Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 2 (novel): The New York Times bestselling fantasy romance sensation (Under the Oak Tree

Under The Oak Tree - Novel #2

by Suji Kim

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after – but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA, continues in this second volume.

As her first winter in Anatol turns to spring, Lady Maximilian finds herself confronting an unfamiliar hope. Her voice and her magic strengthen every day; the only parts of Calypse Castle left to refurbish are its gardens, which she plans to fill with blooming flowers; and the way her husband, the recalcitrant war hero Sir Riftan, looks at her from across their bedroom makes her feel, for the first time in her life, that she might be worthy of love and affection.

However, Maxi's life is never that easy. Just as she begins to feel at home with Riftan, Maxi receives a surprise visit from Princess Agnes, the renowned sorceress who might have become Riftan's wife if he'd decided to divorce Maxi after the Dragon Campaign. Not at all what Maxi expected, the princess stirs up complicated emotions and politics that could lead to monumental changes in Maxi and Riftan's relationship.

This volume collects chapters 77-133 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Light Novel, Audiobook, Adult

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2025

About the author

김수지

Reviews

[Iqra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did a cheeky reread of one of my fav couples ever and omagosh it actually brought back all the best feels 😫😫 I missed them so much like truly will never get over their soulmatery.

I’m def feeling homesick after my reread 💔

RiftanMaxi are THE toxic but softest couple I’ve ever read and nothing will ever come close or hold a candle to how much they mean to me.

The growth of maxi’s character? I’ve never been prouder. And seeing Riftan squirm when maxi puts him in place is always 🤭🤭 god I love them SFM.

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC! ♥︎

[Alynus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am savurat fiecare moment din această poveste agonizant de lentă.
Nota mea este pentru toată seria.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headlines:
Adventures
Learning each other
Give and take

I devoured the second volume novel of this series, it was captivating. I hold complete bias for Maxi and Riftan but Suji Kim keeps everything interesting and fresh with relationship hurdles and a plot full of adventure.

I was most delighted to see Maxi outside of the castle, respected for some of her developing talents and crucially, her belief in herself. Maxi is such an endearing character, her growth over books 1 & 2 is immense and beautiful to see her coming into a sense of worth. She still has anxiety and uncertainty in her relationship, but there was a sense of some firmer footing in those aspects.

Talking of growth, Riftan was forced to see Maxi in a different light outside of the bedroom. There was nothing easy about this but it was so satifying to see him capitulate! I love how their emotional intimacy is developing, the feelings are full x 100 and the longings continue.

Where this volume left off isn't cliff hanger territory but it's a pause before more exciting times, so I cannot wait to read on. Roll on next year for volume 3.

Thank you DelRey UK/Inklore for the eARC

[Harir Omari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel was alr, but the ML needs to be castrated.🤷🏻‍♀️

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Significantly less spicy than the first novel but in a good way, Riftan was too horny and Maxi was the weakest woman alive. In the second installment, Maxi grows a backbone and Riftan holds his urges in check, so both are more palatable. I'm really enjoying the magic learning and just about every time Ruth shows up, he seems the most real of all the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Yuliia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Disclaimer: I hate this book with a passion but for some reason I am addicted to this series, I’m not a hate-reader but I am when it comes to this series because I’m in sheer disbelief that something like this can be published in the Year 2025! BUT it’s laced with crack or something because it’s so entertaining, I think I’m getting flashbacks to my Wattpad days.

Maxi is the Y/N final pick-me boss.
I genuinely don’t understand how Riftan is supposed to be the love interest when he:
- infantilizes her
- thinks she’s stupid and treats her like a pet most of the time
- does not care about her interests
- has no interest in opening up to her
- only uses her for her body and most times with murky consent
- does not respect her
- the ONE time he could’ve showed his dominant side that’s not weaponized against her was when there were some random girls flirting with him and HE didn’t shut it down???? Tf????? He even stammered and Maxi herself had to tell the girlies to back tf off her husband and he went all like ‘uhhh…yeah I guess back off girls…’ WHAT. And then he tries to pounce on her two pages later because of how ‘hard’ that made him? Like sorry, that doesn’t make you an alpha male, that actually shows you cannot stand up and respect your woman but then again, RIFTAN DOES NOT RESPECT MAXI, he doesn’t care about her beyond the bedroom.

Besties, we deserve a man who yearns and respects his woman. This is not romance but a fkn cautionary tale.

[Caro · Rating 2 out of 5]

At a certain point I thought, “oh this is how I die… an aneurysm.” I forgave Maxi in the first volume: young, doe-eyed, virgin bride. Repressed and abused her whole life then taken away to her war hero husband’s land, not knowing what to expect from him or their relationship. But come on? Can we please stop acting the battered, scared, invalid child and just start acting a teeeeensy bit more badass? Seriously, I grow zits bigger than the pair of cajones she has by the end of this volume.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ “Under the Oak Tree” remains one of my absolute favorite series. Genuinely, it lives rent-free in my mind and I am always thinking about these characters, and I WISH that more people knew about them.

For my fellow long-term fans of the series, this covers roughly (re: the ebook translations before the traditional publishing) Season 1, Vol. 2 (the very end of it) through Season 1, Vol. 4 (about mid-way through).

We get all the sweet and awkward parts of their relationship developing (Riftan’s concern “you’re bleeding?!” never fails to crack me up), seeing Maxi come into her own in running the castle, and training her magic.

This really is a big turning point in their relationship — Riftan gets to see Maxi struggle & then hold her own (somewhat lol) on their way from Anatol to Livadon. I think that is what really makes me love this story — Maxi struggles and fights for every bit of progress in her story. It is rarely easy for her — so often in fantasy novels, the FMC struggles for just a little bit and then becomes an utter warrior quickly - and while I do love that in those books, what I love for Maxi is that she fights and works hard for every single scrap of progress she makes. Even if the face of what looks like an insurmountable task, she does not give up. Even when her insecurities and doubts sometime get a hold of her, she fights and puts in the work anyway.

Riftan is genuinely the blueprint even though I want to bang their heads together like coconuts and scream “COMMUNICATE.” Maxi’s doubt about the depths of his feelings is so funny (and frustrating) to read sometimes, because it is very clear to us that truly, all the man wants to do is lay facedown in her lap and never leave. There is “down bad” and then there is Riftan Calypse. Truly, I don’t know if I have ever read another MMC like him.

Thank you so much @netgalley and the publishers for this eARC — I have my preorder in for the beautiful physical copy to join the first one, and I frequently go back and read all my highlights & bookmarks (I am always one minor encouragement from rereading) — to be honest, I am already mentally planning to reread both my physical copies once this one is released!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you've read the ebook releases, this is worth revisiting - the cleaned up print version of the story is much better while still retaining the ludicrous "just talk to each other!" elements.

[Hanna (lapetiteboleyn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look, I know it's not well written or literary, or anything of the sort. But I'm obsessed.

[Meag · Rating 2 out of 5]

plot? never heard of her

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

TL;DR: Unfortunately this was not an improvement on the first book.
Source: NetGalley - Thank you to the publisher!!

Plot: Maxi spends a lot of time being deeply self conscious and Riftan spends just as much time thinking with his dick.
Characters: I was so disappointed by them.
Setting: Not strong at all, I wish we’d gotten more.
Fantasy: The fantasy was fine! I enjoyed the magic though some more details would have been nice.

Thoughts:

I had a lot of positive thoughts and feelings about volume one of this series, and I had so much hope for the improvement of the characters in volume two. Maxi was on the way to learning magic, she seemed to have finally gotten some legs under her and was pulling herself up. Riftan, I had hoped, was coming to see her as a capable woman and not a delicate piece of meat he got to stick it in. Sadly both of them kept to the attitudes and flaws they had.

I cannot even tell you the plot because I was so disappointed by the characters. This one was not for me, it didn’t work in a way that translated in my brain. Even now after finishing it all I can think about is how frustrated I was with Maxi and how gross Riftan turned out to be (which was probably my biggest disappointment with the novel).

I can’t recommend this and honestly, I might not recommend the first book anymore either simply because this follow up was so poorly done. If you enjoyed the first book you could enjoy this one, I’m sure but I can’t in good faith recommend you continue.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come! 🌳

(FINAL REVIEW:)

This was the second installment of a manwha that I got hooked on back in 2020 and man did this fix my once in a blue moon itching for romance. Again, I have no idea what it is about this book and characters that make me devour it and have me kicking my feet giggling like a schoolgirl, but man this will go down as one of my favorite romantasy plots.💋

The book picks up a few days after the conclusion of the first book. Maxi has gotten more comfortable with her life at Calypse Castle and her role as the Lady of the Castle and wife of Riftan. I liked that she continues to grow as a person in this, and that she does take a stand against Riftan when he gets overbearing. Speaking of him, while I know that he has his reasons and that there will be chapters in his POV, man is it getting hard to give the man some grace in this volume. 😮‍💨

I won’t talk more about the plot and what happens in this book as I don’t want to accidentally spoil it for people who are interested in reading this at some point or another, but just know that if I, as someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy romance as the sole focus or one of the big focuses in fantasy books, can enjoy this, then maybe this might be a sign that it might be worth picking up. Again, you should look into the trigger warnings before getting into this series though because it does deal a lot with child abuse and how one learns to come out of it (for both Maxi and Riftan, though his POV isn’t always there), so it would be best to think about this before diving into this. ‼️

But thank you again goes to Inklore Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest (and a little late) review, and to the author, Kim, for getting me into the full aspect of romantasy with these characters. ❤️

Publication date: November 18!

Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐️

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book is better than first. I liked how Maxi is growing as a character. She is starting to stand up for herself and push herself to be more. She still has trauma and has issues, but she has definitely grown as a character.
We got more of Riftan's backstory in this, and I feel he will have trauma of his own.
My complaint is the lack of a definite villain. We're learning of a monster army, but 2 books in, and that's all we know.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life lessons from Under the Oak Tree Vol 2: a partnership only works if you take care of each other - and allow yourself to be cared for

4.5⭐️

[Chelsea]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2 (The Novel) by Suji Kim is the third person-POV fantasy romance continuation of the story of Maxi and Riftan. After being married for a while, Maxi and Riftan have settled into their new life together, but tensions arise as Maxi becomes more determined to use her magic and she and Riftan don’t always see eye-to-eye.

Words cannot express how much I love this series. Maxi and Riftan’s story is the absolute best fantasy romance out there and I am in awe of how Kim Suji wields their insecurities to explore how it would impact a romantic relationship without making either character unlikeable. This book has some of my favorite moments of the series, because this is when the cracks really start to show and when Maxi starts being more assertive. I’m obsessed with the moment at the festival when Riftan is so overcome with desire that he drags Maxi away because it not only shows how much he needs her, but how Maxi is starting to change and be bolder.

This is also the book that starts to deal more with family planning and the anxiety around possibly being infertile. There is no confirmation in this book whether or not Maxi can have children, but she knows her mother struggled to get pregnant and then carry children full term and Maxi’s own cycle is very inconsistent. So many people deal quietly with fertility and it’s so important to books discussing those fears and the various ways in which they manifest.

I need book three now. I need to read in Maxi’s POV about her relationship with her sister and the furthering of her relationship with Rosetta and what I know is going to come.

I would recommend this to fans of romantasy and readers who love complicated relationships

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this story

After I read the first novel I wasn't sure if I would be continuing the series but after reading more of the webtoon I'm interested in how this ends so I've decided to get into the novels.

This is less spicy then the first which made this more enjoyable for me since Maxis inner monologue during the spicy scenes in the first volume made me not like it. Her inner monologue did change in this so the few scenes they had she was more into.

While I like Maxi and loved that she is starting to grow a back bone I'm not sure how to feel about Riftan. While he does try and contain his sexual urges in this I still don't like how he treats her. He's overprotective and just the way he tends to speak to her is frustrating. He's very hot and cold with her and it's frustrating to read at times. I'd love to see him soften for her. I think maybe his brusque manner is from being around mercenaries all his life. it seems the most he's been around a woman in princess Agnes and he's ruder to her since he doesn't have feelings for her. Either way I just want him to be nicer to his wife and open up to her instead of thinking her trying to get to know him is an interrogation. He seems to like when she is soft and open with him I don't understand why he wouldn't think she would like that in return

[Holly (Hollys Tea & Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book.

I have been a massive fan of the original website series for years and already own the first novel so was very excited to have the opportunity to read the second novel in the book series. I shall be purchasing a physical copy!

This continues from where the first book finished and I was not disappointed. Like with the first book, Suji Kim captures the feel of the series and the characters perfectly. I really enjoyed revisiting the story of Riftan and Maxi. The story telling is enjoyable and easy to get into. The characters are funny and likeable.

If you like knights, romance, magic and adventure, you'll enjoy Under the Oak Tree.

For me, these books are an easy, snuggle-on-the-sofa-for-a-good-old-romance-with-some-magic-and-spice kind of books. Perfect for this time of year!

[Krysia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again a slow pace, but considering this is an ongoing webnovel, it tracks.

I get so frustrated with Riftan. He’s so hot and cold, and most of the time he treats Maxi like crap. I get so frustrated with Maxi. I know she’s been abused most her life, and she shows such strength when she’s determined to learn something new, but she hides her feelings from Riftan. But when these two come together and are on the same page, wow. They act like they are truly in love.

I’m hoping to read Riftan’s POV novel soon, so hopefully I get more backstory and understanding into his character.

Book three is preordered!

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Format: Audiobook

This was giving me the biggest sense of déjà vu until I remembered that I had read ahead on the webtoon after completing the first book. 😅

I have mixed feelings about this one because on one had I loved Maxi finally starting to develop her own backbone and strengthening her magic skills, but on the other hand Riftan was in his full Tamlin-era and giving me the ick.

Overall, the writing of these books reads very much like “telling” rather than “showing” but it helps to have the comic on hand so you can see the gorgeous artwork to fully experience the story.

[Abby Rogish Bodin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Ray for an advanced copy!
Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this book more than volume one. We see Maxi finally get a backbone and stand up to Riftan, but there is still so much disconnect between the two. It’s very obvious they’re both obsessed with each other but aren’t willing to share their innermost thought with the other. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next!

[SaucceyySarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t wanna wait for the next oneeeee! It was sooooo good, I love the novels! I’m so engrossed in the words than I am with the graphic novels which I don’t really focus on cause I think the pictures are so pretty but the novels has the detail I enjoy 😍

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce livre ne sort qu'au mois de novembre mais j'ai eu la chance de le découvrir bien avance!! Autant vous dire que quand j'ai reçu le mail d'acceptation, je suis tombée des nues!!! J'adore le manga Under The Oak Tree (j'ai déjà dévoré tous les chapitres disponibles), je voulais découvrir le roman! Ce second volume retranscrit les chapitres 77 à 133 du webtoon et j'ai retrouvé l'ambiance du manga dans ce livre! J'ai adoré l'intrigue mais aussi l'évolution de la relation entre Riftan et Maxi! Cette dernière évolue aussi, prend progressivement confiance en elle et ose dire non! J'ai tellement hâte d'avoir la suite de leur histoire et je vais croiser les doigts pour qu'une traduction arrive rapidement!

En bref, un second tome à la hauteur du premier !

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
2🌶️
🎧(Narrator: A.Jo; 5/5 🎤)
Themes/Tropes: Overcoming stutter, healing magic, going on a quest, personal growth/development

Firstly, a big thank you to PRB Audio and Suji Kim for the chance to read an Advanced Listener Copy of Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2. I went straight from reading volume one into reading this ALC, which I think is the good way to go because I think it’s really one large story broken apart vs. several stories in a series, like many romantic fantasy series.

This story picks right up along the timeline of when volume one ends. I enjoy this series but I was really hoping they would get further into the back story of Riftan and why he cares so deeply about Maxi. It did a tiny bit of Riftan’s backstory, but barely. I did like Maxi’s growth in this book but Riftan has a horrible temper that is really off putting. He overly babies Maxi instead of helping her grow, but he does seem to love her although neither have used that word yet.

Overall, solid read. Will be excited for the next installment.

🚨Spoiler Alert: Stop here to avoid plot spoilers 🚨

The book kicks off with news that Princess Agnes is coming to do a land inspection and will be coming with 20-30 people to stay. Riftan has become distant to Maxi and Maxi is worried the Princess coming could mean they’d divorce. That the Princess was coming to seduce Riftan, since she was almost his bride. Maxi did all the preparation for the castle and this was her first hosting as the lady of the castle.

The princess arrives and is beautiful and grace, but is wearing pants and is very uninhibited. Maxi shows the Princess around and she seems confident and has boundless energy. Riftan says he tolerates the Princess, but has zero romantic interest in her. Riftan takes the Princess to help fend off monsters by their road project and they get into a big Wyvern attack that a lot of soldiers were getting wounded by, so Maxi goes to help. She uses her healing magic but almost uses out her mana. Riftan saves her but then is very upset she put herself in danger and tells her she cannot do that again.

On one of the Princess’s last days at the Calypse castle; they attend a town festival where Maxi has fun playing and dancing; she even shows some jealousy of a woman who tries hitting on Riftan. Riftan and Maxi sneak off to the forest for some “couple time” and then the Princess shoots off fireworks that interrupt them. The Princess says she has to get back because there is a bit of a monster uprising and implies Maxi may need to go to help, but that she should come too. The Princess says Maxi has magic talent in the healing arts and she should use it.

Once the Princess leaves, Maxi goes back to not being able to do anything outside of the house chores. Due to Riftan’s displeasure, she stops studying magic but becomes listless. Riftan takes her on an outing where he admits that he feels unworthy of her due to her Nobel lineage and that he knows her father only let them wed because he was certain Riftan would die on the campaign he was going to in the Duke’s stead. But now that Riftan lived he was going to spoil her, but Maxi can’t find the nerve to tell Riftan that she was worth less than the dogs in her father’s eyes.

Riftan was out on another official duty, when a soldier gets injured with werewolf venom. Maxi doesn’t want to upset Riftan, but she goes to help him even though she’s never done a venom curing before. But she was able to do it. The soldiers found that there was a sign that the monsters were banning together to wreak havoc. They eventually get called to join the monster battle by the king, but there aren’t enough mages to go with, so Maxi volunteers to go. Riftan did NOT want her to go and was very angry. The soldiers advocated for her to go and she proved herself capable.

They departed for battle. Maxi was struggling to deal with the long days on the horse, the monster attacks en route, Riftan’s cold demeanor, and the dirty living conditions. Eventually, she found her footing and Riftan found his way back to her. They eventually made it to the port they were headed to, in order to go to the main battle. They board a ship to take them to the main land, where Riftan had convinced Maxi to stay at a monestary until the battle is over. The book ends with them together on the ship for their last night together at sea.

[Holly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guess what? I still love this story. Yup, I truly, unapologetic, I love this story. And I really like that this books expands on the first one. These two are in deep now and while happy for now was on the horizon a monster army is going to put these two through their paces.

A lot of people are frustrated with Maxi in this one, deservedly so, she does make some stupid ass decisions but I understand and sympathize with what she's trying to accomplish and why. So I never sit there angry with her over the fact she depleted her manna, or she fought to go on a journey that was horribly dangerous and she was unprepared for. She knew it was but she went anyway. Girl was nearly ended by a goblin and nearly got drowned by a kelpie. Yet, she's still in it and she's trying her damned best. That deserves some fraction of praise.

The author was also good enough to write in several scenes of her putting in the hours long work to get better, in a hurry mind you, so that she could be useful to the Remdragon Knights. That would make a difference in the rising tension of the novel. The conflict between her and Riften doing their best to keep each other safe while maintaining these ideals in their heads is a good read even if I want to bang their heads together and tell them to sit and TALK.

The only real criticism I have was the juvenile fight about her being in the infirmary and how she had one of the knights talk to Riften when she refused to do so- in the most high school way. That really rubbed me the wrong way. Also the jealousy thing with Princess Agnes just refused to die. I know Maxi has self esteem issues that she will battle her entire life but it was clear Riften onlyy admired Agnes as a comrade in arms. I know Agnes was brought in to highlight Maxi's want to be a mage like her but it could have been done better. However despite those issues, I like Agnes as a character, I really like she was manipulative but she wasn't after Riften sexually. She had another political reason for being in the story. And the whole jealousy thing wasn't neatly solved but they did become friends without relying on the tired trope of fake cheating or melodrama.

I think the real reason people are very upset with Maxi is that they are so used to totally boring girlbosses. They don't see how Maxi's recklessness (and boy that girl does not value her life at all in this book) is due to her insane fear Riften will see she's not the precious treasure he makes her out to be. She has to be useful or she will spiral out into self doubt and depression. It doesn't matter what the cost is or the damage after.

When reading these adventures and near death experiences with her keep in mind- if she's not useful, she's nothing. With war on the horizon things are not looking good for our troublesome twosome. I can't wait to read more.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Under the Oak Tree is a novelization of the Under the Oak Tree webcomic by Suji Kim. In Volume 1, the story focuses on a young noble lady, Maximillian, and her growth as a new wife to the most reputable and fearsome knight in the kingdom, Sir Riftan. Faced with challenges in the previous book, we saw Maxi slowly begin to accept herself and her new role in an ancient, monster-infested world.

Volume 2 continues very much in the same way with similar pacing. Maxi has flourished in her new role as Lady and adapted to her new life with Riftan and the knights. We meet a few new faces as well and Maxi continues to learn more about herself and how she best fits in with Riftan's world.

Maxi's growth also continues in Volume 2 and where we saw her start to make significant changes to growing her self-confidence in Volume 1, Volume 2 is where she really starts to stand on her own as both a lady and a prospective mage.

I'm still not keen on Riftan as a love interest as some of his controlling actions and words I would consider going way too far to the point he is disrespectful to his comrades and his wife but I am relieved to see Riftan is on a growth journey of his own and slowly starting to realize his desperate overprotectiveness is not always appropriate--especially when it comes to Maxi. He sees her as a delicate rosebud but he has yet to learn that roses have thorns. I especially enjoy the parts that reveal that Riftan can sometimes be just as naive as Maxi. Especially as Riftan often chides Maxi for her recklessness, as if he had a paternal role but during these moments they serve as a reminder of his naivety and youth as well.

Again, much like the first book, the real charm here is watching Maxi's character growth. Watching her confidence and willpower boom in comparison to where she first started has been a real treat. It's not difficult to root for her success or happiness, she is such a sweet character and her relationships with other characters really show just how capable she is and how worthy she is to get everything she wants.

Note: Volume 2 picks up immediately where Volume 1 left off at Chapter 12 rather abruptly so it is my recommendation to go back and reread Chapter 11 prior to starting Volume 2.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Under The Oak Tree Vol.2 by Suji Kim
* * * * *
A big thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the oppurtunity to read this amazing story from a different angle, from the world-adored manga that I love as well. Danger, love, plots, war, magic and secrets.

Lady Maximilian's life as improved since joining her husband at his estate, growing under Riftan's care, training from Ruth, and getting the support of her staff and people. She knows she still has much to learn, but for the first time in her young life, she is very happy.
Of course, challenges are still being thrown their way.
From a powerful beautiful princess, to a rising war that threatens to tear them apart, Max and Riftan must face another few obstacles before they can finally reach that happily ever after.

This being the second novel, I would strongly urge others to read the first, as this provides more backstory to Max's past with her chilldhood, her stutter, her growing abilities in magic, and how hers and Riftan's marriage blossomed to the point where it is now.
From the manga, you are given an illustration of the happenings. However, in the written word such as this, your mind changes things but also involves more detail that you don't get entirely from the manga. I can recall all the happenings of the illustrations throughout the book, from what is to happen and how it is pictured, from the princess's arrival, the goblins, the fighting, the voyage at sea, but still this written version is more intimate.
Especially the love scenes between Max and Riftan. Wink, wink!
Although their romance is sweet, Max wishes to grow and become stronger to be the partner Riftan needs. However, big strong knight Riftan puts his baby wife in a corner, away from the danger and keeping her out of harms way. Way too overprotective, and not seeing how Max wishes to be the ruler she wishes to be especially for him. When Max decides to join him on his journey to where the war is raging, it is another conflict in their marriage.
Even if I had not read the manga, I would have loved to read this novel all the same. Love the characters, the setting, the action and romance between our MCs. Would love to read the third volume when it comes out and see how it captures the already viewable chapters in their world and what is yet to come.

[Angharad · Rating 3 out of 5]

🐿️I was given this review copy by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own

🐿️Review: The series should've started with this book

My biggest complaint about volume one is that nothing happens, there's no stakes. They just have lots of sex and remodel the house. In volume 2, complication comes in via a potential love triangle. There's actually some combat this time around, and Maxi learns how to stand up for herself more. Riftan learns how to be a husband outside of the "spicy" times that romantasy cares about so much, and while he's still not the winner of the man of the year award, he does have some much needed growth.

Under the Oak Tree is slow: it's taken 800 pages to start to go somewhere interesting. I'm invested enough at this point to finish the series whenever the next books come out, but I wish that the series had started here and let book 1 be much briefer, 2-3 chapters at most.

🐿️☆ Fun Factor 3/5
🐿️☆ Writing Style 3/5 (Simplistic and childish)
🐿️☆ Characters 3/5
🐿️☆ Plot 2/5
🐿️☆ Setting 3/5 (They get out of the castle THANK GOD)
🐿️☆ Feels 1/5
💖☆ Romance 2/5 (Riftan tries to be a little better this time)
🙈☆ Spiciness 5/5 (They have on page sex several times)
🐿️☆ Gore 1/5

🐿️If this were a movie it'd be rated: R for HBO late night TV special levels of horniness on screen, sexual assault, child abuse, mild fantasy violence, heavy language

🐿️☆FOR FANS OF: People that wanted some stakes from the first book, but still wanted that cozy vibe and simple prose.

🐿️Ultimate verdict: ⭐⭐⭐/5

🐿️☆☆☆Best Character Award goes to:☆☆☆ Riftan and Maxi get some growth this time around and both are better in this volume than the first.

Under the Oak Tree ratings so far:
🐿️Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 1⭐⭐
🐿️ Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 2⭐⭐⭐
🐿️[Book 3 ] TBD

Under the Oak Tree average score for me so far: 2.5

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Oak Tree Volume 2 carries forward the fragile yet deeply touching romance between Lady Maximilian ("Maxi") and the war-scarred Sir Riftan as their life together finally transitions from strained tranquility to genuine mutual understanding. Maxi finds herself emerging from the winter of self-doubt as spring brings newfound confidence, soft hope, and the tentative promise of healing.

What I adored most about this volume is the evolution of Maxi’s voice and magic—she’s not just surviving in Calypse Castle anymore; she’s beginning to thrive. The scenes where she gardens, breaks into the castle’s neglected corners, and quietly contemplates her worth as she looks at Riftan across their bedroom are so intimate and emotionally grounded—they made me believe in her worthiness of love.

Volume 2 also deepens the emotional stakes by introducing Princess Agnes, a brilliant and impossibly poised sorceress who once could have been Riftan’s wife. Her arrival adds an urgent, uncomfortable tension—Maxi’s fear that Riftan might choose someone else, and Riftan’s complex, unwritten feelings—push both characters to confront what they truly mean to each other.

The pacing here strikes a beautiful balance—steady without dragging, emotional without swamping the story. Maxi’s inner growth is heartfelt, and Riftan’s gradual thaw reveals a softness that feels earned, not rushed. Seeing Maxi take the reins in helping to create a new magical device with the sorcerer Ruth showcases her capability in a way that’s both empowering and sweet.

Still, it’s not without its minor ripples. Some plot points—like the political implications of Agnes’s visit or the deeper lore of Anatol—felt touched upon rather than fully explored. While that keeps the focus on character development, readers craving a bit more worldbuilding or intrigue may find themselves wanting just a little more depth beyond the emotional core.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2 is a gently triumphant second act: a story of quiet resilience, blossoming love, and the courage it takes to believe in stability and belonging. With its tender character arcs and emotional clarity, it earns its four stars and leaves me eagerly waiting for the next chapter in Maxi and Riftan’s journey.

[Sharmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to @netgalley and @inklorebooks for the ARC of Under the Oak Tree Vol. 2 (Novel)*

I have a love/hate relationship with web novel series that get picked up to be traditionally published mainly because the transition from a weekly/bi-weekly chapter drop to a full fledged novel isn’t always executed well.

This was the case for the first volume of Under the Oak Tree. It felt as though the chapters from the web novel were bunched together and thrown almost haphazardly into a book. It had a beginning and a middle, but the ending fell off. It didn’t feel like a complete novel; it felt like a collection of chapters strewn together, so when I started Volume 2 I was a little peeved that the first chapter was titled Chapter 12 because it once again followed the formatting of a collection of chapters rather than a work of its own in a series.

While I was annoyed at first by this formatting, I enjoyed the overall narrative of the book. It started off slow but it really began to build after the 25% mark when Maxi (the main protagonist) started to come in to her own character.

Instead of being this helpless woman who is too scared to do anything because of past traumas, she became much more confident in who she is and who she wants to be, so much so that she was able to stand firm against her loving, but highly controlling husband (Riftan).

These moments of character development for Maxi is what kept me turning the page. If she had stayed helpless and allowed her husband and the people around her to let her be this frail and delicate lady, then I would have dropped this series immediately. Not because I think women can’t be soft and feminine but because I think women are complex enough to be both soft yet firm when it comes to standing up for what they believe in.

I finished this novel feeling like I need to know what happens next, and I think it’s a sign that the story is good. The writing is not perfect and I think that’s has to do more with the fact that it is a work in translation, but I think the plot and the characters are charming enough to make up for it.