Old Habits

Wicked Lovely #2.6

by Melissa Marr

Melissa Marr returns to the ravishing world of Faerie with a story set between her bestselling novels Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity.

Recently anointed king of the Dark Court, Niall struggles to forge a new relationship with his subjects—and with the former Dark King, Irial, his once-friend, once-enemy, and now possible-advisor.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fairies, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fae, Romance

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2011

About the author

Melissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multi-book series with a myriad of accolades.

In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).

An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.

If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.

Reviews

[Katerina Kondrenko · Rating 2 out of 5]

4 out of 10

ревью на русском/review in russian

High Court added to the story some pepper. Still like Niall. Still very dislike Irial. Would love to meet Devlin again.

Wicked Lovely (Коварная Красота):

— Wicked Lovely (Коварная Красота) #1/5
— Ink Exchange (Роковая татуировка) #2/5
— Stopping Time (Останавливая время) #2.5/5
— Old Habits (Старые привычки) #2.6/5
— Fragile Eternity (Темное предсказание) #3/5
— Radiant Shadows (Смертные тени) #4/5
— Darkest Mercy (Жестокое милосердие) #5/5
— Faery Tales & Nightmares (Сказки и кошмары)
— Desert Tales (Рассказы о пустыне)

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

”…And that, my lovely Gancanagh, is why I am not qualified to be a king.” Irial says gently to Niall. “There are two people I would put before the court. It is not a matter of being tired of my court, or throwing it away, or punishing you, or trapping you, or any of those very diabolical things you would like to believe of me. It is, quite simply, the fact that I would damn them all if it meant protecting you or Leslie. The court requires a regent who would put court needs first.”

Old Habits takes place immediately after Irial passes the Dark Court thrown to Niall.

Irial has offered Niall the court, his fealty, and his advice, but he hides secrets that as a king, Niall should be told. Niall understands though that kings weren’t meant to become subjects after centuries of ruling and Iri will not change overnight, but what he doesn’t realize is that the secrets Irial hides is meant to keep Niall safe.

I really like the relationship between Irial and Niall. There is a bond that despite the constant challenges, cannot be broken. I also sense a love between them that goes deeper than friendship and kinship. I can’t wait to see what happens between these two, especially after Irial’s painful cliffy in Radiant Shadows.

Great addition to the Ink Exchange storyline that I highly recommend reading.

[iosonocecilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anche questa novella l'ho letta in inglese, se volete leggerla, vi assicuro che si capisce molto bene.

Ho lasciato solo due stelle perché sinceramente non mi ha arricchito di molto la panoramica degli eventi e avrei voluto vedere di più.

Questa novella è successiva a Ink Exchange e Stopping time, secondo me, da leggere prima di Radiant Shadows o quanto meno, assolutamente prima dell'ultimo volume.

In poche parole ci fa vedere il periodo di tempo che è servito a Niall e Irial per avere una convivenza pacifica e "qualcosa di più".

In questa novella si avvicinano molto ma non abbastanza. Ci lasciano intendere del romance ma poi non si conclude niente.

Diciamo che questa insoddisfazione generale mi ha convinta a dare un voto basso..

Ora non mi resta che vedere gli sviluppi nell'ultimo volume... ovviamente sperando che Irial si salvi e nasca un triangolo amoroso tra lui, Niall e Lesley...

Si lo so... mi sono fissata con Lesley 😅

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Habits is a short novella, of ten chapters, that focuses on the relationship between Irial, the former Dark King, and Niall, the new King of the Dark Court. It is set between the events taking place in Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity.

Irial and Niall have had a long and rocky history. Irial, who is now serving as Niall’s adviser and protector, must learn to take a subservient role now that Niall is beginning to accept his status as the new King. It’s not an easy adjustment for either, and in trying to protect Niall, Irial makes some decisions behind the King’s back that do not sit well with the new ruler. This short story expands upon this transitional period as roles become reversed.

This is another incredible short story by author Melissa Marr that allows fans of this series to get one more look at two of their favorite characters, Irial and Niall. In Stopping Time we got to see these two dealing with each other and their feelings for Leslie and in this story we see how a brief power struggle plays out as Niall finally accepts that he is meant to be the Dark King.

Old Habits does require readers to be familiar with the Wicked Lovely series, and specifically the characters of Niall and Irial and the stories that involve them. There are a number of references to other characters and events that have taken place in the series. And an understanding of the dynamic between these two characters is important for readers to truly enjoy this story.

This eBook download also includes a sneak peek at the upcoming book Darkest Mercy.

On a personal note:

Originally I was team Summer Court, but as the series has progressed, I am totally in league with the Dark Court and especially Irial and Niall. I am so glad that Ms. Marr chose her short stories to be about these characters as they have become my favorites and the ones I will miss most when the series ends next month.

Although this story did not involve the love triangle with Leslie, it was nice to see, from both points of view, how Irial and Niall interacted when Niall was the one with all the power.

[jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts: I tell you no lies, people. If I could make one book world come to life, it'd be Melissa Marr's gorgeously written faerie world. It's not enough that her books have beautiful titles and infinitely more beautiful covers. She just so happens to have concocted one of the most irresistable characters in any paranormal romance I've read EVER. (Looking at you, Irial.) What a twisted, enticing specimen that one is.

And can you believe that this novella was $1.99? I feel like I'm stealing from you, Melissa Marr. Truly, I do.

This novella happens to take place between Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity, after Niall and Irial are on relatively non-homicidal terms. The two fey have a rather tortured history. They are totally the co-mayors of New Angst-erdam. (OMG THAT WAS LAME! I don't care, I'm leaving it in anyway.) The tension is still there--ohhh, the beautiful tension--but they're trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered "relationship." I've never read about a M/M relationship before, but if they're all like this, then I need to read more. Melissa is a freaking GENIUS at Niall/Irial's dialogue and they way that they feed off one another. Witty, charged banter aplenty. I pretty much sighed and fanned my face the entire time.

There is no major plot development in Old Habits, nor does anything pivotal happen. It's an intimate look at the re-budding relationship between the Dark King and the former Dark King. Sigh. I know this is a pathetic review, but I cannot find the words to describe my love for these characters and their dynamic.

My only complaint? That it's not 7,000 pages long. It's like drinking a thimble of Dom Perignon. NOT ENOUGH!

[Melly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was short, but made me fall even deeper for Niall and Irial. I absolutely love them. I'm grateful for the further insight into their backgrounds. I love the part with Niall and Seth, haha I was cracking up.

[Analeise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost there <3

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely little read arrived on my kindle last night at midnight and since I'm such a big fan of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series I just had to read it then and there. I finished at 2 a.m. :)

Old Habits is another wonderful novella taking place after Ink Exchange and let me say includes my 3 favorite men of the series Seth, Irial, and Niall. Where Stopping Time focused on Niall and Iri's love for Leslie. Old Habits centers on Niall and Iri's love for each other and Niall accepting his role as the new Dark King. I love how Melissa explores the depths of these characters and what they will sacrifice for each other. There's more violence in this one I love the battle scene with Develin. There's also a steamy scene for Iri I won't say with who since my reviews are spoiler free.

So if you're a fan of The Wicked Lovely series Old Habits is a must read. 5 stars.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this story, of the beginning of Niall becoming the Dark King!

*First Read August 8th, 2012*
Great short story, and seeing some things from some new characters, and being introduced to new characters, yeah, loved it!

[Rebecca Maye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the writing for this and "Stopping Time" was caught in between a supposed to be teen book and an adult book. Not sure that I quite like the feel of it being juvenile in some areas and adult in others, however, overall, it was entertaining.

[Marzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Irial and Niall.

[Tammy ~Witching Hour Reads~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story takes place after Ink Exchange.

[Shriji Patel · Rating 3 out of 5]

”…And that, my lovely Gancanagh, is why I am not qualified to be a king.” Irial says gently to Niall. “There are two people I would put before the court. It is not a matter of being tired of my court, or throwing it away, or punishing you, or trapping you, or any of those very diabolical things you would like to believe of me. It is, quite simply, the fact that I would damn them all if it meant protecting you or Leslie. The court requires a regent who would put court needs first.”

Old Habits takes place immediately after Irial passes the Dark Court thrown to Niall.

Irial has offered Niall the court, his fealty, and his advice, but he hides secrets that as a king, Niall should be told. Niall understands though that kings weren’t meant to become subjects after centuries of ruling and Iri will not change overnight, but what he doesn’t realize is that the secrets Irial hides is meant to keep Niall safe.

I really like the relationship between Irial and Niall. There is a bond that despite the constant challenges, cannot be broken. I also sense a love between them that goes deeper than friendship and kinship. I can’t wait to see what happens between them.

[Debby Tiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

High on court dynamics, low on relationship. I would not recommend reading this unless you are familiar with the series.

Favorite character: Irial, as usual.

Niall kind of annoyed me in this one.

Liked the more depth about the High Court.

There wasn’t a lot of plot in this one, so if you prefer lots of plot and don’t like Irial, you might want to skip this one.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another interesting novella giving us insight into the fae court politics. If you're not reading the series, it wouldn't mean too much tho.

[Doreen · Rating 2 out of 5]

short story that gives a little insight into the world of Faerie

[Prlobr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitly exelent.

[Lauren Metcalfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good way to add depth to to ending of Ink Exchange. Lots of good info in a small number of pages. Worth the time.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad to be finished this one, it didn't hold my attention well at all, and seemed to take forever to slog through.

[iivalexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

as always. the irial and niall dynamic is fascinating

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Didn’t really add much to anything that we didn’t already know.

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice quick read, especially liked the scene between Niall and Seth in the beginning, slightly spicy :)

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one dragged… chapters 8 and 9 were highlights bc of Niall and Irial (of course).

[Fimilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more from the story than I got. I jumped into this story straight after reading Stopping time. It touched me especially and it left expectations for this story as well. This story didn't touch me.

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The court needs new energy, Gancanagh.  I got us through Beira's reign, found ways to strengthen us.  I'm tired--more changed by Leslie than I'll admit, even to you.  You may have broken our tie, seared me from her skin, but that doesn't undo my changes.  I am no longer fit to lead my court." Irial smiled sadly.  "My court--your court now--needs a new king.  You're the right choice.  You have always been the next Dark King."

Old Habits, the second novella released for Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series, follows the ending to Ink Exchange (just as the other novella, Stopping Time, did) and gives more incite into the strained ties that bind the Dark Court and the High Court. Though only ten chapters long, the novella succeeds in giving a glimpse into the ties that bind and the old habits that cling to these fey and their relationships with each other. . .

Of course, my first response when finding out about Old Habits was, "IRIAL!" Honestly, I cannot get enough of the former Dark King. He stole the spotlight in Ink Exchange, tugged at my heartstrings in Radiant Shadows, and continued to keep my attention in Darkest Mercy. (Word to the wise: it's probably best that you read Old Habits prior to delving into Darkest Mercy. I would recommend the same with reading Stopping Time before Radiant Shadows. The novellas are really a treat for Irial Dark Court fans because they delve more into the workings and emotions lying just underneath the surface of the oft-strained Court of Chaos.)

To Wicked Lovely enthusiasts, there are interesting tidbits here to the overarching plot and characters of the Faerie books. For instance, you get some insight into the relationships Sorcha has fostered with other fey, such as Irial and her 'brother' Devlin, and how she treated said relationships before the incidents of the third book, Fragile Eternity, and the consequences to be seen in the fourth, Radiant Shadows.

And, of course, there's Irial. And Niall. And the strained would-be relationship and pseudo-companionship between them. Though I would say Stopping Time highlighted their passion and care for each other more thoroughly, Old Habits is more about how Niall slowly begins to grow into the role of Dark King and begins to accept the present instead of focusing solely on the wrongs and mistakes of the past.

Needless to say, I think this is a must-read for any Wicked Lovely fan, new or old. . .but especially to those of us who lean a little to the Dark side.

[Vicki Keire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Dark Court girl. What could be better than a novella set entirely in and around the Dark Court, especially one that takes us all the way back to my favorite book in the series, revisiting events right at the close of Ink Exchange?

Now that I've exposed my inherent bias, let me address the actual novella: I think it's a great bridge as we wait for the final book, Darkest Mercy. Not only do you get a substantial novella (10 chapters), but you get a substantial cut of Darkest Mercy itself. I think there are as many as three chapters plus the prologue included. What could be better for $1.99? I read Darkest Mercy roughly six months ago, and it's been absolute torture knowing how the series ends but not being able to talk about it at all. The fact that Marr released a glimpse a little early was a nice release of pressure for me. Whew! Now I can talk a little and not be a spoiler.

As far as Old Habits, I thought it was a very balanced look into how Irial changed from the old Dark King of Ink Exchange into a character who could be so devoted to Leslie and Niall. It also helped me differentiate between what could appear as selfishishness, but what in reality was devotion to his Court. I liked seeing Niall develop into a ruler- the true King of Nightmares, as Marr puts it. What a lovely turn of phrase.

Leslie was conspicuously absent from this slim volume. Since she's the star of Stopping Time, this didn't bother me too much. Old Habits did help me figure out if there were any romantic entanglements betwen Iri and Niall. I've always wondered exactly what the deal is between the two of them, and, I suppose, factoring in Leslie, I have to say the three of them. Old Habits explores their relationship just as it begins to get back on solid ground. They aren't quite sure what to do with each other- they need each other, love each other, even, but do they trust each other? Or even like each other? Maybe not so much. So Old Habts is as much about taking those first excruciating steps towards putting the past behind them as it is about filling in the details of a very interesting point in the Wicked Lovely story arc. A worthy read!

[Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Habits offers us a bit of a glimpse into how Niall is handling the transition to being the Dark Court's new King, which was bestowed upon him by Irial, and how they are both dealing with the role reversal.

It's hard for Irial to give up his OLD HABITS of leading the Dark Court. He tries to continue conducting the *less desirable* aspects of the Dark Court dealings behind the scenes, attempting to spare Niall from it. In doing so, he didn't mean to undermine Niall's authority, but Niall doesn't see it that way. Irial just wanted to ensure Niall's safety, and make it as easy a transition as possible for the new king (as Niall didn't want the responsibility in the first place).

However, in Old Habits, Niall begins to embrace his own leadership (perhaps spurred on by Irial's actions) and makes it clear to Irial and his subjects of the Dark Court, as well as Sorcha and Devlin, who is in charge of the High Court's counterbalance.

This mini-story also serves to give us further insight into the complex relationship between Irial and Niall, and probably sets us up for what happens to them both in Darkest Mercy.

Finally, in Old Habits, we learn more about the personality of the Dark Court. We not only see how they thrive on intense and raw emotions, but in a little twist, we learn that it is not always the Court of Nightmares, and the High Court is not necessarily the "good" and righteous court.

[Jeanne 'Divinae' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes place after Ink Exchange also. It focuses on Niall's and Irial's relationship. Niall is dealing with being the new Dark King. Even though he doesn't desire the role, he cannot think of anyone else who is more capable of being it(besides Irial who refuses it back).

As Niall is settling into his new role as Dark King, he still struggles with his feelings for Irial and Leslie. Irial is working behind Niall's back to help keep him safe. Even though he isn't the king anymore, he is willing to put himself at risk to protect Niall. He is trying to take part of all the really bad things in court, to help Niall transition. Niall doesn't want Irial to interfere and go against his commands. Even though, I feel he appreciates his help. He cannot afford to have anyone go against him, if he is to truly take charge of the Dark Court.

Devlin, is the High Court Queen's sister. He does her bidding. Even though she knows one day he will become her enemy. His true desires is with the Dark Court. Irial has a 'friendship' with the High Court Queen.

Irial and him have had an intimate relationship from long ago. They are both struggling with their feeling for each other. I personally, think they should end up together. I feel that they make a better pairing than with Leslie. Though, most faeries live a polyamorous life.

[Ange (Our Epic TBR List) Schmelzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irial hands the Dark Court over to Niall, who becomes the Dark Court's King of Nightmares, whether he wants to be or not. Will he be able to command the Dark Court and strengthen it? After handing over the reigns, what becomes of Irial? Can he truly hand over the reigns?

My thoughts: There are so many questions about Niall and Irial that go unanswered when the Dark Court transitions, but this short story clears up all of your questions while also giving you a serious look inside the world of the Dark Court. And, if you like the kissy, kissy there's plenty of that as well!

Final thoughts: If you like the Wicked Lovely series at all, you'll love these two short stories! They not only give you a ton of closure to certain aspects and relationships, they also allow you one last look into this world of Faerie that's just so dang brilliant! They're available as eBooks only separate or together for under $5. I do have to say that Stopping Time was my favorite though, with my favorite Leslie! Oh how I adore her, her brokenness and of course her tattoo.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORE the Wicked Lovely series. The Irial/Niall/Leslie triangle (not a love triangle, mind you, but a potentially fantastic triad) remains one of the bog draws for me. Of those three, I've been enamored of the former Dark King since he first stepped on page.

Irial is powerful and deadly. He makes hard choices for the good of his people - choices that sometimes hurt those he loves the most. And I feel for him. It hard to see him choosing the path he chooses at times because you can see how much it tears him up. But for the good of the Dark Court, he does what has to be done.

So, how hard is it for a former king step back and become the new king's advisor? In Irial's case, the way he feels about Niall leads him to do his best to protect him. While this is noble, as a new king, Niall needs to know the things that Irial is keeping from him. Watching them butt heads is wonderful and kinda hot.

I love these glances back into this world. They work so well. <3

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal