Awesome plot! This was not a book I would typically choose, but thought I'd try something different. The plot is highly engaging, the main character interesting, and the conclusion unexpected. What more could you ask for?

Wow. Absolutely could not put this one down!

I had put off reading this one for a little bit because this isn't my normal genre and to be honest, I absolutely hate the cover. The blue is awful the font is awful, it looks like a 1980s Sci Fi book. That being said, as soon as I opened it I was so incredibly sorry I didn't read it sooner. I got hooked from the first page and could not put it down!

Logan Ramsay is the son of an infamous geneticist, and while he tries to live a quiet, law-abiding lifestyle with his wife and daughter, he somehow finds himself in the middle of an ethical dilemma. Humanity is headed for an extinction event, and no one seems to care. His mother's research provides a blueprint for how to use genetics to potentially avoid human's race to extinction...... but she's been wrong before, with devastating consequences. Now, in a not-so-far-off-future (one where much of Manhattan has flooded and Beyonce has long since finished a farewell tour), Logan must decide how he wants to handle the precarious position he finds himself in.

This one was a compulsive read, even for people who don't love this genre or haven't read this author before. Highly, highly recommended!

This is my third Crouch book and I liked it more than Recursion but not as much as Dark Matter. It was a very interesting concept, although a lot of the sci-fi explanations were over my head so I skimmed some of the wordier paragraphs. I loved the ending!

One Sentence Summary: When Logan, whose job it is to prevent people from playing around with gene editing, has his genome edited and upgraded, he ends up on the run from his former employer and on a mission to prevent his own sister from potentially killing millions.

My thoughts:

I’ve read a lot of really good reviews of Crouch’s other books so, when I saw this on NetGalley, I figured why not give it a shot. I expected a science heavy, fast-paced thriller, and that’s exactly what I got. This book reads like an action thriller movie, which is not my favored movie genre. I enjoyed how clear and concise the writing was and appreciated how the science was packaged so it was understandable, but also not strictly necessary to be understood to enjoy this novel, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.

Upgrade is a fast-paced story that keeps moving, though there is a huge time leap that both made sense and felt very curious to me. I enjoyed the sibling vs. sibling story, but their relationship, and every other relationship Logan had, even with his own wife and daughter, felt very devoid of any real depth and emotion. The idea of the upgrade was fascinating and I loved how there were limitations, but it made Logan feel more like machine than man. What I did really like was the setting. It’s set in a future where climate change has a serious hold on us. There are some fascinating technological advancements as well, but I was most interested in how the world changed. I did wish for more of an impact, but it was nice that this future acknowledged changes that feel quite inevitable now.

My biggest issue, though, was the story being separated into two parts with a huge time jump between them. It meant I had no real idea what this book was supposed to be about until about halfway through, and then it just kept moving so fast I felt like I was getting whiplash. The first part majorly set up Logan and his relationships and problems, and then the second half felt like it ditched a lot of things in favor of moving like an action adventure thriller movie. All action, no depth. But at least it was a quick read.

“In the absence of compassion, selfishness is the most rationale response of all.”

So far I’ve read Dark Matter, Recursion and Upgrade. Dark Matter is my top fav, but I really do enjoy all of Blake Crouch’s books.

I’ve heard people shy away from this novel because it’s labeled sci fi (with dystopian flair). Look, you could be a scientist or someone who knows next to nothing about science and you’d still be able to follow and enjoy a sci fi book written by Blake Crouch. His writing has a natural flow to it and the action scenes are always a blast, literally. Plus I always learn something new when I read his books. I like the perspectives and ethical questions that come up too.

Blake Crouch takes complex topics (genetics, DNA, viruses, etc.) and makes them easy to understand without dumbing them down. No idea how he does this so well but he does. I never thought I’d read sci fi until I discovered Blake Crouch.

"What do you call a heart that is simultaneously full and breaking? Maybe there’s no word for it, but for some reason, it makes me think of rain falling through sunlight."

I'm the odd one out on this novel. For some reason it didn't hit the mark the way I had hoped. I love a good sciencey/genetic alteration type read but I just didn't connect the way I had hoped.

If I had to try and pinpoint, it would stem a bit from this having more informative dialogue than action. I felt stuck inside Logan's head. While I'm a fan of science, I like when the novels use the scientific to enhance the plot. This felt more bogged down and dragged for me.

I did like the family and humanity aspects. They added a lot of what I do look for, especially the epilogue that touches on the idea of compassion. Don't get me wrong, there is a beautiful depth to the character, Logan. I wanted to enjoy the hell out of this.

There are tons of excellent reviews giving high praise to this book. I highly recommend taking a look at those and seeing for yourself what you think. Thank you Penguin Randomhouse for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.

A month ago I had yet to read a single book by Blake Crouch. Fast forward to today when I finished my third sci-fi thriller by Blake and now characterize him as one of my favorite authors of all time. I love the scientific details he incorporates into his stories and how insane the plot feels but eerily could happen in reality if society puts their mind to it. All three of his stories that I've read, Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade could all translate well into a thrilling movie and hope to see all three adapted in the near future. While Upgrade will likely fall as the least favorite out of all three thrillers, this was still a very bingeable and exciting story that really makes you wonder, could this happen in real life? Is this truly far off from what's possible in the present day? I love stories like that. I'm so glad I finally caved to the demands from friends and family to read this author, especially since Andy Weir is another one of my favorite authors who has similar vibes to these books. Now I cannot wait to see what Blake comes up with next!

Blake Crouch has done it again in his latest heart-pounding sci-if thriller. Set in the near future, we see a thought-provoking and terrifying world where gene altering is a thing. This book is full of intriguing “what if” moments that seemingly could be real in the years to come. It’s jam-packed with action. So if that’s your thing, you will love it. While not my favorite of Crouch’s, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read an intriguing, suspenseful book. Blake Crouch is a must-buy author for me and still is!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy.

Another #bookofthemonth book read the month I received it (and thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for the gifted ecopy). Upgrade, by Blake Crouch, is available now!

I’m not a big #scifireader (and I’m total transparency, I didn’t care for Dark Matter and didn’t read Recursion) but I couldn’t put this one down! The science wasn’t too hard to follow and the storyline kept me completely engaged. Upgrade made me think about the potential repercussions of messing around with genetics and DNA, even with the best intentions.

Wow, just wow, this was a thriller that never stopped. The highest respect to Blake Crouch for writing a book that pushed my mental understanding to it's limits. I've been a fan since reading Dark Matter a few years back and love the science fiction Blake Crouch dreams up. The technology and science of Upgrade mimics real life, and here that is scary as all hell. As with many, if not all, of Blake Crouch's novels, he creates a futuristic world that is mesmerizing and fills it with great characters that you can't help but love.

The main character in Upgrade is Logan, and his character arc is nothing short of amazing. Imagine having your natural abilities modified to make you smarter, faster, etc. What would you do if one day you could remember every conversation you had, or figure out complex math equations. The possibilities are endless and intriguing. Logan has several upgrades that are more and at the same time less than what he expected or could imagine. All of the pluses of an upgrade are met with an equal number of minuses.

While Logan puzzles out the mystery of who, why and how such changes to his genetic code are possible, it become clear humanity may be in great danger. Natural resources have become scarce and the environment is a mess. Upgrade takes many changes in direction and working to solve the case was a challenge. I love a book that makes me think, holds my attention and won't let me put the book down. Upgrade was all of this and more, I recommend it highly.

Action-packed techno thriller!

Logan Ramsay has been genetically enhanced without his knowledge or permission. As he gradually discovers that he is better at everything -- from concentration to physical abilities -- he also finds that he has been targeted for this upgrade by someone from his past. And there are bigger plans for the rest of humankind on a simply terrifying scale. Only Logan can stop the worst from happening.

This is the type of book that I was desperately needing -- so fast and fun with events coming at a furious pace that left me turning the pages wildly with anticipation. I love science, and this involved gene manipulation, so it was everything I hoped it would be and intensely satisfying. I liked the main character, and I can just see this as a movie on the big screen. There are some moral lessons within and I found it quite interesting what evolved from Logan's super mind concerning what the most important thing would be for the continued existence of homo sapiens. Enjoy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for this e-book ARC to read, review, and highly recommend. I can't wait for this author's next book!

2 words: “𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐬.”

⏰ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫: It’s the future. Cray-cray actions have happened (no spoilers!) and Logan Ramsay finds himself “upgraded” in a body that has amazingly sharp skills, in every aspect, but someone is behind the upgrade and Logan is going to find out who, forcing him to face a legacy he’s spent his life working against while trying to understand. The problem is - what if the upgrade is a GOOD thing for humanity? What side is Logan really on?

💡𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: Here’s the scary part about this book - this all seems like it could REALLY happen! What if our bodies and brains were upgradable like our phones? 🤔 Boom - you’re smarter, stronger, faster. Ta da! But technology has risks. And pitfalls (yup like the 80’s video game). And massive advantages. This is what makes the entire book a head-scratcher of medical ethics.

The book is cerebral; you’re going to need your brain and might lose some minutes (ok hours) Googling about genetics (fascinating!), but it’s not so bogged down in science that it loses its thrill, and this I’m discovering might be a Crouch trait because like Dark Matter, I was pulled in, churned and spun like a centrifuge, and spit out the other end contemplating , “What just happened?” And loved every minute!

I figured out the book takes place in 2069 (from the mention of the a building and it being 101 years after it was completed, quick Google and voilà, wow I’m so smart!) so it’s just enough in the future to make you worry and simultaneously creep you out completely.

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

📚𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Science-Fiction Thriller

😍𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: I’m not a Sci-fi reader and loved it so I’d say if you enjoy fast-paced action with an amazing story? Don’t pass this up!

🙅‍♀️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨: If you are hardcore against Sci-fi.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my always-honest review and for making me eyeball bees and ice cubes.

Upgrade, the latest book by Blake Crouch is a well-written, intricately woven thriller that will keep you quickly flipping pages from beginning to end.

Logan Ramsey, son of a scientist who caused the greatest tragedy in history, awakens one morning to find himself feeling different. As the day(s) progress, he realizes he's becoming better in every way. He has more physical strength and abilities, his senses are more acute, his mental capacity has grown immensely; his DNA has been hacked and he's been upgraded. But by whom, and for what purpose?

The plan, created in an attempt to ultimately save the planet, and already set in motion, is to upgrade all of humanity despite terrifying consequences and collateral damage. Logan realizes he's the only one who can stop it. Can he do it in time? Should he? What is the best hope for humanity?

A thoroughly thrilling and engaging read, I highly recommend it!

My thanks to Ballantine books for permitting me to read an e-ARC of the book via NetGalley. Publications was 7/12/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own are are freely given

I’m trying to think in what genre I would characterize Crouch’s new fast-paced novel. It’s not one I would normally read, but I’ve been completely drawn in by it. I think it’s kind of a dystopian, sci-fi medical thriller. It’s a bit scary to read in this age of wave after wave of COVID. But Crouch is a very good writer who involves you in the story and makes you care what happens to these characters, and to the world.
The hero of the story, Logan Ramsey, is the son of the scientist who developed a giant leap forward in gene-editing, which has created a black market for all kinds of nasty things. Logan is now an agent for the Gene Protection Agency, a new branch of government dedicated to finding and catching those who break the federal law against using this technology.
On a raid in Denver, he is hit by an ice IED. Thinking at first there are no lasting effects, he soon finds out that he has been “upgraded” in every way, strength, stamina, intelligence, memory, and analysis.
I can’t say too much more about how the story unfolds without being guilty of being a spoiler. But the action is fast and furious. I find I’m developing a bit of a taste for for thrillers, and this one was not a disappointment at all. I thought the author had to be a scientist who had done super-extensive research. I understand, instead, that he has had very good people advising him. The science in the book is not dull. Nor is the philosophy. It will make you think about what we all want for the future of our planet.
Do be sure to read past the epilogue to the “Three years later” chapter. I have mixed feelings about it, but it will keep me thinking for a long time.
I look forward to reading more by this author. I feel quite sure that this particular novel has a movie in its future. I’ll be there.

Well written, fast paced sci-fi/dystopian novel about gene manipulation. I couldn't put it down. I literally read it in one day. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an advanced reader copy.

3.5 rounded up. Upgrade has an interesting and unique plot filled with suspense. I was glued to it, enjoying every word until the last 25%. The long action scene was a bit hard to follow, losing me in the technical jargon and excessive detail. It could be that I was distracted while reading so I definitely wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading it.

Blake Crouch is able to take the complex and make it understandable. Reading this book will not only increase your IQ but it will make you more attractive and compassionate.
Hopefully that convinces you to read this book because it explains why humans keep destroying the only world we can live on, while entertaining you with a thought provoking, action packed, hard science story that will have you by the throat as you try to decide who is right and who should be dead.

This was fine. It wasn't good or bad but not what I was expecting it of the plot. The characters, setting and prose were in similar style to other works by Crouch which is fine because I did find a good amount of enjoyment from Recursion and Dark Matter, but where these differ is in the amount of scifi elements I got out of them.
Upgrade starts with a lot of promise. Clearly a ton of research went into setting up the story. I loved the idea of underground DNA splicing because it gave me a bit of Cyberpunk vibes. Unfortunately that wore off quickly when the book transitioned from a strong scifi to a more action drama that felt like a screenplay draft. I know that there are fans of that sort of blend and so this would be a perfect book for that person. For me, it just wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for. Because of that it's a middle of the road read for me.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a thriller about Logan Ramsay and what happens when he realizes that his genome has been hacked. He is faster, smarter, sharper. He's almost super-human. Why has someone done this to him? Who did this? Logan has to stop this from happening to everyone else in the world. This story read like a movie, and it was a lot of fun if a little too applicable at times. Highly recommend this and Blake Crouch's other books. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: Upgrade by Blake Crouch
Upgrade is a science fiction novel about a man trying to stop a global plan to “upgrade” every human’s DNA but at a huge cost.
Logan is a married father of one and member of a government team that hunts rogue scientists when an explosion on the job infects him with a mysterious illness. After he recovers he finds that he is faster, stronger, smarter and tougher than he was before. His search to discover what happened to him and who is responsible will force him to look at people within his own circle and unearth a devastating plan to make everyone just like him. But the costs will be too high and only Logan can stop the worldwide “upgrade”.
This is a fast paced futuristic novel that makes the reader question what it is to be human and what we are willing to give up to be “better”. Although there are a lot of intense action scenes there are also powerful moments where Logan is faced with difficult sacrifices as his “upgrade” pushes him beyond his family bonds.
I highly recommend this exciting new science fiction novel for its thought provoking premise and full-throttle action. It is fast-paced, violent and has some heart-breaking moments about humanity and our future on this planet.