Member Reviews
I’m not a comic book person at all so this was a bit of a struggle for me to connect to, however I will say that if anyone could get me close to caring about Marvel, it is Lisa Jewell! She does a great job of creating suspense (I mean, she is one of the queens after all, so no surprise there) and leaving the reader wanting more. If you have even the faintest interest in Marvel you will absolutely devour this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advance electronic copy. All opinions are my own.
I’m a new fan of Lisa Jewell’s having only read her most recent book, “None of This is True”. However, I *LOVED* it so I am now a “if it’s Lisa Jewell, I will be purchasing” fan. I’m also a long time Marvel fan and was in love with the character of Jessica Jones since she debuted on Netflix. Ok, so I’m a fan of these two mediums separately … what about when they’re joined together? Short answer: yes, it’s a great marriage. Long answer: Even if you’re not a fan of Marvel, Lisa Jewell has done a wonderful job of bringing you into this world and keeping you there turning page after page. I also loved catching and seeing some of the other marvel characters in this. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Though I'm a big fan of the Marvel movies, I don't know much about Jessica Jones since she's not in them and I don't read the comics, nor have I watched the Netflix show. Still, I was excited to try this one out given that I love Marvel movies and Lisa Jewell. I thought this book was okay - not bad by any means, but also not great. It had a character and a plot and kept things moving, but I had trouble feeling invested in it. I wanted more action and character development, both of which I felt were underwhelming. I was curious how the story would all play out but didn't really care about any of the characters or their wellbeing, I more just wanted to know how it would wrap up and if Jessica would save the day from the weird perfection lady. While I didn't dislike the book, I'm not sure I would continue this series.
*I did end up listening to the audiobook via Audible and thought the narrator did a great job.
I missed the Marvel Comics connection when I requested this book and happy I did. Lisa Jewell delivers an intriguing dark superhero story. This was an entertaining blend of the supernatural and unexpected twists as I learned more about the gritty Jessica Jones character.
Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it.
This was not my usual pick. Never read the comics, or have watched anything related but I thought hey I’ll take a chance.
It was good. Interesting but definitely not my fav. That’s a me problem for sure though.
3/5⭐️
Breaking the Dark was not a favorite of mine, but I think it’s just because I’m not a Marvel person. I LOVE Lisa Jewell, and the writing was still great, it’s just not my cup of tea!
This is another great book by Lisa Jewell. This book got the whole 5 stars from me. She is an amazing story- teller and you will not be disappointed! This book kept me on my toes!
While I know the marvel superheros, I am mostly just an observer and not a superfan. I did enjoy reading about a defunct superhero who still has it in her to help people as a private investigator.
Jessica Jones was breaking all of her own rules as she tried to help a mom figure out why her kids are not acting anything like themselves. She stopped sabotaging herself and put other people's needs above her own in a regular human way, not a saving the world superhero way.
I realize that I was reading a break from reality, but it was funny how people so willingly answered her barrage of questions. I found myself shaking my heading and wondering why these people were ok to talk to her, especially with how brusque her interviewing technique was.
As a faithful reader of Lisa Jewell's more pyschological thriller books, I wanted to give this one a try. Jewell certainly has a gift for writing and that goes for any and all genres.
This was a great read. Speaking as someone who only has a vague idea of all the details that go into the MCU, I can honestly say I enjoyed this without being a Marvel superfan. I'm sure if I was one, it would have made the entire book even more enjoyable.
Lisa Jewell brings her storytelling skills to this mystery and makes it believable and relatable. She did a fantastic job plotting something that would fit in the MCU but also be an admirable addition to her repertoire. The only criticism I have of the book is that there are many places where Jewell's American characters don't sound American enough. From time to time, they use language that feels and sounds more British. Otherwise, though, this was a fun book all the way around.
Breaking the Dark transports Jessica Jones into a captivating new realm. Jewell proves herself a master at weaving suspense and enveloping readers in the shadows of her thrillers and mysteries. Yet, this particular installment struggles to find its footing. From the very first page, it feels as though readers have been abruptly plunged into the midst of an ongoing saga, and in many ways, that impression rings true. While Jessica Jones has a rich backstory within the Marvel universe, this new sphere may catch fresh readers off guard. The sluggish pace of the beginning lends the plot a sense of inertia, making it feel less rewarding to pursue. Furthermore, the character development relies heavily on past experiences without effectively grounding them within the novel itself.
I love Jessica Jones so I was excited to see this new book. Jessica is definitely her own person, independent and snarky but smart and powerful. In this story, Jessica takes on a new case that leads her to England. While pursuing leads, Jessica has her mind messed with, which is traumatizing because of her history. When she gets back home, she gets the help of Luke Cage. Seeing her ask for help from him and her young neighbor was nice, and the mystery itself was interesting. There were fantasy and horror elements in the story, and we got to see Jessica's progression with her powers. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
I applied for this based on the author, not realizing it was a super hero book. I don't like superhero books or movies much. I did enjoy this anyway. The superhero aspect is minor, almost more of a back story, and the fantastical elements are minor. If anything, this is light sci-fi with a mystery/thriller skin.
Jewell's writing felt different than usual, but perhaps that makes sense.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I shared it with my monthly Bestsellers group and others enjoyed it too.
Let me start by saying I don’t read fantasy, superhero or Marvel books, and I’ve never seen a Marvel Movie, so I’m not sure why I requested this book? I think I was intrigued by Lisa Jewel alone. I have read several of her books and really enjoyed them.
Unfortunately the story of Jessica Jones ( newly pregnant superhero and recently traumatized private investigator) and her case investigating the mystery of the Randall twins “Absolutely Perfect” lives, fell a bit flat for me!! I found myself almost unable to finish this novel.
Although well written, the first half of the book made me consider making this my first DNF eARC. Honestly I’m thankful I stuck with it, because the second half did keep my attention much better.
Most of my problems stemmed from being unable connect with the story and the characters. I truly wish I could feel differently!
Thank you Net Galley and Hyperion Avenue for this eARC book, for an honest review. Lisa Jewel, congratulations on writing a successful story. I have learned an important lesson, I will never request an ARC without reading the synopsis first!!
Lisa Jewell is one of my all time favorite thriller author! She delivered, yet again, with this novel. I read this with my sister in law as a buddy read and we both had lots to discuss after each day. If you are looking for a quick read, grab this book now!
Jessica Jones is a retired superhero who is now trying to make her way in the world as a private investigator. Her life seems to be spiraling into a dark hole when a distraught mother comes to her asking for help about her twins. Something isn't right since they went to visit their father in the UK for summer break; they are "perfect" and completely a drift. The mother, Amber, says she will pay for Jessica to travel to the UK to find out what happened to her children.
Jessica didn't realize what she was getting into when things to start to come to light and a huge case is discovered.
Thank you netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC. I can't wait to read book two in the series when ever it comes out!
This one had some action but, it was not for me. While I thought the characters were fun and interesting and the plot was exciting, I don’t think superhero stories are for me even though I enjoy watching them. This was a fun book.
Anyone out there in need of a superhero to slay your daily dragons and spy on your kids for you???
Look no further than the inhumanly strong, Jessica Jones!
(Confession: when I was a wee little nipper, I used to abscond with my two older brothers' Spider-Man Comics. Peter Parker was for sure going to be my future husband - sorry Gwen Stacy! In those days, I could only find female superheroes in the form of Sue Storm, whose force field or invisibility powers would often fizzle out at the most inopportune times - and of course hubby Reed or brother Johnny would have to come to her rescue!)
Before requesting this ARC, I recalled that I had watched a few episodes of the Jessica Jones TV series starring Krysten Ritter, but I never had a chance to read the actual comic book series. That didn't stop me from being intrigued by this fictionalized, book-bound version of the feisty super hero who could break down walls with her bare hands.
In Breaking the Dark, Jessica Jones is battling her own inner mental and emotional demons when she is hired to find out why a New York upper crust society matron's children have suddenly changed out of all recognition after spending the summer in England with their father.. Who or what waved a magic wand to clear up their blotchy teenage complexions and make them.... well..... euphorically PERFECT!!!
You won't get any more details from me for fear of spoilers, but suffice it to say that the modern craze for physical perfection by any means, fair or foul, is under the microscope in this extremely well written, action-packed drama. I enjoyed spending time with all of the characters in this story (minus the baddies, of course!)
I am highly recommending this novelization of the Jessica Jones comic series. I was well and truly riveted! 5 shining stars for a stellar performance by Lisa Jewell! My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a fan of Lisa Jewell so I picked up this book without reading the synopsis. I am not a Marvel fan although I did see the new Deadpool movie. Like the movie, this book threw me off a bit and I found myself googling the characters.
Although the novel was likely written for comic book fans, I did enjoy reading it. The story kept me guessing and if S.A. Crosby one of these Marvel series, sign me up and call me a new fan!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for supplying an ARC to me for review 😊
I was excited to get this because I love Lisa Jewell but this just fell short for me, I think moving forward I will skip the Marvel stories. It was well written but just a little out of my comfort zone.
3/5