
I’m not a huge fan of sci-fi but I am a fan of Blake Crouch having read Recursion and Dark Matter and enjoying them. His latest Upgrade is my favourite so far. What a trip this one was! Crouch tackles genetic alteration in this one and it is a subject that fascinates me!
Into the future we see that messing about with DNA and genes and the such has really thrown things into turmoil. In this future a Gene Protection Agency has been formed and Logan is an agent for them. During a raid on a gene lab Logan is attacked by a boobytrap. All seems well and he recovers but soon begins to notice some changes in himself. He finds himself stronger mentally and physically and he realizes that his DNA has been affected. He also learns he was targeted for this upgrade and that he is just the first. This sets Logan on a dangerous path that leaves him questioning himself and his beliefs.
It really is a fascinating topic. With the advances that we have and all that we don’t even know about you have to wonder just how far gene modification can take us. Can it make people stronger and faster? Smarter? And with all these ‘upgrades’ doesn’t it also stand to reason that many people will also be more dangerous. This is what I like about Blake Crouch and reading his novels. They always leave me questioning things and sparking conversations.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed it. For this type of novel I find audio the way to go. Upgrade was fast paced and listening to it adds so much to the overall effect of the book. It is narrated by Henry Levya who I haven’t listened to before. I enjoyed the tone of his voice though and thought he was well enough suited to this novel.
I recommend Upgrade to those who enjoy sci-fi but even to those who it may not be their preferred genre. You never know you might actually like it. It is fast paced and exciting and well worth a listen or read. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next novel from Blake Crouch!
Review copy provided by the publisher. All opinions are solely my own.