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The Fort

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1864–Fort When a bloody carriage appears at the front gate, Black’s greatest fear is realized. Mayhem has found its way to his doorstep, forcing him and the people to examine everyday life.

In this fifth installment of The Black Series, the legendary Black is tasked with leading the people to a freer existence. He must also solve a deadly game of cat and mouse, while keeping the people from peril.

Join Joan Vassar, Black and the men as they UNCAGE the people from physical bondage, EMANCIPATE the people’s thoughts and UNSHACKLE the people from fear.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2021

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118 people want to read

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Joan Vassar

15 books170 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for LaToya Lee.
353 reviews
September 4, 2024
👏🏾👏🏾 Joan

If you like stories that take place in historical settings, have some romance/spice, action, and men fiercely protecting their women, children, and freedom then I highly recommend this series! I feel like I went through every emotion possible the whole way through.

I will definitely miss everyone at the Fort 🥹
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,132 followers
August 9, 2024
“I forget there are those with skin like mines who have embraced bondage and therefore make the struggle for freedom that much harder.”

And nearly 200 years later we’re dealing with the same ish 😩….. I’m sooooo sad to see my Fort family go! They have solidified their places in my heart and will go down as one of the most enjoyable series I’ve experienced. Whenever I picture who my ancestors would be, they are who envision.

I will say that for as much excitement this series produced, I expected to go out with a BANG and not necessarily anyone dying but just OMG moment after OMG moment however things started to fizzle out earlier than anticipated. I guess Joan said I put y’all through enough so I’ll let yall live but no Joan put us back in the game coach we can handle it!

I knew when that bloody carriage showed up on their doorstep that we were in for a wild ride no pun intended. Once the puzzle pieces started to connect and we found out what happened… ugh that broke my mf heart 💔. I knew it was up from there and deaths HAD TO be avenged.

If you’re looking for a historical series with a razzle dazzle of 2020 sprinkled about you’re in for a TREAT! I will die on the sword that this series is worth every letter Joan penned and further proves why she is one of my favorite authors.

“Why does being free feel like a struggle that won’t end? …….Because for colored men, it won’t.”
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,065 reviews295 followers
March 2, 2022
We return to The Fort.....For me this series kept me on the edge of my seat....I have been totally captivated and consumed with the various things going on with the Fort and now we have Blacktown too....I was pleasantly surprised that we were introduced to a few new characters and some of them as well as a few of the old characters made me laugh through book. This story totally encompassed how women feel when they have the love, encouragement & security of a good man...This story was filled with so many shining examples, that's really what made me smile the most. I also happy to see that more people from the Fort embraced the leadership role, although some of them had to be pushed into the role. Man, this is such a good series I didn't want it to end...I kept stopping my audiobook to try and prolong it....Joan Vassar is a Genius. She mixed some historical facts and fiction and provided a masterpiece. Jakobi Diem, no one could have pulled off this series (55 hours and 21 mins) but you...The way you encompassed the entire cast of characters and I was NEVER confused which character was speaking....You are phenomenal!
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
493 reviews21 followers
April 15, 2023
As I arrived at book 5 of this unique, amazing, beautiful, and Black Historical Mind-blowing Series, I am still in awe. I learned so much, appreciated so many things written, implied, and illustrated with words of descriptive power. Romance, loyalty, strength, community, betrayal, boldness, adoration, and authentic agape love were ever so present. This series is undeniable, Black Excellence! There truly are not enough words to express how much I enjoyed not only this book, but the entire series!
Jakobi Diem did an outstanding narration & enactment of every single one of the characters. There was never a moment where I was confused by what character was speaking. The consistent enthusiasm was felt throughout.
Joan Vassar has a new fan in me fa life!! I will debate a few thangs, but I loved everything! Her imagination is brilliance!
244 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2021
One Last Ride!

For me, The Fort unearths, emotes and exemplifies what boundless love is. Love of self, love of an idea, love of survival, love of freedom, love of intimacy, love of love, love of family, and love of connection from birth to death, they are all connected and through that bond, they depend and trust one another to all stay upright as the men of The Fort and Black Town provide the essentials to sustain life, while the women give life and I think is the embodiment of the food that feeds and nourishes the soul of these men with power, purpose and determination.

Joan Vassar skillfully writes and paints the picture of growth from enslavement to freedom. She unapologetically explains and shows strength in evolving from nothingness to becoming mentally and physically free by determined men and women who come together and fight to protect, preserve and maintain that freedom by any mean necessary while also cultivating a safe protected settlement, raising children and each other as a village, a community and a family which is missing in these current times.

She allowed me a glimpse into my ancestors path for the right to be and live free doing a stupendous job keeping me engaged as her prolific words effortlessly flow conveying all the makings of a great story showcasing strong black men and women who show raw emotion and strength in vulnerability, strength in acceptance, strength in shame, strength in pain, strength in silence and strength in compliance, causing me to theorize, infer and envision parts of myself within the characters as I navigate the plot twists of this journey of uncertainty.

The Black Series as a whole has brought life into my spirit. Finishing the The Fort brings this beautiful fictional world build by Joan Vassar, to full circle as this series ends with this novel as one of the most exceptional series I’ve encountered in a long time. From the introduction, to the very last word, I was in a seduced state as the posse heads out on this “final” ride and now I patiently wait to see this series on the small screen or the silver screen, the story just needs to be told.
Profile Image for Lette Reads.
248 reviews70 followers
April 17, 2023
This is last book in this AMAZING series. I really don’t know the words to express how GREAT of a writer Joan Vassar is. She mixed historical fiction with facts and added in beautiful romance. She’s talked about the research that went into writing this series and can’t begin to imagine! This is a series I will listen to over and over.

Speaking of listening, Jakobi Diem deserves awards for the narration of this series. He did the entire 70+ hours and never once was I confused on who was speaking. I’ve never experienced anything like it. This is by far the best written and performed series I’ve have ever experienced.

I could have finished this series in less time but I did not want it to end. 😩
Profile Image for K2.
637 reviews14 followers
March 12, 2022
BlackThought
Profile Image for KarynReads.
626 reviews19 followers
August 22, 2022
Bravo! 👏🏾👏🏾 What words do you use for this series at this point. Spectacular, wonderful, marvelous, outstanding. The list goes on. Truly should be on The big screen or even a mini series. Well done Joan Vassar! And wonderful work Jakobi Diem! His voice changed throughout this whole book. Amazing
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
November 23, 2022
Powerful series finale

Let me say this upfront, if you are looking for a historical fiction author who does extensive research, provides realistic intersections and provides an authentic historical account and tremendous engaging storyline, look no further, this series is it. Yes that was an awfully long sentence but when you are trying to capture a phenomenal story, that's what happens. This series is not your typical slave story. The author addresses the complexities that one encounters from being enslaved to being free. It is not only a required physical transition but mentally and emotionally. When Black saw the walls of Fort Independence as another form of subtle oppression and began to expand the land, it demonstrated that freedom while tangible is not always conceivable after suffering oppression your entire life and through multiple generations. Even as I am writing this review I know that my words are failing to capture what is my heart and mind. I don't know if we can truly embrace all of the nuggets that were passed in this book, this series. It is powerful that it started and ended with Black, Nat, Hope who led with so much strength, wisdom, patience and courage. I did not want this series to end hence why I waited a while before I cracked open this book. This was worth the wait but even more so it was worth the journey. If you have not open this series you need to do so immediately. This book is historically vetted, genuine, authentic and the character development, chef's kiss!!! Great way to close out the series!! Bravo!!!
Profile Image for Rochelle.
524 reviews11 followers
December 9, 2023
What an amazing ride this series has been. I'm not sure if it's over, but if she keeps writing them, I'm going to keep reading them.

The search for the infamous Black has brought tragedy to the front gates of Fort Independence. Black and his brothers go searching for men responsible for the brutal death of a woman from his past.

The brothers spend most of this book in Canada. This book is more about the experiences and expansion of Fort Independence and another town with free blacks now called Blackstown, renamed from niggertown by Black. He has the heavy burden of helping his people understand and live like the free they now are.

This one ends after the end of the Civil War, the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln's assassination. The people now look to Black to want to know what's next.
Profile Image for Sha-keh-ree.
338 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2024
“As a leader, I am tasked with uncaging your thoughts, emancipating your way of life and unshackling us all from fear." -Black

There are some who take what’s theirs and there are some who wait for it to be given to them. Black and the men of Fort Independence were freedom fighters in the midst of a world that wanted them bound and unbelieving, but fighters they were. I loved EVERY moment of this series. A tale of liberty not just of the body but the mind too. If you’re looking for a black historical fiction full of romance, action, and a little bit of mystery then this is IT. 🖤
Profile Image for Michelle.
303 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2021
Bold & Beautiful 🖤

Geezus, Where do I start??? She did not disappoint. Joan is a magnificent storyteller. This Story has so much passion which is standard in her books. But I'm always captivated by the determination to build a legacy as well as the strength of the Women. I'm fully invested in the the direction of this series. Joan gives us an opportunity to witness our Ancestors road to Freedom but more importantly, the intricacies. I love all the new characters but specifically Booker, Maybel, Virgil, Percy, Fern, Caroline, Jake and Ephraim for various reasons. Some of the storylines were so bold and beautiful that it needed specific acknowledgement but I'm not gonna give any spoilers! However, just know there is nothing new under the sun. ❤ Now I have to read it again to pluck and ponder all the hidden gems!! 😜 Thank you Joan for sharing your brilliance with us! I am forever grateful! 🙌🏾👑🔥
Profile Image for Terry.
28 reviews
October 22, 2021
“The Fort” continues the story of characters that I’ve come to Love! This is story telling on a level I have not come across a lot, if ever. The whole series of which this book is the last makes me aware that most books I read I enjoy them on a mental level. But this book and the whole series grab me by the heart! I feel everything from fear, relief, joy, anxiety, anger. I’ve read a lot of books on the topic of slavery and freedom. But none like this one. I will read this book and the whole series throughout my life! If I could give it 100 stars I would!
Profile Image for Tina.
121 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2022
The Final Mission


Reading this book was bittersweet. These characters feel like home. Black, Sunday,Elbert, and the rest of the residents of The Fort made me feel like I was a welcomed member of the family. When the 22 rode out,so did I.
I have learned a lot about our history through this series. I love the way the author weaves historical figures and facts into the story.
That adds to the authenticity felt while reading. There were some things that I knew were going to happen, yet when it happened I was shocked and emotional. The characters wanted to leave a lasting impression and they succeeded. I love the way Ms Vassar leaves breadcrumbs and allows you to figure out the significance of the events in the story. She is a brilliant and masterful storyteller.

I enjoyed visiting the Fort for what is SUPPOSED to be the last time.
The story arcs left in place by Ms. Vassar leave room for her to revisit the characters if she so desires. Bravo. EyeCU Reading Approved & Recommended
Profile Image for Jaye _.
124 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2024
WOW…as I close out the last book, I am at a loss for words. The entire series is just wonderful. The beautifully crafted characters and narrative leaves this warm feeling behind. Not too sure how I’m going to bounce back after finishing this. I feel a reading slump coming because it was just beyond amazing plus more. HOW do I push past a literary gem such as this??? This series is the epitome of STRONG black history and I felt like I was there in the moment. Mrs. Joan Vassar gave me a true understanding of why I love historical fiction so much. Strong black lead characters in the midst of an era that we normally view as hardship and despair for our people. But yet, The Black Series embodies strength, resilience, LOVE, and our true independence. I fell deeply in love with all of the characters and how they developed in each book. What made this series even more enjoyable, the audiobook narrator Jacobi Diem. Such an amazing voice that brought everything to full life. 5 stars but deserving of so much more.
Profile Image for Felicia G. Trevino.
185 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2022
This book was 🔥!!!
Da'💣 AND 💫💫💫💫💫!!!
Joan Vassar, done done it again!!
Bravo, SisterMine!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
952 reviews14 followers
January 9, 2022
New mindset!

OMG!!!!!! THIS SERIES!!!!! I am not a fan of historical fiction...definitely not when it includes slavery, but this!!!!!! GAME CHANGER! The Fort was the absolute next step for thinking out side the box. Excellent read and story about progressive people!
Profile Image for Sip then Read.
81 reviews15 followers
March 30, 2022
Sip Approved

Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:

The Fort by Joan Vassar

Drink: Fresh Picked Freedom

Music: Stand Up Performed by Cynthia Erivo

Audible: Jakobi Diem: At this point what could we say about this man reading this series that we haven’t already said lol. Jakobi overly understood the assignment with this whole series. We thank him for his excellence. He truly brought theses men and women to life. He was a one man show. The way he narrated this story had us feeling like we were watching a movie with the way he became each character big and small. The audible is truly the way to go.

Black, Elbert, and James: If, “three the hard way,” was a group of brothers it would be Big Mama’s boys. If these three are coming for you then you better expect, “the most difficult method” will be used against you.

Laverne “The Ambassador” Bainesworth: If, “my good man,” was a person it would be Bainesworth. Started off as the Queen’s man and ended up as Black’s man. He more than earned his spot on the team.

Jake: If, “not taking another one for the team,” was a person it would be Jake. This time around he wasn’t standing by and letting someone else take what he wanted.

Caroline: If, “ignorance is bliss,” was a person it would be Caroline. She willing played her role and told herself that it was okay.

Campbell R. Penn: If, “I did it for the culture,” was a person it would be Campbell. He truly believed in his cause.

The Fort: If, “family ties,” was a community it would be The Fort. The Fort was the type of community that people of today could only dream of. Truly a place where family came first.

Book 5 in the Black series was just as epic as book one and the perfect way to end such a powerful and enlightening saga. Ms. Joan did that. This was a great representation of what these men fought for so long. We got to see Black be the leader that he was born to be and got to truly experience the end of a legacy. This whole series was an extraordinary thought-provoking journey. This series was a fictional tales but reads like the history they didn’t teach us. These five books are a MUST read for sure.

Recipe can be found on Google by The Blacklabel
Profile Image for Kaylynn.
Author 34 books83 followers
October 26, 2022
Original Gangata

I'm not particularly a fan of "slave books" except those written by Joan.

Joan has a way of immersing you into the story. And though you are transported back in time, there's still a familiar voice that doesn't keep you in the outside looking in. What I enjoy most, is the way Black & the 22 all of the fort and beyond are depicted as strong, intelligent & steadfast.

They're loyalty & determination are things to admire. I've thing for sure when they say they got your back. They got it. Leaving the spoilers out of this review I'll save my discussion of my favorite parts for my bookclub.

Eyecu Reading Approved
Profile Image for Yasmine.
338 reviews16 followers
August 4, 2022
Now that I'm all caught up on the Black series I'm ready to give my opinion on it. I think this series is a good black historical romance series. We have strong alpha men who aren't afraid to be vulnerable with their women and sometimes even with each other. We have vulnerable black women who know when it's time to be strong and step up to the plate. We also have very steamy sex scenes in this series(a Beverly Jenkins novel this aint). I would recommend it to anybody wanting to read other black historical romance books from other authors that aren't Beverly Jenkins. With the praise out the way I'm ready to talk about the things I didn't like in the series. Firs things first. Joan's constant use of the word what when she means that. Early in the series I thought it was a careless mistake, but it's literally in every book and it's beyond annoying. She needs an editor badly because how they let her write 5 books and constantly do that I have no idea why. Even as the author why she always used what when she clearly meant that is confusing. I don't know where her mind was at but it was grammatically wrong. I also didn't like how after Black and Elbert's story when it came to James and Anthony's story. I don't think she did them justice. Black and Elbert's book focused primarily on them. Yes we had pov chapters from other characters but never did I think they were getting more focus than the main ones. James and Anthony were backseat characters in their own stories. James's story was short and his book was the longest. The Hunter bros(Jeremiah and E.J.) got more scenes. Way more scenes than James. She focused so much on them that I didn't even care about James and Abby getting together. She wrapped it up so quick with minimal buildup that it was hard to care. Same for Anthony and Emma. She definitely put him in the backseat. The way Anthony was a filler in his own book was sad. Maybe if she gave him more scenes and let him be more useful instead of giving other characters more pov then I would've cared more. Why she dropped the ball like that I don't know. Black and Sunday along with Elbert and Anna are the only couples in the whole series that get proper buildup where you care about them. Everybody else is just hastily thrown together imo. These issues kinda bring the series down a bit. However, I still feel like it's enjoyable. If you can look past the issues I mentioned then you'll like the series. Overall I'd give it a 3.95/5 rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
86 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2022
The Fort by Joan Vassar is said to be the final book of the "Black" series. I'm here to tell you, Ms. Vassar left no stone unturned while wrapping up this series. As always, she reels the reader in with an amazing Historical fiction story. Although, you already know what happened in history, you're still sitting on the edge of your seat reading as if you had no clue what was to come. That's good writing. I love the way the author makes each character come to life. She makes the reader feel as if they're in the story, going through the motions right along side the characters. When I finished reading this book I had to go and listen to it because, I didn't want to miss a thing! Yes, it was that good! If you're looking for a good series please, check out The Black Series by Joan Vassar.

Definitely EyeCU Reading APPROVED
30 reviews
April 30, 2022
Her Words His Voice
This remarkable story is an impressive conclusion to the end of an extraordinary series. The Fort is about the Preservers of Southern Life who is adamant about maintaining slavery. When you read this book, you will experience a riveting account of what Black and the men went through to defy slavery. Readers will get a view of an enthralling tale of mystery and suspense being solved.
Ms. Vassar is a phenomenal storyteller whose characters leap off the pages and leaves the readers always wanting more. Additionally, Ms. Vassar’s characters are mission-driven, specifically detailed, and very realistically relatable. Mr. Diem is the perfect narrator for this amazing series. Both the writer and narrator are a perfect match. Ms. Vassar has penned one of the Best Historical series ever. Applause…Applause…Applause…
272 reviews5 followers
January 5, 2022
My Heart Is So Full

Author Joan Vassar has an amazing gift that can only come straight from God. No mortal being could have created the Black Series, alone!

Nat Hope Black Turner, knew black people deserved to live free just like whites and he did something to achieve it. I love Black! His mind…brilliant! So selfless! Like Moses, he went back repeatedly to free his people. Hallelujah!

What built in The Fort, was unheard of. Yet his mind was constantly turning and expanding his vision for himself, his wife and children. And his people.

This is a five book series and it’s imperative that you read in order.

Author Joan Vassar, I’m convinced you are ‘ otherworldly’ and I applaud your gifted genius. Bravo!
Profile Image for Ebony Evans.
Author 12 books27 followers
April 23, 2022
Joan Vassar has done it again! Written with meticulous detail “The Fort” gives readers a cinematic view of a fight for black freedom. Highlighting love, loyalty, respect, honesty, strength, and togetherness… “The Fort” shows us there is power in unity. We are not free because white people deem it so–we are free because it is our right.

Readers if you’re looking for a read that will reinvigorate hope and inspire unity… “The Black” series is that and more! Oh and let me not forget the STEAMY LOVE SCENES🔥 WHEW CHILE‼️ I love the way they love‼️ If you haven’t read the series… “Black” is the bomb and “The Fort” is the EXPLOSION‼️ I highly suggest you 1-CLICK NOW!

Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved & Highly Recommended
Profile Image for Angela S.
298 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2021
So I have been rocking with the author for a while, every since I had to start 3 times on Black because in my mind, it was a slave book. By the time I got to the second chapter, I was hooked. I followed with Elbert, James and Anthony. As I continued to read the series, I realized this author is setting us up for something amazing when I got to The Fort. This read brought everything together with everyone realizing the dream they all had been chasing is mostly in their mind, because the physical realm was free. I do hope this series isn't over, but best believe I will be rereading and listening to the audible books, ling in the future!
Profile Image for Crystal Luckey.
752 reviews31 followers
April 3, 2022
I don't want it to end...

Trouble comes to the gates of the fort my way of a bloody carriage. When Black finds out what happened, he knew he had to ride out to rectify the situation and take care of who did this. This time Black stayed back and let Elbert leave them. When things go bad, the 22 regroup and fix the problem. So much happened in this book and it showed me that the 22 was not a group of men to play with. This ending to this phenomenal series was well written and answered every question I had. This series has blessed my life.
Jakobi take a bow, you narrated the hell out of this series!!!
Profile Image for Nicole.
437 reviews115 followers
October 30, 2021
One thing about the men of The Fort is if they will come after your ass. They don't play. They love, respect, and protect the women, children, and one another. I enjoyed going on another historical journey with these characters as always. Maintaining their freedom while trying to free others in both body and mind is no small thing. They face everything head on, and fear no man.....especially the crackers! I visualize as I read, and I would love to see this series on something like Netflix...... It's that good!!
74 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2022
She’s Done It Again!!!

Joan Vassar continued to masterfully write the “final” book in The Black Series, The Fort. Vassar brings another dimension in black love and doesn’t shy away from the taboos of unconventional masculine love. I enjoyed the sensuality and intimacy of the relationships that were tastefully done throughout The Fort. Vassar has a way with words but this isn’t anything new as every book is so well written you will even feel sorry for the villain.

I give The Fort (The Black Series Book 5) 5 stars.

EyeCU Reading Approved and Highly Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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