Upgrade by Blake Crouch ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In a future where human genetic modification is possible, Logan Ramsay doesn't realize at first that things are different. When he realizes that his memory is improving, process information faster, and other small improvements he starts wonder what is going on. Unfortunately, upgrading your genetics isn't totally legal and the authorities want to know what Logan and his mother (who he thought was dead) are planning.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

July 2022; Ballantine Books; 978-0593157534
audio, ebook, print (352 pages); technothriller

Upgrade is the first Blake Crouch book I've read (I did watch the show based on his Wayward Pines series). I don't read a lot of science fiction because I have trouble picturing all the advance technology of the futuristic world. However, since Upgrade has to do with biological sciences I knew that this would be the kind of science fiction I enjoy.

And I did enjoy this book. I guess technically it is a technothriller but only because the "tech" is the means to edit genetic code and not some advanced gadget. The methods that are mentioned in the book are actually technology that is in use. I work at an infectious disease research center and we have people using CRISPR/Cas9 in their research. But really you could forget that this book is science fiction as it read much more like a thriller. 

It is a fast-paced story with a lot of twists and turns. Betrayal is rampant. You never know which ally is going to turn foe in this race to save the human population. 

It's not just a great rollercoaster of a story. There are a lot of thought-provoking moments given the ethical issues around human gene manipulation. These are real-world concerns that our society is facing now. 

If you haven't picked up this book yet, it would make a great fall read.

Buy Upgrade at Amazon

Also, you might want to check out MK's review of Upgrade.

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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