! I really appreciated the epilogue which made me emotional!

Another great book by Blake Crouch, he is an automatic read every time he releases a book...the suspense, the science, the twists...I'm here for it!

I received an ARC of Upgrade from Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.

Having previously read only his Wayward Pines trilogy, I’m something of a latecomer to Blake Crouch’s new wave of post-Dark Matter popularity, but hey, better late than never. I’m here! Hi! Crouch’s latest speculative thriller, Upgrade, takes place in a near-future world in which genetic hacking is common but illegal after a scientist named Miriam Ramsay attempted to modify crops in China and accidentally created an international incident which resulted in mass starvation.

Upgrade crystallized for me how I feel about the work of Blake Crouch: he does what he does very well (breezy commercial fiction with a scientific angle, like a less-dense Michael Crichton), but what he does is not for me. I found myself craving a meatier story that was more willing to sacrifice action and thrills in exchange for ethics and philosophy. I will fully admit, though, that this is in no way a failing on Crouch’s part. He’s just aiming for an audience that isn’t me.

Upgrade concerns Miriam Ramsay’s son, Logan. His mother is dead by suicide following The Great Starvation, and he now works for the government, hunting down those who tamper with genetic code. An explosion during a raid infects him with something that changes his genome, and he soon becomes a sort of superhuman—faster, smarter, speed reader, perfect memory, etc. These upgrades implicate him in a devious plan in which the future of humanity is at stake.

Upgrade is light and readable. Honestly, it’s a bit too readable for my preferences. It moves at a quick clip, there’s plenty of action, and if you choose to experience this story in print or ebook format, frequent line-breaks (often after individual words) will draw your eye down the page. I personally want more friction in my prose, but if the writing style I’m describing works for you, Crouch handles it well and you will likely have a good time with Upgrade. Frankly, it’s fun!

The characters are sympathetic and feel appropriately complex for this story. Logan could step comfortably into the shoes of any generic action hero; he’s not particularly memorable, but I didn’t mind spending several hundred pages with him, which is ultimately how I would frame the book as a whole. His foil, the antagonist, was suitably compelling, with a motivation that made sense. (Anyone else find themselves relating more to villains as they get older? Just me?)

I thought the twist—as in, the devious plan that Logan eventually tries to stop—was actually quite clever, and unlike anything I’ve encountered before. It raises all sorts of questions about the nature of humanity and how best to confront the most pressing problems of our time. I don’t know if it makes sense from a scientific perspective, nor do I care; it works from a narrative and thematic perspective, and that’s what matters to me. Upgrade has ideas that pop off the page.

Your appreciation of Upgrade will depend more upon how you like your stories told than what you like your stories to contain. I was interested in much of the content here, but this feels only a few degrees removed from a script for an action movie, and that doesn’t appeal to me as a reader. Your mileage may vary! I will certainly check out Crouch again, but my expectations will be in alignment with popcorn entertainment, and I will happily recommend him to the right reader.

Upgrade is another intense science fiction thriller by Blake Crouch. This time, his focus is on gene modification and its ethics. As you would expect from Mr. Crouch, the action is intense and near-constant. The science is also fierce, as he tackles genes, genomes, and the science of modifying them. I enjoy and gravitate toward stories that force you to answer tough ethical questions, and I love a story that uses plausible science. Upgrade has both. I ripped through its pages and finished the story with the satisfaction of experiencing a well-written, well-plotted book.

Logan Ramsey works for the Gene Protection Agency, a part of the government dedicated to ensuring genes are not being manipulated after the "Great Starvation".

When Logan is caught in an explosion, it seems like there is nothing wrong at first. Then, he begins to notice the changes. He is smarter, stronger, faster, better, and multi-tasking. In short, his genes have been hacked and he has been upgraded.

It is not a coincidence that Logan was chosen. His family has a horrible legacy and now, he is the only one that can stop the plan that will change humanity forever.

I have loved all of Couch's books and this one did not disappoint. I could not stop reading this book that has non-stop action and really makes you think

In theory, I should have loved this one just as much as the others.

But alas. I was bored.

I don’t mind science in sci-if. I mean, real science. So long as it’s told in a way that is relevant and interesting and that I, a humanities major till the end, can understand, it’s perfectly fine. But every time the MC would start talking about DNA and start naming DNA sequences and specific genes I would die a little inside. We the reader don’t need to know the specific genes being altered. We don’t need to know every scientific process being done unless knowing it is going to impact the plot or or understanding of it. Unless you are a biologist or geneticist, all the combinations of AGCT mentioned in this book aren’t going to mean anything.

Another issue I had was that I simply didn’t like the main character. He felt bland. The most compelling thing about him was his love for his family. Crouch’s characters always have very strong bonds with their families and I love that. Unfortunately, everything else about the MC bored me. Lastly, the whole book felt like a movie. A cheap action thriller whose plot I won’t remember much later.

Overall, this isn’t a bad book, despite all I’ve said. Many will like it, especially people that are already fans of Crouch’s work. I am just not one of those people.

This book Started out with a great premise, a genetic modification to “upgrade” the human species. Unfortunately it ended up feeling like a bad action movie where the upgraded main character just fights off bad dudes left and right.

Upgrade is an excellent sci-fi thriller with tons oof action dark secrets and huge ramifications for choices made. Overall it’s everything a good sci-fi thriller should be. This is my first book from Blake Crouch but it won’t be my last. I loved the taught storyline, characters and well done world building. Overall just fantastic!

I'm writing this review the day after finishing this story and I can't stop thinking about it. We follow the main character, Logan, through the decisions and challenges he must face after genetic changes are made to his body from an incident that happens early on in the book.

Reading this felt like hopping on a train that you think is going to be a gentle tour through the country-side but you soon realize that the brakes have failed and it starts rocketing out of control. Just when you think it's slowing down, next thing you know, you are hurtling down another mountain. The impact that I hit at the end is what has me thinking about this story long after it's finished.

This story will appeal not only to science fiction fans but also to readers who enjoy the timely topic of genetic engineering the philosophical dilemmas that come along with it.

This book had me reaching out to the internet immediately to see what other people thought. Never have I ever wished more to be in a book club where I could talk about this book. It is stellar.

"We seek comfort rather than a clear-eyed stare into reality." and ""I couldn't do nothing." beautifully sum up the humanity and morality points you will find in this unforgettable story.

A huge thank you for my e-ARC, which was provided by the publisher and the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Living his life under the shadow of his mother's genius, and her crimes, Logan has tried to do the best to redeem himself from his mother's legacy and the part he played in it.
But he is dragged back in after his DNA is forcibly upgraded. Logan find himself smarter, faster, and just all around better.
And now he has to figure out if the risk is worth doing the same to the entire human race....
Overall very enjoyable. The technical parts were made simple enough that I could breeze on through them without feeling like my genome had been downgraded. A lot of action, good character interactions, difficult choices, and overall strong plot.

It did feel like I had been in this story before though - scientist risks destroying humanity to save it... the end of mankind is nigh... and I just didn't feel the strong sense I urgency the I know I was meant to feel throughout the story.

Upgrade is essentially a superhero origin story, albeit a lot heavier on the science. In the near future, genetic modification is heavily regulated after a geneticist caused a worldwide famine. The son of that geneticist, Logan Ramsay, now works for the Gene Protection Agency. When a GPA raid goes awry, Logan discovers that he's gradually becoming...better. Sharper, stronger, faster, more adept at retaining information and calculating complex computations, requiring less sleep. He learns he's been given a genetic upgrade, used as a guinea pig for a process that could have widespread implications for all of humanity.

Upgrade is another fast-paced, high-stakes sci-fi thriller from Blake Crouch. What makes his sci-fi novels so successful for me is that, while there is a lot of science, there's also a lot of action: lots of running and hiding from the government, lots of drama and betrayal, lots of from-bad-to-worse scenarios. His books are also full of heart, with an emotional component that connects me intimately to his stories as I'm devouring them. Upgrade's Logan is an Everyman sort of character who loves his family and cares deeply about the fate of humanity, so he is easy to root for and connect with.

While Crouch does an excellent job of making high-level scientific concepts easy for the average person to understand, Upgrade is almost too heavy on the science. It probably would have been a three-star read for me if it weren't for the epilogue, which I found so unexpectedly poignant and powerful that it upgraded (ha) my rating an entire star. Epilogues generally feel unnecessary to me, but this one did an excellent job of highlighting the book's warnings about humanity's path to extinction -- a path that is still in our power to reroute. It provides a cautiously hopeful answer to a loaded question, and it really made the book as a whole work for me.

*Arc provided by Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.*

I am not a huge science fiction reader but when Blake Crouch puts out a book it’s an instant must read. To me a good science fiction must make things feel less like fiction and more like something that could genuinely happen in a decade or more’s time. Upgrade 100% does that with it’s focus on biological agents and DNA altering, both things that currently exist in albeit less intense forms. Main character Logan becomes “hacked” with a genome altering drug that basically turns him superhuman. The ramifications for him personally are bad given his past but also sets him up to be an unlikely hero who must stop this drug from being distributed on a global scale effectively changing the world as he knows it.

If you enjoy SciFi and if you haven’t read from Crouch, you are missing out, honestly!! Dark Matter was my first read from him and I have since read all his backlist books!! Blake is amazing in writing gripping stories with fascinating themes and compelling plot lines. Upgrade is no different. Dark Matter is still my favourite from him, but this latest book takes a creative approach on future “upgrades”. Some people might not like the morally defying story concept, but that is advantage of dystopian / futuristic literature, no bounds on speculation.

Thank you Random House via Netgalley for the arc

My first Blake Crouch and it did not disappoint. This is just some insane smart Sci Fi. Thank you Random House for the ARC for my honest review.

If you’re not familiar with Blake Crouch’s work, the first thing you need to know is you’re about to get into stuff that might blow your mind a little. Mostly sci-fi, sometimes his books are hard sci-fi, sometimes dystopian, but always cool and a good time. Upgrade is no different.

Logan Ramsay can’t be sure that things are different at first, well, other than he feels a little different. However, as time goes on from his exposure, it’s pretty clear he’s better. Stronger. Faster. Smarter. This “upgrade” is the result of genome hacking, and it wasn’t a mistake. Logan was targeted and as he fights to find and bring down these hackers, he begins to wonder if this next step in human evolution might not be so bad after all.

Though it’s no my favorite Crouch book, I really enjoyed this read. Mysterious, engaging, fast-paced, and it kept me guessing. I was along for the ride with Logan to find out where the story was going (and honestly, where it started in the first place). Cool characterization and a roller coaster ride of emotions, if you’re looking for a hard sci-fi read that’s enjoyable and just a tad mind boggling, check this one out.

I love Blake Crouch novels because whatever you go into the book expecting is not what you are going to find. This latest book was no exception to that.. I really enjoyed Upgrade. It does read a little more science fiction than some of his others. The detail that goes into talking about the world in the future was definitely a stand out. Things like food supply, injections and propaganda messages were all such a smart creative take on what the future may hold that they really added to the story. A great, unique story line that will keep you guessing. Thank you NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC.

Upgrade is largely lackluster, a decent concept that’s been done too many times. “Upgrading” humans genetically isn’t a particularly new occurrence in science fiction, and Crouch does little to revitalize something we’ve seen so many times (it’s like…the foundation of cyberpunk). The moral quandaries its protagonist faces are exactly the ones you’d expect, things about defying humanity’s natural evolution, climate change and losing your roots, etc. etc. The sole interesting element, which is that the protagonist and the antagonist are siblings, is left completely unexplored. It could have been an interesting exploration of sibling competition escalated to science fiction levels, but their dynamic isn’t ever explored with any seriousness and I can’t really give Crouch credit for what isn’t there. It had been a minute since I’d read any mass-marketed consumable science fiction, and there is something enjoyable to a story that is simply a fast paced plot with no fluff or formality. That, Crouch does well, and I had honestly initially regarded it with more esteem simply because I’d missed the genre.

I enjoyed Recursion a decent amount–it’s clear that Crouch’s strengths lie in the exploration of an interesting concept and not character or theme development, and that’s okay, what the concept is interesting enough, as in the case of Recursion. When the concept is worth the entire 300-something pages. But, in the case of Upgrade, the concept was so tired I closed the book still expecting there to be a final act that actually brought something new to the table.

I don't typically reach for science fiction but I loved Dark Matter and Recursion so much that I decided to try Upgrade for myself.
This is the story of a man named Logan following in his mother's footsteps.
Miriam and her team were trying to eradicate a bacterial leaf blight in china, an unexpected mutation occurred that caused The Great Starvation; a famine that killed 200 billion people.
Miriam dies so she never witnessed the scope of the consequences including her son Logan, who was part of her team, getting imprisoned for three years-he gave up on his dreams of following in her footsteps.
At Logan's new job, his DNA is hacked and he's superhuman, including the ability to read books faster.
I kind of fell in love with Logan.
I could live in his POV all day, but I guess the sci-fi storyline he was stuck in, didn't really work for me. I'm just not a fan of biology so all the research Crouch pours into this story was lost on me.

I am a big fan of this author and loved some others books by him, but I was kind of disappointed in this one. The story is interesting but I feel like it didn’t have the draw to keep reading like his other books. I also felt like the book was too full of technical non sense to explain what was happening to him.

I still enjoyed reading it and I like some of the suspense built into the book. But overall I wasn’t super impressed. It is more of a slower story.