What Is The Recommended Reading Order For It Ends With Us Book Series?

2026-07-23 12:29:56
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4 Answers

Aiden
Aiden
Responder Assistant
Straight up, the series is two books so far: 'It Ends With Us' then 'It Starts With Us'. The first one's a complete story, but the second is a direct sequel picking up years later with Lily and Atlas. I'd say publication order is the only way that makes sense.

Some folks online talk about reading the sequel first to avoid the heavy themes in the original, but that’s kinda missing the point. The emotional weight of the sequel completely depends on understanding what Lily survived in the first book. Skipping it would make Atlas’s whole character feel less earned, honestly. The second book is deliberately lighter, almost like a palate cleanser, but it needs that contrast to work.

I read them back-to-back when the sequel came out and felt the shift in tone was a bit jarming, but in hindsight, that's probably intentional. You need that closure.
2026-07-24 13:55:37
10
Jonah
Jonah
Insight Sharer Accountant
Read 'It Ends With Us' first. The entire emotional foundation is built there. The second book is a direct continuation, so it won’t resonate at all if you haven’t been through the first journey. They’re a pair, meant to be consumed in that sequence. I wouldn’t overthink it.
2026-07-25 15:25:54
14
Mila
Mila
Sharp Observer Office Worker
Publication order, no question. Start with 'It Ends With Us'. The sequel literally starts where the first one leaves off timeline-wise, so jumping ahead would be confusing. I see people asking if there are prequels or side stories—Colleen Hoover has other books in the same universe with cameos, but those aren’t required. The core duology is straightforward. I appreciated having the sequel waiting for me because the first book leaves you with a lot of feelings about secondary characters, especially Atlas, and the second book addresses that directly. It’s a very linear, character-driven progression. Just read them as they were released.
2026-07-25 22:30:04
14
Trent
Trent
Bibliophile Assistant
Honestly, just read 'It Ends With Us' and stop there. The sequel felt unnecessary to me—like fan service for Team Atlas shippers. The first book stands so strong on its own, with that gut-punch ending that’s perfect in its ambiguity. 'It Starts With Us' demystifies everything by tying it up with a neat bow. It’s a sweet enough story, but it lacks the raw power of the original. If you’re really curious about the characters later, maybe check it out, but don’t feel obligated. The recommended order is one then two, but the recommended experience might just be one.
2026-07-27 12:25:29
15
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