Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell kicks off the new Marvel Crime series with a hard-hitting, gritty tale that introduces fans to a very different side of the Marvel Universe. This time, the focus is on Jessica Jones, a retired superhero turned private investigator, struggling with the trauma of her past while navigating life in Hell’s Kitchen.

The story begins when a distraught mother, Amber Randall, walks into Jessica’s office, convinced her teenage twins have been replaced by something unnatural. Their once distinct personalities have changed overnight, and now they are eerily perfect—both physically and mentally. Amber's suspicions set Jessica on a dark journey that leads her to a remote village in the UK, where she uncovers strange happenings linked to a mysterious girl named Belle.

Jewell’s portrayal of Jessica is brilliantly raw and authentic. The character's disillusionment with her former superhero life is palpable, and readers can feel her inner conflict between her desire to remain detached from the world and her inability to ignore the suffering of others. The dark, atmospheric setting of the British village enhances the sinister undertones of the story, while the slow-reveal of Belle’s strange connection to the Randall twins keeps the tension high.

What sets this novel apart from other superhero-based stories is its focus on the crime-thriller aspect, blending classic detective noir with supernatural elements. Jessica’s keen investigative skills, paired with her emotional baggage, make her a compelling protagonist in a world where not all is as it seems.

Breaking the Dark is a fast-paced, suspenseful read that will appeal to both Marvel fans and readers who enjoy darker crime fiction with a twist. The novel sets the stage for future installments in the Marvel Crime series, and if this first entry is anything to go by, we’re in for an exciting, unpredictable ride with more of our favorite street-level heroes.

Not your typical Lisa Jewell story, but I have loved her other novels so I wanted to give this a try. I love Marvel movies, but before this book I wasn't very familiar with the Jessica Jones character. I think the book did a pretty good job of presenting her backstory to make me understand the character, though I wish there had been a little more. I also would've liked to know more about the villains and I wish we could've seen Jessica using her powers more. Overall, I really enjoyed the story.

As a huge Marvel and Lisa Jewell fan... It was quite the change up from most of the books I've read by her, but I was entertained throughout it. I've read the comics, seen the show... It was well done in keeping with the character and the overall crime thriller that is the Jessica Jones brand.

I thought it was a bit rushed, however. The chapters were really short, so while it was a very quick read to get through, the ending fell a little bit flat for me.

Some really great things? She nailed describing Jessica Jones's character and personality throughout the book. She's always half aloof and very irreverent any time you read/watch her character and I thought Lisa really nailed that.

I was excited to see that this will be a part of a Marvel retelling series and will continue to pick them up as they are released. Thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for sharing this ARC with me. It was a fun time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Disney Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review Breaking the Dark: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel. While browsing through novels for students, the author of this book is what caught my attention at first. I have read a lot of Lisa Jewell novels and enjoy her storytelling. As someone who is a Marvel fan, but not a completist (yet!), I am not too familiar with Jessica Jones and the storylines related to this character. Reading the novel gave me more insight to the Marvel world, Jessica Jones, and how readers who are Marvel fans would really enjoy this read! I would recommend this novel to students who may need a specific "buy in" for reading and for any major Marvel movie fan. Thank you!

Jessica Jones thought she'd left the hero life behind—until a desperate mother walks into her PI office with a chilling story. Her teenage twins returned from the UK... different. Too perfect. Something isn’t right.

Reluctantly drawn into the mystery, Jessica finds herself in a creepy English village, facing eerie locals, a strange girl named Belle, and a secret that reeks of danger. As she digs deeper, Jessica is reminded that perfection is never what it seems—and darkness always lurks beneath.

Breaking the Dark kicks off Marvel’s new crime series with gritty noir vibes and psychological suspense. It’s a sharp, moody dive into the shadowy corners of the Marvel Universe, where powers take a backseat to paranoia.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read and would highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital book in exchange for my honest review.

I did not find myself getting through this book easily, but that is entirely my fault. The writing and storytelling is beautiful, however, the subject matter is where it fell flat for me at no fault of the author.

I went into this book blind yet again not reading the Synopsis as I LOVE Jewell but unfortunately this was not for me, don't know anything about Jessica Jones or comics. Unfortunately this wassnt for me. I'm just
.just the wrong audience

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lisa Jewell, and Hyperion Avenue for the eARC! This was a gripping, fast-paced thriller inspired by Marvel’s Jessica Jones. Packed with action, twists, and surprises at every turn, it kept me hooked from start to finish!

It took a while to get into this book but it is good. Not typical Lisa Jewell at all but I was kind of prepared for that since it’s Jessica Jones.
The story was told from a couple different POVs with one starting in the past and working its way to the present. I think part of the reason it took me a while to get into it is that it took time for the connection of the two stories to be apparent. At least to me. Some things weren’t revealed til near the end, even after Jessica saves the world. It’s a superhero book so I don’t think of that as a spoiler.
I’m not necessarily into superhero books; I tend to stick to movies. I never watched the tv show but I did know the name.
The characters were very well written and I did have empathy with a couple characters. Jessica has a dilemma in this book and that was somewhat relatable.
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I give Lisa Jewell so much credit for stepping out of her comfort zone and taking on the task of writing a novel set in the Marvel universe. As someone who doesn’t know much about Marvel, or Jessica Jones to be exact, I was hooked. You can hear Jewell’s voice in the writing, even though it was different from anything she’s written before. The premise was unique, haunting, and truly diabolical. I LOVED it.

✨Book Review✨

Breaking the Dark - Lisa Jewell

📖 Jessica Jones is an ex-superhero. She tried the crimefighter life and it lead to serious trauma. She’s now avoiding that world as much as possible, getting by as a private detective. When a distraught mother comes into her office, employing her to search for answers on her children. Her teenage twins have been changed since their summer visit to their father. They don’t act like themselves, have flawless skin, and have lost their characteristics that make them them. Jessica travels to the UK to meet their mysterious friend, the ex-husband, and to try and track down what could have caused the change in these kids.

📚 This Marvel and thriller story wrapped into one was unlike other Lisa Jewell novels, but also similar in the best ways. Lisa Jewell’s fast paced conversations and movement through a plot are still present. While it took me a bit to feel invested in the story and characters, once I was bought in I couldn’t put it down. I love that Lisa Jewell took this challenge and ran with it. I love Marvel and I love Lisa Jewell, and this was a fun twist and different mash up.

🌟 If you like Marvel and mysteries then you should pick this one up! If you don’t follow Marvel, but you like thrillers and Lisa Jewell then you should pick this up! It’s a unique set up and I’m glad to have read it!

Thank you to @NetGalley @HyperionAveBooks and @LisaJewellUK

#BookReview #BookRecommendation #Bookish #BookLover

This one was different then Lisa's usual writing so I wasn't the biggest fan of this one. I did enjoy the story somewhat but I prefer Lisa's other writing more . Plus im not into Marvel Comics much so that's another reason I didn't care for this one as much as I was hoping to.

I chose this because it was Lisa Jewell but I didn't realize it was a Marvel book when I got it. So I am definitely not the intended audience. I was sort of bored at first but by the end I was invested, even if I thought it was a bit anticlimactic.

As a huge Jessica Jones fan, I was curious to see how Lisa Jewell would handle the character—and she nailed it! Breaking the Dark captures Jessica’s grit, wit, and no-nonsense attitude while delivering a thrilling, twisty mystery. It feels like stepping right back into her world, and I couldn’t put it down. A must-read for Marvel and crime thriller fans alike!

I wish I would have liked this one more as I love Lisa Jewell, but I don’t really understand the Marvel Universe and that wasn’t that interesting to me. I would definitely recommend for anyone who likes thrillers and superhero’s though, and for those that do this is a cool crossover.

This one had me hooked from the very beginning. I HAD to know what was happening, even though half the time I didn't haha. Character development was absolutely brilliant. I cannot wait for another Jessica Jones novel! Lisa Jewell, you truly outdid yourself with this one!

I was unable to finish this book. I should have read the description better, but I was disappointed that it was Marvel universe. I tried to get into but I wasn’t able to. I love the author but will probably stick to traditional novels.

I enjoy everything Lisa Jewell writes and this was such an interesting venture of hers. I think it was cool seeing her write in this way

I loved this book so much! It was great to see what Jessica Jones is up to these days and the mystery she was investigating was fascinating! It definitely makes one think about the lengths people will go to achieve perfection. I absolutely adored Malcolm! IYKYK! And I enjoyed getting to be an observer as Jessica figured some things out and realized she could be happier. I was pretty proud of her growth. Overall, a great story and I look forward to the other book in the series.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in but I really enjoyed this one!

Jessica Jones is a super-turned-PI who lands a bizarre case after being contacted regarding twin teens who returned from their summer abroad just a little too…perfect. Her investigation unearths a family with a disturbing past and an even more alarming plan for the future. The case comes at a time when Jones’ is trying to figure out life in general while still dealing with the aftermath from a previous attack.

Full of twist and turns this novel delivers some of my favorite elements - dual timelines, morally grey characters and a hint of supernatural. I will say that the pacing was slower than I typically prefer but the storyline kept me fully engaged!

This is my second from Jewell but my first Marvel novel. I’m definitely looking forward to the Luke Cage and Daredevil installments!!