Upgrade

Book cover of Upgrade

Book description

Upgrade is the mind-bending thriller from Blake Crouch, author of the bestselling Dark Matter and Recursion.

'You are the next step in human evolution . . .'

What if you were capable of more?

Your concentration was better, you could multitask quicker, read faster, memorize more, sleep deeper.

For Logan…

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Why read it?

4 authors picked Upgrade as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Peter Hogenkamp

Author

I am fascinated with genetics and DNA manipulation, and enjoy learning about it. And that's what is so great about Blake Crouch; he teaches you a ton of cool stuff in the setting of a hard-to-put-down thriller. I think differently after having read this book, and how often do you say that?

From Peter's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Monica Chase

Author

This book left me questioning what it truly means to be human. From the moment Logan Ramsay was infected with a mysterious virus, I was captivated by Crouch’s exploration of genetic enhancement. As Logan's abilities expanded—making him smarter, stronger, and more detached—I was both fascinated and horrified.

The tension between his new capabilities and the erosion of his emotional connections made the ethical dilemmas even more poignant. Crouch’s vision of a world on the brink of extinction, with genetic upgrades as both a salvation and a curse, felt disturbingly real. This isn’t just a techno-thriller; it’s a profound examination of…

From Monica's list on Sci-fi thrillers that unravel humanity’s secrets.

David W. Burns

Author

What great science fiction is all about: taking a trend in modern science and running rampant with it.

In this near-future world, genetic manipulation of crops and humans has decimated society, forcing authorities to strictly police the scientific community. When he is exposed to an unlicensed gene bomb, biologist Logan Ramsay finds himself changing into something both more and less than human.

I loved the frantic pace of this book, as our hero is propelled into a desperate race for survival. The difficulty of effectively conveying a growing suprahuman intellect was deftly handled, and the action scenes were tense and…

From David's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Broken Mirror

By Cody Sisco,

Book cover of Broken Mirror

New book alert!

What is my book about?

A fractured mind or a global conspiracy? Uncovering the truth can be hell when nobody believes you… and you can’t even trust yourself.

"A fantastic science fiction thriller with a sincere and important message.”—Kirkus Reviews.

“A breathtaking, deeply dark alternate-history Earth with complex characters, layered worldbuilding, and twist after twist after twist.”—Julianna Caro, Reedsy Discovery.

Broken Mirror is the first volume in a queer psychological science fiction saga that looks at the stigma of mental illness and the hellish distrust and alienation that goes with it.

Broken Mirror

By Cody Sisco,

What is this book about?

Broken Mirror: the start of a smart, complex, and imaginative cyberpunk alternate history saga. Literary science fiction from a fresh, young voice.

In a skewed mirror universe, a mentally ill young man searches for his grandfather’s killer.

Someone killed Jefferson Eastmore. His grandson Victor is sure of it, but no one believes him.

Diagnosed with mirror resonance syndrome and shunned by Semiautonomous California society, Victor suffers from hyperempathy, blank outs, and sensory overload. Jefferson devoted his life to researching mental illness and curing Broken Mirrors like Victor through genetic engineering, but now that he’s gone, Victor must walk a narrow…

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John Turiano

Author

Science fiction frequently addresses the future and provides thoughtful insight in dealing with the consequences of technology. In Upgrade, the author explores the dangers of genetic engineering and their impact on the human race.

The main character is unknowingly infected with a virus that will significantly improve his mind and body. As his body slowly morphs into a new species, he discovers a plot to release the virus on the world. On the run from the government, he struggles with whether the genetic changes will be a benefit or detriment to the human race.

Upgrade is a rollercoaster ride…

From John's 3 favorite reads in 2023.