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Tales of Xest #2
The Nowhere Witch
Getting back to Xest was the easy part. It’s staying here that seems to be the problem.
I have three hags, also known as Xest Immigration, hot on my tail trying to deport me back to Salem. The wall I built in the Unsettled Lands is in jeopardy. Hawk, a man who was once my ally, can’t decide if he wants to lead the horde trying to drive me out or kiss me. Not to mention, everyone keeps calling me the Nowhere witch, and I’ve got a bad feeling it’s not a compliment.
But when the betrayals start rolling in, I realize I’ve got bigger problems. Staying alive becomes the most important issue of the day.
I have three hags, also known as Xest Immigration, hot on my tail trying to deport me back to Salem. The wall I built in the Unsettled Lands is in jeopardy. Hawk, a man who was once my ally, can’t decide if he wants to lead the horde trying to drive me out or kiss me. Not to mention, everyone keeps calling me the Nowhere witch, and I’ve got a bad feeling it’s not a compliment.
But when the betrayals start rolling in, I realize I’ve got bigger problems. Staying alive becomes the most important issue of the day.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
430 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 30, 2020
Book 2 of Donna Augustine’s Tales of Xest, The Nowhere Witch continues the story of Tippi’s making friends and influencing people in Xest and in it Donna gives Tippi some big fish to fry. The narrative is direct and even paced giving readers a very needed dose of now and then humor with the steady stream of foreboding, the world building contains both familiar and new places and continues to impress. The characters some returning and some new are all over the top some funny some scary and a few of the standouts are Dusty, the dustbunny and the See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil trio of monkeys that become Tippi’s entourage and are part of that needed humor that readers will thank Donna for. The frienemy relationship between Tippi and Hawk becomes more defined by the end of book 2 but not enough that readers won’t want to get their greedy hands on the most anticipated book 3!!!!
Tippi Tudor has never felt at home ever since returning from Xest back to her old life in Salem or as she now knows, Rest, a life that now feels even more alien than before. There’s good news and bad news when she finds herself unexpectedly back in Xest, good to reconnect with old friends, bad that she’s no longer a whimsy witch but a Nowhere witch-non-grata, which could get her kicked out of Xest if she can’t get immigration to okay her permanent move here, bad that her old frienemy Hawk wants her gone. And really bad that the wall she built in the unsettled lands is failing and the evil she bound there is leaking out. Now if she can only get permission to stay in Xest, stop the evil and convince Hawk that she belongs everything should be just peachy, unfortunately peachy is not usually what she gets and this time is no different.
Tippi Tudor has never felt at home ever since returning from Xest back to her old life in Salem or as she now knows, Rest, a life that now feels even more alien than before. There’s good news and bad news when she finds herself unexpectedly back in Xest, good to reconnect with old friends, bad that she’s no longer a whimsy witch but a Nowhere witch-non-grata, which could get her kicked out of Xest if she can’t get immigration to okay her permanent move here, bad that her old frienemy Hawk wants her gone. And really bad that the wall she built in the unsettled lands is failing and the evil she bound there is leaking out. Now if she can only get permission to stay in Xest, stop the evil and convince Hawk that she belongs everything should be just peachy, unfortunately peachy is not usually what she gets and this time is no different.
September 3, 2020
This author’s books always make me so happy 😍 Loved this book two in the series about Tippi, Hawk and all the characters in Xest. Tippi learns more about her magic while fighting to find her place in Xest, .... and oh-so-deliciously fighting with Hawk. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
November 6, 2020
Excellent story, great characters are cool world of magic, witches, warlocks and even shifters. Can't wait for the 3rd book in this series.
November 20, 2023
3.5 Stars I like it but there’s some questions
I do like Tippi’s book and life, but what I dislike is how I feel like I do not understand the rules of Xest at all. I don’t feel like I have enough information to know whether Tippi is making a good decision or not. The hot and cold of Hawk also doesn’t help. I’m sure his reasoning will be something fated mate or only person equally as powerful as him or some such thing. But the fact that Hawk doesn’t say anything doesn’t help. I can’t understand how this world works bc I truly don’t think I have enough info.
I do like the side characters. But I’m waiting for the Big Moment between Hawk and Tippi, where we are finally clued into his behavior and the ultimate issue with everything. I feel strung along with Tippi and Hawk and I don’t get how she can just go along with things. She alludes to a troubled past growing up with her mom and some event that happened that she’d rather not think about but what is it? What happened? Did she know she had magic? I really don’t get why there are two factions, like I get that there is seemingly multiple sides in any situation, but I don’t understand the issues they have aside from this entity that is trying to break in that one side wants to keep and another doesn’t. I don’t know it seems like everyone knows about Tippi but won’t clue her or the audience in.
I was really hoping to see a POV other than Tippi’s to maybe tell us what went down in the other room with Hawk and the crones. But nope no clues.
I do like Tippi’s book and life, but what I dislike is how I feel like I do not understand the rules of Xest at all. I don’t feel like I have enough information to know whether Tippi is making a good decision or not. The hot and cold of Hawk also doesn’t help. I’m sure his reasoning will be something fated mate or only person equally as powerful as him or some such thing. But the fact that Hawk doesn’t say anything doesn’t help. I can’t understand how this world works bc I truly don’t think I have enough info.
I do like the side characters. But I’m waiting for the Big Moment between Hawk and Tippi, where we are finally clued into his behavior and the ultimate issue with everything. I feel strung along with Tippi and Hawk and I don’t get how she can just go along with things. She alludes to a troubled past growing up with her mom and some event that happened that she’d rather not think about but what is it? What happened? Did she know she had magic? I really don’t get why there are two factions, like I get that there is seemingly multiple sides in any situation, but I don’t understand the issues they have aside from this entity that is trying to break in that one side wants to keep and another doesn’t. I don’t know it seems like everyone knows about Tippi but won’t clue her or the audience in.
I was really hoping to see a POV other than Tippi’s to maybe tell us what went down in the other room with Hawk and the crones. But nope no clues.
July 15, 2021
Mystery and magic
This is working its way to becoming a wonderful series, though there are a few side eyes here and there. Tippi is somehow both mature and oddly childish in her reactions - at least emotionally. Her stubbornness, while sometimes endearing, is proving to be more of a character flaw, though often I can’t really blame her. It’s hard to trust someone who sends to only be in it for themselves.
I have so many questions about what’s going on, so her father is, if her mother was someone Important there, who is Oscar….. so many questions.
This is working its way to becoming a wonderful series, though there are a few side eyes here and there. Tippi is somehow both mature and oddly childish in her reactions - at least emotionally. Her stubbornness, while sometimes endearing, is proving to be more of a character flaw, though often I can’t really blame her. It’s hard to trust someone who sends to only be in it for themselves.
I have so many questions about what’s going on, so her father is, if her mother was someone Important there, who is Oscar….. so many questions.
September 21, 2020
Still a fast fun read.
September 5, 2020
Oh man! I was really disapointed, I think Donna is a clever and talented writer but honestly I found this boring and unimaginative. In fact I would quite like to punch Hawk in the face, what a manipulative control freak! Why in the world would I be interested in reading more about him. The story concept was good and the Xest world interesting , but yeah other than that, meh!
September 16, 2025
At first, it seems like a happy ending in the first book. Tippi gets her wish and returns to where she originally came from. But something's changed. Xest, the land she once longed to escape, now feels more like home than Salem ever did. Trouble is, she has no way back. Until 'someone' hires her to be kidnapped straight to Xest, again.
Now that she’s in Xest, things aren’t as easy as she hoped. Gone is her title of "Whimsy Witch". Instead, she’s labelled as a "Nowhere Witch," putting her at risk of deportation if she fails to meet Xest’s strict immigration conditions.
What I love most is how Tippi rises to the challenge, determined to prove herself. Her new companions, a crew of mischievous monkeys and a quirky dust bunny, add humour to the story. Meanwhile, the mysteries behind her kidnapping and the unfolding events kept me hooked until the very end.
If I had one wish, it’d be for Tippi and Hawk to communicate better and move past their drama. I’d love to see them team up against a greater threat rather than getting caught in personal conflicts. That said, the story remains engaging, and I’m excited to see where it goes next!
Now that she’s in Xest, things aren’t as easy as she hoped. Gone is her title of "Whimsy Witch". Instead, she’s labelled as a "Nowhere Witch," putting her at risk of deportation if she fails to meet Xest’s strict immigration conditions.
What I love most is how Tippi rises to the challenge, determined to prove herself. Her new companions, a crew of mischievous monkeys and a quirky dust bunny, add humour to the story. Meanwhile, the mysteries behind her kidnapping and the unfolding events kept me hooked until the very end.
If I had one wish, it’d be for Tippi and Hawk to communicate better and move past their drama. I’d love to see them team up against a greater threat rather than getting caught in personal conflicts. That said, the story remains engaging, and I’m excited to see where it goes next!
August 31, 2020
I said I wouldn't be back..
Ok, so I wasn't even considering reading this book because I was so let down by the entirety of book one. I usually move along and never think about a book again if I didn't like what I read. I threw Dragonfly in Amber against a wall and never looked at Outlander again. Yeah, it's that bad.
But, I couldn't help it this time.
What happened to Rabbit? What kind of critter could Hawk be anyway? IS he evil? Is spunky heroine chick evil? Why did her mom hate her so much? Why didn't she pack a bag to go back to Xest rather than wear those horrid sounding clothes?!?
The whole plot being a side note to a bigger picture is growing on me. She also answered all those questions up there and left me with more this time.
I'm not a huge fan of blatant cliff hangers in general and thought that the ones left at the end of this were lame at best, but I just CAN'T stop reading these now.
Ok, so I wasn't even considering reading this book because I was so let down by the entirety of book one. I usually move along and never think about a book again if I didn't like what I read. I threw Dragonfly in Amber against a wall and never looked at Outlander again. Yeah, it's that bad.
But, I couldn't help it this time.
What happened to Rabbit? What kind of critter could Hawk be anyway? IS he evil? Is spunky heroine chick evil? Why did her mom hate her so much? Why didn't she pack a bag to go back to Xest rather than wear those horrid sounding clothes?!?
The whole plot being a side note to a bigger picture is growing on me. She also answered all those questions up there and left me with more this time.
I'm not a huge fan of blatant cliff hangers in general and thought that the ones left at the end of this were lame at best, but I just CAN'T stop reading these now.
September 18, 2020
The Nowhere Witch is a wonderful follow-up to the Whimsy Witch Who Wasn’t in the Tales of Xest series by Donna Augustine. Tippi begins the novel by unceremoniously finding herself returned to Xest after having secured passage home, whether she wanted to be there or not. Tippi finds herself at home in Xest and has a renewed faith to make it work this time. I loved her renewed faith in herself, against all odds, she continues on, obstacle after obstacle, to carve her place in Xest and with the citizens. With her powers still unreliable, she seeks help from friends and the not-as-friendly.
I really enjoyed this book, Donna Augustine writes perfectly flawed heroine’s coming into their own, Tippi’s journey in The Nowhere Witch shows her resilience, her strength, her will. This was a great sequel and I feel it’s poised for a significant reveal in the next installation – which I’ll be so excited to read!
I really enjoyed this book, Donna Augustine writes perfectly flawed heroine’s coming into their own, Tippi’s journey in The Nowhere Witch shows her resilience, her strength, her will. This was a great sequel and I feel it’s poised for a significant reveal in the next installation – which I’ll be so excited to read!
November 20, 2020
I think that I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first because it had less repetition to the story beats, which was the thing I liked the least about the first one. I did, however, find some of the plot elements to be a little more predictable in this one too, which is it's own serious drawback. But, and I don't know if it was the head-space I was in or a difference in the writing for this book over the previous one, but I found myself more emotionally invested in this one, which is a big plus as I don't feel that as often as I think I should when I read. Over all, it still scores about the same as the first for me, more predictable in some ways but less repetitive, and with more emotional investment that it was able to get from me. Xest is still an interesting place, full of interesting characters, but without context, Bunny, Bautere and Helen were particular bright spots for me in this one.
September 15, 2020
After months in Rest, all Tippi wanted was to return to Xest so when the opportunity arose, and she found herself back in Xest she was ecstatic. Now the challenge is to become a citizen of Xest so she can stay in the only place that has ever really felt like home. Xest Immigration is made up of three really old witches and they have requested an audience with Tippi. As nervous as she is about staying in Xest she has so many problems stacking up she doesn’t know where to start.
Tippi has the type of personality that is infectious, and her loyalty is exceptional. Hawk however is difficult and has more secrets than pandora’s box. Each of the residents of Xest brings something to the table that you want to know more about. There are so many possibilities with this series that the sky is the limit with where Augustine can go with it.
Tippi has the type of personality that is infectious, and her loyalty is exceptional. Hawk however is difficult and has more secrets than pandora’s box. Each of the residents of Xest brings something to the table that you want to know more about. There are so many possibilities with this series that the sky is the limit with where Augustine can go with it.
August 31, 2020
Another enjoyable read by Donna Augustine. Great build up of the character's background stories throughout. Lots of detail and some laugh out loud moments in Xest, to keep readers entertained.
However, like with most of her books, the climax is extremely short and usually takes place over about 1-2 pages.
I always feel a bit let down as you read the whole story, to reach the whole point of and it is over in a very scant amount of writing, with very little detail. I even flicked back to see if I’d missed anything but alas it was not the case.
Hopefully there will be greater detail in book 3 and all the plot holes will be filled in which sometimes does not happen in previous reads like Ollie Witt.
However, like with most of her books, the climax is extremely short and usually takes place over about 1-2 pages.
I always feel a bit let down as you read the whole story, to reach the whole point of and it is over in a very scant amount of writing, with very little detail. I even flicked back to see if I’d missed anything but alas it was not the case.
Hopefully there will be greater detail in book 3 and all the plot holes will be filled in which sometimes does not happen in previous reads like Ollie Witt.
December 27, 2020
Good story
I really like this story itself. The writing style is a little young, but then there's these thrown in sexual situations. I don't mind a steamy scene but the strength of the adult content vs the toughness of the rest of the writing doesn't fit. The story is right up my daughter's ally, but considering the sex content i can't allow her to read it. I really dislike inbetween writing. Either write for kids or write for adults (or young adults). The conflict is basic and obnoxious "I can do this. No I cant. I'm awesome. I suck. I don't cry. I'm going to cry" but again, I love the story so I will for sure continue the series
I really like this story itself. The writing style is a little young, but then there's these thrown in sexual situations. I don't mind a steamy scene but the strength of the adult content vs the toughness of the rest of the writing doesn't fit. The story is right up my daughter's ally, but considering the sex content i can't allow her to read it. I really dislike inbetween writing. Either write for kids or write for adults (or young adults). The conflict is basic and obnoxious "I can do this. No I cant. I'm awesome. I suck. I don't cry. I'm going to cry" but again, I love the story so I will for sure continue the series
March 10, 2023
3.5
I'm still liking the fun magic and world building...but did we get any more answers about the baddie in this book? No, not really.
This one was more about the battle between Tippi and Hawk that included a lot of passive aggressive tactics and sexually frustrated arguments. Even though I don't exactly understand why Hawk wants Tippi out if he needs her for the wall (especially since he seems to care about Xest above everything else...)
Who knows maybe we'll gets some kind of answers in the next one?
I'm still liking the fun magic and world building...but did we get any more answers about the baddie in this book? No, not really.
This one was more about the battle between Tippi and Hawk that included a lot of passive aggressive tactics and sexually frustrated arguments. Even though I don't exactly understand why Hawk wants Tippi out if he needs her for the wall (especially since he seems to care about Xest above everything else...)
Who knows maybe we'll gets some kind of answers in the next one?
August 29, 2020
There's no place like home!
Well Tippi was kidnapped again but this time the bunglers got it right. Poor Tippi just knew she could win over everyone in Xest with her new kick butt attitude but no one was cutting her some slack especially that darn heart breaker Hawk. With the help of some new and old friends though I think this girl will show everybody she made of sterner stuff. Love her new sidekicks and Oscar showing up more this one had as really rooting for our girl. Can't wait for the next one.
Well Tippi was kidnapped again but this time the bunglers got it right. Poor Tippi just knew she could win over everyone in Xest with her new kick butt attitude but no one was cutting her some slack especially that darn heart breaker Hawk. With the help of some new and old friends though I think this girl will show everybody she made of sterner stuff. Love her new sidekicks and Oscar showing up more this one had as really rooting for our girl. Can't wait for the next one.
September 24, 2020
Please hurry! Need Book 3! STAT!
IN NEED OF BOOK CPR STAT! CODE BLUE! BOOK 3 NEED NOW!
I have seriously fallen in love with this series. Book 1 was I feel may have been more about world building and character building. So now .all I wanted to do is jump through a puddle with Tippi. Such original, captivating, engaging, entertaining characters and situations. I mean the monkey statues playing songs for every second of Tippi's life? Dusty! OMG what an adorable bunny. There is just so much.
IN NEED OF BOOK CPR STAT! CODE BLUE! BOOK 3 NEED NOW!
I have seriously fallen in love with this series. Book 1 was I feel may have been more about world building and character building. So now .all I wanted to do is jump through a puddle with Tippi. Such original, captivating, engaging, entertaining characters and situations. I mean the monkey statues playing songs for every second of Tippi's life? Dusty! OMG what an adorable bunny. There is just so much.
Read
February 2, 2021Still a great story
I'm just in love with these books. I love the characters and world building.
This second installment has tippi being abducted back from rRest. Unfortunately, immigration was called on her and she has to pass a series of tests and have 50 people vouch for her if she wants to stay. This book has a lo of her just tying to find a job, lodging, and also trying to fix the cracks in the wall she erected before she left the first time.
Great writing and storytelling. No sex or what I call romance but just enough intrigue.
I'm just in love with these books. I love the characters and world building.
This second installment has tippi being abducted back from rRest. Unfortunately, immigration was called on her and she has to pass a series of tests and have 50 people vouch for her if she wants to stay. This book has a lo of her just tying to find a job, lodging, and also trying to fix the cracks in the wall she erected before she left the first time.
Great writing and storytelling. No sex or what I call romance but just enough intrigue.
February 11, 2023
Great Return to Xest
Last book the heroine was used and manipulated throughout the story. This time, she's in control. Until she's not! Hawk is one powerful and manipulative man. Good thing he likes her because the authorities in Xest want to deport her. Or does he? Hawk seems to have his own agenda, again. I liked this book. We get to know the heroine's slightly softer side because she is not fighting for her freedom in this book. She is looking to belong, and strengthening friendships.
Last book the heroine was used and manipulated throughout the story. This time, she's in control. Until she's not! Hawk is one powerful and manipulative man. Good thing he likes her because the authorities in Xest want to deport her. Or does he? Hawk seems to have his own agenda, again. I liked this book. We get to know the heroine's slightly softer side because she is not fighting for her freedom in this book. She is looking to belong, and strengthening friendships.
September 26, 2020
I have never read a Donna Augustine book until I picked up The Whimsy Witch and The Nowhere Witch. With no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by this unique series. Tippi is young woman who is finding her inner pluckiness and confidence in a magical town divided by a potential evil. Including striving to be her own person in face of the very handsome Hawk. Fun read and I can't wait until book 3.
June 21, 2023
A lot less magical than book number one
This book was more about Tippi's personal growth. Not as much magic and not as much mystery as the first book period
Again the self-dialogue was too too much and took up a lot of chapters, plus the tension between Tippi and Hawk was a little too much also. It felt more like school girls crush that got tedious.
The few and far in between Magic that there was, was very good and enjoyable. But unfortunately it wasn't that much.
This book was more about Tippi's personal growth. Not as much magic and not as much mystery as the first book period
Again the self-dialogue was too too much and took up a lot of chapters, plus the tension between Tippi and Hawk was a little too much also. It felt more like school girls crush that got tedious.
The few and far in between Magic that there was, was very good and enjoyable. But unfortunately it wasn't that much.
August 31, 2020
5 STARS
I’m just so mesmerized with Xest and the characters living there. I like the dark magical quality of it all. With the magical furniture, creatures, buildings popping out of no where, witches, warlocks, spells, and magic, it just gives me those HP vibes (though this is nothing like HP).
And the slow burn romance y’all! I’m LIVING for Tippie and Hawk, absolutely LIVING for this couple.
Probably in my top three favorite series I’ve read this year.
Please give us more!!!
I’m just so mesmerized with Xest and the characters living there. I like the dark magical quality of it all. With the magical furniture, creatures, buildings popping out of no where, witches, warlocks, spells, and magic, it just gives me those HP vibes (though this is nothing like HP).
And the slow burn romance y’all! I’m LIVING for Tippie and Hawk, absolutely LIVING for this couple.
Probably in my top three favorite series I’ve read this year.
Please give us more!!!
September 8, 2020
Where can I buy a ticker to Zest? Jumping in puddles at my age, while fun, just makes me look crazy-er. Read the book you'll understand *wink*. So much cleverness wrapped up in a world created from the fertile mind of Donna Augustine. So much fun watching Tippi and Hawk dance around each other when she returns to Zest. Not only does Donna have a gift for dreaming up protagonists we laugh, cry, and swoon over, she has a knack for taking characters we've know since childhood and turn them into crazy, memorable second-characters. Three monkeys, I will say nothing more except to shout I LOVE THEM! So much goodness in this second books. So many answered questions from the first book. So much more to learn about both Tippi and Hawk in the third book. Please hurry up with those answers. I'll be here waiting to one-click as soon as it's finished.
September 25, 2020
Loved this
You have to read #1 before reading this. But if you’ve read 1 and remotely enjoyed it, I highly recommend this follow on. It jumps right into it, it brings al the characters you loved (and maybe loved to hate) right back, and we get a more determined, stronger Tippi this time. It’s fun, it’s endearing, it’s just what you may need to take you away!
You have to read #1 before reading this. But if you’ve read 1 and remotely enjoyed it, I highly recommend this follow on. It jumps right into it, it brings al the characters you loved (and maybe loved to hate) right back, and we get a more determined, stronger Tippi this time. It’s fun, it’s endearing, it’s just what you may need to take you away!
October 26, 2020
I’m really liking this series - I’m a bit frustrated I didn’t realise there was a book 3 before starting the series; I would prefer to read the whole thing straight through - so I’m hoping it won’t be long before book 3 comes out - and that when it does there is some romantic progress between Tippi and Hawk.....
January 29, 2021
Tippi is very annoying in this one
I didn't really like this one all that much. Tippi was very immature, and really, the whole Hawk and Tippi "I hate you, I love you" relationship thing got old real quick. The story itself did progress though, so I am hopeful it will get better in the next book.
I didn't really like this one all that much. Tippi was very immature, and really, the whole Hawk and Tippi "I hate you, I love you" relationship thing got old real quick. The story itself did progress though, so I am hopeful it will get better in the next book.
February 17, 2021
Xest High School?
Not a bad read, but Tippi and Hawk need to grow up. They're quite teenish at times. Tippi determined to do the opposite of what Hawk wants, even when it's stupid. Hawk being a bully to get his way instead of just talking to Tippi. I hope they mature some in the next book.
Not a bad read, but Tippi and Hawk need to grow up. They're quite teenish at times. Tippi determined to do the opposite of what Hawk wants, even when it's stupid. Hawk being a bully to get his way instead of just talking to Tippi. I hope they mature some in the next book.
April 15, 2023
3.5 Stars but I’m not rounding up because Hawk pisses me off and Tippi’s attraction to him makes no sense.
There were several places where Tippi should have had a stronger spine in dealing with Hawk but it’s better than most of the FMCs I’ve read as of late.
Story is still interesting and I’ll be starting the third book asap
There were several places where Tippi should have had a stronger spine in dealing with Hawk but it’s better than most of the FMCs I’ve read as of late.
Story is still interesting and I’ll be starting the third book asap
August 4, 2023
entertaining
This was a fun read—once you get past the main character being extremely stubborn and passive aggressive. I wish there were more character development since she and Hawk both have personality and communication flaws, but the story was still entertaining and the ending was good
This was a fun read—once you get past the main character being extremely stubborn and passive aggressive. I wish there were more character development since she and Hawk both have personality and communication flaws, but the story was still entertaining and the ending was good
August 28, 2020
Xest
Another amazing story from Donna Augustine. I love how the author creates these worlds. I read anything this writer publishes, and I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Another amazing story from Donna Augustine. I love how the author creates these worlds. I read anything this writer publishes, and I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews