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Wicked Lovely #2.5 Part II
Stopping Time, Part 2
An exciting e-story original sequel to INK EXCHANGE!When Leslie left the Dark Court for her own good, she never imagined she could be the instrument by which someone threatened Irial or Niall. When her darkest past catches up with her, and she must figure out how to keep the fey she loves safe—and how to save herself.
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2010
42 people are currently reading
3435 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Marr
106 books13k followersMelissa 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 19, 2010
***FAIR WARNING: This review includes spoilers for not only this story -- but also the books Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity***
Part I rating: Five stars
Part II rating: Four stars
Final/Overall rating: Four-and-a-half stars
Now to the review (which is more like commentary):
Wow.
Does it sound strange that I DIDN'T totally understand the Irial/Leslie/Niall love triangle before reading this? I knew Irial was bisexual -- or, rather, had a feeling from the way he talked in Ink Exchange to Gabriel and Niall in almost a flirtatious manner -- but I obviously didn't catch on to the whole Irial/Niall thing until I read this story. It wasn't a bad thing to find out, but now I feel a little stupid that I read IE years ago and still didn't catch on to Niall's carrying a torch for the former Dark King . . .
Anyway, I'm glad Ren finally got his. *mumbles something incoherent that likely involves bad words*
Final thoughts: I still think Leslie is a fool for not going off with Irial. Why can't she become a faery like Seth? I mean, really, what's the big deal? I understand her fears about it, but we as readers all know the Dark Court is going to change in a LOT of ways in the coming books (with war likely on the horizon) -- though then the love triangle of Leslie/Irial/Niall would cycle for eternity. Methinks, then, that Niall or Irial is likely going to die in Darkest Mercy . . . and I have the terrible feeling that it's going to be Iri. T_T
(Sorry, it's late as I babble on about this SS that I read a few weeks ago . . . so I'm getting a bit weepy as I think about Iri's possibly impending doom.)
As a whole, this short story was a nice addition to the WL world -- and I'm hoping we'll see more of Leslie again in the future -- hopefully as one of the fey. ;)
Part I rating: Five stars
Part II rating: Four stars
Final/Overall rating: Four-and-a-half stars
Now to the review (which is more like commentary):
Wow.
Does it sound strange that I DIDN'T totally understand the Irial/Leslie/Niall love triangle before reading this? I knew Irial was bisexual -- or, rather, had a feeling from the way he talked in Ink Exchange to Gabriel and Niall in almost a flirtatious manner -- but I obviously didn't catch on to the whole Irial/Niall thing until I read this story. It wasn't a bad thing to find out, but now I feel a little stupid that I read IE years ago and still didn't catch on to Niall's carrying a torch for the former Dark King . . .
Anyway, I'm glad Ren finally got his. *mumbles something incoherent that likely involves bad words*
Final thoughts: I still think Leslie is a fool for not going off with Irial. Why can't she become a faery like Seth? I mean, really, what's the big deal? I understand her fears about it, but we as readers all know the Dark Court is going to change in a LOT of ways in the coming books (with war likely on the horizon) -- though then the love triangle of Leslie/Irial/Niall would cycle for eternity. Methinks, then, that Niall or Irial is likely going to die in Darkest Mercy . . . and I have the terrible feeling that it's going to be Iri. T_T
(Sorry, it's late as I babble on about this SS that I read a few weeks ago . . . so I'm getting a bit weepy as I think about Iri's possibly impending doom.)
As a whole, this short story was a nice addition to the WL world -- and I'm hoping we'll see more of Leslie again in the future -- hopefully as one of the fey. ;)
April 1, 2010
Okay. I want you to prepare yourself for a bit of a déluge in the way of me describing to you just how ecstatically in love I am with this short story. Yes, you heard me right. Short story. What's that you say? You thought I already covered my love for Irial and Niall in my review of Radiant Shadows? Well, I thought so too. But then I stumbled across a little thing called "Stopping Time" and it became clear that this kind of love cannot be "covered" in a single review. Consider this fair warning. I've never actually reviewed a short story here before. So here goes. This review will include a few unavoidable spoilers for Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity if you haven't read them yet, but none at all for Radiant Shadows. So if you're up-to-date on the series, you're good to go as "Stopping Time" takes place in between Fragile Eternity and Radiant Shadows and is the absolutely perfect read right now if you're anxiously awaiting the fourth book's release. And I really recommend that you do read it. Having already read Radiant Shadows, I can testify that it would be extremely beneficial (read: so much more awesome) if you'd read this short story first.
It's been months since Leslie walked away from the allure and abuses of the Dark Court and the two loves of her life and went the equivalent of solitary fae. Going to college, seeing a therapist, and trying to make new friends, it hasn't been anything resembling easy. But it was the right decision. And Leslie knows that. She just wishes her heart would remember. That it didn't race every week when Irial sits across the street from her study group and watches her, silently letting her know he's there. That he loves her. He will keep her safe. Depending on the day, the hour, the slant of light passing through her empty apartment, Leslie wishes just once she could break one of the two defining rules that form the shape of her life now. No talking to Irial. No seeing Niall. With the former and the current Dark Kings, the guidelines "look but don't touch" and "listen but don't look" may be exquisitely hard to follow, but they go a long way toward keeping Leslie the kind of safe and independent she relies on these days. Meanwhile, Irial and Niall circle each other warily, quietly dancing around their loss of Leslie and the impossible chasm that is forgiveness and reconciliation. The three of them push on every day until an outside force alters their routine abruptly and it becomes clear someone who knows the intimate details of Leslie's past is intent on using her (and those who love her) for their own purposes. And Leslie realizes she may be forced to break one of her rules in order to protect herself and the two men she loves.
I could not believe how brilliant this story was. I mean literally just the other day I was finishing Radiant Shadows, half-lost in love with Irial and Niall, and wondering desperately why I was spending all this time with Ani and Devlin when all I really wanted was to cozy up and watch the absolutely riveting drama that is the two Dark Kings. Just ask DH. I turned to him multiple times and said, "These characters are freaking awesome. I need a book of just them. And I need it now." It was like the literary gods were listening to me, smiling knowingly. Because the next day I find out that not only has Melissa Marr written a story featuring my three favorite characters, but it's free. And available for immediate download. DH took one look at my face, laughed, and then wisely left me alone to soak it up. And that is exactly what I did. There are so many beautiful scenes in this story. So much concentrated awesome packed into such a small package. This is exactly what I wanted. And Irial, Niall, and Leslie were exactly themselves in all their heartbreaking loyalty, love, pain, and longing. And honestly I couldn't have asked for anything more. And I haven't been precisely right since. For instance, I may have spent an inordinate amount of time haunting the Rath forum thread dedicated to discussing "Stopping Time." I may have read my favorite bits over and over late at night. (The café scene. *dies*) And I may have listened to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" on repeat after Ms. Marr mentioned it makes her think of Niall. And, okay, I may have a problem. But the first step is admitting it, right? My name is Angie. I have an obsession with a couple of fictional characters. It's not the first time. But I absolutely cannot wait for Darkest Mercy--the final installment in the Wicked Lovely series--to find out what happens to my beloved boys. I, for one, am hoping happiness is in the cards if they're strong enough to choose it. In the meantime, I simply cannot recommend "Stopping Time" highly enough. I am all kinds of in love with it and it has won an instant spot on my Best of 2010 list--a first for a short story. So. What are you waiting for? Go! Soak it up! And don't worry about me. I'll just be over here reading the café scene again...
It's been months since Leslie walked away from the allure and abuses of the Dark Court and the two loves of her life and went the equivalent of solitary fae. Going to college, seeing a therapist, and trying to make new friends, it hasn't been anything resembling easy. But it was the right decision. And Leslie knows that. She just wishes her heart would remember. That it didn't race every week when Irial sits across the street from her study group and watches her, silently letting her know he's there. That he loves her. He will keep her safe. Depending on the day, the hour, the slant of light passing through her empty apartment, Leslie wishes just once she could break one of the two defining rules that form the shape of her life now. No talking to Irial. No seeing Niall. With the former and the current Dark Kings, the guidelines "look but don't touch" and "listen but don't look" may be exquisitely hard to follow, but they go a long way toward keeping Leslie the kind of safe and independent she relies on these days. Meanwhile, Irial and Niall circle each other warily, quietly dancing around their loss of Leslie and the impossible chasm that is forgiveness and reconciliation. The three of them push on every day until an outside force alters their routine abruptly and it becomes clear someone who knows the intimate details of Leslie's past is intent on using her (and those who love her) for their own purposes. And Leslie realizes she may be forced to break one of her rules in order to protect herself and the two men she loves.
I could not believe how brilliant this story was. I mean literally just the other day I was finishing Radiant Shadows, half-lost in love with Irial and Niall, and wondering desperately why I was spending all this time with Ani and Devlin when all I really wanted was to cozy up and watch the absolutely riveting drama that is the two Dark Kings. Just ask DH. I turned to him multiple times and said, "These characters are freaking awesome. I need a book of just them. And I need it now." It was like the literary gods were listening to me, smiling knowingly. Because the next day I find out that not only has Melissa Marr written a story featuring my three favorite characters, but it's free. And available for immediate download. DH took one look at my face, laughed, and then wisely left me alone to soak it up. And that is exactly what I did. There are so many beautiful scenes in this story. So much concentrated awesome packed into such a small package. This is exactly what I wanted. And Irial, Niall, and Leslie were exactly themselves in all their heartbreaking loyalty, love, pain, and longing. And honestly I couldn't have asked for anything more. And I haven't been precisely right since. For instance, I may have spent an inordinate amount of time haunting the Rath forum thread dedicated to discussing "Stopping Time." I may have read my favorite bits over and over late at night. (The café scene. *dies*) And I may have listened to Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" on repeat after Ms. Marr mentioned it makes her think of Niall. And, okay, I may have a problem. But the first step is admitting it, right? My name is Angie. I have an obsession with a couple of fictional characters. It's not the first time. But I absolutely cannot wait for Darkest Mercy--the final installment in the Wicked Lovely series--to find out what happens to my beloved boys. I, for one, am hoping happiness is in the cards if they're strong enough to choose it. In the meantime, I simply cannot recommend "Stopping Time" highly enough. I am all kinds of in love with it and it has won an instant spot on my Best of 2010 list--a first for a short story. So. What are you waiting for? Go! Soak it up! And don't worry about me. I'll just be over here reading the café scene again...
March 26, 2010
Hello, I am a Dark Court Junkie......... I am so glad that Melissa Marr penned this wonderful short story. I always wanted to know what happened to Leslie. Did she miss her Dark Court family? In the first half it was so wonderful to get to revisit our old friends, and then bamn cliffhanger!~!
So in part 2 I absolutely love the interaction between Niall, Irial and Leslie. It is like being a fly on the wall, getting a little insight about what happened to them after the end of Ink Exchange. And to find out a bit of history on what sent Naill to the Summer court.
To me Stopping Time is a perfect extension of Ink Exchange. It left me very please with the ending and wanting More!~!~
So in part 2 I absolutely love the interaction between Niall, Irial and Leslie. It is like being a fly on the wall, getting a little insight about what happened to them after the end of Ink Exchange. And to find out a bit of history on what sent Naill to the Summer court.
To me Stopping Time is a perfect extension of Ink Exchange. It left me very please with the ending and wanting More!~!~
March 26, 2010
Hmmm, I liked this little treat (a free ebook download, thanks to the wonderful Melissa Marr). Both of these two parts of Stopping Time, are a continuation to a Ink Exchange, they take up where that story had left a the reader, me, wanting to know how Leslie, Irial and Niall, would work out their connections to each other. They were just a couple of quick short stories to help fill in the gaps.
I was glad for the reconnection, and liked how it ended, but I have to say, it was maybe not my preferred ending. I myself would have liked their story to end a bit differently, no spoilers here. But I guess that's where I'm the reader, not the writer. Anyway, glad to have been able to read this. Thank you Melissa Marr.
I was glad for the reconnection, and liked how it ended, but I have to say, it was maybe not my preferred ending. I myself would have liked their story to end a bit differently, no spoilers here. But I guess that's where I'm the reader, not the writer. Anyway, glad to have been able to read this. Thank you Melissa Marr.
April 24, 2010
If you were interested in reading more about the love triangle between Leslie, Irial and Niall, or you just wanted to know whatever happened to Leslie’s brother Ren, read this short story.
It picks up where Ink Exchange ends: Leslie has moved on with her life, in a new town, with new friends–yet she can’t entirely escape her past, nor can she forget her feelings for Irial and Niall. They too can’t forget her or let her go completely….
Great chemistry among the characters… was a quick read, yet satisfying.
My only scruple with the story is Michael's immediate acceptance of Irial's identity as a faery. But I suppose love makes us capable of anything, even if it's accepting something out of the ordinary.
It picks up where Ink Exchange ends: Leslie has moved on with her life, in a new town, with new friends–yet she can’t entirely escape her past, nor can she forget her feelings for Irial and Niall. They too can’t forget her or let her go completely….
Great chemistry among the characters… was a quick read, yet satisfying.
My only scruple with the story is Michael's immediate acceptance of Irial's identity as a faery. But I suppose love makes us capable of anything, even if it's accepting something out of the ordinary.
April 13, 2010
Leslie, Irial, and Niall's complicated love triangle is addictive to read about! They are without a doubt my favorite characters throughout the series, and I'm thrilled to be able to read about them after Ink Exchange because much like Iri & Niall, I was afraid that Leslie would leave and never come back! And that would have left my curiosity and need for a happy ending completely stymied and upset, lol
Sooo glad I get to read more of their stories!!
Sooo glad I get to read more of their stories!!
June 16, 2015
not my normal genre but good. probably would have enjoyed more if I read the
October 8, 2017
Not my cup of tea. Juvenile fantasy, but it was free. Not interested in reading the rest.
November 5, 2017
O feel like part one an two should be switched.
March 5, 2024
Like part 1 I find Leslie isn’t my favorite, but I do like the dynamic going on here.
May 3, 2010
God, I still feel the heat from this thing and I read it more than 12 hours ago. I had forgotten how incredibly alluring Irial was. Thankfully, he is back in all of his menacing, enticing glory in Stopping Time Part 1 and2.
Leslie is slowing mending the shattered pieces of herself. It’s been months since she left the Dark Court and the two Faerie Kings that love her. And she’s getting better. But she still isn’t well. She made the right choice, in her mind, she knows that. But knowing that she made the right choice doesn’t make the truth hurt less. It doesn’t keep her pulse from pounding when she sees Irial watching her each week. Silently observing her, admiring her, confirming his love for her, and his devotion to keeping her safe. Leslie can feel his presence like a palpable thing, and still she does not to speak to him. Doing so would erase the progress she has made. One word to Irial would follow in non-words, and Leslie can’t afford the price. Leslie now lives by two rules, don’t speak to Irial, don’t see Niall. For months these three characters have danced around one another. Knowing that it can’t continue but unable to resist, or to find a solution that will afford Leslie her needs. And so they keep dancing along the fine lines they have drawn. But a visit from Leslie’s past may make the crossing of those lines necessary, even if for only a day.
For such a short story, Marr packs a deliciously mean punch. I can’t decide which couple I am most in love with! Leslie, Irial and Niall once again enchanted me with their hurt, heartbreak, despair, loneliness, hope and love that are so tangible they throb. I smiled, I cried, and in the end was left hopeful that these three will get their happy ending when they are strong enough to reach out and take it. On a final note…Please please please please please Melissa Marr, don’t kill off Irial! He is the best of the three, in fact, he is the best of all your characters and I couldn’t endure the devastation that would occur if he were to die. Please!
Leslie is slowing mending the shattered pieces of herself. It’s been months since she left the Dark Court and the two Faerie Kings that love her. And she’s getting better. But she still isn’t well. She made the right choice, in her mind, she knows that. But knowing that she made the right choice doesn’t make the truth hurt less. It doesn’t keep her pulse from pounding when she sees Irial watching her each week. Silently observing her, admiring her, confirming his love for her, and his devotion to keeping her safe. Leslie can feel his presence like a palpable thing, and still she does not to speak to him. Doing so would erase the progress she has made. One word to Irial would follow in non-words, and Leslie can’t afford the price. Leslie now lives by two rules, don’t speak to Irial, don’t see Niall. For months these three characters have danced around one another. Knowing that it can’t continue but unable to resist, or to find a solution that will afford Leslie her needs. And so they keep dancing along the fine lines they have drawn. But a visit from Leslie’s past may make the crossing of those lines necessary, even if for only a day.
For such a short story, Marr packs a deliciously mean punch. I can’t decide which couple I am most in love with! Leslie, Irial and Niall once again enchanted me with their hurt, heartbreak, despair, loneliness, hope and love that are so tangible they throb. I smiled, I cried, and in the end was left hopeful that these three will get their happy ending when they are strong enough to reach out and take it. On a final note…Please please please please please Melissa Marr, don’t kill off Irial! He is the best of the three, in fact, he is the best of all your characters and I couldn’t endure the devastation that would occur if he were to die. Please!
February 13, 2011
Why did I read this:
So I read this immediately after I read Ink Exchange. I was so thoroughly engrossed in the characters, that and I simply had to know what happened. This is only a short story, but it’s a tale that needed telling and ties up a few loose ends.
Reaction/Review:
Irial had given his court to Nial, both out of love for Nial and Leslie, and because that love also made him a weaker King. Leslie is in college and pushing through on her own. It is hard, but it is her own choice. She misses both Nial and Irial immensly. Possibly Irial more because of what they shared.
Her brother comes back to use her as bait to get his hands on a fey to pay off some debt he has to some dealer. Her brother, the one who had sacrificed her before to pay off a drug debt. The one person with a death warrant on his head from the Dark Fey court.
Leslie couldn’t make the decision before to get rid of him, as he was family, despite the evil he inflicted on her. However, after threatening her life, and she just barely escaping him, he is finished off by Nial. Except Irial asks to take the blame for it before Nial can go to Leslie. Irial once again does this for love of them both.
There was hope to this story. Irial left for love. And that makes me completely respect him. In this short story I felt even more connected to Leslie. She understands the darkness and doesn’t begrudge either Nial or Irial it, but she knows what she would become in that court and that she would not be able to survive it. They would love her no matter what, accept whatever she became. But that is not the person who she wants to be.
Final Thoughts:
This girl has courage, and a strong fortitude. While I felt this a rather rushed installment with perhaps a bit of info dump, it really does help to tie up some of the loose threads and cement the decisions made at the end of Ink Exchange. A good companion piece to read at the end of the novel, I would think.
Rating: 8/10
So I read this immediately after I read Ink Exchange. I was so thoroughly engrossed in the characters, that and I simply had to know what happened. This is only a short story, but it’s a tale that needed telling and ties up a few loose ends.
Reaction/Review:
Irial had given his court to Nial, both out of love for Nial and Leslie, and because that love also made him a weaker King. Leslie is in college and pushing through on her own. It is hard, but it is her own choice. She misses both Nial and Irial immensly. Possibly Irial more because of what they shared.
Her brother comes back to use her as bait to get his hands on a fey to pay off some debt he has to some dealer. Her brother, the one who had sacrificed her before to pay off a drug debt. The one person with a death warrant on his head from the Dark Fey court.
Leslie couldn’t make the decision before to get rid of him, as he was family, despite the evil he inflicted on her. However, after threatening her life, and she just barely escaping him, he is finished off by Nial. Except Irial asks to take the blame for it before Nial can go to Leslie. Irial once again does this for love of them both.
There was hope to this story. Irial left for love. And that makes me completely respect him. In this short story I felt even more connected to Leslie. She understands the darkness and doesn’t begrudge either Nial or Irial it, but she knows what she would become in that court and that she would not be able to survive it. They would love her no matter what, accept whatever she became. But that is not the person who she wants to be.
Final Thoughts:
This girl has courage, and a strong fortitude. While I felt this a rather rushed installment with perhaps a bit of info dump, it really does help to tie up some of the loose threads and cement the decisions made at the end of Ink Exchange. A good companion piece to read at the end of the novel, I would think.
Rating: 8/10
June 20, 2011
Well I have finally got around to reading Stopping Time and I agree. I have read it after reading all 5 books -- which yes I know how the 5th ends, so it was a little out of order reading it after the fact. Although it was a small read....I found it just as powerful as the books in the series...
It was interesting to see the dynamic of Leslie/Niall/Irial relationship especially after Leslie's 'choice' from Fragile Eternity.
“You’re addictive to mortals now.”
“I know,” Irial agreed. “That’s why I won’t touch her. Not ever again.”
“You still love her.”
Irial took another drag on his cigarette. “Yet I did the one thing that would assure that I can’t be with her. I am quite capable of continuing to love someone”—he caught Niall’s gaze—“without touching them. You, of everyone in this world, know that.”
As always, Niall was the first to look away. That subject was forbidden. Niall might understand now why Irial had not stepped in when Niall offered himself over to the court’s abuse centuries ago, but he didn’t forgive—not completely.
Maybe in another twelve centuries.
an I especially loved the reference to the title 'Stopping Time'
Niall stepped back, but he took her hand in his. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Give us tonight. Tomorrow”—she looked past him to let her gaze rest on Irial—“tomorrow, you go back to your court, and I continue my life. Tonight, though…”
“I can love without touching.” Niall looked behind him, as if he’d known where Irial was all along, and added, “I leaned that lesson centuries ago.”
“Tomorrow you can love me from a safe distance.” Leslie opened the door; then, she looked back at the faery standing in the shadows watching the two of them. “But it’s okay to stop time every so often to be with someone you love.”
It was interesting to see the dynamic of Leslie/Niall/Irial relationship especially after Leslie's 'choice' from Fragile Eternity.
“You’re addictive to mortals now.”
“I know,” Irial agreed. “That’s why I won’t touch her. Not ever again.”
“You still love her.”
Irial took another drag on his cigarette. “Yet I did the one thing that would assure that I can’t be with her. I am quite capable of continuing to love someone”—he caught Niall’s gaze—“without touching them. You, of everyone in this world, know that.”
As always, Niall was the first to look away. That subject was forbidden. Niall might understand now why Irial had not stepped in when Niall offered himself over to the court’s abuse centuries ago, but he didn’t forgive—not completely.
Maybe in another twelve centuries.
an I especially loved the reference to the title 'Stopping Time'
Niall stepped back, but he took her hand in his. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Give us tonight. Tomorrow”—she looked past him to let her gaze rest on Irial—“tomorrow, you go back to your court, and I continue my life. Tonight, though…”
“I can love without touching.” Niall looked behind him, as if he’d known where Irial was all along, and added, “I leaned that lesson centuries ago.”
“Tomorrow you can love me from a safe distance.” Leslie opened the door; then, she looked back at the faery standing in the shadows watching the two of them. “But it’s okay to stop time every so often to be with someone you love.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2010
Leslie has been doing better since she left the world of fairies behind. With no more Irial or Niall, she might be alone, but she is safe. They are of course watching over her, forever bound together in a love triangle that none can escape. While Leslie and Irial had their time together, albeit with her in a drunken haze as she was the conduit for Irial to feed his people, she never got her time with Niall. While it's impossible that her and Niall could ever be together, could they perhaps stop time and get just one night?
I really loved where Ink Exchange left off, with Leslie reclaiming her life. This just seemed to be two steps back for her. The fact that they will never really be apart and that their lives are a convoluted mess, a quagmire that she was stepping out and distancing herself from as best she could made great sense. To go back and temporarily revel in that mire seemed part wish fulfillment , part falling back into bad habits. Sometimes you should not go back into stories, sometimes the ending you wrote is right. Also sometimes you get too much information between Niall and Irial and this makes it even more of a love triangle. I liked the vague. I didn't so much like this.
But, if you want to check it out, and if you're a fan of the series who wouldn't, it's wonderfully free for Kindle on Amazon, likewise it's included in the extras of the paperback release of Fragile Eternity.
I really loved where Ink Exchange left off, with Leslie reclaiming her life. This just seemed to be two steps back for her. The fact that they will never really be apart and that their lives are a convoluted mess, a quagmire that she was stepping out and distancing herself from as best she could made great sense. To go back and temporarily revel in that mire seemed part wish fulfillment , part falling back into bad habits. Sometimes you should not go back into stories, sometimes the ending you wrote is right. Also sometimes you get too much information between Niall and Irial and this makes it even more of a love triangle. I liked the vague. I didn't so much like this.
But, if you want to check it out, and if you're a fan of the series who wouldn't, it's wonderfully free for Kindle on Amazon, likewise it's included in the extras of the paperback release of Fragile Eternity.
January 8, 2011
I quite liked this short story... I was originally disappointed it was so short, but after reading it, I thought it was just about right (for what it was meant to achieve).
It makes me respect Irial more. It makes me feel bad for him, on multiple levels. He really is willing to do anything out of his love for Leslie and Niall.
Now, his love for Niall. Very interesting. I have only read the first 3 Wicked Lovely's so far, and it has only made a few hints regarding Nialls and Irials real relationship. This story, however, has confirmed it, for me at least, that it is not the type of love that Seth and Niall share (brotherly, friendship etc), its was (and still is) a real love. As is their love for Leslie. So, that would make them both bisexual? Or are faeries bisexual in general? But then again, they are all different types of creatures - that might mean they are trisexual?
Anyway, back to the story... I thought this was a nice little story about Leslie trying to come to terms with her feelings for both of them while trying to move on in the real world, them coming to terms with their feelings for her, and for each other. I can't say there are too many love triangles out there where all parties involved feel the others should be together, much less encourage it.
Plus, it was a nice way to clear up on Ren's disappearance - not that it has been mentioned, but if people wondered what had happend to him (or hoped something had happened to him)
It makes me respect Irial more. It makes me feel bad for him, on multiple levels. He really is willing to do anything out of his love for Leslie and Niall.
Now, his love for Niall. Very interesting. I have only read the first 3 Wicked Lovely's so far, and it has only made a few hints regarding Nialls and Irials real relationship. This story, however, has confirmed it, for me at least, that it is not the type of love that Seth and Niall share (brotherly, friendship etc), its was (and still is) a real love. As is their love for Leslie. So, that would make them both bisexual? Or are faeries bisexual in general? But then again, they are all different types of creatures - that might mean they are trisexual?
Anyway, back to the story... I thought this was a nice little story about Leslie trying to come to terms with her feelings for both of them while trying to move on in the real world, them coming to terms with their feelings for her, and for each other. I can't say there are too many love triangles out there where all parties involved feel the others should be together, much less encourage it.
Plus, it was a nice way to clear up on Ren's disappearance - not that it has been mentioned, but if people wondered what had happend to him (or hoped something had happened to him)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2011
This was a great ending to a great begining! I loved how when she found out who it was how everybody reacted and pretty much knew right away. Then Leslie and Niall. They throw me through a loop! Evertime! I love Leslie and Niall but no matter what happens they just run away from each other! I hate it, mostly cause I want them together, but of course that isn't what Leslie wants, so I have to sit and wait for them to finally meet somewhere in the middle. The ending of this really reminded me of the song Tomorrow by Chris Young. This is the first book--whoops--short story or well anything that has to do with reading that has ever reminded me of a song. Must mean something! hah! Well this was great and I am glad I read it and it was everything I expected and more!
May 2, 2011
This story delves into the relationships between Niall, Iriel and Leslie. Although Leslie has left the fey world and wants nothing to do with it, these two fairy guys keep an eye on her anyway, in some ways to protect her and in other ways because they both want her. It adds a bit of dimension to the characters, but honestly I'd have enjoyed the back story on each of these three characters so much more than this, particularly Niall's story which I keep waiting to read. So, a little disappointed by that.
Some of the story is about how they both want her, but they are willing to share her. How nice. *sarcasm intended*
Some of the story is about how they both want her, but they are willing to share her. How nice. *sarcasm intended*
May 7, 2010
Part 2 opens with Irial's point of view. I remember not really liking him at all in Ink Exchange, but in this story I really do feel for him. The second half of the story continues with more angst, but it was good, and it got me psyched up for starting Radiant Shadows even though I don't think it focuses on these characters.
August 9, 2011
Esta parte es la mas romántica.
Sin embargo no describen gráficamente lo que le sucede a el hermando de Leslie, pero si se puede hacer una idea de lo que podría ser, es mas bien lo que sucede con Niall y Leslie, puesto que ellos se aman pero nunca se lo han demostrado, como cuando estuvo con Irial, Leslie, por lo que Irial trata en de juntarlos, a pesar de que él ama a los dos, pero en cambio trata de hacer algo aunque duré solo una noche. Y de que los involucrados se amarán hasta que Leslie muera.
Sin embargo no describen gráficamente lo que le sucede a el hermando de Leslie, pero si se puede hacer una idea de lo que podría ser, es mas bien lo que sucede con Niall y Leslie, puesto que ellos se aman pero nunca se lo han demostrado, como cuando estuvo con Irial, Leslie, por lo que Irial trata en de juntarlos, a pesar de que él ama a los dos, pero en cambio trata de hacer algo aunque duré solo una noche. Y de que los involucrados se amarán hasta que Leslie muera.
April 14, 2015
Stopping Time
is a novella about Leslie, Irial and Niall. Since Ink Exchange was my favorite book in this series so far, I really enjoyed this short story. These three characters are my favorite. I wish the story would've included a bit more about Irial and Niall, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
[Format Read: Adobe Digital Edition]
[Format Read: Adobe Digital Edition]
December 31, 2011
Glad Ren got what he deserved. This is when the saying "You can pick your friends but not your relatives" really comes true.
This is a different version of the whole love triangle thing here. Both love Leslie but have a whole different bromance/mutual love for each other happening as well.
Would love to have known what happened after this ended but it is YA and that maybe would have been pushing the boudaries. I guess it is left up to the reader's imagination
This is a different version of the whole love triangle thing here. Both love Leslie but have a whole different bromance/mutual love for each other happening as well.
Would love to have known what happened after this ended but it is YA and that maybe would have been pushing the boudaries. I guess it is left up to the reader's imagination
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2011
Another piece from Marr that helps to tie up a number of loose ends in the Leslie/Irial/Niall storyline. It's a short piece -- only 35 pages or so -- but captures more of the "love story" that was really a driving part of Ink Exchange and (less so) Radiant Shadows. A little underdeveloped plot- and action-wise, I think, but still, definitely good for a quick jaunt back into this series. Looking forward to the next novel.
April 20, 2010
Leslie finally knew who tried to threaten her -and her two beloved men. It was Ren, her brother. She had to find a way to safe herself and not to put Irial & Niall in danger.
I kinda liked how Marr was ending this novella. But I hope she would write more about Leslie-Irial-Niall, that would be interesting.
I kinda liked how Marr was ending this novella. But I hope she would write more about Leslie-Irial-Niall, that would be interesting.
May 19, 2010
**Kindle Read**
Still was not enough Irial (oh or Leslie and Niall). ;) The ending was definitely sweet though. I've never been a big triangle person, but these three have wormed their way in.
I was also glad of the resolution with the person threatening to expose Irial and Niall for who/what they are.
I still hope that we're not done with these three.
Still was not enough Irial (oh or Leslie and Niall). ;) The ending was definitely sweet though. I've never been a big triangle person, but these three have wormed their way in.
I was also glad of the resolution with the person threatening to expose Irial and Niall for who/what they are.
I still hope that we're not done with these three.
June 10, 2010
There were parts of this two-part short story that I found really intriguing, but the amount of repetition put me off. (How many times must the conflict be stated? At least once per paragraph, apparently.) It was a nice enough read for free and I would love to see Marr explore this love triangle more in the future. But a little more succinctly, please.
February 22, 2011
A great in-between. We get to see what happens with Leslie after she leaves the dark court. Irial and Nial are determined to keep her safe and protected despite her wishes to be Fae free. I have to say that this was a little tear jerker which shows you what love makes us do on so many different levels. definitely worth reading. Two thumbs up.
December 31, 2012
I will admit that Part 1 of this novella did keep me intrigued enough to want to read Part 2. However, after reading Part 2 I feel like this story was a letdown.
Part 2 was a lot of redundant dialogue without any definitive resolution. I'm so glad I read both parts of Stopping Time when they were free!
Part 2 was a lot of redundant dialogue without any definitive resolution. I'm so glad I read both parts of Stopping Time when they were free!
March 23, 2010
It was nice to see how Leslie's story ends, as Irial and Niall are in the next books, but it was good to have closure on the relationships with these characters. Still love the fact that they were free and I didn't have to buy another copy of a book I already have to read it.
March 24, 2010
Ohh this wonderful little story made me so happy today. If you loved the Dark Court of Melissa Marr's Faery world then this mini-adventure will surely please you and if I may say so leave you pining for more :)
April 12, 2010
Aww how cute! I really enjoyed these two short stories about Leslie, Niall and Irial. I really like Leslie and Niall as a thing and I hope to get more on them in the near future. I hope Melissa Marr writes another book on them or something. :-)
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