The Bastards: Volume One

by Emerson Barrett, XO Billie

Genres: Graphic Novels

270 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2020

Reviews

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art style? Stunning.
The storyline? Beautiful.
The world building? Impeccable.
The connections between songs, music videos, and merch? I'm shook.

This is everything I never knew I needed

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, I love it! I love the drawings, the story, the characters, the world, the golden edges. It is fantastic and gorgeous

[Glen Farrelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book while seeing one of the authors (Emerson) in concert with their group Palaye Royale. I was accompanying my teen daughter, but ended up really liking their music. While my kid waited in line to meet Emerson, I walked by the merch table and ended up buying this as it seemed to be a graphic novel and I love graphic novels.

As I thumbed through it there, I was impressed with the lush, atmospheric artwork and the outstanding production values of the book. But after getting home and progressing further in the book, I sadly realized that it is only about 1/6 graphic literature and the rest is in the form of fairly standard fantasy novella albeit with some awesome illustrations interspersed.

The author also composed an accompanying score to read the book to (available free online), which really adds to feeling of the book. I didn't listen to it while reading all of the book, but for when I did read and listen at the same time it was amazing how much it added to the story.

There's not really a satisfying ending to the story as a second volume is planned. Overall, even though there are only a few pages of graphic lit, it was a fun read with incredible artwork.

[Oliwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

najpiekniejsza powiesc graficzna mojego zycia

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exquisite masterpiece. It’s goes beyond the scope of the traditional graphic novel and dives into the world of an illustrated book at times.

The story is fantastic! Centring around the three Brothers but set in 1888 in the town of Wismont.

There’s also an entire soundtrack to go along with this!! Who does that??? It’s all original music by Emerson and honestly so beautiful I’ve cried several times.

The pages feel like you can reach in and touch the crests, ink etc. The illustrations are so beautiful and they have the details down to the finest points of each brothers tattoo. It’s out of this world. I’ll treasure it forever.

Emerson and Billie have created something truly remarkable here and I’d order it now on the Palaye Royale website before Vol II comes out in 2022.

[Avalon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's very adventurous and exciting throughout the book and there's also some lore if you find that interesting. The artwork is quite breathtaking and looks like lots of hours and passion were put into them. There's lots of mystery and suspense throughout the book and it leaves you questioning things by the end. It seems to be cryptic in a way or theres just random words and numbers everywhere. Also, sometimes the words can be hard to read and there is a whole passage in cursive and I'm not sure if it's supposed to be legible but I have no clue what it says. Overall, it's really great and I can't wait for the next one.

[Severind Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous artwork and an imaginative, intriguing storyline. I'm excited to see where this story goes.

My only complaint? It could have used some editing. I'll refrain from being harsh and just leave it at that.

[Lily Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear ur sht book 4 prompt 10 most expensive book

this book is signed by my favorite band and artist. this is my most expensive book ever.

I love the story and art style. I love history. the story just took me away.

this is a limited edition book.

[Jania G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una obra de arte en todos sus sentidos, un maravilloso mundo filosófico y oscuro, que sin duda me recuerda a mi Ángel vampiro 🖤

[Danii Grimm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have made a better novel than a graphic novel but the art was very nice to look at.

[Kelly Hallegraeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love old times and palaye Royale you will love this book

[Jen Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite graphic novel! I have no words, it's a masterpiece😍😍😍

[Rowan!x! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous story, vulnerable at moments, cried and laughed cant wait to reread❤️

[Lia Israeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every little bit of it. The art, the story line, the character building, amazing.

[Dancinginthedark · Rating 5 out of 5]

every soldier of the royal council needs to read this!