The Undead Pool (The Hollows, #12) Summary & Key Insights

In Kim Harrison's The Undead Pool, the twelfth installment of the Hollows series, Rachel Morgan, a witch and demon-hunter, finds herself entangled in a complex web of deceit and ancient magic surrounding the mysterious, titular Undead Pool. The narrative centers on a seemingly simple case: a series of deaths in the Hollows seemingly caused by a vengeful spirit. However, this quickly unravels into a much larger conspiracy involving powerful, long-dormant entities and a threat to the very fabric of the Hollows' uneasy magical equilibrium.

The investigation leads Rachel and her allies—including her loyal pixie, Jenks; her ever-evolving relationship with the enigmatic Ivy, a powerful vampire; and her reluctant but often helpful partner, Trent—to confront several key antagonists. The primary threat emerges as a malevolent force manipulating events from within the Undead Pool itself, a being whose power draws from the accumulated negative energy of centuries of deaths and betrayals. This entity aims to unleash chaos and reshape the world according to its own twisted design. The investigation also brings them into conflict with various factions within the supernatural community, including the werewolves and the increasingly unpredictable actions of the White Council.

Throughout the novel, Rachel grapples with internal conflicts. She struggles to balance her responsibilities as a powerful witch with her desire for a normal life. Her relationships with Ivy and Trent remain central, evolving through challenges and shared dangers. Jenks continues to provide comic relief and crucial insights, while simultaneously growing more powerful and independent. The overarching themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the burden of responsibility are prominent. Rachel consistently demonstrates unwavering loyalty to her friends and the community she protects, even when facing overwhelming odds.

The plot unfolds through a series of investigations, confrontations, and magical battles. Rachel's resourcefulness and magical prowess are constantly tested as she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Undead Pool. The revelation of the true nature of the entity controlling the pool leads to a climactic showdown, where Rachel and her allies must utilize all their skills and combine their diverse magical abilities to defeat a powerful foe and prevent catastrophic consequences. The ending leaves several narrative threads open, hinting at future conflicts and the ongoing precarious balance of power within the Hollows, setting the stage for further adventures. The novel is a blend of action, mystery, and character development, emphasizing the complex relationships and moral ambiguities within the supernatural world Harrison has created.