Cartel Queen: Aries Manifesto

Cartel Queen #1

by JaQuavis Coleman

From one of the authors of The Cartel series, there's a new branch....

On a beautiful island in the Caribbean, a woman with a checkered past has retired from a life of crime. She is now raising her son, trying to spare him of the ills that her former life provided. However, in a blink of an eye it all changes....

When a wealthy tourist gets entangled with her son, it’s forces Aries to show who she really is and her old connections are called.

This smart, fast paced, island thriller brings out the devil that no one knows but will surely find out about. The mental chess game played leads up to a unique ending no one can see coming.

JaQuavis Coleman, author of the cartel series, starts a new branch to the family tree, known as the cartel. He manages to turn the beautiful Caribbean island into dark place with his new masterpiece.... Cartel Queen.--

Genres: Audiobook

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2023

About the author

JaQuavis Coleman also writes (with Ashley Antoinette) as "Ashley & JaQuavis".

JaQUAVIS COLEMAN, the New York Times best-selling author of Dopeman’s Trilogy, first burst onto the scene at the age of eighteen and quickly became a nationwide literary phenomenon. He and his wife Ashley Antoinette have coauthored numerous “street fiction” classics. With the birth of the Cartel series, the “Ashley and JaQuavis” brand took off. In 2013, twenty-seven-year-old Coleman was honored by Ebony magazine as being one of the Top 100 most influential African Americans in the country.

Reviews

[Joy McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARIES HAS RETURED💯💯💯

I read this book TWICE!!!! And it still don't amaze me how the last piece of the puzzle was Aries and the island don't know they just woke the BEAST up, it's about to get real real in Book 2!!! 🔥🔥🔥EXCELLENT READ🔥🔥🔥

[Erin Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

These dang cliffhangers!!!!!! lol sick of them!

But Aries is my girlllll so I’m glad we got to catch up with her. This book had twist & turns of course. Miamor shows up with her son CJ. Glad to see them.

Shocked to find out it: 🌸=👮🏽😳
That was crazy turn of events.

Looking forward to book 2!

[Nekhira Mclaurine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read if you’re between books

I’ve been reading the Cartel series since I was 16 and this by far wasn’t the best of the series. As my second book by Jacquavis alone, I’m not sold.

Too many grammatical and formatting errors. I get that they’re on a Caribbean island however there were times where the dialogue felt forced. I did enjoy the change in scenery compared to the Flint setting most of the stories (individually and from the Duo A+J) their books take place.

The character development was okay, however Saint’s character had some misalignments that made his character hard to follow at times. The entire book talks about how he’s so careful, this, and that but there are too many moments where he’s the sloppiest in the room.

Just like Cubana, there are moments where the book is really building towards an awesome moment but the scene isn’t fully fleshed out so the mark is missed.

I did read the entire book for my girl Arie’s as I’m always rooting for any of the Mama’s but I’m slightly disappointed of the ending for her! I just hope she doesn’t have to get drug through so many issues and books to end out her story. Essentially, I pray we don’t have to be 6 installments in before we finally see her story full play out.

If you’re in between books and a fan of the original Cartel series and Money Devils then check this story out.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - I meannnn??? My bad for not knowing this book labeled under the genre of "crime thriller" was going to actually be an erotica novel? Especially considering the title and description???

The book started out strong, but then the entire second half was mostly just comprised of very long, descriptive sex scenes. Not exactly the type of "action" I was looking for when I picked up a book about a "Cartel Queen" with a history of killing countless people. But maybe they were referring to a different body count all along? lmao When the summary of this said, "unique ending no one can see coming," I guess they meant it literally...

Anyway, for an erotica book, I guess it was good? But wtf? Be more upfront about what the book is in your description please. I was really craving some cartel-style action when I picked this up. Also, it ends on a cliffhanger which I hated.

[DangerBaeBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWE MAN,
POOR SAINT. CROW IS A HUGE BITCH.... LIKE HE MADE ME SO FUCKING MAD BECAUSE I STARTED HAVING A LITTLE SYMPATHY FOR HIM WHEN HE WAS CRYING JUST FOR HIM TO DO THAT FUCK SHIT.
I LIKE HOW CJ AND MIAMOUR CAME TO ARIES AIDE. IM SO HURT THAT TREY GOT CAUGHT UP IN THAT BULLSHIT AND I CANT WAIT FOR ARIES TO FIND OUT FLOWER IS A UNDERCOVER COP.
I REALLY HOPE ARIES FIND OUT SAINT DID NOT KILL TREY AND THEY WORK TOGETHER TO GET BACK AT THE PLUG FOR SETTING THAT PLAY.

[Desiree Middlebrook · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was ok

I feel like it was rushed and thrown together. I hate how vulnerable he had Aries, there is no way she should’ve believe anything that Crow had to say!! It was ok I hope it gets better in the next book.

[L. Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aries is back!

I have been waiting a long time for the MM’s to make an appearance. JaQuavis delivered and left us want more. This is a dirty game and nobody can be trusted but the Cartel always is right where they need to be. This book started and ended with the bang. My only constructive feedback, is there is some minor grammatical errors and some editing that needs to take place.

[Shaquea Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the WORST Cartel book in the entire series. The book was poorly written, with multiple typos and it felt rushed and all over the place. It didn’t give the same feel all the other Cartel books gave. For Aries to be as notorious as she is, she deserved a MUCH BETTER book than this one. Although I finished it, I’m very disappointed, especially considering how they hyped it up before he released it.

[Amber Delannie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. a lot of grammatical errors, which made me want to put it down but I did finish it. I liked the twist with flower and the inclusion of Miamor, that was my girl!
It just kind of seems like the book was thrown together quickly. I had high expectations because of the cartel series which was amazing but ehhhh…

[Yannie Barg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stared reading the Cartel Series back in high school 10 yrs ago and I’m still invested ! Aries is back and she’s is the notorious MM despite Mia being a main character in all of the books. In the book Aries reminds us who she is and who she was and the two are not to far from the same. It wasn’t a lot of twist like the cartel series BUT the crazy twists are nothing short of MIND BLOWING ! After all these years I still feel for the characters like I’ve known them since a child. I love this book!
It definitely kept up with the Cartel Series and “Money Devils”

[Rhiannon Rabby | 31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE IS THE 2ND NOVEL, JAQUAVIS?????

[Toni H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aries has moved to Antigua escape her past life being part of the Murder Mamas. She is also escaping the FBI since she is on their most wanted list. Things are great. She has a popular cafe on the island and she is protecting her son. An American involved criminal businesses on the island, Saint, tries to intimidate her and force her to work with him. However, she sends him a message letting him know who she is and she wants nothing to do with him. The two eventually become lovers and he realizes he doesn’t want the criminal life anymore. However, his protege that works with him is not happy about Saint’s new plans and devise a plan to stop him. Things quickly fall apart and the repercussions are deadly for everyone.

[Natisha R McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

WOW!!! Just WOW!!! I’m at a loss for words. Well done Mr. Coleman. I was happy to learn that Aries fell in love. Life of a Murda Mama didn’t leave much room for that and she became very guarded. Saint was perfect for her. That damn Crow got what he deserved. Poor little Trey didn’t stand a chance in the streets just like his mother predicted. That damn Flower though. That was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting that at all. She played the hell out of her role. I’m just gonna shake my head at Jalen. On another note, my girl Mia is FREE! The Cartel and Murda Mama’s are back!! I’m anticipating the blood bath that will for sure be in Cartel Queen 2. Diaz should’ve had his own people investigate what happened to his daughter. He just don’t know of the BEAST that he has just awakened.

[HeyYallItsMei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline. It was good catching up with Aries and seeing what she had been up to. No matter how hard she tries Aries is going to always be Aries. Its in her and not on her. I loved Saint and Lovey. Jaylen was pick me loser. Flower honestly shocked me. Kinda expected Chubbs to do all the things he did. Crow, I expected it. Red was meh. And Trey....sweet, soft, naive Trey smh. Ready for part 2. Hope it doesn't take forever like this book did. But overall it was a solid read.

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Good!

Whew my goodness!! First of all, I was so happy to see what Aries has been up to. The ending has me STUCK!! I cannot wait for part 2!

[Kenni Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehh it was decent.

[S. Reid]

AS I'D DONE MY USUAL OF IGNORING ALL THE EXPECTED-WITH HIS WRITING-ERROS IN GRAMMAR & THE LIKE, I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE MY NEW FAVORITE WRITTEN BY JQC, IT TAKING THE PLACE OF MY NOW SECOND FAVORITE OF HIS "THE WHITE HOUSE".
BUT, I BELIEVE THAT IT'S SOLELY DUE TO WHO THE SUBJECT MATTER IS ABOUT MY SECOND FAVORITE MURDER MAMA: ARIES!
KNOWING WHAT I KNOW OF ARIES-EXPRESSED (IN THE CARTEL 6) AS THE MOST DANGEROUS OF THE MURDER MAMAS- I REALLY DIDN'T ANTICIPATE HER BEING ABLE TO HOLD ON TO A LOVE OF HER OWN, SADLY, INCLUDING HER SON TREY, GIVEN HOW SHE LIVED HER LIFE.
KARMA SOMETIMES ALMOST ALWAYS FIND ITS WAY BACK TO A LOT OF FOLKS, ESPECIALLY TO PERSONS WHO MAY BE VIEWED AS ACTING INHUMANELY TOWARDS OTHERS.
THAT BEING SAID, OUT OF ALL FIVE OF THE ORIGINAL MURDER MAMAS: ANISA, BARBARA, ROBYN, & MY FAVORITE MIAMOR, ARIES WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO'D APPEARED TO ESCAPED WITH HER LIFE OUT OF THE CLUTCHES OF THE LAW OR THE HANDS OF SADISTIC KILLERS.
SHE MAY HAVE HAD HER PHYSICAL FREEDOM, BUT SHE NEVER COULD LIVE FREELY DUE TO ALL THAT SHE HAD DONE IN HER OTHER MORE DANGEROUS LIFE. ARIES ALWAYS HAD SOMETHING TO LOSE INCLUDING A HUSBAND, HER FRIENDS/FELLOW MM'S ANISA, BARBARA, & ROBYN TO VICIOUS DEATHS, MIAMOR TO PRISON, & NOW HER BELOVED REASON TO LIVE HER SON TREY.
ON A SICKENING SIDE OF THINGS, NOW THAT WHAT THAT YOUNG BOY TREY FOUND HIMSELF FALLING INTO WHICH IS SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO WHAT AURORA RICH, BREEZE DIAMOND'S DAUGHTER TRAGICALLY FOUND HERSELF FALLING INTO IN A SAD WAY IT APPEARS THAT ARIES & BREEZE MAY NOW HAVE A WAY TO ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BOND IN THEIR MOURNING AS MOTHERS WHO HAD LOST THEIR ONLY TRUE LOVES: THEIR CHILDREN.
I DON'T TRUST SAINT, NOR DID I TRUST FLOWER EITHER FROM THE START. NOR DID I TRUST RED FOR MANY REASONS I DON'T CARE TO EXPAND UPON.
ENOUGH ON THAT. HOWEVER, ONE PAIRING I ACTUALLY LIVE FOR, THAT IS, IN THE LITERARY WORLD, IS THE REUNITING OF MY FAVORITE MURDER MAMAS: MIAMOR & ARIES! THE VERY REASON WHY I PURCHASED THE BOOK EVEN AFTER MAKING PURCHASE REQUESTS AT MY LOCAL LIBRARIES FOR THE BOOK!
THIS WAS ONE OF A FEW BOOKS THAT ONCE I RECEIVED IT, FIRST FROM MY AMAZON ORDER, THEN FROM THE LOCAL LIBRARY, DID I CARRY AROUND WITH ME (THE LOCAL LIBRARY ONE-THE COPY I'D PURCHASED STAYS AT THE CRIB SO IT WOULDN'T FIND ITSELF LOST!))TO READ CHAPTERS WHENEVER I FOUND A FREE MOMENT!
THAT'S HOW MUCH I'D FOUND MYSELF COMPLETELY IMMERSED IN THE STORYLINE.
I DON'T SAY THIS OFTEN OF JQ COLEMAN'S SOLO WORK BUT I LOOOOOOOOOOVED THIS BOOK & CANNOT WAIT UNTIL IT CONTINUES IN EITHER CQ2 OR TRUTHFULLY, IN LONG LIVE THE CARTEL 2-WHICHEVER ONE HE SEES FIT TO BRING THE ORIGINAL MURDER MAMAS TOGETHER TO DO WHAT THEY DO IN I'LL BE VERY MUCH CONTENTED WITH!
I WAS FEELING A WAY WHEN JQC WAS REVEALING THE LIFE OF ARIES THAT HE WOULD FORGET HOW SHE, ROBYN, & BABARA HAD MET ANISA & MIAMOR, & HOW ARIES HAD SAVED MIA & ANISA'S LIVES IN THAT MOTEL ROOM THE LADIES HAD SEPARATELY TARGETED A CREW OF HOOD DUDES WITH A LITTLE CHANGE IN THEIR POCKETS (& IN A SAFE) THEY ALL WERE COMING TO COLLECT IN DIFFERENT GROUPS THEN JOINTLY. I JUST EXPECTED JQC TO GET THE STORY RIGHT HOW IT HAD ORIGINALLY BEEN TOLD IN THE CARTEL 1& 2 BOOOKS.
I FIND IT QUITE HUMOROUS THAT THOUGH I'VE BEEN A FAN OF SOME-NOT ALL OF HIS WORK, IT TOOK THE STORY OF ARIES & MIAMOR TO HAVE ME GOING ON & FRIGGIN' ON IN MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK:CARTEL QUEEN: ARIES MANIFESTO (I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WAS HER SURNAME)!

[Queena Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Explosive, Unapologetic Masterpiece — The Queen Reigns Supreme

Cartel Queen: Aries Manifesto is an unforgettable ride from start to finish. Raw, fearless, and fiercely empowering, this book pulls no punches and delivers a heroine who is as commanding as she is complex. The “Aries Manifesto” isn’t just a title — it’s a battle cry.

The author masterfully blends high-stakes drama with psychological depth, crafting a story that’s as emotionally charged as it is action-packed. The Queen’s journey is laced with ambition, vengeance, loyalty, and betrayal — all set against a vividly drawn cartel world that feels as real as it is ruthless.

What sets this book apart is its bold voice. The prose is sharp and purposeful. The dialogue snaps with energy. And the Queen? She’s not here to play nice — she’s here to rule, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her even when she crosses every line.

If you love strong, flawed, and fearless female leads, Cartel Queen: Aries Manifesto will leave you breathless. It’s not just a story — it’s a statement.

🔥 A must-read for fans of femme fatales, high-stakes drama, and powerful antiheroes. Aries Manifesto isn’t just a book — it’s a warning shot. And the Queen? She’s just getting started.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful island of Antigua is where Murder Mama, Aries is now calling home. The entire island is protecting her and her son, because they know she's on the FBI's Most Wanted list and…she's one of their own.

In walks an American named Saint. Initially, he proposes a business deal, but then takes a personal interest in this mysterious island woman. Unfortunately, someone feels like Saint's budding relationship is closing his judgement when it comes to business, and decides to take matters into their own hands. I have no sympathy for him when the ish hits the fan.

I enjoyed reading this book. In true @realjaqua fashion, the plot twists will leave you breathless and his murder scenes are legendary. NOBODY kills a character like this man. My favorite character was Saint's grandmother and my least favorite would be a tie between Crow (for obvious reasons) and Diaz (for his methods of being a snake). I also want to give a special shout out to Flower (talk about method acting) and young Trey. He was so sheltered, that it made him naive and eventually led to the outcome at the end.

Now that Miamor and C.J. are on the scene, there will be hell to pay, and they want it in blood.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the usual treachery packed JaQuavis read. But we got to catch up with Aries of the MM's. She's in Barbados with her son Trey trying to stay "clean".
The book started and ended with a bang. There was a list of interesting characters in the mix including a love interest named Saint and a law enforcement plant.
I think I took issue with the characters not doing their due diligence before murdering people that are supposed to be at fault for things. Isn't that something you'd want to be certain about?
There were also a few spelling and grammatical errors and... Something I noticed in A&J, Jaquavis, etc. Books? Certain things aren't always accurate.
Still a strong 4 star read. Looking forward to the next one.

[Anissa Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aries!!

I'm just happy to have another story about the murder mama's!
Aries has settled in her home country and is doing well. She's keeping a low profile & being careful because she's still on the FBI's most wanted list in the states. Her son Trey is a teenager now.
Aries is running a successful business in this small tourist area as well as others & that brings all types of people around. She doesn't really get involved with most people. That is until Saint comes around. Then her son gets involved with some island boys & things take a turn.
There were two people I was suspicious of in this story. Not giving spoilers. To put it direct, idk what's about to happen in the next book but, Aries done let her guard down & it's bad!!

[Alison is probably reading smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING AS ALWAYS. I will forever be a fan of Ashley & JaQuavis, especially their individual novels! This book was great throughout. I noticed there were a few typos but I didn't even care, it still made sense and was easy to follow along with. Hate that it ended on such a cliffhanger.. but that just makes me even more excited for part 2! Read within a day, I really tried to read it slow and cherish every word but I ended up devouring it.. oh well!

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a huge fan of this author but I loved the cartel series and murder mamas. This book started off slow, took me awhile to get there. So many twists and turns. Sure was shocked about Flower really thought Red was the undercover agent. The ending was everything, I really didn’t expect things to go down like that. Honestly it will be too late for Saint and Aries, I was rooting for them. After all that has happened because of that no good Crow, things are about to get real messy.

[Porsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 4 stars because of who the author is and the series that this book is connected to. The 4 stars is for the familiarity, I missed Aries and wanted to know how things ended up for her but Cartel Queen shows that the head is still heavy for those that west the crown. She left the states to get away from drama and it has followed her.

[Connie F5.0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this. Another series. Let’s go! Let me just start by saying Crow is a hating jerk face! Throughout the book he’s lets us see that! All for money. 🤦🏽‍♀️

All mayhem caused in this book was because of him.

Good read! I loved the Cartel series and Murder Mammas. I hope this series is just as good.

[Literary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book after seeing so many positive reviews, and at first, it seemed promising. The story started strong, and I was engaged. However, about two-thirds of the way in, the writing started to lose its impact. The erotic scenes, in particular, lacked creativity, reading more like something a teenage boy would describe rather than a well-developed narrative.

There were also noticeable typos and misused phrases throughout, which became distracting.

[Lashonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read

Baby when I tell u how happy I was to be reading bout my good girls mm I couldn't do nothing this weekend but lay in bed and read this book which by fair is a page turner if my girl was thinking thinking then she should have left flower ass at the door that's all I have to say

[Robin Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Rezx

Oh this was good. I remember Murda Mamas.I can't remember everything because its been awhile. This story took a minute for me to get into but once I found out who Aries was, it got interesting. I like how the story was laid out. There's lots of drama and action. This was a good read.

[Darcel Groce · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXACTLY WHAT THE GAME BEEN MISSING!!!

I've been looking and searching for a book with some substance something other than gratuitous sex and violence with no thought behind it and jaquavis drops this banger that kept me on edge of my seat the whole time definitely worth the wait

[Kia K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun summer read to hold us fans over for the upcoming releases! Without being obnoxiously critical, I appreciated this brief introduction of Aries and how she’s been surviving life outside of her cartel affiliation!!