Member Reviews

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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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 😊

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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

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I was skeptical at first as I am not interested in the Marvel Universe but I really liked this book! It was Lisa Jewel's usual writing and twists, etc just with a superhero protagonist!

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Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.
I am a HUGE Lisa Jewell fan so of course I jumped on the opportunity to read this one. I know nothing about Marvel and was never interested in it either so when I received this book, I just realized it then. Well, I gave ir a try but It's just not for me. The writing is great in Lisa Jewell fashion but the storyline just didn't catch or interest me. I find it great that Lisa went out and tried something our of her usual genre but I sure hope she sticks with her usual category after this one.
For any marvel fans, you will probably love this book because Lisa is just one of the best mystery and suspense authors out there!

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As a Marvel movie fan I thought I’d give this a read. I think I’ll stick to the movies as the story didn’t really keep my interest. The main character was interesting and well written. I’m sure others will enjoy this series, just not for me. 2.5 stars

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3.6⭐️

🦸🏻‍♀️ Marvel Crime has teamed up with some fan-favorite authors, like Lisa Jewell, to create novels featuring Marvel Comics characters, like Jessica Jones. (Marvel fans may also be familiar with the TV Series in 2015, which follows a former superhero who opens her own detective agency after her superhero career comes to an end at the hands of Kilgrave.)

🎯 I’m not a Marvel or Comic fan. I don’t watch the movies, read the comics, play the games. But as a fan of Lisa Jewell’s work, I was willing to give this a shot. And it did not disappoint.

OVERVIEW:
Jessica Jones, a disorganized fallen super hero, grappling with self-confidence, turns undercover PI as a means of living until she can figure her life out. She is sought out by a desperate Mom to uncover why her teen twins are acting strange after they return from summer vacation in the UK with their father.

The MC pushes her internal struggles aside as she jumps head-first into unraveling all of the mysterious things she comes across during her investigation. Like Belle, who doesn’t seem to remember much; a random ghost-like child that shows up in the strangest places, potential vampires, serial killers, a witch, and more. And then there’s Miranda… Just who is Miranda anyway?? The entire book builds up to meeting Miranda.

OVERARCHING THEMES:
💥The dangers of putting too much trust into someone we don’t truly know - be it a super hero, an influencer, or other.
💥How vulnerable the human mind can be for others to manipulate and control when you “want” something.
💥The concept of perfection is fluid and often unrealistic.
💥Even super hero’s struggle with real life emotions, trauma, etc, and aren’t “perfect”.

MADE ME LAUGH:
“There has been blood, sweat, and tears over the last ten years. There have been sacrifices along the way…a lot of sacrifices… But isn’t that always the way with anything that changes the world?”

FAVORITE QUOTE:
“All the time that is wasted every minute of every day in the pursuit of perfection, of self-improvement, of trying to live up to other people’s natural-born genetic advantages, all that time could be used for good.”

💭 Although this genre is typically a no-go for me, this was a good read overall. The storyline itself was pretty interesting, dipping into the paranormal, Black Mirror and sadistic conspiracy theory realm. Very low super hero temperature, not high action-packed fighting or a lot of “powers” being used, so it was easy to forget this was a Marvel book most of the time. It wasn’t the thriller rush with twists and turns that I like, so it was a slow read for me.

🙏🏽I didn’t find any sort of connection or true sympathy for the MC, but I just loved Malcom! Please bring him back.

To read more of my reviews, scan my QR Code below! JK 🤣 I might be thinking twice before ever scanning a QR Code again.

Thanks to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Lisa Jewell for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!

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I'm a big Marvel fan, and I'll consume Marvel content in any form. This was a dream of a collaboration for me. Lisa Jewell is one of my favorite thriller authors, and Jessica Jones is the perfect match for her gifts. I thought this was a blast, and dark in that great Marvel way where there is still humor throughout.

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Thank you to Hyperion Avenue for the digital copy to review.

This is what appears to be the first in the Marvel Crime series by several authors, and I thought Lisa Jewell did an outstanding job with Jessica Jones. I listened via audio and was highly entertained by the story and the characters, I’m not as familiar with Jessica Jones and Luke Cage as I am with some of the other Marvel characters but that did not matter. I am a huge fan of Marvel, and I loved the story and how it ended, and am very much looking forward to the next one in this series!

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