Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this opportunity. All opinions are my own.

I have never been a huge fan of Marvel or super heroes, however I love Lisa Jewell. I have been a huge fan of just about anything she writes forever. I ended up loving Jessica Jones, I love a female private investigator. And I loved her assistant Malcolm.
I enjoyed that this was fast paced and that it tackled things like perfection, acceptance and trauma. I look forward to the next books in this series.

I’m not a huge marvel fan and didn’t even realize that’s what this book centered around so my review isn’t really from a good perspective. I didn’t really care for this writing style of Lisa jewell, but once again I’m not into comics at all.

This book was not for me. It felt like the background on Jessica was both too short and also too much. I didn’t really feel like I knew her but the parts I did know were annoyingly not explained enough. The action took a bit too long to get going and it was not keeping my attention.

I absolutely love this author and was so privileged to receive an advanced copy. The story part of the Marvel crime universe was definitely different than my normal reads but totally worth the read, especially if you were somebody that is interested in the Marvel universe, but also loves mystery and crime.

This one wasn’t for me.
I love Lisa Jewell as an author and the writing style didn’t disappoint but it’s too sci-fiction and not thriller enough for me. I struggled through it.
I’m sure this one would be perfect for people who like Marvel or science fiction novels but for me it was a miss

★★½

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell, while a perfectly serviceable read, unfortunately fell a little flat for me. I've come to expect a certain level of twisty suspense and captivating character development from Jewell's novels, and this one just didn't quite deliver the same spark. The premise had potential, but the execution felt somewhat predictable and lacked the usual surprises and edge-of-your-seat moments I've come to associate with her work.

The characters, while well-written, weren't as compelling or complex as I'd hoped. I struggled to fully connect with them, and their motivations felt a little underdeveloped. The story unfolded at a rather slow pace, and I found myself waiting for a twist or a significant plot development that never really materialized in the way I anticipated. While the writing itself was fine, the overall narrative lacked the tension and intrigue that usually keeps me glued to the page with Jewell's books.

While not a terrible book by any means, it simply didn't live up to my expectations based on her previous work. It felt like a more straightforward narrative, lacking the intricate plotting and unexpected turns that typically define her style.

*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This one is dark. Darker than expected. The writing is great and the backstory of Jessica comes out in a slow, suspenseful way. The pace of the plot is also on point. But it is just too dark for my taste.

My first foray into the world of Marvel's Jessica Jones and reading Lisa Jewell; these two make a good match. It is difficult to step outside of the mold that made you successful and to also take on a character that comes complete with an existing fandom takes guts. She did both with superhero agility.

The prose shines here above all else, it is dialogue heavy but remains accessible; these characters paint their world with words. This was an immersive read, I love feeling like I'm right there experiencing everything from the grimy refrigerator to the emotional stranglehold, and the action sequences and boy, did this ever deliver. Jessica Jones experiences an incredible character arc in <i>Breaking the Dark</i> her growth explodes off the page. Characters who pick themselves up after failure are admirable and I liked that we see both sides of the coin that Jessica struggles with. She is flawed but never stops striving to make a difference.

The themes visit a dark place, if you're a sensitive reader please bear that in mind. The villainous side of things was discussion worthy, and I love that. It's easy to create a "big bad" and leave it at that, but Jewell took it a step further and produced something with feasible roots. Social media, false perfection, and today's obsession with phones are all tackled. The idealized photos and views that inundate social media and their laser focus on teens is in the spotlight here.

The novel was a little long, but the plot stayed on point.

Hats off to Jewell for tackling this project. It had to be daunting on every level.

3.5 rounded up to 4⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review.
All opinions are my own.

Very fast paced and gripping. I couldnt read fast enough! What a roller coaster of a ride! I will definitely read more from this author!

I am loving the marvel based books that Lisa Jewell is writing! She perfectly mixes suspense with supernatural and I adore it! This is definitely the type of author that could truly write anything. I’d love to see a fantasy novel from her next!

I couldn’t put Breaking the Dark down—it was an electrifying mix of thriller, supernatural mystery, and social commentary that had me hooked from the first page. Lisa Jewell masterfully weaves together an intricate plot that explores beauty standards, the dangers of social media, AI, the allure of perfection, and even quantum physics. It sounds like a lot, but somehow, it all comes together in an action-packed, eerie, and thought-provoking ride.

The story follows Jessica Jones, a hardened private investigator and survivor of psychological torment, who’s now living a secluded life. She drowns her past in alcohol, keeps her relationships complicated (especially with Luke Cage), and reluctantly takes on new cases. But when psychiatrist Amber Randall seeks her help regarding her twin teenagers, Lark and Fox, Jessica is drawn into something far more sinister than she ever expected. The twins returned from a trip to the UK… different. Too perfect. Too controlled. Fox keeps mentioning a mysterious girl named Belle, and Jessica starts to suspect something deeply unnatural is at play.

Her investigation takes her to a small, eerie village where secrets run deep. A secluded farmhouse, a protective caretaker, and a father with a disturbing past all tie into the mystery. As Jessica digs deeper, she uncovers unsettling connections between the town’s curse, the twins’ transformation, and an ominous force that threatens to consume her. Adding to the intrigue, a parallel storyline set in the 1980s follows Ophelia, a young woman whose entanglement with a manipulative older man may have set these sinister events into motion decades earlier.

What truly sets this book apart is how it blends traditional crime fiction with supernatural elements. The underlying themes—obsession with perfection, the dark side of influencing, and the pursuit of eternal youth—make the story feel both timely and timeless. The eerie atmosphere, pulse-pounding suspense, and layered storytelling make this a must-read for thriller lovers and Marvel fans alike.

If this is the start of a new supernatural crime series, I’m already desperate for more. Bring on the next adventure!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Breaking the Dark
By: Lisa Jewell
3.75 stars rounded up ⭐️
This book was based on Jessica Jones a Marvel super hero who is a private investigator. Jessica just received a new case, solving the reason two teenage twins are acting ‘perfect’ since they returned home this summer from their dad’s home.

You’re in for a crazy adventure in this Marvel story through solving this case. Not only does it take us on twists and turns like typical Lisa Jewell books, but there is also a supernatural element to it just like all Marvel stories.

I enjoyed this change of a book and always enjoy Lisa Jewells writing even though I typically steer away from super natural books this one had my trying to figure out the case as the went along as I was also like what the heck is happening multiple times (in a good way). I rounded this one down a little because I feel the story could have started with some more backstory and grounding around Jessica Jones and who she is for her character for those that aren’t familiar with Marvel and her, so if you aren’t do some googling a little before hand to help you out although you will pick up on enough to keep you reading if you don’t.

The ending tied things up very nicely and as all Jewell books it had multiple plots twined together and was very well written.

Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this #LisaJewell book ahead in exchange for my honest review.

#BreakingtheDarkAJessicaJonesMarvelCrimeNovel

Liked the read a lot! Definitely an interesting original plot. Great character development. Kept me on the edge of my seat! Ready for more in this series!

I enjoyed reading the book. It was a fast and easy read. Jessica Jones is one of my favorite marvel characters. Im not a big fan of the pregnancy trope in books and would have loved that this not been such a big part of the book amd instead just be about her dealing with her trauma and not just for her baby. I would have love move action sequences, after all this is Jessica Jones, so I was disappointed there. Overall I would read more if they were available, but it wouldn't be a book I would generally pick up again.

As a devoted Lisa Jewell fan, I was eager to dive into Breaking the Dawn, and it did not disappoint. This novel is a fascinating departure from Jewell’s usual themes, weaving a mysterious and fantastical narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish. While I wasn’t initially aware that it was a Marvel book, the story still captivated me with its intrigue and well-crafted suspense.

The plot is layered with mystery, and the supernatural elements add an unexpected but enjoyable twist. Jewell’s signature ability to build compelling characters and immersive settings shines through, making this book just as engaging as her past works. It’s a fun, imaginative diversion that still carries her trademark storytelling depth.

I highly recommend Breaking the Dawn to fellow Lisa Jewell fans, as well as anyone who enjoys a good Marvel-inspired story. I’ll definitely be looking out for a sequel!

I’m not even a Marvel fan! Honestly you don’t have to be to love this book. I’m a huge Lisa Jewell fan, so when I saw another novel by her, I didn’t even read the title. But here I am, not only having loved this book, but wanting more Jessica Jones.

Since this takes place in the Marvel Universe, I’m sure a lot of you know all about Jessica Jones. For those of you who don’t, it appears that Ms. Jones has taken a leave of absence from the superhero life after being brainwashed and forced to commit heinous crimes. Now she’s a self-employed private detective living and working in Hell’s Kitchen.

When approached by a very fancy mom to find out what’s wrong with her teens, Jessica initially wants to say no. But having no other jobs in the future and needing the income, she names an outrageous price and takes on what she thinks are just teens being teens. Until they aren’t. These teens are strange. Nothing normal about them. Which leads Jessica to a small town in England and a very strange social media beauty influencer.

Alongside all this is Jessica’s somewhat relationship with another superhero, Luke. Will they or won’t they? Are they or aren’t they? It’s just a side story to the real mystery.

With Lisa Jewell’s ability to spin an amazing mystery, this novel rocks. As an initiate to the Marvel Universe, I have to say, I might need to dig in a little deeper now. I think they were genius to ask someone as talented as Ms. Jewell to write a little story for Ms. Jones.

Marvel heros SERIES!!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2025
Breaking the Dark was good! L.J did a great job exploring the Mavel retired super hero Jessica Jones and then mixing it with the crime fiction genre. The story was modern and interesting, She made today technology and disconnect with the real world and expectations of beauty and self-esteem the villain of the tale. This was a neat storytelling. I didn't know who Jessica Jones was before reading this.

I love all of Lisa Jewell's novels, and Breaking the Dark is no exception. It is, however, different in that this novel includes other-worldly elements. In this series debut, PI Jessica Jones while very human where her emotions and life-style are concerned, has special powers that readers don't get to witness until the end of the book. A wealthy divorcee has hired to learn why her teenaged twins have changed dramatically since spending a month in England with their father. Jessica goes to England and discovers a diabolical plot to bring perfection to thousands of people at the cost of sacrificing a few. Newly pregnant, Jessica has to stop this plan before it goes viral. Highly recommended.

Usually I am a Lisa Jewell STAN but her new Breaking the Dark I could not get into. It could be my own fault as I am not really a Marvel, superhero fan, but felt it was very different then what she typically writes.

Jessica Jones is a private investigator that people like to hire. This may be because she was a former super hero with super powers. Her newest assignment, find out what happened to twins while they were visiting the UK. There all well and fine, but they are almost too perfect. Not a lot for Jessica to go on, but as the story unravels, she starts to realize mothers intuition is always right.

Like I said, not really interested in the superhero type genere and I never was familiar with marvel. Unfortunately I felt bored at times and will probably not read the next book in the series 3✨

I started *Breaking the Dark* by Lisa Jewell expecting one of her classic thrillers, and I was surprised to realize it was a Marvel novel! Definitely not my usual read, but I ended up enjoying it.

Although I probably won't pick up another book like this, I think Jewell did a good job with the story. Since this isn't my typical genre, it's a bit hard to review, but the writing was solid and engaging, as always.

Overall, while it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was a unique and entertaining read.