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The Pools
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26A wonderful new book is coming from Random House Children's Books.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
7 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
E. Lockhart
31 books17.2k followersE. Lockhart is the author of Again Again, Genuine Fraud, We Were Liars and Family of Liars, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and several other books. Whistle: A New Gotham CIty Hero is a graphic novel. We Were Liars is also a TV show on Prime Video, June 2025. We Fell Apart, book 3 in the We Were Liars universe, publishes November 2025.
website: www.emilylockhart.com
Instagram, Threads & TikTok: elockhartbooks
website: www.emilylockhart.com
Instagram, Threads & TikTok: elockhartbooks
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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April 24, 2026thanks to negalley + the publisher for an advanced copy
somehow i got an arc for this like yes
somehow i got an arc for this like yes
April 17, 2026
I’ve read other books from this Author and LOVE all of them!
The way the author ignites you into this book with thrill and curiosity is amazing! It starts off with a cute love story and then has a twist you don’t see coming! I cannot share the secrets in or about the pool, but I suggest you read it to see for yourself!
I would highly recommend this book & Author, & cannot wait to read more by this author! 5+⭐️’s!
Thank you E. Lockhart, Delacorte Press, & NetGalley for allowing me to read this amazing Arc!
April 28, 2026
read if you like:
📖 poetry
🦄 fantasy stories
👩❤️👨 abstract love stories
summary:
I have loved E. Lockhart’s other books including the WE WERE LIARS series, but this one was a little too abstract for me. It is a strange, sharp, almost poetically written love story between Lexie and Chester, who meet when Lexie moves to town and the two immediately realize the chemistry between them. The town, known for its hot springs, has a history of lore, but no one is afraid of the pools anymore, and instead they serve as the centerpiece to the small, remote town. That is, until a cold winter day, when five people go for a swim, and five birds emerge from the pools.
The bird element feels….random. It feels like it must be symbolic for something, but I was struggling to make any connection that made it feel less weird. I wanted to really believe in their love story, but the abstract nature of the symbolism made it really hard for me to get hooked. The style itself is unique — almost a staccato poetry, which I thought I would struggle with, but actually got easy to follow along with as you went. It helps add more description and shift away from dialogue, so if you’re someone who likes a dialogue-heavy book, this might not be for you. I also didn’t feel like it gave us enough character development, and since we didn’t get enough first hand insight into Lexie or Chester, it made me feel a little more detached from their story.
I really wanted to like this one, but it was just a little too out there for me.
📖 poetry
🦄 fantasy stories
👩❤️👨 abstract love stories
summary:
I have loved E. Lockhart’s other books including the WE WERE LIARS series, but this one was a little too abstract for me. It is a strange, sharp, almost poetically written love story between Lexie and Chester, who meet when Lexie moves to town and the two immediately realize the chemistry between them. The town, known for its hot springs, has a history of lore, but no one is afraid of the pools anymore, and instead they serve as the centerpiece to the small, remote town. That is, until a cold winter day, when five people go for a swim, and five birds emerge from the pools.
The bird element feels….random. It feels like it must be symbolic for something, but I was struggling to make any connection that made it feel less weird. I wanted to really believe in their love story, but the abstract nature of the symbolism made it really hard for me to get hooked. The style itself is unique — almost a staccato poetry, which I thought I would struggle with, but actually got easy to follow along with as you went. It helps add more description and shift away from dialogue, so if you’re someone who likes a dialogue-heavy book, this might not be for you. I also didn’t feel like it gave us enough character development, and since we didn’t get enough first hand insight into Lexie or Chester, it made me feel a little more detached from their story.
I really wanted to like this one, but it was just a little too out there for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 ⭐️
I want to thank the Publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very different kind of book, especially compared to We Were Liars. The writing is much more poetic and lyrical, even in just feh wring style, which gives it a unique, almost dreamlike tone, but also makes it feel less like a traditional mystery or thriller.
The story leans into dark themes and has a somewhat distant feel, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the characters. It’s also not a straightforward mystery, and the plot doesn’t wrap up in a typical, clearly resolved way.
That said, there’s something really interesting about it. It almost reads like a modern day fairytale, with an eerie, slightly surreal atmosphere. While I didn’t always know exactly how I felt about what was happening, I was still intrigued enough to keep reading, and ended up finishing it in a day.
The ending was one of the stronger parts for me, though I do wish it had been a bit longer and more developed.
I do think The Pools is a strange but compelling read. It didn’t fully come together for me in terms of connection or clarity, but I appreciated its originality and atmosphere.
I want to thank the Publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very different kind of book, especially compared to We Were Liars. The writing is much more poetic and lyrical, even in just feh wring style, which gives it a unique, almost dreamlike tone, but also makes it feel less like a traditional mystery or thriller.
The story leans into dark themes and has a somewhat distant feel, which made it harder for me to fully connect with the characters. It’s also not a straightforward mystery, and the plot doesn’t wrap up in a typical, clearly resolved way.
That said, there’s something really interesting about it. It almost reads like a modern day fairytale, with an eerie, slightly surreal atmosphere. While I didn’t always know exactly how I felt about what was happening, I was still intrigued enough to keep reading, and ended up finishing it in a day.
The ending was one of the stronger parts for me, though I do wish it had been a bit longer and more developed.
I do think The Pools is a strange but compelling read. It didn’t fully come together for me in terms of connection or clarity, but I appreciated its originality and atmosphere.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into The Pools by E. Lockhart really looking forward to it, and I’m a little bummed it didn’t quite click the way I’d hoped.
I appreciate the exploration and care that went into the mashup of prose, but I had a hard time fully settling into it. I found myself trying to understand the rhythm, the flow, the structure, and in doing that, I never quite settled into the story. There is a real mix of styles here: poetry, prose, dreamlike fragments. While I think I can see what she was aiming for, it felt like a lot to hold all at once. Some parts really did land for me, just not consistently enough to stay fully immersed.
Chester and Lexie’s connection has all the makings of something beautiful and lovely, but it felt a bit rushed and disjointed to me. I wanted more time with them at the beginning, more build, more reasons to feel as invested as the story seemed to expect me to be.
And the ending… I’m torn. Parts of it worked, parts of it didn’t. But maybe that is the point? I do not always love the endings of fairy tales either, and this, I suppose, felt a little like that. A bit unsettling, and not entirely satisfying.
I appreciate the exploration and care that went into the mashup of prose, but I had a hard time fully settling into it. I found myself trying to understand the rhythm, the flow, the structure, and in doing that, I never quite settled into the story. There is a real mix of styles here: poetry, prose, dreamlike fragments. While I think I can see what she was aiming for, it felt like a lot to hold all at once. Some parts really did land for me, just not consistently enough to stay fully immersed.
Chester and Lexie’s connection has all the makings of something beautiful and lovely, but it felt a bit rushed and disjointed to me. I wanted more time with them at the beginning, more build, more reasons to feel as invested as the story seemed to expect me to be.
And the ending… I’m torn. Parts of it worked, parts of it didn’t. But maybe that is the point? I do not always love the endings of fairy tales either, and this, I suppose, felt a little like that. A bit unsettling, and not entirely satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC from Net Galley, and all of Lockhart’s books never fail to amaze me. The writing style is so unique— and this one was so simple to read. I loved the way the chapters were set up because the reading just flowed smoothly. I also was shocked in the middle of the book from the plot twist, and then the end again. It’s a sad story about grief, finding yourself, and loss. However, it was such a beautiful and moving read. It reads a lot like poetry, and it’s such a great fast-paced read! I highly recommend this book to readers for when it comes out!
The reason it isn’t a full five stars is because it wasn’t a book that I was fully obsessed with, and the storyline of it was very random in my opinion. However, it was easy to fall into a fast rhythm of reading and enjoying this book. I loved that the author warned of what was to come throughout the story, but it didn’t seem obvious when she did. I think this genre and type of book isn’t for everyone because it’s very abstract, but if you are looking for something like that I would totally recommend it!
The reason it isn’t a full five stars is because it wasn’t a book that I was fully obsessed with, and the storyline of it was very random in my opinion. However, it was easy to fall into a fast rhythm of reading and enjoying this book. I loved that the author warned of what was to come throughout the story, but it didn’t seem obvious when she did. I think this genre and type of book isn’t for everyone because it’s very abstract, but if you are looking for something like that I would totally recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A short, poetic read for when you’re looking for a fairy tale or a whimsical love story. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the characters or story the way i’d hoped. I felt like I was in a side town hearing it via gossip rather than engulfed in Covington. A magical little story set in a small town of hot springs and ancestral lore. Lexie is new to town and keeps to herself. Chester is a boy who is rediscovering life post a serious bout of depression. They have a short adventure of falling in love before some old town magic takes over. It’s a story of grief and persevering love. It explores themes of suicide, self harm, parentification of siblings, addiction, depression, grief, loss, and young love. I’d recommend it to older teens who enjoy poetry. I think it’s a good bridge between poetry and short stories. I think I read the whole thing in two hours, so it’d be easy to pick it up between full length novels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pools by E. Lockhart is an atmospheric and intriguing read that showcases the author’s signature style—lyrical, mysterious, and emotionally layered. The story draws readers in with its sense of unease and quiet tension, unfolding in a way that keeps you curious about what lies beneath the surface.
Lockhart’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing complex emotions and relationships with a subtle touch. The mood is one of the book’s strongest elements, creating a lingering impression that stays with you even after finishing.
At times, the narrative can feel a bit abstract, and some readers may wish for more clarity or resolution in certain plot points. However, this ambiguity is also part of what gives the story its depth and invites interpretation.
Overall, The Pools is a compelling and thought-provoking read that earns four stars for its haunting atmosphere and distinctive storytelling.
Lockhart’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing complex emotions and relationships with a subtle touch. The mood is one of the book’s strongest elements, creating a lingering impression that stays with you even after finishing.
At times, the narrative can feel a bit abstract, and some readers may wish for more clarity or resolution in certain plot points. However, this ambiguity is also part of what gives the story its depth and invites interpretation.
Overall, The Pools is a compelling and thought-provoking read that earns four stars for its haunting atmosphere and distinctive storytelling.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read and review The Pools by E. Lockhart.
“The Pools” was a little difficult to follow at times, but I still found it interesting overall. I’m giving this book 2 out of 5 stars because the writing style was different from what I expected, which made it harder to fully understand what was happening in the story. However, I appreciated the author’s use of poetry and rhythm throughout the book, as it added a unique and creative way of telling the story. I also think this would be a great book for young adults who are getting into reading because the pages are short and it’s a fast, easy read.
“The Pools” was a little difficult to follow at times, but I still found it interesting overall. I’m giving this book 2 out of 5 stars because the writing style was different from what I expected, which made it harder to fully understand what was happening in the story. However, I appreciated the author’s use of poetry and rhythm throughout the book, as it added a unique and creative way of telling the story. I also think this would be a great book for young adults who are getting into reading because the pages are short and it’s a fast, easy read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this not knowing it was a novel in verse so I was pleasantly surprised by that - I think the form really fits the story!
It's a strange little fable even as the five people in town are turned into birds but that's where the emotional heart of the book begins. I felt like you could make it an allegory for many real life losses - a school shooting, a divorce, a heartbreak, the death of a child - and it works. Regardless, it's about grief and how many of us don't know how to deal with it. I read the last third on a plane at like 7 am and cried a good portion of the way from Chicago to Boston.
I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being a Printz contender.
It's a strange little fable even as the five people in town are turned into birds but that's where the emotional heart of the book begins. I felt like you could make it an allegory for many real life losses - a school shooting, a divorce, a heartbreak, the death of a child - and it works. Regardless, it's about grief and how many of us don't know how to deal with it. I read the last third on a plane at like 7 am and cried a good portion of the way from Chicago to Boston.
I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being a Printz contender.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book feels like sun glare on water: beautiful, sharp, and slightly disorienting.
E. Lockhart does what she does best—clean, controlled prose that hides something sharper underneath. The Pools is all atmosphere and tension, with wealth, heat, and isolation pressing in until you start feeling trapped in the characters’ perfect-looking world.
It’s elegant. It’s eerie. It’s a little cold.
And it knows exactly what it’s doing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Pools by E. Lockhart.
E. Lockhart does what she does best—clean, controlled prose that hides something sharper underneath. The Pools is all atmosphere and tension, with wealth, heat, and isolation pressing in until you start feeling trapped in the characters’ perfect-looking world.
It’s elegant. It’s eerie. It’s a little cold.
And it knows exactly what it’s doing.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Pools by E. Lockhart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had high hopes for this book, but I didn't connect with the writing style. I appreciate what the author did, writing about some very deep topics in a digestible way through the poetic writing style, but it took away from the characters and their stories for me. I wish we had learned a little more about Chester and Lexie beforehand as well, as I didn't feel very invested in the outcome of their story. I think some people will really love this novel, but others will have the opposite experience.
May 4, 2026
I have enjoyed E. Lockhart’s books that I have read so was excited to read this one. This was written in prose, so took a bit to get used to. It did make it a fast read. I liked the character of Lexie and was always rooting for her. The birds was an interesting twist and definitely made the book fit the fairytale genre. Even though the book was well written, I didn’t love it. It was too sad. Almost the entire book was just depressing.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback. -3 stars
Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback. -3 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pools is the very poignant teenage love story of Lexie and Chester. Each has individually encountered hardships in life, but despite that, have chosen to move forward toward happiness. And when they meet each other, they instantly find a kindred spirit. When tragedy strikes, they keep each other in their hearts until eventually they find their way out. A quick and worthwhile read from E. Lockhart.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Some people are going to really enjoy this writing style and story but it was just okay to me. It was a quick read that still managed to fit in some deeper topics.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was one of the strangest books I have ever read. The storyline was very confusing, but I loved the poetry. This was a fun and quick read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, E Lockhart, and the publisher for an arc of The Pools. I am a lover of myths and fables and tales and poems and love stories. The Pools is all of these. Well done, E Lockhart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Random House Children’s Books publishers for this ARC copy of E. Lockhart’s newest book !
I’m just gonna dive right in. This story just did not do it for me unfortunately. It had a lot of potential but just fell short in the end. The writing was a very different style than I’m used to, almost a mix of poetry and prose, but it seemed to just fall flat for me. I never felt emotionally connected to the characters at all, and often had a hard time following the story and found myself having to reread pages. I’m so sad that I didn’t love this because I truly have loved all of her other work !
I’m hoping that if I reread this in a few weeks maybe I’ll have different feelings and re-rate & review this story, but as of now my solid 3 star rating stands 🥲
I’m just gonna dive right in. This story just did not do it for me unfortunately. It had a lot of potential but just fell short in the end. The writing was a very different style than I’m used to, almost a mix of poetry and prose, but it seemed to just fall flat for me. I never felt emotionally connected to the characters at all, and often had a hard time following the story and found myself having to reread pages. I’m so sad that I didn’t love this because I truly have loved all of her other work !
I’m hoping that if I reread this in a few weeks maybe I’ll have different feelings and re-rate & review this story, but as of now my solid 3 star rating stands 🥲
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was one of the most peculiar premises and completely not what I was expecting from E. Lockhart. It’s best to go in blind and just trust the process. It is written in prose with a more mellow vibe that makes for a quick, somber read. While it may not be for everyone, young adult readers that enjoy fantasy will especially love this one.
Thank you to E. Lockhart, Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.
Thank you to E. Lockhart, Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
wtf!!
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