I was so disappointed when Netflix canceled the Jessica Jones series. There aren't many women superheroes in the Marvel universe, and her character - with her vulnerability, survivor background, and complex relationship with Luke Cage - was always easy to empathize with.
When I discovered that one of my favorite thriller authors, Lisa Jewell, was giving a new retelling to this beloved superhero, I threw my fist in the air and screamed, "Yes!" It felt like my nerdy MCU-loving brain's ultimate dream come true, crafted by a talented writer in the best possible fan fiction form.

The book intrigued me with its alluring plot line, combining criticism of social media, the dark side of influencing, vampires, eternity, AI, beauty norms, fake perfection, and quantum physics. You might wonder how Jewell weaves these disparate subjects together - but you've got to jump into this action-packed, smart, heart-throbbing, supernatural wild ride without overthinking!

Here's a quick look at the plot: Jessica Jones, a survivor of Kilgrave's sadistic brainwashing, is trying to redeem herself. She lives a secluded life, drinking to numb the pain, and maintains a complex on-and-off relationship with Luke Cage, another powerful superhero. Now retired, she works as a private investigator from her dilapidated apartment.

When a new client arrives at the most inopportune moment - while Jessica is hungover, wearing a dirty shirt, and breathless from chasing a neighbor's cat - she has no idea what danger awaits her on this new mission.

Her client, the rich and polished psychiatrist Amber Randall, presents a strange case: her twin teenagers, Lark and Fox, seem different since returning from the UK to visit their father in a small town rumored to be cursed. Their skin looks flawless, they appear taller, and they've lost their distinctive habits. Fox keeps mentioning a mysterious girl named Belle who might be involved in his siblings' changes. Could the twins have been replaced or brainwashed by something sinister? Why are they so obsessed with perfection?

Jessica finds herself traveling to this small village to uncover the truth. Her investigation leads her to a farmhouse where Belle, presumed to be agoraphobic, lives with her eccentric caretaker Debra, who never lets Belle out of her sight. Jessica also gets strange vibes from the house of Amber's ex-husband Sebastian, where she discovers buried children on the property. The curse and Belle seem connected to something more sinister - but to what end?

A parallel timeline takes us back to the 1980s, where Ophelia, a beautiful young woman, meets a charismatic older bartender in Harlem. This encounter might be the start of a long-term dangerous plan involving another young, ambitious girl with no sympathy.

Will Jessica solve this mystery without getting hurt? She keeps seeing a young girl that others don't see and feels something changing inside her. Before things spiral out of control, she has a big case to solve and lives to save - as usual.

I devoured the book in one sitting and now crave more Marvel retellings by my favorite thriller writers. I can't wait to dive into future Luke Cage and Daredevil adventures. This new crime series has me extra excited!

Highly recommended for both MCU and thriller fans!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for sharing this amazing thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Lisa Jewell is a terrific writer. Her mysteries never disappoint and this one is now on the top of that list.

This is not my usual style of book that I read but I love Marvel and I really enjoyed the Jessica Jones series so this was such a nice addition to all of that. If you also enjoy these, as well as Lisa Jewell’s writing then you will enjoy this.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue Publishing and Lisa Jewell for eARC.

I was sooo excited to dive into this one because, hello, Lisa Jewell?? Total icon. But also, Marvel?? I love Marvel, so when I saw Lisa Jewell was writing a Jessica Jones story, I was like, "Shut up and take my money!" I was really curious to see how these two worlds would mash up. And let me tell you, it was definitely an interesting ride. The vibes were super dark and creepy, which I totally didn’t expect, but kinda loved? Jessica Jones is such a vibe—like messy but in a relatable, cool-girl way.

The mystery? So intriguing. I wouldn’t say I was totally obsessed, but it kept me flipping pages, you know? Plus, Lisa’s writing, as always, is chef’s kiss. That said, some parts felt a little predictable, and I kinda wish there had been a big OMG moment. Also, it gave off some YA-ish energy at times, which wasn’t my fave.

Some parts dragged a tiny bit, and the ending wasn’t, like, mind-blowing. But overall, it was such a unique concept, and I’m glad I gave it a shot. Not sure if I’ll keep going with the series, but I’d totally watch this as a TV show. Major props to Lisa for stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something bold.

If you love Marvel, thrillers, or just want a unique story, give it a try!

3.5 stars (rounding up to 4) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. 💕

This may have been the unexpected ARC thus far this year that I was the most excited to be approved for, and it LIVED UP! Lisa Jewell was the perfect choice for this one. She is masterful, and was able to piece this story together in a way that was so fun, with lots of little nods to my favorite fandom. Well done!

P.S. - My sister, the biggest Marvel geek EVER, is dying for this to come out! Thank you for the opportunity to get her even more hyped (and only rub it in her face a teeeeeeensy bit. Hey! It's fine! She's younger and has tormented me for years!)

To be honest, I requested this ARC because it was Lisa Jewell and completely missed the part where it said Marvel across the top haha. However, I didn’t hate it! It’s not like the other Lisa Jewell books I’ve read, that’s for sure. I know nothing about marvel, so I definitely went into this not having a clue what I was getting into. Jessica Jones has powers, however, like all other Women in the world, also has issues. I would definitely recommend this book to marvel fans who know more of a history of Jessica Jones. I did enjoy this book and now I sort of want to watch the TV series now!

Torn between 2.5 and 3.

I somehow missed the obvious marvel logo when requesting this ARC by Lisa Jewell… i like her thrillers and went for it. After realizing - and then accepting - it was in the marvel universe I actually liked it more than I expected. Are marvel novels a thing? Who knew that was a thing? Not me. It honestly works as a supernatural story if you don’t have any marvel/Jessica Jones context and I think that’s what got me into it. After that it was kind of page turner trying to connect the dots. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series but I’ll definitely grab Jewell’s next thriller. Shoutout to NetGalley for the arc.

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc!
This wasn’t the usual Lisa Jewell classic we are all used to. But it was interesting and kept me interested well enough. It’s not my favorite book but you can’t really go wrong with Lisa and Marvel.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Thank you for the opportunity to preview Breaking the Dark. I typically do not read this type of book. Movies yes. TV yes. Books not so much.
I was taken in right away
This is a Jessica Jones storyline and she is an amazing character. Also Luke Cage and a solid plot
This novel tells the story in a parallel world and that’s what got me
Jessica is a flawed character and she finds herself in a job to find out how two teenagers go to see their dad overseas and come back two very different kids
In the meantime another story is in play that goes back over twenty years. How does this relate to the current situation. Jewell pulls it together masterfully

If you like these types of books and even if you don’t this is a well written book and I liked it a lot.
3.5 stars