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Under the Oak Tree (Novel) #7
Under the Oak Tree: Season 2 -2-
Stuttering Maximilian Croyso spent a lifetime suffering the abuse of her cruel father, Duke Croyso. The Duke’s final act of cruelty? Marrying Maxi off to the war hero Riftan, legendary slayer of dragons. Now these two complete strangers have to try to make the arranged marriage that neither wanted work out.
At first, the brooding Riftan and shy, nervous Maxi have nothing in common. But their dark pasts make them more similar than either could have anticipated and soon the two outcasts find acceptance in one another for the first time.
Even deeply in love, Maxi realizes that she needs more in her life to be fulfilled. Riftan risks his life on dangerous adventures protecting the Seven Kingdoms while Maxi is left behind. Desperate to prove her worth, Maxi learns healing magic from the impertinent mage Ruth. But when Riftan discovers that magic is putting her at risk, he is against it. She doesn’t need to help him–her only responsibility as a lady is staying safely at home.
What Riftan doesn’t expect is Maxi’s refusal to bow to her expected role, and instead determine her own fate. Maxi wants to use her growing skills as a sorceress to fight by his side, to protect Riftan as much as he protects her. Despite Riftan's opposition, Maxi heads off to the Mage Tower to expand her skills and save his reputation....
This volume collects episodes 41–81 of the Second Season of the web novel Under the Oak Tree .
Enjoy the official webcomic of Under the Oak Tree on Manta app.
At first, the brooding Riftan and shy, nervous Maxi have nothing in common. But their dark pasts make them more similar than either could have anticipated and soon the two outcasts find acceptance in one another for the first time.
Even deeply in love, Maxi realizes that she needs more in her life to be fulfilled. Riftan risks his life on dangerous adventures protecting the Seven Kingdoms while Maxi is left behind. Desperate to prove her worth, Maxi learns healing magic from the impertinent mage Ruth. But when Riftan discovers that magic is putting her at risk, he is against it. She doesn’t need to help him–her only responsibility as a lady is staying safely at home.
What Riftan doesn’t expect is Maxi’s refusal to bow to her expected role, and instead determine her own fate. Maxi wants to use her growing skills as a sorceress to fight by his side, to protect Riftan as much as he protects her. Despite Riftan's opposition, Maxi heads off to the Mage Tower to expand her skills and save his reputation....
This volume collects episodes 41–81 of the Second Season of the web novel Under the Oak Tree .
Enjoy the official webcomic of Under the Oak Tree on Manta app.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2023
196 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 30, 2023
If there's a literary equivalent of Stockholm syndrome, this series gave it to me.
In related news, stay tuned for my self defense fanfiction, "Marriage Counselor in Another World: Holy Freaking Crap, Just TALK TO EACH OTHER!"
In related news, stay tuned for my self defense fanfiction, "Marriage Counselor in Another World: Holy Freaking Crap, Just TALK TO EACH OTHER!"
July 12, 2023
I have a mighty need!!!!! (For s2p3)
This was so gut wrenching but I hope Maxi doesn't relent. I hope she doesn't give in and stands strong. She just wants to stand next to Riftan as his equal and he just won't listen to her long enough to hear her. He is stifling her voice behind his fears and it is so heartbreaking because you know he loves her. I want her to be the one to save HIM from certain death. And for him to finally SEE that he needs her by his side as his equal. NOT his trophy. Not that I think he even realizes that he is treating her that way. He is treating her how he would a treasure. Because he does treasure her. But Maxi doesn't want to be treasured. She wants to be SEEN and LOVED for who she is. And who she is is a friggen warrior woman that will stand and fight for her people and her husband! That's even more precious a characteristic that Riftan hasn't realized he is lucky to have found.
This was so gut wrenching but I hope Maxi doesn't relent. I hope she doesn't give in and stands strong. She just wants to stand next to Riftan as his equal and he just won't listen to her long enough to hear her. He is stifling her voice behind his fears and it is so heartbreaking because you know he loves her. I want her to be the one to save HIM from certain death. And for him to finally SEE that he needs her by his side as his equal. NOT his trophy. Not that I think he even realizes that he is treating her that way. He is treating her how he would a treasure. Because he does treasure her. But Maxi doesn't want to be treasured. She wants to be SEEN and LOVED for who she is. And who she is is a friggen warrior woman that will stand and fight for her people and her husband! That's even more precious a characteristic that Riftan hasn't realized he is lucky to have found.
July 9, 2023
It was a slow burn, but a good one!
I felt entangled in every emotion of theirs, be it disappointment, hope, endless and much needed stubbornness🤦♀️...and all the rest. They completely captivated me, leaving me breathless.
Waiting for the rest.
I felt entangled in every emotion of theirs, be it disappointment, hope, endless and much needed stubbornness🤦♀️...and all the rest. They completely captivated me, leaving me breathless.
Waiting for the rest.
November 15, 2025
I NEED SOMEONE TO BASH THEIR HEADS TOGETHER
second read: (see above)
third read: (see above)
second read: (see above)
third read: (see above)
February 13, 2024
so i was really just waiting for a nicer man to be kind to maxi platonically (and to mess with riftan) so he would see the error of his ways and be jealous. i want angst. i want groveling. i want riftan to be taken down a notch
slay queen
(i want breston to die pls and thank you)
slay queen
(i want breston to die pls and thank you)
March 6, 2024
Ok y’all might be shocked by the 3.5 star rating. It is not because I do not love the characters and everything going on. It’s because the author is really dragging on the miscommunication trope between the two characters and I totally understand why.
However, at the same time I feel like the author doesn’t need to be driving this out as long. I understand number one they are literally in war. Number two they’ve been separated for three years and left on a bad note and number three they haven’t been able to have much time alone. However, you think that they could at least talk a little bit and have a productive conversation but they do not. I know this is a very trust the process and I’m still obsessed with, the fantasy and plot of this book.
I love how they’re getting ready for a war against the monsters, and Maxi is really becoming a confident woman and has grown so much as a character. also, I totally understand Rifton being upset because the married couple finally were able to be together after he had been at war for three years and then she leaves for three years to study at the mage tower to save him. I am really looking forward to hopefully the author, letting Rifton be more vulnerable with maxi and allowing him to let down those walls and let someone worry about him, and not take it all on himself. Also realize that she really does love and care for him. When that moment comes, I will be screaming crying dying and you will definitely hear about it.
However, at the same time I feel like the author doesn’t need to be driving this out as long. I understand number one they are literally in war. Number two they’ve been separated for three years and left on a bad note and number three they haven’t been able to have much time alone. However, you think that they could at least talk a little bit and have a productive conversation but they do not. I know this is a very trust the process and I’m still obsessed with, the fantasy and plot of this book.
I love how they’re getting ready for a war against the monsters, and Maxi is really becoming a confident woman and has grown so much as a character. also, I totally understand Rifton being upset because the married couple finally were able to be together after he had been at war for three years and then she leaves for three years to study at the mage tower to save him. I am really looking forward to hopefully the author, letting Rifton be more vulnerable with maxi and allowing him to let down those walls and let someone worry about him, and not take it all on himself. Also realize that she really does love and care for him. When that moment comes, I will be screaming crying dying and you will definitely hear about it.
June 4, 2024
3.5 stars :)
July 26, 2023
the suspense is enormous and killing me. awaiting the next piece of the book (season).
on to the war with monsters! 👿
on to the war with monsters! 👿
February 22, 2024
5 ⭐️ I love you two but my frustration is RISING. I’m also so done with the other men in this book. Who gave you command of things?! The Remdragon Knights are the only exception because you know they are just stressed watching mom & dad fight. Let Maxi scream and throw things at people 2k24. I swear, I blink and I’m done with these books, I’m sucking them down like water in a desert.
March 30, 2024
Well, I guess a little more happened in the book but not much. Definitely could have melded one and two together. I'm extremely disappointed. There has been no change in any relationships, friends or otherwise. The angst is still strong after 8 books and I am over it. I honestly don't see any hope for the series in the future.
At first, I thought the shallowness of the side characters was due to Maxi being of higher rank. High-born can not show weakness and interactions are very formal but now after 2,000 pages, I fear it is the fault of the author. To make things worse there is little character description at all to the point where I have to rely on Kindle's search history to sus out who is talking sometimes.
If this were any other story I would have quit but I am committed. For some reason, I love Riftan and Maxi. Yes, I understand their struggles but they have to grow or separate. Not only are they killing each other they are taking me down as well. At the end I was a little proud of Maxi for standing her ground then before I knew it she began to falter. I need to get through to more books so I can move on with my life.
-----Quotes-----
“You, on the other hand, would no doubt choose the same if you were placed in that situation again. For my sake or for your own, you would do the right thing while saying it’s the only way. You are capable of making decisions I could never dare make.” He paused and clenched his jaw as if to suppress his surging emotions. “And that scares me,” he professed after a while.
At first, I thought the shallowness of the side characters was due to Maxi being of higher rank. High-born can not show weakness and interactions are very formal but now after 2,000 pages, I fear it is the fault of the author. To make things worse there is little character description at all to the point where I have to rely on Kindle's search history to sus out who is talking sometimes.
If this were any other story I would have quit but I am committed. For some reason, I love Riftan and Maxi. Yes, I understand their struggles but they have to grow or separate. Not only are they killing each other they are taking me down as well. At the end I was a little proud of Maxi for standing her ground then before I knew it she began to falter. I need to get through to more books so I can move on with my life.
-----Quotes-----
“You, on the other hand, would no doubt choose the same if you were placed in that situation again. For my sake or for your own, you would do the right thing while saying it’s the only way. You are capable of making decisions I could never dare make.” He paused and clenched his jaw as if to suppress his surging emotions. “And that scares me,” he professed after a while.
July 18, 2023
My heart aches..
I am very disappointed that it ens here, when is the next book coming? I can't stop thinking how Maxi grow and change to a very different person as well as the damage of the love story of them. Please Please release more.....
I am very disappointed that it ens here, when is the next book coming? I can't stop thinking how Maxi grow and change to a very different person as well as the damage of the love story of them. Please Please release more.....
July 14, 2023
It was wonderfully frustrating arrrrrrh 😵💫🤯🤬 I just want to cram their heads together and lock them in a room until they talk. I will admit it was disappointing for me just because I am pouty and I didn’t want it to go like this especially when it’s stopped where it is….. now we have to wait AGAIN
July 9, 2023
I want this story to never end!
I read this within 72 hrs (And I have a full time job and two small kids - to say something!) after its published; I love the environments; I love Maximilian and I love the constant tension. It is also greatat deceipting a complex couple’s relationship. Cant wait for the next one! 🌺🌺
I read this within 72 hrs (And I have a full time job and two small kids - to say something!) after its published; I love the environments; I love Maximilian and I love the constant tension. It is also greatat deceipting a complex couple’s relationship. Cant wait for the next one! 🌺🌺
July 11, 2023
My heart is hurting but I'm really enjoying seeing Maxi speak her mind... Their reconciliation can't come soon enough 🤧
July 7, 2023
pins and needles
Tensions are at a high in this volume. If there was any hope that our couple would overcome their misunderstandings and compromise with each other… it doesn’t happen this volume. I, instead, find my self anxiously waiting for volume 3 of S2 to become available.
Tensions are at a high in this volume. If there was any hope that our couple would overcome their misunderstandings and compromise with each other… it doesn’t happen this volume. I, instead, find my self anxiously waiting for volume 3 of S2 to become available.
September 17, 2023
Under the Oak Tree was my first Romantasy series so it holds a special place in my heart.
The fighting between Riftan and Maxi needs to stop now because I can’t take it anymore!!! I was really hoping he would finally accept Maxi’s help in this one but he loves her too much. They’re breaking each other for very different reasons.
Biggest complaint is that they never see each other or talk things out.
The tension between them is so good but I’m over it😅
I appreciate that Suji Kim does an excellent job writing this story in regards to the battles, monsters, strategies, etc. and not just the romance (which she also slays).
As always with the books in this series, didn’t put this book down until I finished it.
Also, as always, in a major slump now and will be depressed until the next one comes out.
The fighting between Riftan and Maxi needs to stop now because I can’t take it anymore!!! I was really hoping he would finally accept Maxi’s help in this one but he loves her too much. They’re breaking each other for very different reasons.
Biggest complaint is that they never see each other or talk things out.
The tension between them is so good but I’m over it😅
I appreciate that Suji Kim does an excellent job writing this story in regards to the battles, monsters, strategies, etc. and not just the romance (which she also slays).
As always with the books in this series, didn’t put this book down until I finished it.
Also, as always, in a major slump now and will be depressed until the next one comes out.
August 16, 2023
it's becoming increasingly annoying
I absolutely love this series, but the last few books have not hit the mark at all.
Yes, we like action, but this had ultimately been a love story we have all invested in. This is not being shown no more, Riftan just ignores Maxi all the time. And that I can not forgive.
It is very possible to have action and also show Riftan still talks to Maxi with respect, a peck on the forehead, anything really, but seriously, what is being wrote is ruining it for me.
I absolutely love this series, but the last few books have not hit the mark at all.
Yes, we like action, but this had ultimately been a love story we have all invested in. This is not being shown no more, Riftan just ignores Maxi all the time. And that I can not forgive.
It is very possible to have action and also show Riftan still talks to Maxi with respect, a peck on the forehead, anything really, but seriously, what is being wrote is ruining it for me.
November 30, 2023
amazing, as always
April 27, 2024
maxi and riftans relationship is starting to infuriate me but its still a great book
June 30, 2024
i don’t remember what happened at all i was too frustrated 😭😭
November 16, 2024
FUUUUUSTRATING I WANTED TO PULL MY HAIR OUT
February 11, 2026
Rating: Really Liked It
Open Door Scenes: None but a couple of scenes with spicy thoughts
Would I read more by this author? Yes.
Open Door Scenes: None but a couple of scenes with spicy thoughts
Would I read more by this author? Yes.
April 26, 2024
Oh, well. This one has been the most tiring to read among the books so far. (Even more tiring than book 5. 🥱) Best believe I wouldn’t reread this even if my life depended on it. The only good thing to come out of this book was Sejuleu Aren, my baby.
Although I must admit it’s very well written — the discoveries, the events leading to the monster base, the strategizing, the brainstorming, and the lines of the characters were never out of place with their personalities. It’s honestly rare for me to find a book where the events actually feel natural as they unfold and the characters, no matter how many, were easy to remember because they’re very well distinguished from one another.
But despite all that, the miscommunication between Maxi and Riftan in this book alone was too frustrating I just couldn’t rate it higher than three stars. Although their communication has been a recurring problem since the first book, it was honestly tolerable back then and you would actually understand why they had to do what they did, but ffs we’re already in the 7th book and it’s still worse than ever it’s almost childish.
I love this series but my God I’m really hoping the succeeding books are all uphill from here.
Although I must admit it’s very well written — the discoveries, the events leading to the monster base, the strategizing, the brainstorming, and the lines of the characters were never out of place with their personalities. It’s honestly rare for me to find a book where the events actually feel natural as they unfold and the characters, no matter how many, were easy to remember because they’re very well distinguished from one another.
But despite all that, the miscommunication between Maxi and Riftan in this book alone was too frustrating I just couldn’t rate it higher than three stars. Although their communication has been a recurring problem since the first book, it was honestly tolerable back then and you would actually understand why they had to do what they did, but ffs we’re already in the 7th book and it’s still worse than ever it’s almost childish.
I love this series but my God I’m really hoping the succeeding books are all uphill from here.
October 22, 2024
3.5
Creo que mayoritariamente pienso lo mismo que en el libro pasado. No me gusta la nula inteligencia emocional de Riftan, aunque diga que no quiere poner en riesgo a Maxi, literalmente la está alejando y eso está apunto de fragmentar su relación permanente. No es capaz de permitir una conciliación entre lo que ambos quieren, no escucha otra versión que no sea la suya y definitivamente no es capaz de compartir lo que realmente siente, prefiere apartarse para "no tratarla mal" pero en realidad ya lo está haciendo psicológicamente.
Por otro lado Maxi es todo lo que está bien en este libro y debo recalcar la paciencia y perseverancia que tiene con su esposo porque para ser honesta yo ya lo hubiera dejado, pero la entiendo. También me encanta su crecimiento, con cada libro la veo más segura de sí misma y de lo que quiere, es una gran persona a pesar de que ahora dice lo que piensa no deja de ser ella y en cierta forma es fiel a ella, cosa que me parece increíble. Yo, la más orgullosa de ella.
En cuestiones narrativas opino lo mismo que dije en el libro anterior: tomaron demasiado tiempo en unas y otras pudieron haber sido mejor abordadas. En especial los viajes!! Fueron extremadamente largos!
Como sea, estoy disfrutando la historia y no voy a parar.
TS SONG: hits different
Creo que mayoritariamente pienso lo mismo que en el libro pasado. No me gusta la nula inteligencia emocional de Riftan, aunque diga que no quiere poner en riesgo a Maxi, literalmente la está alejando y eso está apunto de fragmentar su relación permanente. No es capaz de permitir una conciliación entre lo que ambos quieren, no escucha otra versión que no sea la suya y definitivamente no es capaz de compartir lo que realmente siente, prefiere apartarse para "no tratarla mal" pero en realidad ya lo está haciendo psicológicamente.
Por otro lado Maxi es todo lo que está bien en este libro y debo recalcar la paciencia y perseverancia que tiene con su esposo porque para ser honesta yo ya lo hubiera dejado, pero la entiendo. También me encanta su crecimiento, con cada libro la veo más segura de sí misma y de lo que quiere, es una gran persona a pesar de que ahora dice lo que piensa no deja de ser ella y en cierta forma es fiel a ella, cosa que me parece increíble. Yo, la más orgullosa de ella.
En cuestiones narrativas opino lo mismo que dije en el libro anterior: tomaron demasiado tiempo en unas y otras pudieron haber sido mejor abordadas. En especial los viajes!! Fueron extremadamente largos!
Como sea, estoy disfrutando la historia y no voy a parar.
TS SONG: hits different
November 27, 2023
As they awkwardly reunite, the rift between them deepens. Maxi is open for communication but Riftan is closer than ever. He shares nothing. Shifting between loving and hating Maxi, the miscommunication is frustrating. He obviously hurts and tries to collect himself but he rather shares his life with others and pushes her away. They are not friends, they are not close (were they ever?) and they are one step away from separation.
Through the war, brilliant fantastic elements, there is no actual romance, but only desperation. Happy fulfilling closure is nowhere near. I really think the story lost the sparkle..
Through the war, brilliant fantastic elements, there is no actual romance, but only desperation. Happy fulfilling closure is nowhere near. I really think the story lost the sparkle..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2023
“She should have never agreed to be separated from him. After all, she had become a mage in order to stand at his side. Someone who could be of use to him — that was who she wished to be. Not someone who needed protection. She wanted to break free of this crippling anxiety and fight beside him in any way possible, no matter how inadequate her skills. She wanted to face every danger with him, even if he did not wish it.”
maxi’s growth has been amazing and this quote just encapsulates it all for me
maxi’s growth has been amazing and this quote just encapsulates it all for me
March 26, 2025
started reading this after s4 of the webtoon ended. webtoon is around 40% of the story?
this is a classic romantasy - i.e., you need to just go with the flow and don't think too deeply.
the romance part of it was kinda boring tbh they don't really resolve anything or communicate until about 80% in. I found the plot with the dark mage and dragon interesting enough to keep reading, and it was nice to see Maxi grow.
not the best plot and probs wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't for the webtoon and its nice art
this is a classic romantasy - i.e., you need to just go with the flow and don't think too deeply.
the romance part of it was kinda boring tbh they don't really resolve anything or communicate until about 80% in. I found the plot with the dark mage and dragon interesting enough to keep reading, and it was nice to see Maxi grow.
not the best plot and probs wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't for the webtoon and its nice art
August 5, 2023
I love this series . It’s the first book that got me into fantasy but this book made me so mad. I hate the miscommunication between them. Maxi just wants to talk and and touch him they haven’t seen each other for 3 years! And he just ignores her and pushes her away. Like dude, why even rush to her rescue if you was going to ignore her the whole time? I didn’t finish it. It just pissed me off so bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Can't wait for the next book
This was a great journey into their emotions while giving you lots of action. The tension that builds and breaks throughout this story and particularly this book. I felt my frustration rise along with the characters. If your emotions are being tugged, for better or worse, while you are reading, that's the sign of a well written story. I am impatiently waiting for the next chapter.
This was a great journey into their emotions while giving you lots of action. The tension that builds and breaks throughout this story and particularly this book. I felt my frustration rise along with the characters. If your emotions are being tugged, for better or worse, while you are reading, that's the sign of a well written story. I am impatiently waiting for the next chapter.
June 24, 2024
I absolutely adore this series. Surprisingly it is the most accurate description of war and character growth that I have ever seen. It is very honest about how long it takes to heal from emotional scarring and its lasting effects despite the time that has passed. The last chapters had me sobbing over how poetically romantic it is. I hope Suji Kim continues the series with more side stories because I would love to see Riftain and Maxi’s future as well as the knights we’ve come to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews