Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Cartel
- Author: Ashley & JaQuavis
- Narrator: Cary Hite
- Length: 09:07:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 25/05/2012
- Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, General
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Today, I’m diving into the raw, pulsating world of ‘Cartel’ by Ashley & JaQuavis, narrated by the inimitable Cary Hite. This urban fiction saga dropped into my headphones like a storm over the Miami streets it so vividly portrays, and I’ve been hooked from the first gritty syllable. As a travel writer who’s roamed from the deserts of Chile to the vibrant markets of Oaxaca, I’m always chasing stories that root me in a place and its people. ‘Cartel’ does just that, painting the port of Miami as a battleground of power, betrayal, and forbidden love with the Diamond family at its explosive core.
The story unfolds like a late-night confession in a dimly lit bar, heavy with secrets and the weight of legacy. We’re thrust into the Diamond family’s reign over Miami’s cocaine trade, controlling eighty percent of the flow until their leader, Carter Diamond, is lost. His death ripples through his wife, twin sons, daughter, and a hidden son, Carter Jones, who steps into a world he barely understands. Then there’s Miamor, a contract killer with beauty as deadly as her aim, leading the Murder Mamas. When her crew targets the Cartel, a tragic slip costs her sister’s life, igniting a thirst for revenge that collides with an unexpected love for Carter Jones. It’s a narrative of opposing forces – love versus vengeance, loyalty versus betrayal – that feels as electric as the city itself.
Listening to this audiobook experience, I couldn’t help but drift back to a memory of driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the surreal landscape outside my window mirroring the magical realism of García Márquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ The narrator’s voice back then wove a tale that felt like a campfire story, intimate and ancient. Similarly, Cary Hite’s performance in ‘Cartel’ carries that same gripping intimacy, though his tone is urban and urgent, perfectly matched to the streets of Miami. You can almost hear the humid night air, the distant thrum of club beats, and the tension of whispered deals gone wrong. Hite’s narration doesn’t just tell the story; it embodies the characters’ raw emotions – Carter’s quiet intensity, Miamor’s fierce pain, and the simmering danger of every interaction. His pacing is relentless, mirroring the high-stakes world of the Cartel, and his ability to shift between characters’ voices adds a cinematic depth to the listening experience.
What struck me most about ‘Cartel’ is its unflinching look at the cost of power. The Diamond family’s empire is built on violence and control, yet every member grapples with personal loss and longing. Miamor’s journey, in particular, resonated with me. Her duality as both a cold-blooded killer and a woman torn by love and grief feels so human, so real. It reminds me of a time when I stayed with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother spin tales each evening. Her voice, thick with experience, taught me how the best storytellers use silence and timing to draw you into a character’s soul. Ashley & JaQuavis achieve that here, crafting a narrative in the fiction and literature genre that’s as much about inner conflict as it is about street wars.
As for the audio quality of this Blackstone Audiobooks production, it’s crisp and immersive, letting Hite’s voice take center stage without distraction. Every growl, every pause, every whispered threat lands with impact. I’ve listened to countless audiobooks on long drives and late-night flights, and this one stands out for how seamlessly it pulls you into its world. If you’re hunting for a free audiobook or an audiobook free trial, I’d nudge you to check platforms like Audiobooks.com for ‘Cartel’ – the experience is worth every minute of your listening time.
Now, no story is without its rough edges, and ‘Cartel’ has a few. At times, the plot leans heavily on dramatic twists that might feel over-the-top to some listeners. The sheer number of betrayals and double-crosses can occasionally strain belief, even in a world as chaotic as Miami’s underworld. But for me, these moments are part of the genre’s charm – urban fiction often thrives on excess, mirroring the larger-than-life stakes of its characters’ lives. And while Hite’s narration is stellar, there are moments where a softer touch might have deepened the emotional beats, especially in Miamor’s quieter, more vulnerable scenes. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping audiobook experience.
If you’ve enjoyed other works in the urban fiction realm, like those by K’wan or Sister Souljah’s ‘The Coldest Winter Ever,’ you’ll find ‘Cartel’ a worthy companion. It shares that same street-savvy storytelling, that same focus on family ties and turf wars, but Ashley & JaQuavis bring a fresh intensity to the mix, especially through the lens of Miamor’s complex femininity. It’s a tale that doesn’t shy away from the darker corners of human nature, much like the raw stories I’ve heard from locals in cities across the globe.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves a narrative that’s equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking, especially if you’re drawn to fiction and literature that explores the underbelly of society. It’s perfect for long drives, late-night listens, or any moment you want to escape into a world far from your own. Whether you’re new to urban fiction or a seasoned fan, ‘Cartel’ offers a listening experience that’s as addictive as the empire it depicts.
Reflecting on this story, I’m reminded why I’m so drawn to tales of struggle and redemption. Traveling has taught me that every place, every person, carries a hidden history, a cartel of their own making – whether it’s power, love, or survival they’re fighting for. ‘Cartel’ captures that universal push and pull, and through Cary Hite’s voice, it feels like I’m right there on Miami’s streets, tasting the salt air and dodging the shadows. It’s a journey I won’t soon forget.
Until our paths cross again on the road or through another story, keep seeking those tales that move you. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of stories and a headset ready for the next adventure. Adiós, amigos!
