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Under the Oak Tree (Novel)
Under the Oak Tree: Season 2 -3-
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 82–124 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 82–124 of the Second Season of the web novel Under the Oak Tree.
Enjoy the official webcomic of Under the Oak Tree on Manta app.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 26, 2023
Absolutely worth it for the ending.
November 24, 2023
After 9 books all I can say is FINALLY! This made all of the anger, frustration, and annoyance with the lack of the two main characters’ communication skills, totally worth it.
Possibly the best one of the series so far. At least it’s my favorite. Complete with revenge dress, a week being locked up, and Riftan finally facing his emotions ♥️
Possibly the best one of the series so far. At least it’s my favorite. Complete with revenge dress, a week being locked up, and Riftan finally facing his emotions ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
This is probably one of the best series I have EVER read. The most slow burn romance ever in my opinion the ending of this book had me freaking out I can’t wait for the next one.
January 10, 2025
This book is the emotional equivalent of a swift punch to the face.
8 books later and we finally have some kind of communication between these two idiots in love.
8 books later and we finally have some kind of communication between these two idiots in love.
December 12, 2023
I feel as if I’m the only one who is basically over this stubborn, lack of communication thing Riftan and Maxi have going on. I get it, it makes for good drama. But good grief! Just talk to each other! Even if it’s just to tell each other that you missed the other. But no, we can’t even do that until the last two pages. /rant
Don’t get me wrong, I do love this couple. I want them to be endlessly happy. But enough is enough.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love this couple. I want them to be endlessly happy. But enough is enough.
February 20, 2025
standing ovation. round of applause. no words.
December 25, 2023
everytime i discover a new volume has been released, my day brightens immensely. loved, loved this one. i am ready for them to head back home to anatol though!
November 29, 2023
For the life of me, I could not put my Kindle down. I read it in 24 hours and I enjoyed every second of it
November 16, 2024
The ending absolutely broke me. Riftan and Maxi deserve a peaceful, happy ending now and the ending of this book practically had me in tears. I love them so much it hurts
May 12, 2025
Riftan you were in my blacklist for some time but now i hope you will stay like this and you won't return to your stupid actions . The last chapters were compensation for what we suffered so that they could get together again i really hope they don't fight each other anymore
December 4, 2023
Well-written
As some who reads all manner of books, I enjoy Suji Kim’s descriptive writing style. I look forward to more books.
As some who reads all manner of books, I enjoy Suji Kim’s descriptive writing style. I look forward to more books.
October 15, 2025
Finally! I swear those two idiots plan to torment me to no ends. Better not f things up in the next volume! 😫
November 27, 2023
Heart wrenching
I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I have fallen in love with everything about this series, it now holds the place in my heart as my favourite. This book in the series, with me knowing that it is coming to an end soon, tore my soul out of my body and shoved it back in.
I am deeply in love with these characters and will never find something as good as this ever again. This one was emotional from start to finish and dragged my sorry behind over the finish line with that ending.
I know that people reproducing this story has ruined any chance of it being extended much further, but even if I get one more book from this author with this story, I will die happy. Thank you Suji Kim.
I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I have fallen in love with everything about this series, it now holds the place in my heart as my favourite. This book in the series, with me knowing that it is coming to an end soon, tore my soul out of my body and shoved it back in.
I am deeply in love with these characters and will never find something as good as this ever again. This one was emotional from start to finish and dragged my sorry behind over the finish line with that ending.
I know that people reproducing this story has ruined any chance of it being extended much further, but even if I get one more book from this author with this story, I will die happy. Thank you Suji Kim.
November 25, 2023
Im obsessed! And Finally I got the ending I needed to this book. The character development has finally taken this couple to a new chapter and they both seem more mature. As long as this auther keeps writing I will buy everything she publishes.
November 24, 2023
just live for this story and just love it
Can’t wait for next part
Can’t believe Riftan finally opened up and be honest about his feelings for what he wants and what he wants with Maxi. Can’t wait to see what she says, and how he fin is his confession of love for each other.
Can’t wait for next part
Can’t believe Riftan finally opened up and be honest about his feelings for what he wants and what he wants with Maxi. Can’t wait to see what she says, and how he fin is his confession of love for each other.
March 31, 2024
This is literally just going to be me complaining about the same things I did with the other two books in the second season. No communication, no growth. The plot barely moved. Excuse upon excuse for them not to be together. Just a total lack of interaction and inaction for three books.
This whole book was a stagnate heartache until the last couple of chapters when it started to feel like the books I knew. Without a doubt, you could read a summary of the last three books and save yourself some time. It won't take long.
Again the side character's descriptions and arcs were woefully inadequate. Sadly this is like one scene of forced proximity and a handful of kisses otherwise nothing. Yes, I am aware Riftan is on the verge of losing his sanity but he also could have lost Maxi in the war and is ignoring her really going to be the last thing you ever do?
I'm just upset at the turn this series has taken. I read as quickly as I could while constantly looking over to my husband and reassuring myself that he would never treat me like this Riftan idiot. Still, since I am a glutton for punishment I will hope beyond hope that Riftan has finally opened up.
-----Quotes-----
“Th-The string inside… is it the adornment I gave you?” she said, her tone uncertain. She got her answer as his bronze neck turned red.
Hebaron gave a low whistle. “It appears our lady has come to declare war.”
“I never… want to be separated from you again.” Maximilian, who had been opening and closing her mouth as if to say something, wrapped her arms around him. He could feel her sorrowful sobs against his neck. Riftan broke out of his daze, instinctively pulling her into a crushing embrace. Burying his hands in her soft curls, he said hoarsely, “I don’t care what happens to me. I want to be with you.”
This whole book was a stagnate heartache until the last couple of chapters when it started to feel like the books I knew. Without a doubt, you could read a summary of the last three books and save yourself some time. It won't take long.
Again the side character's descriptions and arcs were woefully inadequate. Sadly this is like one scene of forced proximity and a handful of kisses otherwise nothing. Yes, I am aware Riftan is on the verge of losing his sanity but he also could have lost Maxi in the war and is ignoring her really going to be the last thing you ever do?
I'm just upset at the turn this series has taken. I read as quickly as I could while constantly looking over to my husband and reassuring myself that he would never treat me like this Riftan idiot. Still, since I am a glutton for punishment I will hope beyond hope that Riftan has finally opened up.
-----Quotes-----
“Th-The string inside… is it the adornment I gave you?” she said, her tone uncertain. She got her answer as his bronze neck turned red.
Hebaron gave a low whistle. “It appears our lady has come to declare war.”
“I never… want to be separated from you again.” Maximilian, who had been opening and closing her mouth as if to say something, wrapped her arms around him. He could feel her sorrowful sobs against his neck. Riftan broke out of his daze, instinctively pulling her into a crushing embrace. Burying his hands in her soft curls, he said hoarsely, “I don’t care what happens to me. I want to be with you.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
Nine books into the most exasperating, terribly frustrating pair of idiots who won’t communicate during a goddamn war, and I will be proceeding to the tenth.
March 14, 2026
I MEAN COME ON! I am almost speechless at this one. I love them so much it actually hurts me when they’re not getting along. To know the pain and anguish they are both experiencing from both of their points of view was maddening. I am so happy that we are learning to communicate. That they are both laying themselves on the line for each other. I am happy that finally we are taking steps in the right direction. Even with all my love for them, even I am tiring of their constant back and forth. I am exhausted from the pain they are inflicting each other. But this ending was so perfect and brought me so much joy. I also don’t want them to ever be parted again, for every chapter they are apart I am waiting for the one when they return for each other. I only have 1 left and I am actually in pain knowing their story will soon come to an end because I am not ready to say goodbye to them. Either way, once again no notes, 5 stars. I love them that’s all.
February 8, 2024
sad to say i have completely lost the plot lol i could not even tell you what happened the first 90% of this book. there’s a war i think and everyone is tired, hungry, and smelly
oh and the secondhand embarrassment and frustration whenever riftan and maxi fight are second to none. sir hebaron should be in every goddamn scene. riftan finally talks.
fucking riftan.
oh and the secondhand embarrassment and frustration whenever riftan and maxi fight are second to none. sir hebaron should be in every goddamn scene. riftan finally talks.
fucking riftan.
April 9, 2025
Fue un exceso de emociones! que me tiene mal este libro.
June 30, 2025
This books teach us:
-How to provide fictional blue balls
-How we hate miscommunication trope
-That Hebaron is the sensible man
-And where the fuck is Ruth?
-How to provide fictional blue balls
-How we hate miscommunication trope
-That Hebaron is the sensible man
-And where the fuck is Ruth?
October 21, 2025
I’m just a humble reader. Why must I be tormented mercilessly to this extent?!
December 2, 2025
infinity out of 10 hands down one of the best books i’ve read
December 1, 2023
I bought the 3 books of season 2 as soon as they were released, but kept waiting to read them together.
Maxi in the first season have grown significantly. The timid, stuttering girl turned into a lady, who knows herself. She is not a badass heroine of course, but the character development was much better than Riftan’s. Riftan has regressed actually, after she left for the mage tower. She had done this for his sake, for him not to lose Anatol. Of course she wanted her development as a mage, but she was doing much already, and she had lots of experience.
As soon as she found the chance to leave the tower, she did not hesitate.
When they first saw each other after 3 years, Riftan ignored her completely. Everyone will say, he was devastated, he was traumatized. But he also aged three years too, and it was frustrating throughout the three books in this season that, Maxi has been opened up in terms of communication, but he was much worse.
He was much closer to the princess while he secretly envied Maxi’s easy interaction with other people.
She had to manipulate him in the end and he had to give in to jealousy.
Will he be open to her about why he wanted to send her back to the tower? Will they be friends also, sharing life, not just intimate moments? I dont think so. Maybe the books are released so slowly and distantly, I was rather depressed with their fragile and brittle relationship, and how they are distant from each other. They are at the brink of separation, and all the time.
The writing and the translation was smooth. No technical errors throughout the book.
Maxi in the first season have grown significantly. The timid, stuttering girl turned into a lady, who knows herself. She is not a badass heroine of course, but the character development was much better than Riftan’s. Riftan has regressed actually, after she left for the mage tower. She had done this for his sake, for him not to lose Anatol. Of course she wanted her development as a mage, but she was doing much already, and she had lots of experience.
As soon as she found the chance to leave the tower, she did not hesitate.
When they first saw each other after 3 years, Riftan ignored her completely. Everyone will say, he was devastated, he was traumatized. But he also aged three years too, and it was frustrating throughout the three books in this season that, Maxi has been opened up in terms of communication, but he was much worse.
He was much closer to the princess while he secretly envied Maxi’s easy interaction with other people.
She had to manipulate him in the end and he had to give in to jealousy.
Will he be open to her about why he wanted to send her back to the tower? Will they be friends also, sharing life, not just intimate moments? I dont think so. Maybe the books are released so slowly and distantly, I was rather depressed with their fragile and brittle relationship, and how they are distant from each other. They are at the brink of separation, and all the time.
The writing and the translation was smooth. No technical errors throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2023
First:
Then:
And then:
But then:
And OH:
F**KING FINALLY:
OH DEAR, THAT ENDING:
Then:
And then:
But then:
And OH:
F**KING FINALLY:
OH DEAR, THAT ENDING:
December 11, 2023
To the ends of the earth, together
I swear this series is going to break me, put me back together and break me again. Maxi and Riftan are such stubborn headed people who struggle to communicate with each other. It seems as if an ocean of unsaid things lays between them and just when it seems like they’re making progress towards each other the waves hit them and push them back.
Despite their inability to communicate I really love Maxi and Riftan. They are perfectly imperfect and they suit each other well.
This book forces them into yet another war, pushing them to their limits and beyond. Lots of gore and violence, touch decisions and heartbreaking outcomes. But as with the rest of the series, resilience is in their blood.
This is another fantastic instalment in the series.
I swear this series is going to break me, put me back together and break me again. Maxi and Riftan are such stubborn headed people who struggle to communicate with each other. It seems as if an ocean of unsaid things lays between them and just when it seems like they’re making progress towards each other the waves hit them and push them back.
Despite their inability to communicate I really love Maxi and Riftan. They are perfectly imperfect and they suit each other well.
This book forces them into yet another war, pushing them to their limits and beyond. Lots of gore and violence, touch decisions and heartbreaking outcomes. But as with the rest of the series, resilience is in their blood.
This is another fantastic instalment in the series.
December 25, 2023
Can't wait to read the next one!
The complexities of the character's emotions, as well as their actions, are impressively believable to the reader. So much rich fantasy interwined with such powerful relationships and character growth/development. Not to mention incredible writing of the battles /wars with vivid /gruesome detail. The writer seems to add every detail with such balance and thoroughness. It truly makes it easy for the reader to get lost within this epic tale. The 18+ scenes are an added bonus, but they do not overpower the story or diminish it, like so many other "adult" type novels. So well done. I love this story so much❤️ My heart will break when it ends. The next book is released tomorrow 😍🙌 someone please recommend to me another book in this genre before it's too late, I will need a rebound 💔
The complexities of the character's emotions, as well as their actions, are impressively believable to the reader. So much rich fantasy interwined with such powerful relationships and character growth/development. Not to mention incredible writing of the battles /wars with vivid /gruesome detail. The writer seems to add every detail with such balance and thoroughness. It truly makes it easy for the reader to get lost within this epic tale. The 18+ scenes are an added bonus, but they do not overpower the story or diminish it, like so many other "adult" type novels. So well done. I love this story so much❤️ My heart will break when it ends. The next book is released tomorrow 😍🙌 someone please recommend to me another book in this genre before it's too late, I will need a rebound 💔
April 25, 2024
Anette is such a mood and all of her comments on Maxi's relationship are so spot on. I understand that we are supposed to root for the Maxi and Riftan, but Weirdly enough, and contrary to most people, I found the war campaign portion of the book thoroughly entrataining and I prefer it over the never ending lack of communication/miscommunication -> Maxi/Riftan gets pissed and yell at each other -> short make out session? -> repeat of the last three books.
PS: Sidina and Sejuleu are the GOAT.
PS: Sidina and Sejuleu are the GOAT.
January 17, 2024
ahhhhhh!!!
These two!!!
I love this couple! Probably one of my favorite romance couples. They are so raw and passionate I can’t help but being sucked into their story.
With this book the seige is under way in another war against the monsters. Maxi is away from Riftan and fighting battles alongside the armies.
The passion that erupts between these two is intense and full of miscommunication but the ending gives me hope that they are finally at a point where their happily ever after can conquer all.
This did have small sections with Riftan’s pov mixed in with it being primarily Maxi’s pov in third person
Lots of politics and intrigue. Monsters and intense battles.
There is some steam, especially at the end.
These two!!!
I love this couple! Probably one of my favorite romance couples. They are so raw and passionate I can’t help but being sucked into their story.
With this book the seige is under way in another war against the monsters. Maxi is away from Riftan and fighting battles alongside the armies.
The passion that erupts between these two is intense and full of miscommunication but the ending gives me hope that they are finally at a point where their happily ever after can conquer all.
This did have small sections with Riftan’s pov mixed in with it being primarily Maxi’s pov in third person
Lots of politics and intrigue. Monsters and intense battles.
There is some steam, especially at the end.
December 3, 2023
soooo good !
I was worried after reading the previous book that Maxi and Riftan would never overcome their stubbornness, and I have been eagerly awaiting this book’s release. The only problem with finishing it so soon is that now I have to wait for the next book, and I don’t know how long that’s going to take. There’s clearly some intrigue going on behind the scenes, and I’m excited for more of this series.
Throughout this whole series, watching Maxi go from a terrified, abused woman to a bad-ass mage with both a spine and a temper has been immensely satisfying. I really liked getting more of Riftan’s pov as well.
I was worried after reading the previous book that Maxi and Riftan would never overcome their stubbornness, and I have been eagerly awaiting this book’s release. The only problem with finishing it so soon is that now I have to wait for the next book, and I don’t know how long that’s going to take. There’s clearly some intrigue going on behind the scenes, and I’m excited for more of this series.
Throughout this whole series, watching Maxi go from a terrified, abused woman to a bad-ass mage with both a spine and a temper has been immensely satisfying. I really liked getting more of Riftan’s pov as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews