Thank you Netgalley, Blake Crouch and Ballentine Books for this advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

WOW! This book was AMAZING! This is the first book I've read by Blake Crouch, but I'm fully planning on devouring his entire body of work in the immediate future. I don't normally read a lot of sci-fi, but this has opened up my interest in the genre.

In this book, set in a not too distant future where gene editing has gone awry and has been banned by the government. Logan, a regular guy with an average IQ, works for the Gene Protection Agency (GPA) and one night on a raid he is infected with a gene editing virus that "upgrades" him to the next level of human consciousness. This upgrade sets him on a course where he must come to terms with his past.

This was literally one of the best novels I've read in a long time. The novel itself contains a lot of science, but it's described in ways that make things understandable. This book had me at the edge of my seat, but also brought me to tears in a few spots. I really cared about Logan and was rooting for him. And, although the end wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, it was a great ending regardless. Overall, a very enthusiastic five stars!

I want to thank #netgalley for letting me read the eArc of this book #upgrade by #BlakeCrouch. I enjoyed the book for the most part. It’s really really way out of my comfort zone but I’m glad that I read it. The book seemed to touch on a lot of things that we are dealing with now which made it feel more realistic. For those that enjoy futuristic books and very technological things this is a great book for you!

Blake Crouch has outdone himself! This is an absolutely fun read-the best sci-fi I have read in a long while. What would you do if you had the means to save the human race; by blocking off their humanity and killing billions in the process.? Logan Ramsay has a decision to make as he is being forced to make this choice, against his choice. I hate to give away a plot so I won’t, but I will add this is a nail biter, anxiety provoking and heart racing! Have fun reading!

Once again Blake Crouch wrote a book I’m not smart enough to fully comprehend, but I was still entertained anyway. The science of it all was way over my head most of the time, but even so the story was intriguing and I didn’t miss out on anything by not understanding all the technical stuff.

It’s an interesting and important topic, how to get people to wake up and understand the needs of our planet.

Another awesome read from Blake Crouch, the author of Dark Matter and the Wayward Pines Series. Upgrade is a can't-put-it-down action packed triller of the not so distant future where genetic 'upgrades' are science fact, but the consequences could save or end millions of lives. This will be a great fast paced summer beach read, I personally forced myself to stop reading at the end of each section so I could enjoy the book over 3 days. If you like any of Crouch's other books give this try and you won't be disappointed.

Note: I received a ARC of this book from NetGalley for a pre-release review.

Review copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the near future a new technology called Scythe is created. Scythe allows just about anyone to modify a person or animals genetic code. This leads to people trying to make dragons all the way to eliminating malaria by killing off mosquitoes that carry it. After a certain event, Scythe is made illegal and the government creates an agency that shuts down gene labs, called the GPA. We follow Logan Ramsay, a GPA agent. Logan is the son of Miriam Ramsay, who created Scythe.

Crouch takes the plot to places you would never expect. The theme throught the book is "what does it mean to he human?" And Crouch explores this idea in a deep way.

I really enjoyed Logan and his family dynamic. This is my first Blake Crouch book and I've heard all of his books read fast, I read this in a couple of days. I never once lost interest in the plot or characters. I would highly recommend to just about anyone. While this isn't space sci-fi, I would put this on par with last year's Project Hail Mary, which for me, was a near perfect book.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4528855226

This book is fire! And I definitely mean that in a good way. It focuses on the good and the bad of genetic engineering and provides food for thought about “What if?”. The story has everything. On top of the very detailed genetic focus of the book, there is also a family dynamic in play. The future is presented here in such a way that it is a bit disturbing to consider it, causing some discomfort here and there, but allowing for a great read. It is a mostly fast-paced thriller in science fiction that will have you turning pages to see what happens next. I am so glad that I was able to get my hands on an ARC. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to enjoy this ride early.

There is no Blake Crouch book that I won’t love. He just has a way of telling a story. I appreciate his sci fi realism and it always leaves me feeling that a story of his could be real some day. Please give this book a read! Or any of his books if you are curious.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

A meticulously researched and brilliantly told story of the fragility of the human race, the necessary dance between reason and compassion, and the opportunities and dangers of gene therapy. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. There is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages and plenty of thought provoking ideas to keep you thinking.

I felt I'd won the lottery when I got this ARC. I loved this author's previous two novels. Plus, near future speculative fiction thrillers are my jam.

Upgrade ticked all my boxes. I wish I could rate it higher, but my mind kept fighting the plot twists. That is, when it wasn't completely numb from the info dump of biogenetics.

In this story the "mad scientist" theme is given a full dose of modernization while maintaining Crouch's special touch with interpersonal relationships. In fact, it's a bit of a tear jerker.

Kudos to an author who can write these mind-twisting novels with such in-depth research. Blake Crouch remains a favorite for me even though this particular story isn't my personal favorite.

This title feels a bit more like hard science fiction than Dark Matter and Recursion. But I still enjoyed it very much! I can always trust Blake Crouch to pull me out of a reading slump.

Logan works for the Gene Protection Agency when, on a raid, his life is changed when he receives an upgrade to his own genes. Gene editing and even genetic research is illegal during this time after Logan’s mother’s failed experiment with locusts resulted in millions dead.

We’re taken in a journey through every step of Logan’s transformation, which is described in great detail with scientific accuracy. These parts take a lot of concentration for myself (a non scientist or doctor) and sometimes I skimmed over them a bit. Why did he receive this upgrade? Who gave it to him? And what is the end game?

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy!

I have been a constant fan of Blake Crouch, although I have yet to find any of his books that I find to equal the Wayward Pines trilogy. However, while I still feel that this is the case, Upgrade is by far the most enjoyable book by Crouch that I have read in years. Like most of his books, the central theme revolves around the mixture of human fallibility, power and hubris (and even good intentions) which, when combined, can lead to terrifying and devasting results. Upstart is set in an undetermined future United States where genetic modifications have become so common place that the government (and the world) has developed an agency (sort of CIA-esque) to both identify and arrest rogue scientists engaging in genetic modifying, from altering human features to creating new creations. Without giving too much away, this book takes a look at how tampering with nature, without fulling understanding how complex both human beings are, not too mention the world in which we live, can bring about a level of catastrophe that can potentially doom human existence. Overshadowing this theme, are the realities of climate change, poverty and inequality; all of which serve to exacerbate problems in existence.

Despite the heaviness of the topic, I found the book an easy, fascinating read, which I blew threw in a few days. Highly recommended!

Blake Crouch’s Upgrade instilled much anxiety, dread, and tension in me. What a read! His use of science and ecology increases my knowledge.

The storyline lagged towards the end … climbing a building reminded me of the movie Die Hard. But the letter at the end! That made me raise the number of stars back to 5.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Crouch, and Random House Ballantine for increasing my heart rate while reading this book.

Get ready for what will be a huge sci-fi release this summer! I loved the (Wayward) Pines series so I was thrilled to be asked to read and review Blake Crouch’s newest novel. Upgrade drew me in immediately and then flows into an action-packed ride. The themes of irreparable damage to the planet reflect a terrifying truth to our current situation. So, in that sense, it’s a horror novel!

When Logan gets or a virus he realizes that this is no "ordinary" virus. He has been genetically changed and someone has done it to him.
His brain is in high gear! He can process things and do things with rapid speed. The clarity is incredible!
It is definitely a benefit, but is it always?
Would this be available to the world? Would it always work?
The journey begins and it is full of suspense and mystery!
Can you really reduce population by one "change or upgrade mistake"?
This novel will have you wondering if scientists could actually do this to people, would it be a good thing or would we eradicate some if not all of the population if not done exactly right?
Would you possibly reduce population by one "change or upgrade mistake"?Well done!


I truly enjoyed this story.
It had me questioning at this unpredictable time in our own world with the pandemic and the vaccines, if this is not part of the plan? Perhaps...perhaps not.
You decide...

Anyone who enjoys science fiction will love the this book! It has detail, adventure, heartbreak, and fear!

Thank you to NetGalley and #Random House Publishing-Ballentine for this advanced copy and allowing me to provide my review.

First starting reading. I thought, uh oh. Is this gonna be way over my head? Gene editing, germline modification, mining bacteria uhhhh, say what now? I’m not gonna lie, I skimmed some of the technical uber science-y details. Like how does Crouch know how to write about this kind of stuff?!

I really liked the use of the therapist to tell the reader the backstory about Logan’s past. And when we learn what really happened, why he carries such baggage….well no wonder. And you really start to empathize with Logan. All of a sudden the book kicks into high gear! And then….twist, boom, reveal, boom, another reveal! Unputdownable.

Then Part 2 gets dark. Like really bleak. Add in the all the R-naught(RO) numbers, shedding virus, immunity, so very COVID-y. So much detailed science-y stuff, skim, skim…then back to the action.

Part 3 is my least fave. Right up until last action scene of book! That right there is the stuff movies are made of. No wonder Amblin Entertainment bought the thing!

The book comes full circle in the Epilogue. Ahh, there you are Crouch. The first part of the epilogue is what I love about his writing and found missing from the entire middle. Gets a bit heavy handed for a bit, but I’ll overlook that part.

Overall, I enjoyed some parts, skimmed some parts, but came away satisfied. I don’t know that I’d recommend the way I push Dark Matter, but that’s unfair. That one is special. I round up to 4stars on this one due to the Epilogue.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books and Penguin RandomHouse for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

For more book recs, follow me on Instagram @librarianreadspop 👍🏻

Couldn’t put it down. I have read a few other of his books but this may be my. Favorite. Getting upgraded has its appeal, but the downsides are there too. What makes us human? I think Loganfigures this out in e end

A little bit different sci-fi novel. A brilliant scientist, shunned by everyone because her mistake killed millions,uses her grown children in an experiment. She is supposed to have died, but she didn't. Now she is really dead and has left yet another mess

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre-approval for this book in return for an honest review.

A new book from Blake Crouch that goes far and above the previous reads I've enjoyed from this author. That is saying a lot. I loved Dark Matter with a few reservations and felt Recursion was even better and really loved Summer Frost, a novella by Crouch in the Forward Series anthology. So I was excited to read this latest. It is a thoughtful, mind bending and heavy on science of genetics science fiction with enough of a realistic plot to present an amazing believable story. I was immediately pulled into the story and loved how it twisted and turned along the way.
The plot is told from the single point of view of Logan Ramsey son of a famous geneticist now dead who is now employed by the GPA--the Gene Protection Agency. This agency is to protect the public from rogue scientists who might involved in illegal genetic sequencing--anything from developing a new disease, a synthetic species and genetically modifying embryos. The story starts off with a bang that sends Logan into the hospital with multiple minor wounds and a concern he may be infected with an unknown genome.
From there the plot takes off as Logan begins to notice changes in his own body which will change how he sees not only his own future but that of the human species.

It is a great read, labeled as a thriller and it lives up to this label. This is a novel I would recommend both as great science fiction but also for how much it looks at an arm of science that is currently coming to the fore front. I found it both insightful and presented many ethical questions that the narrator attempts to answer along the way. Really a great science fiction read I will be thinking about a long time. I recommend it highly, not to be missed.

I was elated to be gifted a copy of Upgrade by Random House. I am a big Blake Crouch fan. I will tell my husband the whole plot of the novel and then make him read it so he can tell me all his favorite parts. It’s a whole thing.

As much as Crouch’s novels have to do with crazy mind breaking science, they have a lot to do with love, and Upgrade is no different.
In a future where gene altering is illegal, Logan Ramsay’s genome is upgraded when a raid goes wrong. He goes from being the Gene Protection Agency’s employee to being theirs to observe.
Is he the solution to the world’s problems or is he another tool of destruction?

Dark matter is a man trying to get back to his family.
Recursion is a couple trying to save the world and about the love we have with people.
Upgrade is about both of those things.

It’s a novel written in the shadow of the first years of our pandemic and climate disasters. Our novels now have a more concrete connection to the real horrors we face. Is this what the dust bowl novels were to a former generation?

Blake Crouch does something new, which will be hard for some readers, and it’s not perfect but it’s beautiful.