Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion for this ARC. This book follows Jessica Jones, a private detective and super hero in the Marvel comic world. This book starts by Jessica being approached by a mother who has major concerns something is very wrong with her twin children, who come back from a trip acting unlike themselves and displaying a “perfect” physical appearance.

I did enjoy the short chapters and pacing, and I definitely was invested in knowing what would happen at the end and of the source of what was making the characters “perfect” and found the explanation interesting once I got there. I did find myself lost at times, and at the same time found some things repetitive. I think this may not be my preferred genre, but can see a Marvel fan loving this!

I am more into Marvel than I am Lisa Jewell but I have heard good things so I was excited for this. I just don’t know that it was for me, I couldn’t really get into the writing style, but it was a fun easy read.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing me with an ARC of this phenomenal novel. Released on July 4, 2024, Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell is a remarkable start to the Marvel Crime series. It’s available for purchase on Amazon, Disney Books, Target, and more. My review that I have posted below is indeed spoiler free!!

Going into this book, I was both excited and nervous. Jessica Jones is a character I’ve loved for years, and I worried about how a 400-page novel would portray her. Would it do justice to her grit, her pain, and her humanity? By page three, my worries evaporated. Lisa Jewell captured Jessica perfectly, delivering a raw, honest, and mesmerizing portrayal that felt true to the character in every way.

The story begins with Jessica living a quiet, day-to-day life in Hell’s Kitchen, trying to move forward from her days as a superhero and the trauma that came with it. Her routine is upended when Amber Randall, a desperate mother, walks into her office with a chilling claim: her teenage twins have been replaced by something “perfect” during their trip to the UK. Intrigued, Jessica sets out to uncover the truth, which leads her to the strange village of Barton Wallop and the enigmatic Belle, a girl with an unworldly aura. The deeper Jessica digs, the darker and more dangerous the mystery becomes.

What struck me most about this book was how well it balanced Jessica’s personal struggles with the central mystery. Her relationships with characters like Luke Cage, Malcolm, and others felt authentic and grounded. Jewell also introduced new characters like Amber and her children, who brought a fresh perspective. I especially loved Amber’s reflections on motherhood, which were portrayed with nuance. It wasn’t romanticized or vilified—it was shown as a challenging but rewarding experience, making Amber one of my favorite additions to Jessica’s world.

The references to Daredevil and Hell’s Kitchen added a sense of nostalgia and excitement for me, as I am a longtime Marvel fan. These moments were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the story without overshadowing Jessica’s journey.

Lisa Jewell’s writing was fantastic throughout. She created a rich, atmospheric world full of suspense and heartbreak. The way she depicted Jessica’s inner thoughts and struggles was masterful, allowing readers to truly connect with her. Jewell didn’t shy away from exploring dark themes, but she also left room for hope, resilience, and even humor.

Breaking the Dark is an astonishing start to the Marvel Crime series. It offers a fresh, gritty take on the Marvel Universe while staying true to the spirit of its characters. Whether you’re a diehard Jessica Jones fan or new to her story, this book is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series, especially with upcoming installments featuring Luke Cage and Daredevil. Lisa Jewell has set the bar incredibly high.

From start to finish, Breaking the Dark is a true masterpiece. This is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page, a remarkable and unforgettable tale centered on one of my favorite Marvel heroes. I can already tell it will remain a cherished piece of literature in my collection.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! Whether you’re a Marvel fan, a Jessica Jones devotee, or completely new to the character, there’s something here for everyone to love, connect with, and enjoy. This book is more than just a superhero story—it’s a gripping, emotional, and deeply human journey that’s impossible to put down.

I really enjoyed this book. I watched the Jessica Jonas series a long time ago and this is such a different type of novel for Lisa Jewell. I’m a huge fan of Lisa’s writing and it’s so nice to have a little something different.

I received this book twice. I did a review the first time I read it and will not be doing a new review

Lisa Jewell brilliantly reintroduces Jessica Jones in Breaking the Dark, a dark, compelling mystery that perfectly balances Marvel’s gritty side with psychological intrigue. Jessica’s voice is raw, real, and deeply human, making her journey through trauma and redemption utterly captivating.

The eerie mystery surrounding the Randall twins is chilling, and the atmospheric British countryside adds an extra layer of suspense. Jessica’s complex relationships and sharp wit shine, while the story keeps you on edge with its twists and dark secrets.

A must-read for Marvel fans and crime thriller lovers alike. Jessica Jones is back, and she’s better—and messier—than ever. 🕵️‍♀️🔍✨

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

This is a YA mystery that I think teens would really relate to!

I didn't realize until like halfway through that the main character comes from the Marvel universe 😂

Love! Not only do I love everything Lisa writes! There is nothing a could love more than my favorite author writing about my favourite super hero!

This is a different type of me from this author. I was intrigued and thought it was a pretty easy read if you are into super hero’s. Def a departure but worth a look.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! As someone who isn't super into Marvel and enjoys a Lisa Jewell book, this was pleasantly surprising! I really enjoyed the story and found myself continuing to wonder what was going to happen next. The end was wrapped up pretty neatly, but does a great job setting up more works in the universe.

This was a different book for me to read but I really enjoyed it. Being a mom myself, I can totally understand the Mother's intuition and the "know" when something is not right! The secrets that came out and the twist that came, was very entertaining.

Lisa Jewell’s Breaking the Dark may not be my favorite of her works, but it still offered an entertaining ride. The suspense and twists that Jewell is known for were present, though I found the plot a bit less gripping than her previous books. While the characters were intriguing, some aspects of the story felt predictable. That said, it was still a fun read and a solid choice for fans of her style.

I’ve added Breaking the Dark to the list of books where Kid Jewell has absolutely not disappointed. This was a new type of story for me, but she executed it so well that I was hooked from start to finish. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a compelling read. Definitely a 5-star book!

Different then I expected and used to by her but overall good! Quick easy read which is a great advantage.

I adore Lisa Jewel’s books! And i loved this action packed story! We need more women superheroes! I was a fan of the Jessica Jones series on Netflix and I loved this retelling in a book.

Thank You NetGalley for the ARC of Breaking The Dark by Lisa Jewell in exchange for an honest review

Soft DNF 30%

I was sooo excited for this one! Lisa Jewell + Marvel?! Say less.. but this fell flat for me. The characters and world building lacked depth and intrigue + it feels like you're reading a screenplay vs a novel. Did Lisa really write this or was her name licensed for a ghost writer? If you enjoy marvel I would say give it a try or maybe wait to see if there will be an audiobook

This was not my normal read, I am not a Marvel fan; however, I was drawn into the storyline and I did finish reading it. Like all of Lisa’s books, the characters and the storyline are well-written. Will I grab the next in the series… probably not, but that is my personal preference.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC. Lisa Jewell did an amazing job with this book.

The book begins when Amber Randall bursts into Jessica Jones' office, begging Jessica to help her with her teenage twins (Lark and Fox). The twins spent the summer with their father in the Barton Wallap in the UK. When they returned to New York, Amber noticed they had perfect skin, their hands were very still, they used the word "perfect" often, they kept looking up at the sky, they didn't have interest in their hobbies, they keep mentioning a girl named Belle, the list goes on. Something happened to the twins in the UK, and she wants Jessica to solve it.

Jessica needs the money, so she reluctantly takes on the case for Amber, drawn in by the mystery of it all. Jessica travels to Barton Wallap (where the twins spent the summer) to investigate. While in Barton Wallap, she discovers where Belle lives and comes across the old farmhouse in the woods. Climbing the fence, she is suddenly surrounded by six dogs.

This is when she meets Belle. But Belle isn't there alone, Debra is the custodian of the house, and Jessica quickly realizes the tension of having a visitor and Debra refusing to let Belle leave. Is Belle there against her will? Jessica solves the mystery and gets the police to take over the case in the UK so she can return home.

Upon returning home to New York, she finds the case falling apart. She's running out of time to stop Miranda, and she doesn't know what Miranda is or how to find it. Will she make it in time to stop this thing from happening?

This book kept my interest from start until finish. It was full of twists and turns that I did not see coming.

Lisa Jewell plus Marvel is a total YES!
I loved the Jessica Jones Netflix series and thought Lisa Jewell did a great job bringing that to life. It felt like I was watching the series all over again.

Breaking The Dark by Lisa Jewel is the first book in a new Marvel Crime series about Jessica Jones a retired superhero turned private investigator. Living and working out of her apartment in Manhattan, NY, a rich divorced woman comes to her when she is convinced that her two twins returned from a vacation with their father completely different people. Amber Randall is worried something serious happened to Lark and Fox, both 16 years old while in the UK with their father. They suddenly have come home "perfect", with flawless skin, new popularity at school and they have dropped all their previous bad habits.

Jessica Jones flies to the UK to try to understand what happened to the twins when she under covers a much more sinister issue. She meets Belle and Debra who spent time with the twins during their time in the UK. Belle turns out to be a missing girl from a year ago who was being kept by an evil family obsessed with making everyone in the world seem "perfect" by creating an AI filter fueled by young children's blood and energy. Jessica Jones eventually puts a stop to their evil plan and saves not only the twins but three missing girls and all of New York.

I could not put this book down from the very start and would totally recommend for all those Marvel lovers out there.