It Ends with Us Series in Order: Which Book Comes First?
Two books, six years apart, and why the order matters
Read It Ends with Us (2016) first, then It Starts with Us (2022). The second book begins where the first ends and gives away its ending in the opening pages.
There are only two books. Hoover wrote the sequel because so many readers wanted to know what happened to Lily and Atlas.
It Ends with Us (2016)
The first book tells the story of Lily Bloom's marriage to Ryle Kincaid and her memories of her first love, Atlas, through a teenage diary. It deals with a relationship that turns violent and the courage it takes to leave. Hoover has said it was inspired by her own mother's experience. It became a phenomenon several years after publication, when readers on BookTok made it one of the best-selling novels of the decade.
↑ Back to the topIt Starts with Us (2022)
The sequel picks up straight after the final scene of the first book, when Lily runs into Atlas on the street. It alternates between Lily and Atlas, so readers finally hear from him directly. It is lighter and more romantic, but still deals with Ryle's place in Lily's life as her daughter's father, and with Atlas's own family history. On its first day of sale it sold about 800,000 copies, a record for its publisher.
↑ Back to the topDo you need to read both?
It Ends with Us works perfectly on its own, and its ending is complete. It Starts with Us is for readers who want more of Atlas and a happier chapter for Lily. Reading the sequel first would spoil the most important decision in the first book, so keep to the order.
↑ Back to the topWhat to know before reading
It Ends with Us deals directly with domestic violence, and Hoover's author's note explains how her own family's history shaped it. Many readers appreciate knowing that before they begin. Both books are written for adult readers.
↑ Back to the topThe books in order
| Order | Book | Published | Told by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It Ends with Us | 2 August 2016 | Lily |
| 2 | It Starts with Us | 18 October 2022 | Lily and Atlas, in alternating chapters |
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