Marvel Book Review: Breaking the Dark
Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell is the first entry into the Marvel Crime series, offering fans a gritty, street-level glimpse into the life of a superhero. The first novel is the series follows Jessica Jones, a female superhero with superhuman strength. Known for her wry humor and tough exterior, Jessica runs a private investigation service in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. Breaking the Dark captures the essence of the character we loved from the Marvel Netflix series. Author Lisa Jewell captures Jessica’s sharp wit and dark humor, making this book feel like a seamless continuation of her story.
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Set after the events of Season 1 of the Jessica Jones show, Breaking the Dark dives into Jessica’s life as she grapples with the aftermath of surviving the manipulative villain Killgrave. Jessica is still haunted by the guilt and shame of the horrific actions Killgrave forced her to commit. This unease and depression are a constant presence in the book, adding humanity to her character as she struggles with her past and the uncertainty of her future.
The central mystery of Breaking the Dark revolves around a case Jessica takes on involving teenage twins whose mother, Amber Randall, insists they have been replaced by something sinister. When the twins left for England, they were normal teenagers with pimples and insecurities. When they return, they have perfect skin and personalities. They often stare up at the sky and whisper the word “Miranda.” Jessica is very doubtful that anything happened but she does take the case and the investigation leads Jessica to a small, eerie village in the British countryside. It’s here that Jessica encounters the mysterious Belle, a teenager living in isolation with her enigmatic guardian. Jewell weaves a chilling tale as Jessica uncovers the dark secrets of this British town.
One of the most compelling aspects of Jewell’s plot is her commentary on the dangers of social media. She explores how teenagers are constantly connected online, and what could happen if someone with malicious intent were to exploit that connection.
As Jessica navigates her tumultuous relationship with Luke Cage, the story introduces a new layer of tension—Jessica’s concern that she might be pregnant. This personal dilemma adds a twist to the plot, reflecting Jessica’s fear and uncertainty about her future. Her interactions with Luke are raw and tender and the Breaking the Dark book portrays the complexity of their relationship really well.
The Breaking the Dark book is a gripping start to the Marvel Crime series, blending supernatural elements with a hard-hitting detective story. Jewell’s portrayal of Jessica Jones is spot-on, capturing her complexity and resilience. Fans of the Marvel Universe and crime thrillers alike will find this novel an engrossing read, and it sets the stage for more stories in this new series.
Other Marvel Book Reviews:
Graphic Novel Review: Shang-Chi and the Quest for Immortality
Book Review: Tales of Wakanda Anthology
