Reader
Reviews
Upgrade
Reviewed by Sue
Palmer, Book
Reviewer,
founder fb group "Book Junkies"
"Let me begin
with the ingredients: Take a decent amount of science, add to this quite a lot
of sex, then introduce mystery and intrigue, mix it all up, give it a twist right
at the end and you have a superb, end product-Upgrade!
"The author’s way
with words and jaunty style of writing makes this book a very lively and entertaining
read. He tells the tale of an unattractive but wealthy man seeking to change
his life by neuroscience .The procedure is successful and we follow the protagonist,
Brent Schoenfeld through his new style of life, now focusing on females (which
I hasten to add have very different and colourful personalities of their own)
and the exploits in their effort to woo him. As the story progressed, the author
builds up the feeling that something just isn’t
quite right , the suspense was growing. I actually found myself trying to second
guess the ending with all sorts of scenarios and although I got somewhere close
, he still managed to outmanoeuvre me with a totally unexpected and dramatic
conclusion. Superb twist!
"This story is original, sexy, extremely well presented
with excellent grammar and editing. Also, in addition to the clever mix of genres,
the author also incorporates a serious message with this book ; be careful what
you wish for , the grass isn’t always greener on the other side!
"I enjoyed
Upgrade from the first page to the last and I will now look forward to reading
anything else Stephen Hise has to offer. He is talented to say the least!"
More reviews posted by readers of Upgrade!
"Nothing will hook me to a
book faster than a hint that the plot is based on some interesting psychological
aspect. I was not disappointed... I like
the way Stephen Hise plays with words, even walking a thin line from a male writer's
stand: 'A man as handsome as that would never have been interested in her,
no matter how smart and good she was.' ...This is a story that does not need
an Upgrade." –Alex C.
Reviewed by Cathy Speight, Book Reviewer
"I do love books that leave you open-mouthed at the end - this was certainly
one of them. It is very well written ... I knew from some reviews that there
was a surprise ending, and with only 10% to go, I smugly thought I had guessed
it. In fact, I only half guessed it. What I hadn't predicted left me speechless.
I liked Stephen's style - I found it sophisticated, and easy-flowing..." (Click
"Book Reviewer" link to read entire review.)
“I loved this book, really, the characters are well defined individuals,
and the story has such an unseen and unexpected ending that happened so quickly,
I was dissappointed that it was all over. I would definitely recommend this book
to anyone who wants a light, yet thought provoking read. Brilliant.” –Ryan
W. Read complete
review.
"... You know how they say power can ruin people? Well, it can, and does.
I’m not giving away any more of Stephen Hise‘s fabulous story, because you need
to get yourself a copy and read it. I was shocked at the ending! I’ve read many
books that end in a great cliffhanger, or just a well thought out ending, but
this one will blow your mind!
Upgrade isn’t a terribly long read, but the impact
it’s had on me is immense! Stephen Hise is one of the most articulate writers
I’ve ever had the opportunity of reading ... " –Theresa B
I’ll admit I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading
Upgrade. I’d read a few of Stephen Hise’s blogs and found his wit
and writing ability both impressive and refreshing. I wanted to see what his
book was about. From all the buzz, I thought it was going to be a futuristic
psychological thriller – and I wasn’t far off.
Stephen Hise has written a piece of work that amazes me. I’m a very picky
reader – one who gets easily bored and skips over bits and pieces and paragraphs,
and sometimes even pages. I read every word of Upgrade. Not only did I read every
word, each page turned nearly on its own, beckoning me with the tease of knowing
something was going to happen – something that I didn’t see coming.
And it was right about that.
Upgrade’s theme reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s “The
Picture of Dorian Gray” ... –K.S. Brooks Read
complete review.
"OMG!!!! I just finished and I definitely did NOT anticipate this ending!
This was fantastic! I loved it. WOW!!!" –Yolanda (via
blackberry)
Four hours ago I began reading UPGRADE. I couldn't put it down and
finished it just now. Absolutely encapsulated, totally intrigued upon the turn
of every page... and that amazing, most unexpected turn of events that marked
the ending all I can say is...Bazinga!
Well done Stephen! I haven't read a book
that captured, kept, and guided my interest in years the way UPGRADE just did.
WOW! Bravo! For those of you who haven't read this book; please allow yourself
a literary treat! What a ride! " –Jim D.
" . . . a magnificently written book . . . UPGRADE includes everything
a perfect story requires - 'steamy' romance, suspense and a completely unpredictable
ending . . . I tried to sleep when I finished reading, however, I realized UPGRADE
isn't a book you close, place it on a shelf and move on, it motivates one to
analyze relationships and one's identity perception. UPGRADE would make an excellent
movie! Stephen Hise - keep writing!" –Pam H.
“I got hooked and that is the 3rd book I have finished since 10th grade.”–Jim
C.
“I'm telling you, your book had me thinking about it for several days
AFTER I read it! I read a lot and rarely am I so captivated!”–Gina
M.
“Just wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed reading
your book! I started it this afternoon and I couldn't put it down until I had
finished it, had me hooked. I definitely did not see that ending coming! I hope
there will be more books to come!”–Amber E.
“I enjoyed reading this book. It's well-edited and flows along really smoothly.
It's also fun. The idea is novel and you dive into the story pretty swiftly ...
I also loved the ending. A well-written, fun, interesting and original read.
I recommend it.” –Vickie
J.
“An exciting thought-provoking look at relationships, self-image, and a
surprise twist that I did not see coming. I hope to see more from Stephen Hise!”–Adele
G.
"Easily flowing, seductive and superb ending!" –Helmy
K.
“I just finished your book. I loved it. I didn't see that ending coming,
it was a shock, but I still loved it. I can't wait to read more books from you.” –Misty
H.
“Excellent book. Great story line that guides the reader into various possible
conclusions, until the unexpected but perfect ending.” –Chris R.
“Everyone dreams of being that perfect person – but can they really
exist? Stephen Hise takes you on an excellent journey of suspense and romance
through Brent’s life after his “upgrade.” But will it all be
ups? Travel through Brent’s life for an ending you won’t see coming!
I definitely recommend this book to my family and friends and am looking forward
to more from Stephen Hise.” –Luana T.
"A light-hearted, thought provoking, pleasing, easy read. I am really looking
forward to reading more from this author!" –Nicole G.
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Upgrade by Stephen Hise. Having previously heard
about the science behind it, this book provided an interesting perspective and
storyline regarding that science. I found the male POV in this book intriguing
and appreciated his take of the human psyche and relationships. Great twisted
ending!" –Reese R.
Bad Book
Reviewed by Cathy Speight, Book
Reviewer
"If you ever thought that a collaboration between three authors might be
a dodgy, even risky, enterprise, think again. Put three gifted, funny, witty,
and clever authors together, and you get an utter gem of a book. There’s a clue
in the title – it is a baaaaad book; it’s rollicking good fun and laugh-out-loud
hilarious. Don’t say I didn’t warn you." (Click
"Book Reviewer" link to read entire review.)
