Review of Blockhead

Damis Seres Rodriguez · Post by **Damis Seres Rodriguez** » 11 Sep 2021, 23:49

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Blockhead" by Kyle J.S. Bardell.]

3 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

I am going to start this review being brutally honest. I am not sure how to feel about this book. If I had to find a word to describe Blockhead by Kyle J.S. Bardell, unexpected would be the most accurate.

The book consists of four parts, each describing a different side of the plot. Admittedly, the rhythm might seem a little slow the first few chapters, but it doesn't take long before they merge into a very well-thought storyline.

The story begins when Bronco is left in charge of the family's ranch. Bronco is a hard-working, caring girl that loves her family and her job. However, like many other women, she is achingly underestimated by those she calls her own. Uninvited guests and new friendships serve to set the foundations of a delightful succession of slice-of-life scenes. Is this your typical cowgirl story? Well, no. The story has enough plot twists to make it way more complicated than that.

What I liked the most about the book was the world-building. I have to admit it was a enough to steal a few gasps from my mouth here and there. However, if I had to pick something that didn't meet my expectations, that would be character development. Please don't take me wrong. The characters are well thought, and the descriptions are good. But they felt a little flat to me at some point. Diving deeper into their personality would be beneficial for the book as a whole.

I have no complaints about the editorial work. The formatting is neat, and that's always appreciated. I found a few errors, but they were minor and not bad enough to distract me from the plot. I had to double-check to list them. That's always a good sign of the book's quality. Because of this, and considering the character's issues, I will rate this book three out of four stars.

I recommend this book for people that enjoy expecting the unexpected when reading a book. If you're not particularly into cowboys stories or constant slice-of-life scenes, the novel might seem a little slow, and maybe you'd prefer to skip it.

As always, allow me to give you a few trigger warnings. It is fair to mention that the story has its share of violence and, the working conditions, in some cases, remind me of slavery a little too much for comfort. Profanity is present but not excessive. There are no explicit sexual descriptions to worry about either, so the book is fit for minors as well, given that they are old enough to understand the plot and overlook a little profanity here and there.

******
Blockhead
View: on Bookshelves

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 14 Sep 2021, 01:36

The beginning really makes it look like a cowboy story, so I'm curious about its science fiction development. Despite the flaws you pointed out, some unexpected developments semm good. Thank you for your great review!

Astral Magi · Post by **Astral Magi** » 14 Sep 2021, 04:31

I love that Bronco is in charge of the family farm. Unexpected plots are exciting and it sounds as though this book is a must-read. Thank you for a great review.

marta baglioni · Post by **marta baglioni** » 14 Sep 2021, 04:44

Usually, far-west stories are not my favorite, but I am so curious about this book now: can't wait to see what the plot twists are. Thank you for the review!

Abigail Baloyi · Post by **Abigail Baloyi** » 14 Sep 2021, 10:22

The book is very good especially reading about Bronco who is so loving and caring for her family it's great review

Priya_Singh · Post by **Priya_Singh** » 14 Sep 2021, 21:13

I really like the character of Bronco. She is so responsible and caring. Also unexpected developments in the story seems interesting. I m curious how it is different from other cowboy stories. Thank you for your wonderful review!

Kelyn · Post by **Kelyn** » 14 Sep 2021, 21:14

I'm not really into cowboy stories anymore. That phase passed at about 6th grade. The unexpected plot should engage readers of the genre, however. Great review, thanks!

Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon · Post by **Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon** » 15 Sep 2021, 11:22

The title of this book actually turned me off but thank God for your amazing review. It's a book I would want to read soon. Well-done

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 15 Sep 2021, 18:40

Your opening paragraph captured my initial impressions about this book’s cover: unexpected. Thank you for your thorough and interesting review!

Unosthetic · Post by **Unosthetic** » 16 Sep 2021, 21:21

Reading your review made me wonder what's Bronco's story all about. I thought it's just a typical cowboy story but I bet I'm wrong. Your review is great.

Edit_or · Post by **Edit_or** » 17 Sep 2021, 09:40

I don’t like it when the female gender is underestimated but it seams Bronco would give them a surprise. Got to read for myself. A good review. Thank you.

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 17 Sep 2021, 11:10

I love unexpected books, and to learn that everything ends up coming together at the end just enticed me n

Pearl Thomas · Post by **Pearl Thomas** » 19 Sep 2021, 10:47

I like the plot and the character of Bronco. Shame that the book lacks in character development thought. But I'm curious to know about the cover page's relevance to the book. Great review!

Damis Seres Rodriguez · Post by **Damis Seres Rodriguez** » 19 Sep 2021, 11:08

Pearl Thomas wrote: ↑19 Sep 2021, 10:47 I like the plot and the character of Bronco. Shame that the book lacks in character development thought. But I'm curious to know about the cover page's relevance to the book. Great review!

Well, that's what I meant by expecting the unexpected. Broncho is technically a cowgirl. But the book is certainly not a coybows novel. Sci-fi and social critique are present in a way that I honestly didn't expect. As for the cover, well, it makes sense after a plot twist or two.