A review by onemorepagecrew
Upgrade by Blake Crouch

mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Upgrade by Blake Crouch lived up to my expectations and was a quick, exciting read.  My first Crouch novel was back in 2017 when I read Dark Matter, and I remember loving the fast-paced science fiction mood.  When I saw the plot for his latest book, I was intrigued… and when I heard from a friend that it held its own against Dark Matter, I knew I’d be buying it.  
 
In Upgrade we meet the protagonist, Logan, in a presumably future world where genetic engineering has gone awry, and the government has put in place restrictive laws.  Scientists have been jailed and remain on watch lists, artificial intelligence scans identity in the streets, and the world is recovering from a global famine.  
 
One day Logan wakes with the feeling that he is changing.  He can’t put his finger on how or why, but once he starts to understand what’s happening the pace accelerates.  As Logan pieces it together, the reader does too, and it’s a battle of morality and survival for humanity. 
 
I’m drawn to science-fiction and particularly enjoy stories that are a degree away from the current reality.  This novel has fictional elements that feel both futuristic and incredibly plausible.  It begs the question of whether this could be reality and as the story progresses, it pushes moral and scientific questions to the surface for consideration.  
 
The mystery unfolds and solves itself with satisfaction, with minimal loose ends to consider, and the epilogue was my favorite part.  If you enjoyed Dark Matter, this is worth the read.  This reminds me of a Jason Bourne type plot with an injection (terrible pun… forgive me) of futuristic science fiction.  
 
Content warnings: Violence, Gun violence, Death, Self-harm, Torture, Grief 
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