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 125–164 of the Second Season of the web novel Under the Oak Tree. Enjoy the official webcomic of Under the Oak Tree on Manta app
My favorite book out of the whole series! It was about freaken time that they had some communication. I loved them when they were toxic and uncommunicative but I am IN LOVE with them now that they know each other's feelings for one another. No more hiding it and no more miscommunication. We see a lot of Riftan being affectionate. I also love that Riftan is allowing Maxi to grow and be her own person. But my absolute favorite thing is a jealous Maxi. I love this series.
The cliffhanger at the end of this installment is a terrible unkindness. Otherwise, the characters are finally overcoming some of those frustrating flaws.
5 ⭐️ WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT CLIFFHANGER?! I’m losing my mind. I am bamboozled. I need the next part like I need air. AHHH.
Maxi & Riftan continue to be everything to me. THEIR GROWTHHHHH. They have come such a long way on with their own personal journeys and growth & as a couple, I am so proud of them!! Still, the politics and dangers in this world need to CHILL so that they can freaking go home & be together!!!
Love love love! It’s addicting. I’ve read all 10 books in a matter of 5 days. This book takes you to another world and it’s just amazing! If the author is to release 20 additional books, I would buy them all, because you just can’t get enough. Thank you Suji Kim!!
I was having SO MUCH FUN reading this book until I read those final two pages- YIKES. Anyways, it’s like riftan and maxi’s relationship is evolving because they’ve finally begun to understand each other and thank goodness for that. Also that annoying princess let us see a totally new side to our main characters that I was absolutely eating upppp ugh I need MORE
This book is my favorite out of the entire series.
*spoiler alerts ahead*
First of all after three long books of miscommunication and chaos they have finally been able to say everything they needed. Now their marriage is stronger than ever, and they are fighting battles together, literally, and figuratively. I can never express how much I love the series and how much I love these characters. Maximillian calyspe has had some of the best character development ever. In the first book, you see this 22-year-old shy, traumatized, previously abused by her father, and timid girl terrified that her husband will divorce her after his three-year long campaign that he had to leave after the day they got married. Then she comes to find out that her husband Riften has been pining for her all the three years. through his love she overcomes her stutter and grows into a confident young woman who can state her mind and who no longer hates herself. You also get to see Riftan and maxi who technically have been married like 8 years but separated for 6 (3 being his campaign to defeat the red dragon, and 3 being her training in the mage tower) go through so much like breaking down walls of communication and being vulnerable, them losing a baby in the womb , and having to be separated. I felt like this book was the first breakthrough in their relationship and I feel like they have grown together. I can’t give enough praise for this series and now after reading my hefty review I will spam with quotes and my commentary in said quotes!!
“I’ve only ever wanted the best for you,” he said bitterly. “I want to lavish you with beautiful gowns and jewels, not armor and weapons. I want to provide you with a life free from worry and fear, one where dark mages are the furthest things from your mind. My wishes have not changed.” “I-I…” “But you chose to become a mage.” A bitter smile rose on his lips. “And you have the right to decide how to live your life.”
Like come onnnn 🤭🤭🤭🤭
“W-What I want… is to be with you, Riftan Calypse. To remain by your side at all times.” Wrapping his arms around her, Riftan buried his face in the red locks cascading over her shoulder. She felt his warm breath against her icy neck as he whispered, “Then let’s do that.”
Like I am so glad he is letting himself be vulnerable and letting her love him like she should.
“She vowed then and there that she would always choose Riftan Calypse, even if it meant sacrificing the whole world.”
I would vow that to I mean look at him 🤭
“Forget everything that man has told you. You are the bravest, noblest, most beautiful person I know. You believe me, don’t you?” Maxi nodded, and he tilted his head to kiss her eyelid. “Whenever you start doubting yourself again, ask me to tell you what kind of person you are,” he whispered. “I will say it as many times as necessary.”
Like everybody needs a man who can reassure his woman am I right?????
“As she looked toward her husband at the front, she sent up a desperate prayer that their army would be granted time to rest before the fighting began.”
I could go on and on but I will spare you that. All this to say I can’t wait to see where the author takes this and I will be right here waiting for the update!!!
How to explain this? It's like Suji Kim denied me all my happiness just to drown me in it, in the tenth book. Finally, we made it through all the blood, sweat, and tears. I know what you are thinking "It's just a dream, none of it's real" No my friend I'm here to tell you it is. You've arrived at happiness station congratulations.
Here are some examples of max-level happiness. Riftan is smiling, playing, and I'm not sure you will believe this but he laughed. These two are talking and even if they can't quite believe the depth of the other's affection it is sinking into their dumb dumb brains at least. There is possibility here and I am glad I wasn't too scared to put all my chips in because this was worth every penny.
My cheeks hurt so much. Maxi got a blue cape guys A BLUE CAPE!!! I cried with happiness and I don't care who knows it. Still, you have to realize the time they have spent together is so minuscule to the years they spent apart. So I shall forgive all the crap they put me through. These two have finally turned into adults. Slowly letting out their insecurities and healing their heart. And question, Why is Riftan not telling Maxi about teenage Riftan falling in love with her???? Is it because Maxi's heart will melt on the spot and never recover??? I see no other reason.
Riftan has become candid. I was unsure if his red flags could ever be dyed green but here we are. Also, random thought, why is Riftan feeding Maxi so hot? "Open your mouth". AAAAHHHHHH YES SIR RIFTAN SIR. Bahaha and a jealous Maxi never gets old while Riftan's teasing her about it *swoon*. No lie I thought I was dreaming this book and any minute I would wake up and it would all be a lie.
My heart is vulnerable now. Am I a total dunce in believing that there will only be good things from here? Yes probably so leave me alone. We all went through a lot I deserve nice things now. I can just see it, overprotective scared Riftan with a pregnant glowing Maxi. My heart feels full and I'm super spoiled so if I don't get these things that I want there will be hell to pay.
P.S. There is sleeping smex in this book and omg is it hot. I might just go back and read it again. *foot steps receding*
-----Quotes-----
“Haven’t seen you in a while, Commander.” Smirking, Hebaron Nirtha plopped down on the seat next to him. “I must admit, I’m astounded by your virility. I was beginning to think we’d need to dispatch a rescue team for her ladyship.” “You’d better hold that tongue before I snap your neck,” Riftan snarled, tossing the reports onto the desk.
Maximilian blushed. “You told me once that keeping your first-earned coin… b-brings good fortune.” Riftan jerked his head up as she reached into her coat. She pulled out the copper coin he had once given her. “Since all of your fortune… is with me, I-I want you to have all of mine.”
It suddenly made him wonder if she knew he existed solely for her. Maximilian’s eyes twinkled. “Next time… I will give you something even better.” Then, as though determined to shatter his heart completely, she said, “I will give you… everything I have. It may not be much, but what I have is yours.”
“Don’t worry so much. No matter what happens, I will protect you.” A joyful smile lit up Maxi’s face. With just a few words from him, she felt instantly reassured. She took his hand and intertwined their fingers. “I will protect you too.”
“A-As a mage of the order?” “That’s right.” Draping the cloak over her shoulders, he declared, “You are now a mage of the Remdragon Knights. Hence, you must obey your commander’s orders before any instruction by that Nornui riffraff.”
“W-What I want… is to be with you, Riftan Calypse. To remain by your side at all times.” Wrapping his arms around her, Riftan buried his face in the red locks cascading over her shoulder. She felt his warm breath against her icy neck as he whispered, “Then let’s do that.”
She vowed then and there that she would always choose Riftan Calypse, even if it meant sacrificing the whole world.
“Shut your trap and keep eating,” Riftan said coldly. Unfazed, Hebaron continued, “You seem to be treating our newest recruit awfully well. Why don’t we reorganize the order’s hierarchy again while we’re at it?"
“H-How dare you… How dare you insult my husband? Riftan has s-saved this land numerous times! He protected the East from the dragon’s threat… and fought valiantly during the monster wars. And, as if that weren’t enough… he has come all this way to save this wretched place yet again! But… you still dare to call my husband an invader?”
“You are someone who strives to protect others despite all your scars… and you have no idea how endearing I find that.”
“That part of you fills me with dread, yet it’s precisely what has drawn me to you for so long. From the moment I realized you were seeking someone to hold and protect, I yearned to be that person.”
“Whenever you start doubting yourself again, ask me to tell you what kind of person you are,” he whispered. “I will say it as many times as necessary.”
“You are so lovely when you’re obedient,” he whispered teasingly. Maxi shot him a mock glare. “I suppose that means… you find me insufferable when I’m not.” “Well, you’re certainly less lovely then.” Maxi slapped his shoulder, and Riftan gave a hearty laugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am so happy how the next addition came out so fast. The couple is growing beautifully. The author is making me yell at every point when Maxi comes out of her shell. Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ of the loves between the two having on the edge.
If you managed to make it through the past 2 books, this one is well worth the frustrating struggle. Each book only gets better. The love, the battles, the stakes. I can't wait for the next one!
You might want to wait for the 11th book to come out before reading this. Just saying.
The relationship between Maxi and Riftan continues to develop in this book, and it’s gratifying to see that Maxi is now living her dream as a mage of the Rem Dragon Knights. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.
---this is reallllly dragging on now, can maxi and riftan just have a 5 minute conversation already, holy crap
---I can no longer stand the word "tepid" as it's used on every other page.
---it's been getting more and more unclear about who is talking during conversations
---asterisks had been used to separate changes in the story, but they just disappeared, so now we go from riftan having a conversation in his tent to suddenly being on top of talon without anything to explain how that happened. -ex "She watched the man go, then turned to the tent's entrance.
Riftan had his head tilted back and was massaging between his eyes. Her heart sank like a lead weight at seeing him so weary. Not only was her husband burdened with the grave responsibility of stopping the dragon's revival, but he also had to keep an eye on an enemy within his own army. As if that were not enough, her father was another weight on his troubles.
It frustrated her greatly that there was nothing she could do for him. The self-esteem she had painstakingly built during the past few years seemed to crumble all at once. After watching Riftan with despondent eyes, she turned and walked away.
Riftan gazed at his wife with concern. She had grown increasingly quiet since entering the Duchy of Croyso. Her expression was frequently dark, even demoralized. No doubt, being there brought back painful memories for her.
Gripping his reins, Riftan clenched his jaw. Whenever he was reminded of the deep emotional scars the duke had inflicted on Maximilian, he was overcome with uncontrollable rage. It was all he could do not to turn his horse around and race toward Croyso Castle to hack the man to pieces."
---the quality is greatly diminishing, like did anyone proofread this? -ex "There are five basic swings: diagonal, sideway, and a vertical cut aimed at the head." uhhh riftan, that's only 3 types of sword swings, no? unless you're counting sideways to the left and sideways to the right and left diagonal and right diagonal and then vertically up and down, but that's now more than five swings?
---the sex scenes are actually awkward and uncomfortable -ex "Pushed to her limits, Maxi clawed his back, thrashing her legs" -ex "He rubbed his large, still-erect shaft against her opening, then entered her before she could speak.
Maxi clutched at the sheet. Her inner wall, sensitive from repeated climaxes, began to spasm. Riftan began moving his hips without giving her time to adjust. Flustered, she tried to crawl away for a brief reprieve, but he clearly had no intention of letting her go.
He was persistent, pushing her legs apart with his knee and thrusting even deeper. Falling flat on her stomach, Maxi arched her back. His member struck a particular spot, sending a bolt of pure sensation through her. Sparks flew before her eyes. Her limbs convulsed, and saliva dribbled from her gaping mouth."
Ya'll this one had me laughing and screaming and rolling my eyes like nobody's business!
F I N A L L Y these two are HAPPY!
I will admit that I feel like it won't last because this author LOVES to torture us with happy reunions only for some kind of misunderstanding or obstacles to come in the way and ruin it all, but we will see!
I love how this series just draws you in and keeps me begging for more and more.
The twist on the dark mages and monsters has elevated the series to new heights and ramped up the tension as the armies march out to battle once again.
Plus the threat of betrayal and political intrigue has me on the edge of my seat trying to predict what will happen next.
This book did have two short additional povs from Breston and Kuahel. Mostly Maxi’s pov in third person with Riftan’s pov mixed throughout.
Some steamy scenes as Riftan and Maxi are stronger than ever in their relationship and working together.
Cómo disfrute leer este libro Amo lo mucho que mejoró la relación de Maxi y Riftan. Amo que finalmente hayan dejado de lado sus egos y hayan aprendido a comunicarse entre ellos ❤️ Los últimos capítulos son horrendos. La única razón por la que aparece la princesa Lienna es para seguir dándole celos e inseguridades a Maxi 😡 Y Riftan poco y nada hace para sacarse de encima a la mujer que literalmente se le tira encima de sus brazos y hace comentarios insinuando que tuvieron sexo 👊👊 Espero que esta sea la última prueba que su relación deba enfrentar y espero que en el próximo libro Maxi se le planté a los dos
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Finally! Some improvement in the communication department! If that hadn’t improved in this book I might have just given up. But thankfully, that isn’t the case and I can keep reading cause I do love Riftan & Maxi.
My only compliant with this installation was with each intimate scene…we got details about Maxi’s “bush”. Was this a new translator? Was that description there before and I just glossed over it? Personal opinion but I found the repeated description unneeded.
After that cliffhanger, I look forward to the next installment!
“Whenever you start doubting yourself again, ask me to tell you what kind of person you are,” he whispered. “I will say it as many times as necessary.”
Can’t believe this is already the 2nd to the last book. I’m gonna miss these characters so much I don’t want to finish the final book yet. :(
I’m so happy with Riftan and Maxi’s interactions here, they’re just so cuteee. Although majority of the plot in this book revolved around the city wars and the technicalities took most of the pages, the random breaks and interactions between the main characters made it worth it.
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.
I loved how mature Maxi and Riftan are in this part of the book. I love how the author keeps building the action in this world of knights and monsters and it never gets old. I am also thankful to whomever translates this because I feel it's doing an astounding job. I have read other translations and man it looks like a teenager drop the slang on it. Translating a text from another language is an art too and I want to recognize that.
**I've discovered that this series actually is finished. You can find the final novel on the Manta app. It is a stunning and worthy conclusion to this gorgeous romantasy.**
Well, I really wasn't expecting the cliffhanger. 😅 I bought this series because I thought it was finished. After a thorough investigation, it seems as though the author has continued this series on WebNovel, and it's still being updated. I've been following Under the Oak Tree for years and am disappointed that it hasn't been completed yet.
I really loved this final book, I only wish it had been clearer that the story isn't fully written yet.
Was very surprised to find this on the store already. Couldn't wait to read it and couldn't put it down like the rest of the series. I absolutely love these books. Cannot wait for more.
It's getting so good! I can't wait for the next part. Maxi is really starting to become a character I love and Riftan is finally talking more. Hope the next book involves a baby.
Three words for you - “the fucking cliffhanger!” I can’t wait for this season to end. I love this story so much but I would be nice to have a good conclusion. In other words, I’m so happy they are publishing an actual book! I can’t wait!