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chambersaurusrx's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault
blackcatkai's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
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, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide
jkpiowa's review against another edition
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide
outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
In a futuristic America, Logan Ramsey works for a branch of the government which outlaws the manipulation of genes. This is ironic as he was part of the team, led by his brilliant but arrogant mother, responsible for the deaths of over a billion people from starvation when gene manipulation, trialed in insects, went badly wrong. The current case sees him arrest a gene courier who directs them to the address where they made the drop & Logan is caught in an explosion. He wakes up in isolation & learns that the explosion exposed him to what could be a deadly infection.
After a touch-and-go period, Logan starts to recover & realises that he feels different. He can read faster, retain information better, remember things from the past in precise detail, & doesn't need to sleep as much. He's not the only one who has noticed though & he is kidnapped by his employers & his wife & daughter are told that he died on a mission raid. He learns that he has been 'upgraded', certain genes have been manipulated to make him stronger, faster, less prone to injury & illness, & more intelligent. As he tries to work out how to escape from the prison he is in, someone from outside breaks in & rescues him, & Logan is shocked to learn it is someone from his past - his estranged older sister who has also been 'upgraded'. As they investigate what has happened to them, they come to realise that they are fighting for humankind's very survival.
If this was to be a film, Logan would be played by Tom Cruise. It just has that type of feel with lots of action set pieces, betrayal, double bluffs, & the plot moves at breakneck speed. There are parts which nearly made my eyes go crossed when it talks about all the different genes & what they do etc, & there are some laments on what we are heading towards as a species, but on the whole, it's more a blockbuster entertainer than anything deep & meaningful & there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I thought it was an interesting choice that the author went for pathos for the ending rather than the usual 'Happy Ever After', but it was definitely in keeping with the rest of the book. Overall, it's like an action film, you enjoy it at the time but wonder just how long you will actually remember it.
Thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Pan Macmillan, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
After a touch-and-go period, Logan starts to recover & realises that he feels different. He can read faster, retain information better, remember things from the past in precise detail, & doesn't need to sleep as much. He's not the only one who has noticed though & he is kidnapped by his employers & his wife & daughter are told that he died on a mission raid. He learns that he has been 'upgraded', certain genes have been manipulated to make him stronger, faster, less prone to injury & illness, & more intelligent. As he tries to work out how to escape from the prison he is in, someone from outside breaks in & rescues him, & Logan is shocked to learn it is someone from his past - his estranged older sister who has also been 'upgraded'. As they investigate what has happened to them, they come to realise that they are fighting for humankind's very survival.
If this was to be a film, Logan would be played by Tom Cruise. It just has that type of feel with lots of action set pieces, betrayal, double bluffs, & the plot moves at breakneck speed. There are parts which nearly made my eyes go crossed when it talks about all the different genes & what they do etc, & there are some laments on what we are heading towards as a species, but on the whole, it's more a blockbuster entertainer than anything deep & meaningful & there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I thought it was an interesting choice that the author went for pathos for the ending rather than the usual 'Happy Ever After', but it was definitely in keeping with the rest of the book. Overall, it's like an action film, you enjoy it at the time but wonder just how long you will actually remember it.
Thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Pan Macmillan, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
whatjasread's review against another edition
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: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Gore, Torture, and Blood
Minor: Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child death, Drug use, Suicide, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Alcohol, and War
marareading's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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, and Injury/Injury detail
rachelunabridged's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Torture, and Death of parent
Minor: Grief
kari_f's review against another edition
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
emilylovesgoodbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
millennialp1nk's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death and Police brutality