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whatjasread's review
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
3.0
- 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: Medical content, Medical trauma, Violence, Gun violence, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Torture, and Gore
Minor: Vomit, Cancer, Alcohol, Car accident, War, Drug use, Suicide, Animal cruelty, Child death, and Grief
kari_f's review
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
4.5
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 and Death of parent
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