Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC!

What a fantastic and fresh look on Jessica Jones. I really enjoyed the grounded, everyday life aspect; it's a part of superhero media I wish we saw more. This book proves we need more fresh perspectives on superheroes. I'm really looking forward to the other upcoming books in this series!

2.5 stars⭐️⭐️✨

I love Lisa Jewel. She is a queen of thriller novels. It seems she has branched out into superheroes, and it was just not for me. It held my attention in the beginning, and I kept an open mind (since I’m not a comic book person and I’ve never watched a marvel film). BUT. When the blood magic and paranormal stuff came up: I was out. I skimmed the last 15% of the book. I just could not get myself interested into the whole taking over the world through a selfie. I won’t be reading any of the others in this series, but you may still enjoy this if you like:


Marvel/Superheroes

Artificial Intelligence

Trauma Healing

Alternating POV

Crime Fiction

Quirky Characters

Luke Cage & Jessica Jones

I have read a lot of Lisa Jewell novels over the years, and I was particularly excited to see one that was branded with the marvel logo. I wouldn’t call myself an avid Marvel fan, but I love a superhero element to books, and I’ve never read one in a thriller before.

The book kept you guessing, and jumping from two perspectives was not only a smooth transition, but it was another example of how the story is woven together, and it comes together, cleanly at the end for one huge realization.

I really enjoyed this book and would give it a solid four stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced reader copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review

As both a fan of Marvel and Lisa Jewell, I really liked this book! I thought the author's take on the character Jessica Jones was spot on and I loved the story and mystery. Thanks so much to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the ARC.

As a recovering superhero, Jessica Jones has hung up her spandex and tried to move on. When she is hired by the mother of twins to discover what has changed them, she discovers a nefarious plot that will require her to make hard choices. Fans of Marvel Universe will adore it.

Seeing Marvel publish a novel like this was super exciting. I’ve been a Marvel fan since early childhood, but I’ve never read/seen anything about Jessica Jones. Of course, I’m familiar with the character, but I didn’t know too many details. Anyway, as an introduction to the character, this book worked on almost every level. Now, I’m quite interested in watching the show, reading the comics, etc.

I loved it that this book had a strong anti-perfection theme. Humans may be messy, contradictory, and have tons of emotions, but that’s the way it should be. Jessica Jones was relatable because she had so many problems and trauma. And if there’s one thing I’ve always liked, it’s a hero who also feels like a real person.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

When I saw that Lisa Jewell had written a crime book set in the Marvel Universe, I was immediately intrigued. I love Jewell’s writing, I love crime books, and we’re all obsessed with Marvel in my family. I was thrilled to be gifted an advance copy.

Let’s get down to it: This book is freaky weird. Don’t even bother trying to deduce what’s going on. Remember the realm you’re in—anything is possible.

Due to the aforementioned freaky weirdness, the story will be a turn-off to some. It worked for me because I’m able to suspend my disbelief and eagerly immerse myself in a world where superpowers exist. I encourage everyone to do the same….you will be missing out on a good book if you throw in the towel the first time something happens that doesn’t follow the laws of physics.

I was unfamiliar with Jessica Jones before picking this up. I’d heard of her, sure, and I’d seen the Netflix picture of her with David Tennant creepily whispering in her ear (Seriously, David—you’re exuding creepiness there). However, I didn’t know her backstory…and that turned out to be just fine. Hints at what happened to her previously are interspersed through the book, and going in blind doesn’t hinder the reading experience, in my opinion. I did get a little impatient after the second hint and quickly looked up a little summary of her past, but don’t be like me, kids, because if you do end up wanting to watch the Jessica Jones TV series later, it’s easy to get spoilers that way.

All in all, this was a book I enjoyed, and I very much look forward to other entries in the Marvel crime series. Jessica Jones is flawed, but it makes her very relatable, and it’s a good reminder that even superheroes need to prioritize their mental health! 😄

My thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.

When I first saw the premise of the book I was intrigued. I’m not an avid Marvel follower, but I’m a huge Lisa Jewell fan.

Upon starting the book, I did think it was off to a little bit of a slow start. Once it got to around 20-25% I think it really picked up. I think this was partly because I was a little confused as to how the past perspective fit into the present. As soon as I kind of got a feeling for how it tied together I felt more invested in the story.

Overall, this story really kept me on the edge of my seat but due to potentially not having a full understanding of Marvel there was some confusion for me. For me it was a solid 3.5 stars!

I think this is a must read for both Marvel and Lisa Jewell (and other thriller fans)!!!

Thank you so much for this arc!

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell seamlessly blends the gritty realism of crime fiction with the captivating allure of Marvel's Jessica Jones. Set in the streets of Hell’s Kitchen, New York, the novel follows Jessica, a retired superhero turned private investigator, as she delves into a perplexing case involving twins whose behavior radically changes after a visit to the UK. Jewell masterfully intertwines themes of societal perfection, technological intrigue, and supernatural phenomena, while Jessica's dynamic with her apprentice Malcolm adds depth to the narrative. With its gripping plot, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes, Breaking the Dark offers a thrilling and immersive reading experience that will appeal to fans of both crime thrillers and the Marvel universe.

Auto buy Author…

Love Jessica Jones, unlike any Lisa Jewell book I have read before!!

Love this mystery sci-fi crime thriller so much!!

Just read it!!

Breaking the Dark kept me hooked. I finished the last quarter of the book in one sitting. It just kept getting weirder as questions were answered, instead of clearing up. I do like a weird book.

I haven't read the comics, just watched the shows, but I was able to keep up with it. There was alot going on, with multiple timelines, and more than one investigation in two countries. At first, I thought I wasn't going to like it, because after a chapter or two, it would switch from the main characters to some new character whose connection to the first story isn't clear. (I know, it's a mystery. It's supposed to be mysterious.) But I like Jessica Jones so much that I stayed in it, and I was glad I did.

I'm not going to go into the premise since that's well covered in the marketing, but I will say it was more fantasy than sci-fi, so that was unlike the series; it was also heavier on sleuthing and lighter on super-strength stuff, but it was a good balance. I didn't think that Jessica was as sarcastic and snarly as she was in the series, so I'm wondering which version is closer to the original comics character. She was going through a major life change, so that is a factor.

I don't know how it compares to the comics, but I think that most fans will like it. The author did say that she was a fan of the character already and read up on the comics before she started the book in an interview. If there's another book on this character, I'll read it. I will definitely be reading the Luke Cage book by S. A. Crosby and the Daredevil book by Alex Segura when they come out.

I am a big Lisa Jewell fan so I was eager to read this book. It is not a normal Lisa Jewell book though, it is a Marvel Avengers book. Specifically, it is a Jessica Jones book. She is a private investigator with super powers. I have to admit that I am not an Avengers fan but I tried to just go with it since it was Lisa Jewell. It was somewhat entertaining but just not my cup of tea I guess. Jessica Jones takes on a case that involves a mother who hires Jessica to look into why her twin teenagers seem different after returning for four weeks in England with their father. The twins seem”perfect “, their skin is flawless, they aren’t interested in their phones much, they are now straight A students, popular - all things opposite of how the twins were before their trip. Jessica travels to the UK to see what information she can find in the small village where the twins’ father lives. Being a Marvel story, we of course have supernatural elements in the story. Without giving away anything more on the plot, I’ll just say it just wasn’t for me - however, if you’re a Marvel fan you’ll probably love it! It had interesting characters and moved along well if you can accept all the supernatural aspects. I give the book 2 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. It is due to be published July 2, 2024.

Jessica Jones and her intern Malcolm attempt to solve the mystery of why a set of twins return from a UK stay as completely perfect people. Their skin, grades, everything has made a huge turnaround with no explanation.

Jessica travels to solve the mystery while Malcolm is her feet on the ground back in NY. As the crime and mystery unravel, two timelines meet and the result is unbelievable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Lisa Jewell for this ARC!

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell follows Jessica Jones, superhero private investigator, in the first of a series of novels based on Marvel characters. I loved the Netflix show with Krysten Ritter and David Tennant and couldn't wait to read this!

Amber Randall hires Jessica to investigate why her twin children are acting abnormal. They just came back home from a summer in England visiting their father and their physical appearance and behavior are off. Their skin is without blemishes, their teeth are perfectly straight and super white, and all of their personal tendencies are reduced to idly sitting until needed and staring up at the sky like they're looking for someone or some thing. They move through life as if they are robots and have no feelings of their own. Amber wants Jessica to get to the bottom of this and find out what really happened while in England. Nothing is what it seems and Jessica finds herself in over her head real quick when she makes it to the sleepy countryside village to investigate.

The first half of the book was a little slow but it picks up once Jessica goes to England and then I couldn't put it down! The backstory of other essential characters is interspersed in the chapters. I found that very interesting and it kept me around to see how it connected with present day events. The point of the villain's plot was a little underwhelming, it was a big lead up to a kind of disappointing endgame, but the characters were interesting and kept me intrigued.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was so cool I love that the marvel universe is coming into full length novels. I hope this is gonna continue because it was fun just seeing the characters again and seeing them kick butt and save lives. Also Luke cage being in it I give it 5 stars alone for that. All in all I loved it I hope its a series of books with the marvel characters because how awesome would that be.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
A mother comes to Jessica asking for help. Her children have been visiting their dad and have come back different. They have perfect skin and seem perfect and keep talking about Belle. She travels to find Belle. Polly is a beauty influencer creating products so you never age.
Jessica will soon discover what awful way this product begins. Will she get there in time to save the children?

My thanks to #HyperionAvenue #NetGalley and #LisaJewel for the ARC of #BreakingtheDark. The first in a promised new Marvel Crime series, Breaking the Dark introduces Jessica Jones, a private investigator and retired super-hero starting over in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. Times are tough, jobs are few and far between when a wealthy mother comes seeking her services. Amber Randall is worried that her 16 year old twins returned from a summer abroad with their father, changed. Suddenly, they are “perfect,” and that is most troublesome. They are not the same twins with their imperfect skin, poor grades, and tics. With a fat retainer, Jessica hops on the next flight to England, embarking on a wild ride. As an avid Lisa Jewel fan, I’ll admit it took me a minute to turn my sights to a Marvel super-hero novel, but once the shock wore off, the roller-coaster was most enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Marvel’s Jessica Jones being re-created into a novel series. I look forward to the next installment.

What a roller coaster ride! Lisa Jewell goes Marvel! Absolutely fascinating! What a page turner! A must for a Lisa Jewell fans, old and new!

I loved this one, truly, I had no idea the protagonist was to be an also-ran Marvel superhero; I had no idea who Jessica Jones is.

Her distressing background is mentioned but that’s about it. She *does* use her superpowers a few times but overall she’s just who she is, a detective.

There are two timelines and two separate sources of no-good to be aware of.

Life lesson: it’s 2024; all the Zoomers want to be influencers. Influencers: easy money but moral value is certainly questionable.

This is to be the start of a Marvel superhero series. Next up is Daredevil,

“Breaking the Dark” by Lisa Jewell was a complete departure from my preferred genre, psychological thriller. Generally speaking, I try to avoid books that incorporate sci-fi or supernatural themes. I made an exception in this case based on how much I’ve liked previous books by this author. I’m very glad I opened my mind as I completely enjoyed this book and finished it in two sittings. Jessica Jones was presented as a flawed but real and sincere heroine trying her best to move past personal trauma to find her place in the world again while simultaneously defining and navigating a relationship with fellow superhero Luke Cage. As a native New Yorker, I appreciated the gritty portrayal of the city and felt a sense of place that rang true. While the plot got a bit convoluted at times, trying to tell the main story while incorporating a variety of social themes (e.g., objectification of women, detrimental impact of social media, depersonalization of interactions due to electronic communication), it still held my interest. While true fans of the genre might feel shortchanged by the minimal display of Jessica’s superpowers, it was just enough for me. I surprise myself by saying I’m actually looking forward to the next books in the Marvel crime series, particularly the coming Luke Cage book by one of my favorite authors, S.A. Cosby. If I could, this would be a 3.5 star book for me, but I’m happy to round up to 4.0 on the strength of Lisa Jewell’s writing.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Hyperion for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.