Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell

In a world where superheroes dominate our screens and comic book pages, it’s refreshing to see a take on these larger-than-life characters that feels… well, human. Lisa Jewell’s “Breaking the Dark” does just that, dragging the Marvel Universe down from the stratosphere and into the gritty streets of Hell’s Kitchen. This isn’t your typical cape-and-tights affair, folks. It’s a noir-tinged journey into the shadowy corners of a world where having superpowers doesn’t necessarily make life any easier—and might just complicate things even more.

The Setup: A Case of Imperfect Perfection

Jessica Jones, our not-so-heroic hero, is nursing a hangover (shocking, I know) when Amber Randall bursts into her office with a case that’s weird even by superhero standards. Amber’s teenage twins have returned from a visit to their father in the UK… changed. They’re too perfect. Flawless skin, no bad habits, talking about some mystery girl named Belle. It’s the kind of case that would make most PIs roll their eyes and reach for the whiskey bottle. But something about it nags at Jessica, pulling her into an investigation that will take her across the pond and into a web of dark secrets and unsettling “perfection.”

The Setting: From Hell’s Kitchen to Creepy English Villages

Jewell expertly navigates two distinct worlds in “Breaking the Dark.” We start in the familiar territory of Hell’s Kitchen, with its dive bars, cramped apartments, and a persistent smell that’s probably best left unidentified. Jessica’s New York feels lived-in, a place where dreams come to die and hangovers come to thrive. It’s the perfect backdrop for our deeply flawed protagonist.

But then we’re whisked away to the English countryside, to the village of Barton Wallop (I mean, come on, that name alone is worth the price of admission). Jewell captures the unsettling undercurrent of small-town life, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, and ancient secrets simmer just beneath the surface. The contrast between the urban grit of New York and the pastoral menace of Barton Wallop adds a layer of tension that keeps you on edge throughout.

The Characters: Damaged Goods and Dark Horses

At the heart of “Breaking the Dark” is Jessica Jones herself, and Jewell nails the character. This isn’t the glossy, sanitized version you might expect from a Marvel property. Jessica is a mess—alcoholic, self-destructive, haunted by past trauma. But she’s also wickedly smart, fiercely loyal (when she allows herself to be), and possessing a dry wit that cuts through the darkness like a knife.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. Amber Randall’s desperation feels painfully real, the kind of primal fear that only a parent can truly understand. The twins, Fox and Lark, are suitably creepy in their newfound perfection, leaving you constantly questioning what’s really going on beneath those flawless exteriors.

And then there’s Belle, the mysterious girl at the center of it all. Jewell crafts her as an enigma wrapped in a riddle, someone who seems both innocent and deeply unsettling at the same time. The scenes between Jessica and Belle crackle with tension, two outsiders recognizing something of themselves in the other.

The Plot: Twists, Turns, and Things That Go Bump in the Night

I don’t want to give too much away (where’s the fun in that?), but suffice it to say that Jewell keeps the plot moving at a breakneck pace. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what’s going on, she throws another curveball your way. The mystery deepens with every chapter, drawing you deeper into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

What starts as a relatively straightforward missing persons case (well, as straightforward as anything involving seemingly perfect teenagers can be) quickly spirals into something much darker and more complex. Jewell weaves in elements of the supernatural without ever losing that grounded, street-level feel that makes Jessica Jones such a compelling character.

The Writing: Noir with a Splash of Superpowers

Jewell’s prose strikes a perfect balance between hardboiled detective fiction and the heightened reality of the Marvel Universe. Jessica’s narration is a joy to read, full of sardonic observations and self-deprecating humor. But there’s also a vulnerability there, a raw honesty that makes you root for her even when she’s making terrible decisions (which, let’s face it, is pretty often).

The action scenes are tightly choreographed and visceral, reminding you that while Jessica might have superpowers, she’s far from invulnerable. Every punch landed and every fall taken feels real, adding to the overall sense of danger and consequence.

The Verdict: A Thrilling Start to Marvel Crime

“Breaking the Dark” marks an exciting new direction for both Lisa Jewell and the Marvel Universe. It’s a book that should appeal to fans of gritty detective fiction and superhero stories alike, bridging the gap between the two genres with style and substance.

Is it perfect? No, but honestly, that’s part of its charm. There are moments where the pacing slows a bit, particularly in the middle section. And some readers might find the darker elements a bit jarring if they’re expecting a more traditional superhero story. But for my money, the sheer ambition and skill on display more than make up for any minor stumbles.

Comparisons and Context

While “Breaking the Dark” carves out its own unique niche, it does bring to mind some other genre-bending works. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s sharp-edged thrillers will find a lot to love in Jessica’s acerbic narration. There’s also a touch of the cosmic horror reminiscent of early Stephen King, particularly in the Barton Wallop sections.

In the context of Jewell’s own work, this marks a significant departure from her usual domestic thrillers. But the keen insight into human nature and ability to craft complex, flawed characters that have defined her previous books are very much present here.

It’s worth noting that this is the first book in the new Marvel Crime series, with future installments set to feature other street-level heroes like Luke Cage and Daredevil. If “Breaking the Dark” is any indication, crime fiction fans and Marvel aficionados alike are in for a treat.

Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Dark Side of Marvel

Look, I’m not saying you should be suspicious of any teenagers with suddenly perfect skin… but maybe keep an eye out, just in case.

All jokes aside, “Breaking the Dark” is a bold, exciting start to the Marvel Crime series. It’s a book that respects its source material while not being afraid to take risks and explore darker territory. Jewell has crafted a story that feels both fresh and familiar, grounding superhuman abilities in very human struggles.

If you’re looking for a mystery that’ll keep you guessing, a protagonist you can’t help but root for (despite her many, many flaws), and a new perspective on the Marvel Universe, this is the book for you. Just maybe don’t read it right before bed. You know, just in case those shadows in the corner start looking a little too… perfect.