Getting into Colleen Hoover’s popular series? If It Ends with Us has caught your eye, you might be wondering if you should begin with it or jump straight into its sequel, It Starts with Us.
To get the full impact of Colleen Hoover’s emotional and deeply moving storyline, it’s best to start with It Ends With Us. This book lays the foundation for the characters, their relationships, and the complex issues they face.
This guide will help you decide by exploring the connections between the books, understanding their order in the series, and comparing the two stories. Whether you’re here to avoid spoilers or simply want the best reading experience, we’ve got you covered.
Is It Ends With Us Is a Series?
Yes, It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is part of a series. Originally published in 2016, It Ends with Us was intended to be a standalone novel. But its overwhelming success led to the release of a sequel titled It Starts with Us, in 2022.
So, as of now, the It Ends with Us series consists of two books:
It Ends with Us – This is the first book, introducing readers to Lily Bloom and her emotionally charged relationship with Ryle Kincaid, along with her past connection to Atlas Corrigan.
It Starts with Us – This sequel continues the story, picking up where It Ends with Us left off. It focuses more on Lily’s life after the events of the first book and her evolving relationship with Atlas.
While there are only two books, each plays a crucial role in understanding the full scope of Lily’s journey and the emotional depth of her story.
What Is the Connection Between It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us?
The connection between It Ends with Us and It Starts with Us is deeply rooted in the characters’ journeys and the continuation of unresolved plotlines.
In It Ends with Us, readers are introduced to Lily’s complicated life, her tumultuous relationship with Ryle, and the resurfacing of her first love, Atlas. The novel ends on a note of hope, but with many questions left unanswered: How will Lily and Ryle’s relationship evolve, especially with their child in the picture? Will Lily and Atlas finally find happiness together? What will happen to Ryle—will he seek redemption, or continue down a troubled path?
It Starts with Us picks up right where It Ends with Us left off, addressing these lingering questions. The sequel delves deeper into Lily and Atlas’s relationship, exploring how they overcome their past and build a future together. It also provides closure for the characters, especially Ryle, offering a satisfying resolution to the story.
This connection between the two books makes them a powerful and emotional journey for readers, as the sequel brings full circle the themes and conflicts introduced in the first book.
How Do It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us Compare?
While both novels are set in the same universe and follow the same characters, and explore complex relationships, It Ends with Us and It Starts with Us differ in their focus, tone, and emotional impact.
Tone and Emotional Impact:
- It Ends with Us is intense and emotionally charged. It deals with difficult themes like domestic abuse, love, and self-discovery. It’s a book that’s meant to challenge readers and evoke deep emotions.
- On the other hand, It Starts with Us is more about healing, recovery, and the possibility of new beginnings. While it still deals with emotional subjects, it’s generally more uplifting and hopeful.
Focus:
- It Ends with Us centers on Lily’s relationship with Ryle and the complex dynamics that arise from it. It also delves into her past with Atlas, adding layers to her character.
- It Starts with Us, however, shifts the focus more towards Lily and Atlas’s relationship, offering a more in-depth look at their connection and future together.
Pacing:
- It Ends with Us has a fast-paced, gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- It Starts with Us has a slightly slower pace, as it’s more about character development and emotional closure rather than intense plot twists.
Which One Should I Read First, It Ends with Us or It Starts with Us?
Deciding between “It Starts with Us” and “It Ends With Us” depends on your reading preference. But reading them in order will ensure you get the most out of the series.
For the best reading experience, it’s strongly recommended to start with It Ends with Us. This way, you can fully appreciate the character development, plot twists, and emotional depth that make the story so impactful.
Starting with It Starts with Us would not only spoil key moments from the first book but also diminish the emotional resonance of the series as a whole.
Reading It Ends with Us first allows you to experience the rollercoaster of emotions that Colleen Hoover intended, setting the stage for the more hopeful and redemptive sequel, It Starts with Us.
Are There Any Spoilers in It Starts with Us for It Ends with Us?
Absolutely. It Starts with Us is a direct continuation of the first book, so reading it before It Ends with Us will inevitably spoil major plot points, character arcs, and the emotional journey that It Ends with Us takes you on.
The sequel assumes that readers are familiar with the events of the first book, so it doesn’t recap much, diving straight into the aftermath of the previous events.
If you’re sensitive to spoilers and want to experience the story as the author intended, it’s highly recommended to read It Ends with Us first.
The Bottom Line
Start with It Ends with Us to understand the depth of the characters, their struggles, and their growth. Then, move on to It Starts with Us to enjoy the satisfying continuation and resolution of their stories.
So, grab your copy of It Ends with Us and get ready to dive into a story that’s sure to stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Once you’ve finished, It Starts with Us will be waiting to guide you through the next chapter of Lily’s life. Happy reading!