Black Sands, the Seven Kingdoms, volume 5

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community, and it is clear why. The story is about a young boy named Ausar whose life goal is to rule Kemet. This leads him on a quest across the war-torn lands of the ancient world.

Volume five of Black Sands takes us deep into the trenches of Minoa, where Ausar leads a desperate attempt to stop a Sumerian incursion under the mountain. Legend has it that an ancient of unspeakable power is buried underneath, and the Minoans will do anything to keep it that way.

It is in this battle where Ausar faces off against his most powerful enemy to date, the warrior Kingu. Little do the heroes know, while the battle rages for control of the mountain, the Spartans are at a full advantage in the land battle in Akrotiri. Just as things are starting to look like they will all work out, an ancient power awakens, and the difference in power between Ausar and this new foe is like a canyon.

There is little hope for the people of Minoa, and now Ausar struggles to keep his family alive.

This is Black Sands! Kirkus Reviews says it is "A sure bet for young readers who may be cultivating interests in ancient history," and "a fast-paced, engaging installment of a successful mythological-historical comic series." School Library Journal Reviews mentions that readers will appreciate the blend of ancient history and comic book storytelling. It has been compared to other Middle Grade series titles such as Avatar, Naruto manga, and many more. Black Sands is a series most black youth are hungry for. It is no wonder it has been featured in Publishers Weekly, ABC Shark Tank, CBR, Atlanta Blackstar, endorsed by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and more.