Colleen Hoover, a name that resonates deeply within the hearts of readers, has become one of the most recognized authors in contemporary fiction. Her books, filled with emotional depth, complex characters, and heart-wrenching stories, have captivated millions worldwide. Among her works, the It Ends With Us series stands out, touching the souls of readers with its powerful narrative. With its exploration of love, resilience, and the human spirit, this series has sparked conversations and garnered widespread acclaim. But to fully experience the emotional journey that Colleen Hoover has created, it’s essential to read the It Ends With Us series in order.
Today we will guide you through the series in order, providing insights into each book, explaining the themes, and exploring why reading them in the correct sequence is key to fully understanding the emotional journey of its characters.
Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us Series
Before going into the plot and characters of the books, it’s important to understand the context and significance of the It Ends With Us series. Colleen Hoover first gained widespread recognition with her debut novel, Slammed, but it was It Ends With Us that truly elevated her career. This novel became a New York Times bestseller and is often cited as one of Hoover’s most impactful works.
The It Ends With Us series, consisting of It Ends With Us (2016) and its sequel It Starts With Us (2022), explores the complexities of love, personal growth, and trauma. The books follow Lily Bloom, a young woman who grapples with the realities of her past, present, and future as she navigates intense relationships. The series addresses heavy topics such as domestic abuse, emotional manipulation, and the strength it takes to break free from toxic cycles.
While It Ends With Us set the stage, its sequel, It Starts With Us, deepens the exploration of healing and personal empowerment. These books are not just love stories; they are poignant, raw, and filled with lessons on life, survival, and hope.
Book 1: It Ends With Us (2016)
Plot Overview
At the heart of It Ends With Us is Lily Bloom, a strong-willed young woman who moves to Boston after her father’s death to start anew. The book opens with a profound moment in Lily’s life: the death of her abusive father, and the subsequent funeral that sparks a series of reflective thoughts about her own life and relationships.
Lily’s journey begins when she meets Ryle Kincaid, a handsome and driven neurosurgeon who initially wants nothing to do with a serious relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Ryle is adamant that he doesn’t want commitment. Enter Atlas Corrigan, a homeless but kind and selfless man who once had a powerful connection with Lily when she was a teenager.
As Lily navigates her complex feelings for both men, she soon realizes that her attraction to Ryle is deeper than she anticipated—and so is the emotional and physical toll that their relationship takes on her. The narrative is told through Lily’s perspective, and readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as they uncover the past wounds that have shaped Lily’s view of love.
Main Characters
- Lily Bloom: A smart, independent woman trying to build a better life for herself after growing up in an abusive household. She is compassionate, yet finds herself struggling between her past and her present as she navigates a relationship with Ryle.
- Ryle Kincaid: A brilliant and determined neurosurgeon who is deeply conflicted about love. He is also a complex character, with a secret that slowly unravels, making his relationship with Lily fraught with emotional tension.
- Atlas Corrigan: A kind-hearted young man who has been through immense hardship and who forms a bond with Lily that transcends time and distance. His relationship with Lily is rooted in unconditional love and compassion.
Themes and Impact
It Ends With Us dives deep into themes of domestic abuse, love, and personal choice. Hoover addresses the painful cycle of abusive relationships and how it affects the choices people make in their future relationships. This book provides readers with a raw, unflinching look at the reality of abuse, the difficult decision to leave, and the internal struggle that many victims face when deciding whether to stay or go. Lily’s growth throughout the novel is poignant and heartbreaking, showing how one must sometimes make tough decisions to heal and move forward.
Why It Ends With Us is Essential
What makes It Ends With Us stand out is its ability to convey the pain and struggle of emotional and physical abuse in a way that resonates deeply with readers. The book forces the reader to reflect on the complexities of love and why people sometimes stay in toxic relationships. Hoover’s narrative is both heart-wrenching and empowering, making this novel one that sticks with readers long after they’ve finished it.
Book 2: It Starts With Us (2022)
Plot Overview
It Starts With Us picks up right where It Ends With Us leaves off. After everything Lily has gone through, the book focuses on her life post-Ryle, as she tries to rebuild her future. The novel explores the possibilities of a life with Atlas, the man Lily has always loved. As she comes to terms with her past and faces her future, Lily is determined to focus on her well-being and her daughter, while navigating the delicate dynamics between her, Ryle, and Atlas.
This sequel gives readers more insight into Atlas’s life, his own struggles, and his relationship with Lily. It explores the deeper emotional connection between the two and how they navigate their history, the present, and what lies ahead.
Main Characters
- Lily Bloom: Now a mother and on her own, Lily continues to be a powerful figure in the series. Her relationship with Atlas and her growing independence reflect her emotional evolution.
- Atlas Corrigan: Atlas becomes more fleshed out in this book, offering readers a glimpse into his life before and after meeting Lily. His love for Lily remains unwavering, and his devotion to her is clear.
- Ryle Kincaid: Though not the central figure in this sequel, Ryle continues to play a significant role in Lily’s journey. It Starts With Us allows readers to explore Ryle’s character from a different perspective, as Lily works to create boundaries for herself and her family.
Themes and Impact
It Starts With Us offers a sense of closure and hope that contrasts the painful themes of It Ends With Us. The sequel is about healing, new beginnings, and redemption. It addresses the importance of creating a healthy future, one where a person is no longer defined by their past struggles but is instead empowered to move forward.
The book emphasizes personal growth and the importance of building a support system. For Lily, Atlas provides the emotional stability and love that she deserves. The narrative also touches on the healing process, not only in romantic relationships but also in the way a person can come to terms with their trauma and embrace the future.
Why It Starts With Us is Necessary
While It Ends With Us is a powerful exploration of trauma, It Starts With Us provides much-needed hope. It balances out the heavy themes of the first book by giving readers the opportunity to see Lily’s healing journey. It offers a sense of closure that fans of It Ends With Us desperately needed, giving them the hope that Lily’s story could end on a more positive note. It Starts With Us doesn’t just revisit the past but also explores new challenges and growth, making it an essential continuation of the original story.
Why You Should Read the It Ends With Us Series in Order
A Deeper Emotional Connection
By starting with It Ends With Us, you are introduced to Lily’s emotional struggles, her love for Ryle, and her painful past. The impact of the story is heightened when you see the depth of her character and the obstacles she faces. When you move on to It Starts With Us, you will appreciate Lily’s emotional growth and how she has come to terms with her past. The books build upon one another in ways that make the story feel more profound and complete.
Unveiling Plot Twists
There are several plot twists in It Ends With Us that completely change the course of the story. If you were to read It Starts With Us first, these twists would lose their emotional impact. Reading the books in order ensures that you are fully invested in the characters and their journeys, making the twists hit harder.
Understanding the Characters’ Growth
Each book reveals more about the characters, especially Lily and Atlas. The way Lily grows, emotionally and mentally, from the first book to the second is more apparent if you’ve followed her journey in order. Similarly, Atlas’s character is better understood after reading his backstory in the first book and seeing how he evolves in the sequel.
Conclusion
The It Ends With Us series by Colleen Hoover is not just a story about love; it’s about survival, healing, and growth. From the intense emotional challenges of It Ends With Us to the hopeful continuation in It Starts With Us, these books take readers on a journey that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Hoover’s storytelling is compelling, and her exploration of difficult themes is both raw and real.
Reading this series in order is crucial to fully experiencing the emotional depth of the characters and the powerful messages they convey. It is a story about breaking free from toxic cycles, finding self-worth, and embracing the future. For those looking for a deeply emotional, thought-provoking read, the It Ends With Us series is a must.
If you haven’t yet started the series, now is the time. Trust me, you won’t regret it.