Logan Ramsay wakes up in a hospital bed, surrounded by doctors in hazmat suits, feverish and in pain. In the era of genetic-modification, he's been infected by a virus with unknown consequences to his genome. As the days pass, and as Logan recovers, it becomes clear that it's not just one thing that's changed- It's nearly everything. Everything about his brain and his body is smarter, faster, and stronger. But who infected him and why? Should his upgrades be unleashed upon the human population or is it up to Logan to stop it?

Blake Crouch has done it again, ya'll. While this still doesn't beat Dark Matter for me, it's a damn good attempt. While I still have no idea what 100% of the scientific mumbo jumbo means, Crouch does a good job of balancing it with laymans terms so that your eyes don't roll to the back of your skull and you still can understand what's going on. He really is the king of writing modern, accessible, and Black Mirror-esque sci-fi that speaks to even those of us that aren't sci-fi readers.

While I did predict the "twists", they were executed so well that I wasn't bothered by it. Rarely do I believe an epilogue is necessary, but Crouch nails it in Upgrade.

Finally, this reads like an action movie. Literally cast Matt Damon in it and call it a day!!! In this house, we do not acknowledge Bradley Cooper's 'Limitless' or Justin Timberlake's 'In Time', but imagine a plotline that combines a superhuman in a race against the clock to save humanity... That's pretty much what we're working with here.

Overall, a 5/5 read and one I'll definitely be recommending to fans of his work!

Another great read from Blake Crouch. A very accessible fast paced thriller with extra portions of Science in the premise. Crouch comes up with a very original story-line and executes it very well, you will find this book hard to put down and quick to Finnish. My major criticism is that perhaps he overdoes it with the very detailed highly researched science at the expense of the Character development. Despite the fact that the characters personal relationship with their family is central to the plot, that area seems somewhat under explored. I would recommend this book, but fans of Crouch might find this book doesn't quite meet the high standards of his previous work.

I absolutely loved this book! Turning away from the focus that his last few books (Dark Matter and Recursion) had on physics, Upgrade zeroes in on genetic science, and imagines a future wracked by environmental collapse and genetic mayhem. This book asks some really philosophical questions about what actually makes us human, and what keeps us from feeling compassion for the destruction that our species has caused on this planet. The action was fast-paced and fun, the imagined future was described in such a detailed way that it was like watching a movie in my mind, and the existential bend was one that I really appreciated. I'll be highly recommending this book to everyone I know!

Wow! Wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into when I started this book. It was quite a thrilling, yet sobering adventure into the near future. This book dealt with very complex science concepts served up in an easily accessible way for everyone to follow along. Overall the book at its core was a story that placed value on humanity in a way you don't see too often turning on the news at night. Some of the events were a bit triggering because the reality laid out was very believable and sadly not too far off from where we are as humans today. But also it was a story of hope and redemption. 4.5 out of 5 star read for me!
Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

In an age with ever increasing genetic technology, Blake Crouch speculates what would happen if we could upgrade our bodies as humans; not how we look, but how we process information, how fast our reaction time is, the ability to know what your partner or friend is thinking before they even speak in addition to increased muscle tone, multi-tasking on an insane level, and little need for things like sleep.

Upgrade is a fast-paced thriller that forgets to start at 0 and instead begins at 60. It is a quick, page-turning read that will appeal to both action enthusiasts and science aficionados. Logan is a sympathetic character who is torn between his ties to his wife and daughter and his obligations to destroy his mother’s damning legacy.

With every novel, Crouch’s writing continues to improve. He effectively balances character development with a healthy dose of cutting-edge science and technology amidst a background of edge-of-your-seat fighting and destruction that is worthy of any big budget blockbuster.

In a day and age where technology is advancing at a rapid pace and our world is becoming increasingly more divided, Crouch takes a candid look at what it means to be human and what it would take to save our species from destruction.

Definitely recommended for fans of Crouch’s previous works such as Dark Matter, Neal Stephenson, and Andy Weir.

**Huge thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and Blake Crouch for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.**

In an unspecified, but near future, climate change has ravaged our earth, and rogue geneticists are desperately trying to save humanity. Logan Ramsay, of the Gene Protection Agency, has a storied familial past. In a failed GPA raid, a genetic “upgrade” is forced on him, then crazy shit ensues. A brilliant take on a pandemic-ish story. Really enjoyed! Just wish it had been longer. The ending felt rushed.

Blake Crouch brings us to another distopia - this time revolving around genetics - and ubermensch. Well written, engaging, worthwhile.

This Sci Fi Thriller blew my mind!!

Logan Ramsay always wanted to be more. Be careful what you wish for. Genetic engineering has become a hot topic lately.

With the state of the world now who knows is this could become more fact than fiction.

I did have a hard time with some of the scientific aspects.

This is only my second book by Blake Crouch. I enjoyed it very much. It definitely gives you food for thought.

This was a solid Blake Crouch novel. I personally didn't think it delivered as much of a punch as Dark Matter or Recursion. I got a little lost in the DNA details, however I think that was part of the point - it was a heavy science-based book. That is the only reason I am not giving this one 5 stars.

This is a fast-paced science fiction novel with a strong thriller element.

Crouch has imagined a dystopia where a genetic experiment went awry, creating an even more environmentally catastrophic world than we currently live in. Subsequently all genetic research has been banned and there's a government agency- think FBI- that's tasked with catching and jailing those who disobey the new laws. Our main character Logan was once a genetic scientist who now works for the very agency that hunts down scientists engaging in genetic science. To say he's conflicted is an understatement.

Now, after finding himself in a mysterious and violent attack- he is transformed- 'upgraded'- his physical and mental capabilities ramped all the way up. Imprisoned and hunted down, he has to leave his family and whole life behind to find out who is behind this upgrade, and what else they're planning to do with this technology.

I enjoyed this standalone from Crouch- a solid offering after Dark Matter and Recursion. There were some recurring themes- scientists involved in extremely experimental science, and the importance of and loss of family, but this book felt more masculine and also had a hard science aspect to it that was very strong. It's clear that Crouch did a lot of scientific research to write this book and it's very impressive.

Like his other novels, this book was an easy read which is a testament to Crouch's writing ability.

Recommended for fans of science fiction that features lots of hard science, action sequences and have post-apocalyptical settings.

Upgrade is a fast-paced, timely novel that imagines a world not too far in the future, Once gene modification is a reality, humans screw it up, and now live in a world full of famine, flooding, and the ever-present threat of extinction. Logan Ramsey is infected with a virus that changes his genes, only to find that the powers behind these actions have much bigger plans to save the planet.

Even the parts that were a bit heavy on the science were easy enough to understand, and I found the book to be a fascinating if ominous delve into where we could be headed.

Bake Crouch's new novel sets the tone of the novel quickly with a raid-gone-bad of an illegal Gene Editing Lab. Faced with the reality that humanity's time is limited, a world renowned scientist has made it her life work to create an "upgrade" for homo sapiens. Her son, Logan Ramsay, is the first (unwilling) recipient of this upgrade. Crouch's high-stakes novel is must read for any lover of science fiction.

3.25 stars.

I enjoyed this book. While a little less thrilling than Dark Matter, it was still a fun ride. I was not incredibly invested in the characters and thought the thrills were few and far between, but I still enjoyed the premise and the adventures the reader goes on. I do wish that the story was a bit more cohesive. I felt like it was a little all over the place. I would recommend this to Crouch fans, but not before his others.

Blake Crouch has done it again! He is able to weave a tale so intriguing that it is difficult to step away! The story and characters came alive for me as I read and I found myself thinking about the possibilities when I wasn’t reading. Thank you for another fantastic story!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for a free e-copy of Upgrade in exchange for an honest review.

Blake Crouch books feel like the type of book I shouldn't like, but I end up devouring every one of them. Upgrade follows in the same vein as Crouch's previous books. Super smart science stuff with a good amount of action and plot, and ultimately, a lesson about what it means to be human.

Upgrade takes place in the future when it's now possible and illegal to rewrite genetic code. The planet is on its way to becoming inhabitable to humans, and Crouch explores whether or not increased human intelligence is the solution. And are you still human when your genetic code has been altered?

Much like his other books, character development is not Crouch's strength. The characters have loved ones and connections, but I didn't feel connected or emotionally invested to them. However, I was super invested in the plot and what would happen in the end. It made me really struggle with whose side I was on and what felt like the "right" thing to do. I really appreciate the comments around compassion and empathy even if they come at the very end.

Overall, this one is probably 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up since it was the one book that's managed to keep my focus this month. If you're a Crouch fan, you'll enjoy this one.

Upgrade is an interesting book and a bit confusing; what I mean by that is there is so much technical bit in the book to confuse unless your a geneticist. Beyond that the book is interesting and reminded me of my Physiology
final exam were I had to write a story about a human that aged 1 year per day. I liked the book very much it's was not only interesting in a scientific .form ,but also in a unique story.

Upgrade follows the story of a brother and sister, Logan and Kara Ramsay, both unwittingly enhanced with genetically engineered upgrades, who square off against each other in a dangerous battle of conflicting schemes to save humanity from itself. In Logan especially, Crouch gives us a flawed by likeable character the reader engages with effortlessly.

After a stint in prison, Logan received a pardon and eventually went to work as a special agent for a federal law enforcement agency called the Gene Protection Agency (GPA). The GPA enforces federal laws that prohibit gene editing and goes after rogue scientists still attempting to do gene editing research in clandestine labs and those trafficking in high-end genetic elements.

Logan is the son of Miriam Ramsay, a brilliant geneticist who pioneered and patented a cutting-edge biological DNA modifier system since declared extremely illegal by the government. Miriam Ramsay became almost universally hated and ostracized when one of her gene editing experiments caused a worldwide famine and the largest accidental mass killing in human history. Logan, a college student at the time, had been working for his mother during the experiment, and that’s why the authorities sent him to prison.

During a raid on what was believed a dark lab, Logan sustains serious injuries from an IED left behind at the site. As he recovers, he notices biological changes that make him suspect the bomb contained some type of DNA modifier. While Logan tries to investigate the changes happening to him on his own, his agency discovers what has happened and confines him to a black site while studying him to determine whether he poses a threat. Couch then introduces Kara, Logan’s sister, when she breaks him out of the GPA prison. They discover that both of them have recently experienced the same genetic editing, transforming them into “super humans.”

Upgrade introduces the reader to a new futuristic world in the classic dystopian view. Couch hits all the high notes for the sci-fi genre, not a surprise to anyone who has read his previous works. The setting is at once familiar to those of us living in the 21st century with things like climate change, electric vehicles, and species ending environmental disasters, but fresh at the same with Couch’s unique takes on some standard ideas. The story’s specifics are fascinating, though at times Upgrade wanders into long asides on explanations of genetics and DNA that grow a little tiresome. Still, the action sequences are well-placed and exciting. The novel is perfect for sci-fans looking for a book with a unique take on saving humanity from itself. Those who don’t usually read sci-fi but enjoy a good thriller and can put aside the futuristic setting should also find Upgrade an entertaining read.

Blake Crouch's sci-fi thrillers never disappoint. UPGRADE is an edge-of-your-seat thinker. Part science, part philosophy, all entertaining. I couldn't put it down.

Huge thanks to Penguin/Random House for sending me that ARC.

Blake Crouch is always a solid read, and you know you'll get a cool and unique premise to start things off. Really enjoy his consistency as an author. This one wasn't my all-time favorite of his but again, they're all great.

Upgrade is a sci-fi thriller that forces the reader to take a look at the things we continue to do that harm the world for the generations to come and if there are solutions to be had for such an issue. This is a fast paced book, that I read quickly and was interested in throughout except for what I felt was a bit of a slog near the very end. I wasn't particularly attached to any of the characters in the book. However, I did find that I cared about what they were doing, would to or had done in the past. This is an usual experience for me, as I generally don't like books where I do not connect with at least the main character, but this other level of care, kept me connected to the story. I really liked that a book that talked about people being upgraded via changes in DNA, could also speak so eloquently about the world we live in and what this world will become if changes are not make. I so appreciated that about this novel and it has really increased my thinking on this topic and the thoughts the author discussed about our limits in compassion, which while not true for all of us, is certainly true for many, and something worth a lot more discussion and literature about. While I believe this is the first Blake Crouch book I have read, I expect it will not be my last! I would give it 3.5 stars if I was able.
I appreciate Netgalley and Ballantine books for the opportunity to read this e-galley, in exchange for my honest review.