It's the ultimate "trolley problem". Human kind is not going to survive without some massive changes, but not everyone will survive the upgrade, so is it worth a few lives lost to save the many? This is the question Blake Crouch is really asking in Upgrade.

Logan is trying to make up for his mother's mistakes by working with an agency that tracks down and jails geneticists working on gene editing. When he's infected with an upgrade that alters his DNA, he has to decide how he's going to use his new, enhanced, self to save humanity.

I really liked Upgrade! Crouch is an author I know is going to bring some really interesting ideas to the table, all while making me care about the characters. I found the beginning really fast paced and exciting though it did slow a bit in the second half.

Logan Ramsay is a federal agent with the Gene Protection Agency. Gene editing has been banned in the US after “the largest accidental mass killing in human history.” An arrested informant tricks Logan into a basement where an explosion pierces him with a synthetic virus that later improves him physically and mentally. Why would someone target Logan for this upgrade, and what is he expected to do after he’s been changed?

Upgrade is a tale of one possible future of humanity in the upcoming age of gene editing. It’s clear that Blake Crouch meticulously researched the science behind the story to make it as realistic as possible. The book is well-written, and the plot moves quickly. There’s a cat and-mouse element that maybe gets a little repetitive, and the resolution is not particularly surprising, but the overall story is still quite satisfying.

I think the most interesting thing about Upgrade is that it’s a cautionary tale, just not the cautionary tale you expect. Sure, on the surface, it’s about the perils of gene editing and how easy it will be for people in the future to unleash chaos and death using this developing technology, either deliberately or accidentally. But the novel is really about the danger of believing that greater intelligence—as opposed to other character traits such as empathy or compassion—is the best path forward to solving the world’s problems. While there is a believable portrayal of the hubris of people who feel infallible and empowered to take risks to us all because they’re the smartest person in the room, I still found the idea subversive, if not downright dangerous, after living through a pandemic in which people ignored science at their peril. And then after making its case, the book instead ends with a paradox, as Logan takes an action that both rejects and accepts this idea about intelligence being humanity’s best chance at survival. I’m not sure where Mr. Crouch ultimately lands on this question he poses, which is maybe as it should be, but Upgade is a fun ride exploring it. Recommended.

Blake Crouch is one of the best at sci-fi and his latest, "Upgrade" does not disappoint. The book takes place at some point in the future when climate change has wrecked major cities and when scientists have discovered how to edit genes in whatever way they'd like. The main character, Logan Ramsay, leads the effort to fight this despite his complicated family history. Overall, this is a fun, fast-paced sci fi thriller that leaves the reader with lots to chew on.

Another fantastic thriller from Blake Crouch, an author who has quickly become my go-to for fast paced imaginative fiction. Upgrade was a page turner with satisfying science and a relentlessly manic plot. I'll eagerly await more from this author.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for sending an arc my way in exchange for an honest review!

Upgrade is a book that is set in our own world post covid 19 after a lot of research and advancements have been made on gene altering, but it did come at a deep cost of 200 million lives from a project gone horribly wrong many years before the start of the novel.

The only other Blake Crouch book I have read is Dark Matter and while I did like that one more I still really liked Upgrade and I will definitely be checking out more of his books. Now I just need to decide if I should read Recursion or the Wayward Pines series next.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Random House Publishing- Ballantine for an advanced copy of this techno- thriller science fiction novel.

The future sounds really awful as we look at our present and imagine it getting worse. Cities under water, erratic weather, food shortages, more stupid people in politics. However, what if a person could change their whole genetic makeup, their DNA and make a body that was a stronger, a brain brainer with the power to remember all that you read and learned, and give you the ability to beat your child at chess. Suddenly oligarchs and driverless cars doesn't seem that bad anymore. The future almost sounds worth seeing. In Blake Crouch's Upgrade, everything has a cost, especially perfection.

Logan Ramsay is an agent for a new organization of law enforcement in the United States that monitors and controls genetic manipulation of plants, animals and humans. Logan is also an ex-con arrested after his mother changed genetic science for billions in profits, but destroyed the food stocks in China. So Logan is conflicted about this new science. During a raid, Logan is caught in an ambush that rips his suit and breaking some ribs, but otherwise leaves him fine. Until they find his bones are healing fast and much denser. That his reading has improved and he beats his daughter in chess for the first time in forever. That ambush was set for him, and his body has been upgraded. For what he does not know, but he is the only one who can stop a fiendish plot that might change life on Earth forever.

A book with big ideas and a summer blockbuster mentality. Fun, easy to follow, a plot that starts and moves well, except for a bit of science technobabble but, not that hard to follow. Logan is an interesting character and some of the surprises are a little easy to see, but still reads well. A beach read for nerds.

Definitely a book for readers who miss Michael Crichton, the mix of family and science is very balanced and keeps the interest. Readers of Andy Weir, especially The Martian will enjoy the science talk and the pace. Also readers of Walter Isaacson The Code Breakers will get a kick out of seeing all the things that were discussed in that novel as happening, happening.

I have previously really liked Blake Crouch's books and he is definitely my go to for tech-based sci-fi stories, which are the only kinds of sci-fi novels I actually like. They're always really fast paced and action packed, they feel like watching a movie in a good way. I remember reading Recursion in one sitting. Overall, I liked his latest Upgrade, it was an interesting concept that he had clearly put a lot of research into and was a super quick and engaging story. That being said, sometimes it felt a little too fast--the writing style was short and clipped, which is ok but I found myself struggling to connect with the characters. I also wanted to know more about the futuristic, post-famine / gene editing world they were living in, it was more alluded to than described. I loved the epilogue though, it really brought the whole book together in a satisfying way for me. I wouldn't say this is my favorite Crouch novel, though did still really enjoy it and would recommend it to someone especially if they like this genre!

This book takes place in the future where humans have ruined the planet. Flooding has covered most of the coastal cities and science has developed to where gene altering exists. Logan Ramsey is the main protagonist in this book, and we follow him as he undergoes a DNA upgrade that makes him smarter, faster, and stronger. His mother was a scientist that developed a way to edit people’s genes and DNA, but one of her experiments ended up killing millions of people. After her experiment, gene altering became illegal, but years later, Logan accidentally exposes himself to the gene alteration. Early genetic tests don’t show any changes to Logan’s DNA, but weeks later, he starts to notice his memory is sharper, he can multitask, and be basically becomes a superhuman.

This book started out pretty solid for me! I love Crouch’s writing style. His books are incredibly easy to get into, and he writes great characters that are easy to relate to and root for. However, this book is different than the author’s previous books because the main character in this book literally changes so much that he becomes a completely different character in front of your eyes. So, the character you loved at the beginning isn’t the same person from chapter to chapter. It was interesting to read. It wasn’t really “character development,” that was going on, but instead it was a character that was changing physically, mentally, and emotionally and was a different character in every chapter. It was interesting to experience to read from a character’s point of view that changes so much. I found it to be very interesting!

The book also hits a pretty slow middle section with a bunch of science stuff. Even though I felt like I could follow the story decently through these slow chapters, there were so many times that the book listed specific genes, and I found myself not even reading every letter of the gene sequence. It was a little too much for me. Although this book was too science-y for me, I can see how someone in the genetic and science field would love these references. This middle section is why I’m rounding down to 4 stars. Everything else was great, but the middle was slow.

Then the book makes a drastic change with the last part of the book where it becomes an action-packed crescendo to the epilogue. I could see this being turned into a great movie someday. Speaking of epilogue, I thought it was fantastic. I could tell Crouch had a message to tell, and he used this book to say it, but then sealed the deal with his epilogue.

The book brings up some fantastic discussions. It makes you question the pros and cons of gene therapy. Would you kill off most of the planet to save the human species? Would you give up your humanities side of yourself to save humanity?

I think fans of Blake Crouch will really like this book! I personally liked his other books a little more than this one, only because of how science heavy this one was with all the genetic lingo. I still highly recommend this book!!

As I read the description for this book, the movie and television series Limitless came to mind. I am intrigued by the idea that the human brain and physicality can be hacked and our potential expanded. This book, in that regard, did not fail. The energy of the story line and character development was solid and exciting. The story kept me engaged, and there were some unexpected twists and turns.

For me, I had some trouble with the descriptive elements. The medical jargon was difficult to navigate, especially because I wasn’t sure what was real medical terminology, or futuristic. For instance, the hero passes through Las Vegas at one point, and the description is of a future version of the place, so was the medical description also manufactured from imagination, or was there foundation in reality? That’s not something that every reader will be concerned about, but I felt somehow cheated by the paragraphs of description that I couldn’t digest. Aside from the jargon, I found the premise interesting, and the story satisfying.

A copy of Upgrade, by Blake Crouch was provided to me by NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an honest review.

Full disclosure, I would read Mr. Crouch's grocery list. I find his writing style completely engaging, full of twists and a plot that keeps you frantically turning the pages . His latest book did not disappoint. It was an edge of your seat thriller with a science fiction bent that will keep readers rooting for our hero throughout.

I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting and scary at the same time because it talked about things that could happen. There was a lot of scientific terminology and ideas so I had to read slowly and reread passages.

After a freak explosion Logan Ramsay doesn’t feel like himself. He’s thinking sharper and clearer. He’s reading and talking faster. He needs less sleep and is memorizing things with amazing accuracy. Logan’s body has upgraded and he is seeing the world in a new exciting way.

Logan’s transformation was no accident; he was targeted. Logan’s genome was hacked. He was chosen for reasons that are connected to his unique family history. Furthermore, he is part of a bigger plan. This “upgrade” will be inflicted upon people around the world. Humans have trashed the planet to the point that extinction of the human species is eminent. To make matters worse, people don’t seem to care and don’t take it seriously. This upgrade will change everything and is believed to save the species. However, when people start exhibiting strange side effects and the death toll rises, Logan begins to question if this is really a good idea.

Logan is the only one capable of stopping this event. He faces numerous challenges and makes difficult decisions along the way. However, he realizes that he must use his new abilities to save the human race.

If I mention the sci-fi genre do you promise not to turn off your brain? Hang with me here. I would not consider myself a Sci-Fi buff by any stretch of the imagination, but there is something about Blake Crouch’s storytelling that is absolutely magnetic.

If you were given the chance to save the future of humanity by upgrading your DNA, would you take it? UPGRADE follows Logan Ramsay in a near-future society that has been ravaged by climate change and man-made catastrophes. Logan involuntarily finds his body and mind slowly transforming into optimal conditions with uncharted IQ and physical capabilities, but what will be the cost? This sounds heady but at its heart, this is a story that explores what it means to be human.

UPGRADE is a bit heavier on the science than I remember DARK MATTER and RECURSION to be, but the science aspects are succinctly summarized and can easily be glossed over if that isn’t of interest to you.

Crouch’s previous books were both 5 star reads for me, primarily for their page-turning plots with the importance of home as a major aspect of the story. UPGRADE also reads like a bingeable thriller but the theme of family was secondary to the broader theme of the connection shared by all humanity.

Crouch raises some fascinating questions about the common good, complacency, and our role in protecting the earth for future generations. Once again, I was completely blown away by the author’s brilliant creativity and thoughtful mind.

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)
PUB DATE: July 12, 2022

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review. Review will be posted to www.instagram.com/kellyhook.reads books in advance of publication date (late June).

Blake Crouch has done it again! Upgrade is an incredibly well woven sci-fi thriller that further cements Crouch as a legend in the genre. I don’t know anything about DNA and although some of the subject matter was over my head, I was fully invested and I always had enough detail to understand what was going on. I was so excited to pick up this book every time I was ready to read and couldn’t put it down when I started. Incredibly well researched and nail biting thrills on every single page.

Not only are there intense action scenes and strong family bonds that we have come to expect from Crouch’s work, but there is a deeper message about humanity in these pages. I finished this book feeling hopeful about our world.

Blake Crouch is one of my auto-buy authors from this point forward. I’ve preordered my own copy already because I loved this so much. Dark Matter, Recursion and now Upgrade… truly a master of his craft.

Blake Crouch does it again. Blake Crouch can do no wrong, apparently. I read this book in one sitting.

Not my favorite of Blake Crouch’s books. It is an interesting set up and obviously scientifically very relevant. But I thought the characters weren’t developed well. The MC has no flaws, he is portrayed as morally correct the entire time, no wavering, no questioning. This made for very little development. I’d still read Blake Crouch’s next book but this one fell flat for me.

Thank you for the eArc. I will be posting my review as soon as I read it. I appreciate your patience.

Upgrade is one of the best sci-fi books I have read this year. This is my second (and favorite) book by this author and I am so glad I was able to get my hands on an ARC.

This book follows Logan Ramsay, the son of a woman who, in trying to ameliorate crops through genetics, killed millions of people. He had to deal with the consequences of his mother's failure. Now, this book is set in a world where DNA and genetics have been developed on another level . After a mission gone wrong, his body and mind will go through a transformation that no one has ever seen yet. But it's only the beginning as a bigger plan will involve him.

I don't want to say much more as I feel like everything could be a spoiler. All I'm going to say is that this book was amazing and if you want a sci-fi with a really interesting plot, plenty of action and heart-wrenching moments, this is a must-read. This book also makes you think about our own planet, our humanity and our future.

(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)

Definitely not my favorite Blake Crouch novel, but if you enjoy science fiction - this book is for you. It gets a bit on the technical side, which lost my interest, but there's no doubt that Crouch knows how to write a killer story! I'm excited to see what he will have up his sleeves next.

I hadn't read Blake Crouch before, but had a number of friends recommend DARK MATTER and thought I'd take a chance on UPGRADE when I saw it here on NetGalley. A bit formulaic, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good beach read and likes books in the Dan Brown/Michael Crichton vein.

As a huge fan of Dark Matter and Recursion, I was really looking forward to Blake Crouch's latest sci-fi suspense thriller. Though it didn't disappoint in the science and thrills, I will say that Upgrade took me longer to read because of the subject matter (genetics). I also didn't warm to the protagonist at first; there's something about the way he talked about his improved mind and body that irked me. Sometimes it sounded more condescending and arrogant rather than amazed at his new abilities.

If you're new to Blake Crouch's writing and you like smart, cinematic sci-fi thrillers, I recommend Upgrade. It isn't as easy as his previous works to skim to find out what happens next, but it's worth slowing down and taking your time to absorb each and every word.