Many thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for an ARC.

I’m late to the game reviewing this book, but I’m happy I finally made the time to read Blake Crouch’s latest release. While I’m not a huge Sci-fi reader, Crouch consistently makes the genre appealing. Upgrade was no different with its concept reminding me of the film Limitless with Bradley Cooper.

When two people in this dystopian world get an upgrade to a higher form of humanity, they have to decide whether it is ethical to upgrade the rest of society to save the human race. This upgrade includes the ability to think of numerous linear thoughts simultaneously, including listening to an audiobook while reading a different text. There are significant physical upgrades as well, such as reading and understanding microexpressions on the faces of others, and endless physical prowess such as running uphill for great lengths without getting tired. Naturally, the upgrades sound amazing but when everyone’s capacities for knowledge and physical well-being are maxed out, there are sure to be dire consequences.

The scientific parts of this book, specifically the modifications to the human genome were fascinating. However, like all Sci-fi, the imagined reality of the story taking place in the not-too-distant future is frightening. This story did a great job of putting the reader in the main character’s shoes as he came to grips with his upgrades. I found the story to lag a bit in the middle as Logan traveled the US while laying low and figuring out his next course of action. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ending and the overarching theme of compassion. This was a firm 4-star read!