#tarun shanker

[readtilyoudie]

He was brimming with something, and I tried to look ready to hear it, whatever it was he needed to unburden. He tried a few times and finally stopped, his head bowed. He had been about to say something else, but all that came out was a frustrated, "I don't know how to say it."

I frowned at him. "It's very simple. You open your mouth, think of what you wish to say, and-"

He kissed me.

These Ruthless Deeds by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

[bhaktimusicstation]

Ambe Rani Ke Hoge Didar | | Sadhana Sargam | | Navratri Special Bhajan 2024 | | Sherawali Maa Bhajan

730 views Premiered Apr 12, 2024 #sadhanasargam#mataraniOur dedicated team of spiritual guides, musicians, and artists curates a diverse array of content that caters to the varied tastes and preferences of our global audience. From traditional bhajans steeped in centuries-old wisdom to contemporary interpretations infused with modern melodies, there's something for everyone on Bhakti Music Station. #sadhanasargam#Amberanikehogedidar#matarani Credits: Title - Ambe Rani Ke Hoge Didar Singer- Sadhana Sargam Lyrics - DC Madana Music- Tarun Bathre Project Cordinator- Harish Arora Produced by- Yogesh Dixit & Amit Bhadana Partner - Bhutani Infra Digital Partner- Coin Digital Label - Bhakti Music Station ►Other Popular bhakti song videos •🙏🏻 Devon Ke Dev Mahadev Song -    • Devon Ke Dev Mahadev Song | @akkikaly...   •🙏🏻 Hey Shiv Shankar -    • Hey Shiv Shanker | Suresh Wadkar | Sh...   •🙏🏻 Woh Shri Ram Hain -    • Woh Shri Ram Hain | Amit Bhadana | Di...   ►Other Mata Ke Bhajan song videos •🙏🏻 Mujhe Maa Se Mila De -    • Mujhe Maa Se Mila De || Bharat Kumar ...   •🙏🏻 Bhor Bhai Din Chad Gaya -    • Bhor Bhai Din Chad Gaya Meri Ambe | J...   •🙏🏻 Jai Ambe Gauri Aarti -    • JAI AMBE GAURI AARTI (Lyrical) | जय अ...   But our offerings extend beyond music alone. Dive into thought-provoking discourses, enlightening satsangs, and guided meditations that illuminate the path of devotion and offer practical insights for integrating spirituality into your daily life.. Enjoy & Stay Connected with us ⦿ YouTube: https://rb.gy/a39h8s ⦿ Facebook: https://rb.gy/a39h8s ⦿ Instagram: https://rb.gy/a39h8s Subscribe to Bhakti Music Station today and embark on a transformative voyage of the soul. Let the echoes of devotion reverberate within you, awakening the divine spark that lies dormant in every heart. Search For: mata rani ke bhajan by sadhan sargam, Ambe Rani by Sadhana Sargam, Ambe Rani Ke Hoge Didar

[therefugeofbooks]

In Championess by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas and Amanda Perez Puentes, Elizabeth Wilkinson loves boxing. And to make enough money to support her and her sister, Elizabeth has to convince a famous retired boxer to train her. In this historical graphic novel based on a true story, Elizabeth has to come to terms with her half-Indian side and her criminal father while training to defeat another famous fighter.

Read my review under the cut!

Championess was a quick and enjoyable graphic novel! Elizabeth is a funny and intriguing character. She is a little impatient and wants to solve everything by punching people. Elizabeth's passion is boxing and she wants to train with a famous boxer to participate in the big fights. I liked her conflicts trying to convince him to accept her as a pupil and the tricks she uses to do it.

The story itself starts as a lighthearted and thrilling story, but we get to read about Elizabeth's past and her struggles with family and friends. It also touches on some of her internal conflicts in which she doesn't feel Indian enough neither people perceive her as being English. The drama part is very balanced with the action, so it doesn't get too heavy and adds depth to the character.

Elizabeth's opponent is an interesting character, and I like the mystery behind her and the revelations later. Their fights were super cool to read, and Elizabeth's conflicts made it more engaging. I'm not a big fan of the development of the romantic relationship with another character because it felt rushed with so many things happening in the story. However, the end is adorable! I liked how Elizabeth managed to help her sister, and improve her life and impact other's peoples' lives.

Overall, it was cool to read a story set in the eighteenth century with a non-white main character! I liked how the topics of ethnicity and race are a part of the story. I don't particularly love the art, but it conveys the dark and action themes of the story. It is inspired by a true story, and I'd love to read more historical stories like this one. If you're looking for a graphic novel with a woman of color breaking gender norms, read Championess!

Courtesy of Netgalley.

[graphicpolicy]

Review: Championess

Championess is fantastic for those that enjoy history, boxing, and just good stories #Comics #ComicBooks

Championess is based on the true story of Elizabeth Wilkinson, a female bare-knuckle boxer in the 18th century. Story: Kelly Zekas, Tarun ShankerArt: Amanda Perez PuentesLetterer: Richard Starkings, Jimmy Bentancourt Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links…

[candidcover]

(via Championess by Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas)

Championess by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas is an action-packed story of strength and perseverance despite the odds being stacked against you. It’s no secret that I love any story about sports, and I was excited to see that this one is based on a true story. The main character, Elizabeth Wilkinson, has inspiring toughness, and the gorgeous art makes her story even more compelling. I would definitely recommend this one to those looking for a fresh graphic novel that will keep your eyes glued to the page.

[thecomicon]

Preview: Elizabeth Wilkinson's Bare-Knuckle Boxing Story 'Championess'

Preview: Elizabeth Wilkinson’s Bare-Knuckle Boxing Story ‘Championess’

This April sees the release of Championess from Legendary Comics, an original graphic novel based on the true story of Elizabeth Wilkinson, a female bare-knuckle boxer in 18th century London. Reimagined as half-Indian, Elizabeth and her sister Tess struggle to make ends meet and cover Tess’ debts. Elizabeth works odd jobs at the local newspaper, but her real passion is bare-knuckle boxing. With…

[miraculousmidnightreviews]

These Vicious Masks Book Review

By Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

3.5/5 stars

Summary: The year is 1882, and Evelyn is a classic case of a woman born before her time in English society. Bored with the precarious social cues she must follow, Evelyn embarks on a quest to find her younger sister, Rose, who has suddenly disappeared from their home. Evelyn, accompanied by her handsome friend, Mr. Kent, follows a trail to London, where she encounters the mysterious Sebastian who accuses her of having strange abilities. While scouring the shadiest of places, Evelyn unknowingly steps into a secret world, one that may not be too keen on letting her go.

The Love Triangle bleh

So love triangles were my shit back in the day. I remember loving them after reading one of my first love triangles in The Hunger Games. And they were fun. I devoured books with any hint of romance, especially love triangles. But after a few years or so, it became repetitive. I stopped caring for books where the main character had to choose between two men and started looking for stories with healthier and overall better relationships.

In These Vicious Masks, there is obviously a love triangle involving Evelyn, Mr. Kent, and Sebastian. As soon as I read the synopsis on the back I knew, and I was rightfully wary. When it comes to love triangles, I will inevitably choose a side, and I will inevitably dislike reading any scenes lacking my chosen love interest.

My love interest of choice = Sebastian Braddock

He’s the classic dark and handsome with a troubling past. Naturally, I’m drawn to him. (I also happen to be intrigued by his mysterious past, so there’s that.)

Mr. Kent (By the way, I hated how everyone referred to each other by last name. I understand it’s because of the time period, but it’s just so pretentious ugh.) was funny, and then quickly became annoying.

Overall, not the worst love triangle but also not the best. I wished there was more romance, but then again, I always do.

The Setting

I freaking love the Victorian Era setting for most books, but it didn’t fit this novel.

I read this book after I read These Shallow Graves, which is also set in the late 1800s, and These Vicious Masks does not compare in terms of research embedded in the storyline. These Shallow Graves was masterfully done, with extremely detailed scenes, whereas These Vicious Masks felt like an overview, a collection of information taken from a history student’s essay. It’s repetitive. There’s nothing intriguing about the various places in relation to the time period. 

In my opinion, the events of this book could have happened in any time period. That bothers me. A lot. I’d like for the setting to be interconnected with the characters and story in some way, but it wasn’t?

The Writing

I really like the plot line for this novel, but while reading, I was conflicted. Something was missing. Then I realized. While I would normally go for this type of plot (Victorian Era, weird abilities, opinionated women, etc.,) there are barely any side conflicts enhancing Evelyn’s main motivation to save her sister. Sure, there’s the romance, among other things. But the writing just isn’t complex enough. It’s a very basic story. I’m sure if the authors developed the world more, they would have been able to introduce more storylines and conflicts. Or maybe they’re waiting for the next book.

Thanks for reading! We hoped you enjoyed our non-spoilery review! Come back later for the spoilery stuff, or keep reading at your own risk! Check out our other reviews here.

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

Mr. Kent

So I kind of think Mr. Kent is a lil bitch. And a snake. He’s funny in the beginning, but then he grows annoying as the story progresses. In the end, he turns out alright, which is good, because I didn’t want to have that classic hate-the-love-interest-that’s-rejected feeling towards him.

ALSO, what was up with that whole brothel thing? I still think Mr. Kent was going there in his free time.

Sebastian

I’m glad the love triangle won’t be continuing in future books. It honestly surprised me, and now I’m excited to read the next book.

My only thing for the Sebastian section: why the fuck does Evelyn get pissed at him for not killing his captors? I get it. If he had, then the captors wouldn’t have kidnapped Rose and blah blah. But seriously? He clearly didn’t want to stain his soul. Jeez.

This conflict just feels kind of forced to me.

Rose and the End

Rose’s death is unexpectedly sad. Definitely necessary for Evelyn though. It drives her to help more people, which is a great way to end the book.

I hate that Sebastian runs away. That’s a little too much. But necessary for development, I assume.

Thanks for reading! We hoped you enjoyed both our non-spoilery and spoilery reviews! Check out our other reviews here!

—Alexa

[kingsbridgelibraryteens]

Reluctant Reader Wednesday: Championess by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas, and Amanda Perez Puentes 

Elizabeth wants to help her sister Tess avoid debtors’ prison. But in London in the 1700’s, there are very few ways for women to make enough money to erase those debts. Luckily, Elizabeth learned how to fight when she was a girl, and she’s able to make enough money to support them by bare-knuckle boxing. 

But when Tess’ debts are due sooner than they expected, Elizabeth will have to take an even bigger gamble on herself. If Elizabeth can become the best female fighter in London, she’ll be able to save her sister and change the course of her own life. But can she do it before it’s too late?

Give this book to teens who enjoy graphic novels, historical fiction, and kick-ass female characters!

[swoonreads]

These Vengeful Souls, by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas(February 20) The “Victorian X-Men” trilogy that begin with These Vicious Masks comes to a close in 1883 England with the powerful Evelyn on the run with Sebastian, who’s still in mourning. She’s determined to get revenge on Captain Goode, but will the cost be too great to achieve it? And if he and his lies have their way, will she in fact have any choice at all? This has been such a fun series, mashing up powers, history, and romance in a delightful way that makes me hope there’s plenty more ahead for this writing duo.

[the-sound-and-the-fury]

April Reading Round Up!

1. These Vicious Masks (These Vicious Masks #1) by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

I thought this was fun! It was definitely a bit Jane Austen meets X-Men, and as long as I didn't take it too seriously or look too deep, it was a good time overall. Evelyn was a generally likable character who made some poor choices (which worries me regarding the love triangle that she doesn't seem to realize she's in), but I was invested in her story. The plot did seem to move in fits and starts with some unnecessary repetition (I trust them, I don't trust them, I trust them again, but now I don't trust them...), and some characters definitely could have used some more development. But I was genuinely surprised a few times! And it's not the worst missing sister story I've read lately (I’m talking to you, Caraval.)

Although due to a mishap with my Kindle app, I didn't realize the book was ending till the last page, so it felt like a very dramatic ending and I am very eager to get to the next one.

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (HP #1) by JK Rowling

I just gave in to some rereading, because I realized I could get the series on Kindle Unlimited and spare myself from carrying my hardcovers on the MBTA during my daily commute. But no matter the format, this remains the most influential book in my life. That said, I would love a physical copy with this cover series.

3. Carry the Ocean (The Roosevelt #1) by Heidi Cullinan

Angsty, but sweet. Not likely to read the sequel, though, because this kind of exhausted me. And although I can’t claim to know if it was accurate, there was a lot of disability rep, like autism, depression, and wheelchair use (though there is a suicide attempt, as a heads up).

4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (HP #2) by JKR

It’s merely a formality that I call this my least favorite of the series.

5. Squared Away (Out of Uniform #5) by Annabeth Albert

Apparently, I had set a reminder for myself about when this was being released, which I have no memory of but appreciated. It was a nice surprise for a day I was stuck home sick, because otherwise I had forgotten about the series.

6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (HP #3) by JKR

My favorite book in my favorite series.

7-10. Helping Hands (Housemates #1), Like a Lover (Housemates #2), Practice Makes Perfect (Housemates #3), and Watching and Wanting (Housemates #4) by Jay Northcote

You might not realize it, but “Oops, I Did It Again” is actually my life story regarding my accidental reading of a series about interconnected romance stores.

9. Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game #1) by Amanda Foody

I don't know why it took me so long to get through this, because I genuinely liked it! I might not have picked it up if it hadn't come in my April OwlCrate box, but it was a fun choice. That said, this is the exclusive cover, which is fine, but not as nice as the original red cover.

But, the fantasy Vegas setting and the unexpected family magic system made for a lot of potential. Plus, Enne and Levi were perfectly adequate characters for POV chapters. There were, of course, some things that could have been better in the writing, but the I enjoyed the story enough to get over that. I do think I would have preferred if it was darker and more adult, or if it had gone deeper into the entertainment aspect of the setting. However, I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series.

[readtilyoudie]

#

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

A

Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston | Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood | Alice Have I Been by Melanie Benjamin | Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll | Animal by Lisa Taddeo | Ariadne by Jennifer Saint | Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer

B

The Band by Nicholas Eames | Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi | The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

C

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White | Choke by Chuck Palahniuk | The Chosen and The Beautiful by Nghi Vo | Circe by Madeline Miller

D

The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King | Deerskin by Robin McKinley | The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams | Dietland by Sarai Walker | Dreadnought by April Daniels

E

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine | Enders by Lissa Price | The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden

F

Fable: the Balverine Order by Peter David | Fable: Reaver by Peter David | Fairy Tales of Remnant by E.C. Myers | Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

G

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman | The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

H

Hamlet by William Shakespeare | Harper Connelly Series by Charlaine Harris | The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams | The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien | How To Train Your Dragon Series by Cressida Cowell | The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I

The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff | The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde | Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu | Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk | Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

J

K

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn | A Knight of the Word by Terry Brooks

L

Last Flight by Liane Merciel | Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee | The Long Way To A Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers | The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor | The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl | Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas | Lullaby by Chuck Palahniuk

M

The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan | Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides | Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

N

A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller | Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty | A Noodle Shop Mystery by Vivien Chien | Not Your Sidekick Series by C.B. Lee

O

Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood

P

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood | Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan | Pet by Akwaeke Emezi | Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth | The Portrait of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde | A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving | The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Q

R

The Reckoners Series by Brandon Sanderson | Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright | The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood | Ruination by Anthony Reynolds

S

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket | The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo | Sherlock Holmes by Sir Conan Doyle | The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares | Starters by Lissa Price | Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk | A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle

T

The Tale of the Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman | These Ruthless Deeds by Kelly Zekas & Tarun Shanker | These Vicious Masks by Kelly Zekas & Tarun Shanker | To Be Taught If Fortunate by Becky Chambers | Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft by Elizabeth May | Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson | The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

U

Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld | Until I Find You by John Irving

V

W

The Wayfarers Series by Becky Chambers | Wayward Children Series by Seanan McGuire | When Christmas Comes Again: The World War One Diary of Simone Spencer by Beth Seidel Levine | The Wicker King by K. Ancrum | William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope | A Wind In The Door by Madeleine L'Engle | The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski | The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell | The World According to Garp by John Irving | A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle

X

Y

The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman | The Young Elites Series by Marie Lu

Z

Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes by Cory O'Brien

[achilleius]

these vicious masks by tarun shanker & kelly zekas.

You are right about one thing, Mr. Kent. I don’t need a hero.

[fiercereadsya]

The cover for THESE VENGEFUL SOULS, the third and final book in the These Vicious Masks series, has been revealed and we LOVE IT! Have you started reading this series yet?

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

Evelyn has no interest in marriage and even the dashing Mr. Kent can't inspire her to give in to society's expectations. She'd much rather assist her beloved sister Rose in her radical quest to become a doctor. Then she meets Sebastian Braddock. The reclusive gentleman is vexing, annoyingly attractive, and quite possibly mad—and his interest in Rose is galling. So when Rose disappears, Sebastian is immediately suspect.

Yet Sebastian's strange tales of special powers soon prove to be true, and Evelyn learns that Rose's kidnappers have much worse in mind for her than simply ruining her reputation. Surrounded by secrets, lies, and unprecedented danger, Evelyn has no choice but to trust Sebastian, yet she can't help but worry that his secrets are the most dangerous of all…

[graphicpolicy]

Check out the First Ten Pages of Championess from Legendary Comics

Check out the First Ten Pages of Championess from Legendary Comics #Comics #ComicBooks

Championess Writers: Tarun Shanker & Kelly ZekasArtist: Amanda Perez PuentesEditor: Legendary Comics’ Nikita KannekantiRelease: April 13, 2021 Championess is based on the true story of Elizabeth Wilkinson, a female bare-knuckle boxer in 18th century London. Elizabeth, reimagined as half-Indian, and her sister Tess struggle to make ends meet and cover Tess’s debts. While Elizabeth works odd jobs…

[thecomicon]

Legendary Comics Forms New Young Adult Imprint

Legendary Comics Forms New Young Adult Imprint

Launching with a slate of five original graphic novels created for the young adult space, Legendary Comics announced today a new imprint, Legendary Comics YA, dedicated to telling original and character-driven stories across a wide array of genres. With a commitment to amplify new voices, spotlight diverse perspectives, and seek out passionate talent telling authentic stories, the imprint gives…

[firstbooknyc]