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adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Suicide, Death of parent
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Loved this book. I am fairly new to Blake Crouch but this is by far my favorite. The plot set up was fantastic, just enough info to hook the reader. Throughout the book he kept me on the edge of my seat. I thought the ending was a fitting end to the book. Although the subject matter is over my head, it never got in the way of me understanding the book. Crouch has a good way of using the scientific lingo in an understandable way.
My one fault was with the audio version. The narrator mispronounced Glasgow, MT. As a Montana native and one time Glasgow dweller, I can say that his research of the town and surrounding areas are amazing just needs the right pronunciation.
My one fault was with the audio version. The narrator mispronounced Glasgow, MT. As a Montana native and one time Glasgow dweller, I can say that his research of the town and surrounding areas are amazing just needs the right pronunciation.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It truly hurts me to give a Blake Crouch anything less than a four, but realistically, this is somewhere around a 3.75 or 3.5.
Having read Recursion and Dark Matter and devoured both, I had high hopes for this book. Still regardless of how I didn't love it, I did end up devouring it similarly to the previous two (in two days).
The book is highly scientific, and because of a smaller scope, it's able to go into a lot of detail about how that science works. While it was fascinating, I found a lot of the book explanatory as to how the DNA things all worked. I was looking for more emotional hits than just action-based hits, but this book just isn't that.
I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with Upgrade, and I would still recommend it, regardless of the reasons I didn't jump for joy over it. Crouch's writing is backed by science and the occasional line that will knock you off your feet. The only issue is that I was looking for more of those moments, but only had a few.
For new readers, if you're looking for a book that will keep your heart rate high, you've come to the right place. Old readers of Crouch may be missing some emotional impact, but will still enjoy the crazy ride that he always delivers.
Having read Recursion and Dark Matter and devoured both, I had high hopes for this book. Still regardless of how I didn't love it, I did end up devouring it similarly to the previous two (in two days).
The book is highly scientific, and because of a smaller scope, it's able to go into a lot of detail about how that science works. While it was fascinating, I found a lot of the book explanatory as to how the DNA things all worked. I was looking for more emotional hits than just action-based hits, but this book just isn't that.
I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with Upgrade, and I would still recommend it, regardless of the reasons I didn't jump for joy over it. Crouch's writing is backed by science and the occasional line that will knock you off your feet. The only issue is that I was looking for more of those moments, but only had a few.
For new readers, if you're looking for a book that will keep your heart rate high, you've come to the right place. Old readers of Crouch may be missing some emotional impact, but will still enjoy the crazy ride that he always delivers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Death
Minor: Vomit
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
CW: suicide, violence, blood, human experimentation
I don't think I liked this more than Crouch's Wayward Pines trilogy, but I DO think it's my fave of his more recent releases. scifi is not a big go-to overall for me, but I am all here for a scifi eco-thriller in Crouch's capable hands!
a lot of the book does essentially center on things like climate change, classism, environmentalism in general, and the downfall of humanity & humans as a species. SO if ANY of those topics turns you off, maybe skip this, or at least be aware ahead of time.
this book absolutely made me cry in a couple spots, laugh a lot, and I had a hard time putting it down to go to work & such. highly recommend, especially if you dig scifi/eco thrillers or crouch in general.
all the stars!
I don't think I liked this more than Crouch's Wayward Pines trilogy, but I DO think it's my fave of his more recent releases. scifi is not a big go-to overall for me, but I am all here for a scifi eco-thriller in Crouch's capable hands!
a lot of the book does essentially center on things like climate change, classism, environmentalism in general, and the downfall of humanity & humans as a species. SO if ANY of those topics turns you off, maybe skip this, or at least be aware ahead of time.
this book absolutely made me cry in a couple spots, laugh a lot, and I had a hard time putting it down to go to work & such. highly recommend, especially if you dig scifi/eco thrillers or crouch in general.
all the stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
- def lower end of 3 stars, i think
- it wasn't bad, conceptually it was actually very interesting, but it definitely needed editing
- lots of introspection and not a lot of plot progression, plus the final 10% felt like a drag that i just wanted to get over with to the point where I skimmed it mostly
- a weird case of it needing to be shorter but also needing to be longer - cut the repetitive waffle, add more insight that isn't introspective
- thought provoking at times, but definitely one that you have to really think about, not really a book you can 'get lost in'
- confusing at times with the enhancements that worked in some scenarios but not in others
- i have only read one blake crouch (dark matter) but this doesn't come close to it, i'm afraid
TWs: vomiting, hospitalisation, explosion, violence, gunshot wounds, gun violence, death of father (past, suicide), death of mother, death of brother (past, leukemia), death of sister (murder), strained family relationships, murder, torture, needles, blood, gore, scarring, drug use, smoking, alcohol consumption, animal abuse/testing
Thank you to bookbreak and the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
- it wasn't bad, conceptually it was actually very interesting, but it definitely needed editing
- lots of introspection and not a lot of plot progression, plus the final 10% felt like a drag that i just wanted to get over with to the point where I skimmed it mostly
- a weird case of it needing to be shorter but also needing to be longer - cut the repetitive waffle, add more insight that isn't introspective
- thought provoking at times, but definitely one that you have to really think about, not really a book you can 'get lost in'
- confusing at times with the enhancements that worked in some scenarios but not in others
- i have only read one blake crouch (dark matter) but this doesn't come close to it, i'm afraid
TWs: vomiting, hospitalisation, explosion, violence, gunshot wounds, gun violence, death of father (past, suicide), death of mother, death of brother (past, leukemia), death of sister (murder), strained family relationships, murder, torture, needles, blood, gore, scarring, drug use, smoking, alcohol consumption, animal abuse/testing
Thank you to bookbreak and the author for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Gore, Torture, Blood
Minor: Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child death, Drug use, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Alcohol, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was thrilled to get this advanced copy from Random House - Ballantine. As always Blake Crouch is keeping us enthralled with his ability to write science fiction in the most thrilling possible way. This is a perfect addition to his already amazing books!
We follow our main character Logan Ramsey in a dystopian future. He works for the GPA (Gene Protection Agency) and lives with guilt every day. The human race has survived, barely, what is called the "Great Starvation", and science has developed to a point where anyone can try to upgrade their DNA. The government of course has put a quick stop to it, whether it be the well meaning families trying to help their children, or large scale bio-weapon labs. Logan's job is to stop them. Even when it means stopping the "good" guys who are making real and meaningful advances for the world. He goes on a raid one night and everything goes wrong... more than anyone could have guessed.
This story had me on the edge of my seat. I love the way the science is part of the story, but doesn't feel like a barrier or something you feel you need to understand before reading.
I highly recommend you pick this up in July when it is published!
We follow our main character Logan Ramsey in a dystopian future. He works for the GPA (Gene Protection Agency) and lives with guilt every day. The human race has survived, barely, what is called the "Great Starvation", and science has developed to a point where anyone can try to upgrade their DNA. The government of course has put a quick stop to it, whether it be the well meaning families trying to help their children, or large scale bio-weapon labs. Logan's job is to stop them. Even when it means stopping the "good" guys who are making real and meaningful advances for the world. He goes on a raid one night and everything goes wrong... more than anyone could have guessed.
This story had me on the edge of my seat. I love the way the science is part of the story, but doesn't feel like a barrier or something you feel you need to understand before reading.
I highly recommend you pick this up in July when it is published!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
~~~
At this point, I will read literally anything that Blake Crouch writes. He is incredible at coming up with high stakes scenarios that are not only enjoyable to read, but also give the reader some interesting concepts to think about along the way. I also find his works to be really accessible to those who are just getting into sci-fi so if that sounds like you, I'd recommend his books for sure.
~~~
Upgrade is the story of Logan Ramsay, an officer with the Gene Protection Agency. His job: identify and take out genetic engineering operations. Reconciling his work and personal identity with his family's legacy becomes the least of his worries when he finds himself compromised after a failed sting. It isn't long before the changes start, forcing Logan to face his family and the events that he's been running from his whole adult life. Who will he be once all is said and done?
~~~
The thing I loved most about this book were the philosophical undertones. This book asks some really interesting questions about humanity, identity, and the age-old debate of logic vs. emotion. I love reading books that give you something to chew on even after you've finished, and this book definitely delivered that for me.
The plot thoroughly captured me from the first chapter. There were some slumps in the middle, which is why it didn't quite make 5-stars, but it really picked up toward the end and wrapped up with quite a satisfying conclusion, regardless.
All things considered, I had a good time with this read and would recommend it to those who enjoy near-future sci-fi + thriller reads that leave you thinking, but also sort of terrify you with their relevance.
~~~
At this point, I will read literally anything that Blake Crouch writes. He is incredible at coming up with high stakes scenarios that are not only enjoyable to read, but also give the reader some interesting concepts to think about along the way. I also find his works to be really accessible to those who are just getting into sci-fi so if that sounds like you, I'd recommend his books for sure.
~~~
Upgrade is the story of Logan Ramsay, an officer with the Gene Protection Agency. His job: identify and take out genetic engineering operations. Reconciling his work and personal identity with his family's legacy becomes the least of his worries when he finds himself compromised after a failed sting. It isn't long before the changes start, forcing Logan to face his family and the events that he's been running from his whole adult life. Who will he be once all is said and done?
~~~
The thing I loved most about this book were the philosophical undertones. This book asks some really interesting questions about humanity, identity, and the age-old debate of logic vs. emotion. I love reading books that give you something to chew on even after you've finished, and this book definitely delivered that for me.
The plot thoroughly captured me from the first chapter. There were some slumps in the middle, which is why it didn't quite make 5-stars, but it really picked up toward the end and wrapped up with quite a satisfying conclusion, regardless.
All things considered, I had a good time with this read and would recommend it to those who enjoy near-future sci-fi + thriller reads that leave you thinking, but also sort of terrify you with their relevance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gun violence, Violence
Moderate: Death, Torture, Death of parent
Minor: Grief
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Upgrade was one of my most anticipated books this year. When you love an author’s previous works, there is so much anticipation for the next one…but there is also that niggling worry that it won’t live up to what you hope for as an avid reader. This one did not disappoint, and like many of his previous books, I devoured this one in a single day!
Crouch has a way of immediately engaging the reader, as well as presenting scientific theories and information in a way that’s accessible. This book had a fascinating premise and kept me on the edge of my seat; I’m definitely glad I started it on a day that I knew I didn’t have any pressing matters to see to, because I didn’t want to put it down!
With themes concerning genetic modification, climate change, compassion and empathy, and leaving the world a better place, this sci-fi thriller is beyond relevant to today’s world. Like his other works, this book is a thrill ride I’ll definitely be revisiting in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine Books for this advanced reader copy!
** July, 2022 Update: I read it again this week since it was officially released, and my opinions and rating are the same! Even though I knew how the book ended, I finished it in a matter of a few days because I had difficulty putting it down! **
** July, 2022 Update: I read it again this week since it was officially released, and my opinions and rating are the same! Even though I knew how the book ended, I finished it in a matter of a few days because I had difficulty putting it down! **
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Car accident, Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
✨ A MOST ANTICIPATED 2022 READ✨
And it was all I’d hoped it’d be from one of my fave authors! I already know this will be a top read of 2022 for me and I’m beyond excited I got to read it pre-publish thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House.
Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: sci fi / thriller
Mood: adventurous, mysterious, challenging
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Pub Date: July 12, 2022
#readandsiprecommends to read if:
• you don’t think sci fi is your thing but want to give it a try - see below for why
• you were enthralled watching the augmented human experience of Bradley Cooper a la Limitless
• Project Hail Mary was one of your favorite reads of 2021
Review: Crouch’s Dark Matter is one of my all-time favorite books - just bought it for my shelves and thinking about a re-read this year! And I’ve been hard pressed to find something quite like it since reading it years ago (aside from Andy Weir’s space adventures also incredible and top faves of all-time).
Crouch has a way of writing sci fi that’s both high level intellect - and accurate because he collabed with genetic experts - while being digestible to someone without a background in science. While I love learning the science behind, I don’t want to be bogged down by too many details that’ll go over my head and Upgrade strikes that balance for me.
This story is so unique to anything I’ve read and the near-future relevancy to the current state of our humanity is uncanny. And the way Crouch was able to tie the story to bigger picture philosophical implications made it all the more powerful.
The world the main character Logan lives in is already in an apocalyptic state after his genius mother’s genetic work leads to a massive wipe out of the population. Trying to save humanity from extinction altogether his mother worked up a complete genetic upgrade and Logan’s one of the first to receive it. I found myself rooting for Logan’s character from the start, seeing his love for his family and how it’s upended.
It’s up to Logan to find a way to save humanity without losing his humanity. I felt that emotional pull to him and his journey - and yes I even cried a bit.
I pre ordered this book before being approved for the e-ARC and I am happy I’ll have this one on my shelves.
🚨 TW: death of a parent, mentions of torture
🚨 TW: death of a parent, mentions of torture
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture, Death of parent