That was one of my fastest enjoyable reads this year, possibly even last year. I've been caught up in high fantasy, and to jump into a real world apocalyptic thriller was exciting. The science was believable and understandable. I enjoyed the characters and they felt real. It's hard, especially after what we've been through in the past 2 years, to emerge from this story like this with a huge wealth of hopefulness. I liked learning about human nature at the end, and the reason we think and act the way we do. I also feel good knowing there is still hope for our world. Thank you to Netgalley for offering me a free e-book of this title in exchange for an honest review

Really enjoyed this fast paced sci-fi adventure. There was a lot of science behind the book which I greatly appreciated. You can tell the author did his research on the subject. I loved the premise of the book and while it dragged a little in the middle. The ending wrapped up wonderfully.

This book was incredible. Im typically lost with sci-fi but this is very readable. Overall I would recommend this to everyone!

Agent Logan Ramsey is on a mission to rid the world of illegal genetic modifications. Until one night during a raid he was exposed to a genetic IED that blew up and exposed him to a genetic upgrade. Imagine having your genes modified to become the best person you can be? To have the ability to run faster, think faster and better, become a genius, and strong, with the ability to read people? He's the best version of himself.

But the upgrade is not without a cost. Humans as a species have the potential for great good, but their careless behaviors are leading to the end of human civilization within the next 150 years. Upgrading a generation of people can lead to a more intelligent race that can survive longer. The upgrade may be the solution, but once we get an upgrade at what point do we lose ourselves and become something else entirely? And are the risks of exposing humans to an upgrade and losing a large percentage of the population in the process worth the risk?

This is the first Blake Crouch book I've read and I understand why he has so many fans. The book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and really brought forth some thought-provoking questions about science, our responsibilities as humans and perhaps what it really means to be human. A really good read and one I recommend. I plan to add his earlier books to my TBR and look forward to his next release.

Blake Crouch has quickly become an automatic read for me and that is saying something because Science Fiction is not a genre I typically enjoy. Crouch’s newest novel does not disappoint. I have said it before and I’ll say it again - Blake Crouch is a genius story teller, who has an amazing gift of taking wild scientific concepts (in this book - gene editing) and making it readable for regular, every day people (like me) without completely losing his audience by over explaining. Along with all the science that this book is centered around, Crouch also created unforgettable characters that you truly care about.

In this book Logan Ramsey is the son of a brilliant scientist that accidentally killed millions of people with a scientific experiment gone bad. Logan now works for the GPA (Gene Protection Agency) that tries to prevent gene editing and engineering. During a raid he gets hit with a device that upgrades his genes. He’s stronger, smarter, quicker - his genes have been upgraded and he is now considered an enemy to the GPA. So much more goes into this story because along with that simple overview is a man who has a family that he loves that is now in danger if he’s a part of their life.

This book is part science fiction, part thriller, part save the world and part family drama. The epilogue is fantastic! It’s a book I’d highly recommend. Fans of Dark Matter and Recursion will not be disappointed. Thank you to @netgalley for the advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released in July of 2022.

You can change your mind........in more ways than one.

Blake Crouch is my guy when it comes to scientifically themed novels. He is beyond brilliant when it comes to lining up the chairs of science alongside the necessary popcorn of a great human interest storyline. Crouch extends his hand and leads us through the heavy-duty elements that lie herein. He never lets the Bunsen Burner go out.

Agent Logan Ramsay works as a scientist for the Gene Protective Agency (GPA). Gene editing has become a federal crime. We're now a few years out from The Great Starvation in a post famine world. A profound impact has occured from tampering with and subverting the original intent of a gene's function. Scythe had become a biological DNA modifier system. In the wrong hands, genetic fingerprint labs have the potential to release pathogens like mad terrorists.

Logan and his UNESCO partner, Nadine, have gotten a tip on such a lab. As they enter inside, an explosion happens and ice-like particles break through his hazmat suit. As a precaution, Logan is hospitalized and tests are run. Initially, all seems to be well. But eventually, the tests come back with rapid changes to his genetic coding. Logan's fear is one of trust. He's not even sure if he should divulge his newly gained enhanced learning and spatial capabilities along with his higher cognitive function abilities. His mind is speeding at an astonishing rate.

But someone is taking notice and Logan is kidnapped from his room. He's held like a prisoner and his blood is drawn every nano second. His wife Beth and his daughter Ava have no clue as to what has happened. And here's where Blake Crouch shuffles the cards at a rapid pace. Someone knows the inner workings of Logan up close and personal and would profit greatly from a genome analysis of the new and improved Logan. Crouch gives the readers plenty of evil options here. But which one?

If you've not had the pleasure of reading a Blake Crouch novel, check out Dark Matter and Recursion. They are top-notch and attention getting. Crouch will make a scientific believer out of you yet.

I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Random House Publishers and to the talented Blake Crouch for the opportunity.

Upgrade
Blake Crouch
Science Fiction
352 pages

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley + Ballantine Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was my very first Blake Crouch novel and I certainly see what all the hype is about! I have not read many science fiction books in general, but I was impressed with Crouch’s ability to incorporate a science-heavy premise into an interesting and entertaining storyline. While I will admit that some of the more heavy DNA explanations went over my head, I felt that for the most part, the information was accessible and lent itself to furthering the plot. Certain parts of this future society made me uncomfortable as a reader, which only helped to further immerse myself in this fictional world. I especially liked the action scenes and could almost see those playing out like a movie in my mind while reading. I don’t see myself journeying too much further into the science fiction world, but I will definitely be reading more of Crouch’s work!

🧬 Science Fiction
🧬 Single POV
🧬 Future society setting
🧬 Altered DNA/superhuman storyline
🧬 Slow burn
🧬 Action-packed ending
🧬 Explores what it means to be human
🧬 Epilogue (I loved this epilogue!)

#caitsquietplacereviews #caitsquietplace #cqpfiction #upgrade #blakecrouch #ballantinebooks #randomhouse

I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the chance to read this ARC. Can’t wait for more by author!

Once again Crouch does an excellent job breaking down over complicated theories into a language that every reader can understand and enjoy regardless of their basic knowledge of science. I still liked Dark Matter the most out of all of his books so far but I still really enjoyed this one despite it being the most complex of the 3. I would definitely recommend this to people especially those who love a good science fiction

Every time I read a Blake Crouch novel, it consumes my mind. It's all I can think about until I'm finished with it. This was no exception. I loved the world, the writing, and the pace of it. The science was easy to understand and fascinating, and the story itself was so much fun. The question if you genetically alter humans to be "perfect", are they still human? 4/5 stars, one star docked for some things at the end of the book.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch is a science fiction thriller set in a near future where genetic manipulation is possible. It is, for the most part, fast paced and well written. Unfortunately, this fast pace is slowed down somewhat by an enormous amount of science explained in excruciating detail. I have no idea how accurate any of this science is but it sounds authentic. It also made my eyes glaze over. I wish there had been a little less time spent on all the mind numbing science and more on the main character’s early life.

Despite all the science, the story is fascinating and Logan is an intriguing main character. It is definitely a story that will make you think and will stay with you after you finish the book.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

I don’t even know where to begin with this book! It was absolutely amazing. Lately I have found reading to be just little bit of a chore, but I was able to fully immerse myself into this book. One of the things that I really love about all of Blake Crouch’s books are that they really make me think. This book makes me imagine how our world could be different if we were really capable of gene editing as it’s displayed in this book. The havoc that it could wreak… Even though this book is very scientific (and I am not a science person) it was still easy to follow. Crouch does a great job of explaining terms and providing enough context so that the average reader isn’t lost. I can only imagine how much research was put into this title. All around, it was a fabulous read and I would highly recommend. Especially for those who are looking for some mental stimulation. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

“They seemed truly happy, and it made me happy to watch them — a thousand small kindnesses among people who had nothing to give.”


Book Dynamics✨
3 parts
1 POV
Quick paced
Loooooong chapters


Crouch is my favorite sci-fi author so I had high hopes for this one and I was not disappointed.

This one is a stark reminder to not forget what it means to be human.

I loved the aspect of Logan being a federal agent. It added a different layer to the story that Dark Matter and Recursion didn’t have.

Crouch writes true sci-fi so be prepared for a lot of words you do not know 😂 it’s semi dumbed down so you can follow though.

I very much liked that this one was all about DNA and not the multiverse like his others. It was very different in a good way!

Just like his other novels this one is action packed and paced perfectly. Even with the long chapters it was still a very quick read!



Favorite Character: Logan Ramsey 😮 yes, I loved a main character! He is layered and flawed, but a perfect MC.

5⭐️// Logan Ramsay has been trying to atone for sins of his family & just living his life. Until one job turns that upside down and he wakes up feeling different - sharper, clearer, stronger. He has been upgraded. Now it’s his job to answer the questions of how, why & for what purpose that will lead him down a twisted path & cause him to ask the question “would humanity be better if we were all upgraded or does that mess with humanity itself?”

For me, Blake Crouch books are like riding a roller coaster blindfolded - I know I’m going to love it, but have no clue what to expect at any second. Upgrade is no different - it is riveting, thought provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Dark Matter & Recursion and while this one is a bit of a different vein, I think this one is my favorite so far. Check it out if you love twists & turns, anything Blake Crouch and want to ponder what it means to be truly human.

Blake Crouch has become a go-to author for me so I was really excited to read this one. Lots of intense action scenes, some really thought-provoking and frankly scary themes running through this story. Scary for the very real possibilities he writes about but I think this is what makes his stories so good and engaging.

4.5 stars
Blake Crouch is a must-read author for me. Dark Matter and Recursion are two of my favorite books and now I can add Upgrade to the list as well. This book was quite different from those two but still just as well written and entertaining. Upgrade was a fast paced and thought provoking sci-fi thriller that I didn't want to put down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. Upgrade will be released on July 12, 2022

He does it again. I’m always so amazed at what Crouch comes up with. This book is fast-paced, no BS, and still with an element of heart ache while remaining action packed. All of his main characters are so ridiculously flawed that you want to dislike them, but you really can’t because they go through hell and back. So glad to have been able to read this early and will get it for my book shelf for sure.

Upgrade is another masterpiece by Crouch. He imagines a world in which a scientist finds a way to play God with the future of the human race, only to have all the progress come crumbling down due to short sightedness. The novel is fast paced and forces the reader to decide what they might do in the same situation. It was a bit heavy handed at times with the “we all need to be more compassionate” message, but that can be over looked with the strength of the rest of the story.

Set in the not so distant future, Upgrade plays with the question of genetic modification. Logan Ramsey, the son of a disgraced geneticist who caused millions of deaths, works for the Gene Protection Agency to stop illegal genetic activity. He finds himself targeted in an explosion which causes a genetic overhaul to his system, essentially “upgrading” him to a faster, smarter more superior human. But is this upgrade to humanity the answer to mankind’s problems or just the beginning?
I have long been a fan of Blake Crouch and while his previous other two novels I’ve read focused more on physics and time travel, it was fun to delve into the topic of genetics. Controversial at its heart, it was fascinating to think of the questions posed to ponder whether being upgraded would take away parts of what make us human. There were times when the gene talk and science bogged me down a bit (and I was a biology major and enjoy this stuff!) I think the average person will understand and enjoy this as well. This would also make a fantastic movie!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Blake Crouch has now solidified a position in my reading as - I will read every new book that is published...IMMEDIATELY.
Upgrade is a fast-paced, sci-fi thriller that could be one person's worst nightmare. The idea of genetically modifying humans is beyond thought but not beyond capability in the wrong hands. From beginning to end the story was engaging and twisty. It kept me guessing but was not completely surprised by the ending. This book is for those who like fast activity, solid story building and elements of the unknown. The science is digestible and readable for everyone. STRONGLY suggest this!