Every Which Way But Dead summary

The Struggle to Survive in Every Which Way But Dead

In Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison, we find Rachel Morgan, a witch and former runner for Inderland Security (IS), struggling to survive after quitting her job. Rachel is determined to live life on her own terms, free from the corruption and danger of IS. She starts her own runner service, Vampiric Charms, with her best friend, Ivy Tamwood, a living vampire, and Jenks, a pixy.

However, Rachel's life is far from easy. She is constantly pursued by IS and other supernatural creatures, who are not pleased with her decision to leave. This puts Rachel and her friends in constant peril, especially when they are targeted by a powerful demon named Algaliarept. In addition to these external threats, Rachel must also navigate her complicated personal life, which includes a troubled relationship with her vampire ex-boyfriend, Kisten, and her growing attraction to another vampire, Ivy's ex, Piscary.

Struggling with Inner Demons and External Foes

As Rachel tries to establish her independence, she is also dealing with inner turmoil. Her decision to leave IS has left her cut off from the powerful ley line magic she once relied on. This loss of power makes her vulnerable, especially when facing more powerful supernatural beings. Despite this, Rachel refuses to return to IS, determined to find a way to survive on her own terms.

As the novel progresses, Rachel's life becomes even more complicated. She discovers that Kisten is being blackmailed by Piscary, who is using Rachel's blood to control him. Rachel is horrified by this revelation and resolves to save Kisten. This resolution leads her to make a dangerous bargain with Algaliarept, the demon who holds Kisten's contract. She offers him a powerful artifact in exchange for Kisten's freedom.

A Desperate Bargain and Harrowing Consequences

Unfortunately, Rachel's plan backfires. The artifact she gives Algaliarept is a fake, and the demon is enraged. In retaliation, he kidnaps Rachel's best friend, Ivy, and uses her as leverage to force Rachel to fulfill her end of the bargain. Desperate to save Ivy, Rachel is forced to summon the demon and offer herself as his familiar in exchange for Ivy's life.

With this desperate bargain, Rachel's life takes a dark turn. She learns that serving as a demon's familiar is a fate worse than death, as she will be trapped in the demon's world, the Ever After, for eternity. Despite the dire consequences, Rachel is determined to save her friend, and she prepares to fulfill her end of the bargain, even as she grapples with the horrifying reality of her situation.

The Unpredictable Twists and Turns of Fate

In the final twist of fate, Rachel manages to outwit the demon, using her quick thinking and resourcefulness. She tricks Algaliarept into accepting a loophole in their contract, allowing her to escape her fate as his familiar. The demon, bound by his own rules, is forced to release Rachel and Ivy, and they escape, narrowly avoiding a fate worse than death.

In the end, Rachel and her friends survive the harrowing ordeal, but the cost is high. Kisten, the man Rachel loves, is killed, and their relationships are forever changed. Despite the losses, Rachel remains determined to live life on her own terms, free from the control of others. As the novel concludes, she and her friends prepare to face the uncertain future, ready to confront whatever challenges come their way.