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Under The Oak Tree - Novel #3
Under the Oak Tree: Volume 3
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 third volume.
The day that Lady Maximilian has been dreading is After an arduous journey to Livadon, she must stay behind at a monastery while her husband, the renowned Sir Riftan, rides off to war with the Remdragon Knights. Consumed by worry for their loved ones, Maxi and the other noblewomen in the monastery keep themselves busy by tending to villagers in need at the local shelter.
But Maxi’s patience quickly runs thin as she fears the worst. Desperate to see Riftan, she escapes the monastery and makes her way to the battlefield. Little does she know that the horrors of war and swarms of terrifying monsters are not the only dangers awaiting her. As she confronts her painful past, the tumultuous present, and an uncertain future, Maxi faces the greatest obstacles of her life—and the gravest threats to her relationship with Riftan thus far.
This volume collects chapters 134–193 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.
The day that Lady Maximilian has been dreading is After an arduous journey to Livadon, she must stay behind at a monastery while her husband, the renowned Sir Riftan, rides off to war with the Remdragon Knights. Consumed by worry for their loved ones, Maxi and the other noblewomen in the monastery keep themselves busy by tending to villagers in need at the local shelter.
But Maxi’s patience quickly runs thin as she fears the worst. Desperate to see Riftan, she escapes the monastery and makes her way to the battlefield. Little does she know that the horrors of war and swarms of terrifying monsters are not the only dangers awaiting her. As she confronts her painful past, the tumultuous present, and an uncertain future, Maxi faces the greatest obstacles of her life—and the gravest threats to her relationship with Riftan thus far.
This volume collects chapters 134–193 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
April 3, 2026
Destroyed me mentally physically emotionally 🙏
No bc what do u meannnn he said he’d wait for her for years 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Ohmagosh these two are my favourite miscommunication trope ever.
RiftanMaxi are my parents. My beloveds. Padlocked to me. I love them so much it literally hurts.
Cannot wait to see what happens nexttt ahhh!
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you Del Rey for the ARC! ♥︎
No bc what do u meannnn he said he’d wait for her for years 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Ohmagosh these two are my favourite miscommunication trope ever.
RiftanMaxi are my parents. My beloveds. Padlocked to me. I love them so much it literally hurts.
Cannot wait to see what happens nexttt ahhh!
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you Del Rey for the ARC! ♥︎
February 16, 2026
This volume picks up right as Riftan leaves for war. Maxi, unable to bear the anxiety of not knowing if he’s safe, sneaks out of the temple and disguises herself to follow him. Of course, Riftan finds out. And of course… he is absolutely livid.
Before they can even properly deal with that, an attack breaks out and Maxi’s life is once again in danger after depleting her magic. She’s taken to the king’s castle, only to fall into the hands of her abusive father. This time, though, Riftan sees the abuse with his own eyes. And when I say he lost his mind, I mean it. He almost killed the Duke (i wished he did). The duke then plots to bring Riftan to trial with his knighthood, his land, and everything at stake. Maxi, in the middle of all this chaos, makes the hardest choice of all: she decides to enter the Mage Tower, knowing it means years away from Riftan.
I was crying at 6 a.m. over this book.
Riftan’s protectiveness over Maxi in this volume is on another level. He has always loved her fiercely, but here we see what that love looks like when it’s fueled by rage and guilt. Once he finally learns the full truth about Maxi’s past, every bruise, every humiliation she hid from him because of her trauma and insecurities, it doesn’t make him see her as weak. It makes him love her even more. He already placed her above everything else. Now? There’s nothing he wouldn’t do. He would wage war for her without hesitation.
“𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙎𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜?”
What I love most is how both Maxi and Riftan are still flawed, still messy, but they’re slowly learning to be honest with each other. Maxi choosing the Mage Tower wasn’t weakness, it was strength. It was her deciding to become someone who can stand beside Riftan, not hide behind him. And Riftan… he’s still obsessive, still wants to carry the world alone to shield her from pain. That overprotectiveness is both his greatest love and his biggest flaw. It borders on self-destruction. But I can’t hate him for it. He loves with his whole being. And there's so much more behind the reason why he doesn't want to leave Maxi's side.
The writing doesn’t spoon-feed emotions. It lets you sit with them. And I felt everything. The anxiety. The anger. The yearning. The heartbreak.
“𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙. 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙… 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
The last few pages absolutely ruined me.
I need Book 4 immediately. I am not okay.
Before they can even properly deal with that, an attack breaks out and Maxi’s life is once again in danger after depleting her magic. She’s taken to the king’s castle, only to fall into the hands of her abusive father. This time, though, Riftan sees the abuse with his own eyes. And when I say he lost his mind, I mean it. He almost killed the Duke (i wished he did). The duke then plots to bring Riftan to trial with his knighthood, his land, and everything at stake. Maxi, in the middle of all this chaos, makes the hardest choice of all: she decides to enter the Mage Tower, knowing it means years away from Riftan.
I was crying at 6 a.m. over this book.
Riftan’s protectiveness over Maxi in this volume is on another level. He has always loved her fiercely, but here we see what that love looks like when it’s fueled by rage and guilt. Once he finally learns the full truth about Maxi’s past, every bruise, every humiliation she hid from him because of her trauma and insecurities, it doesn’t make him see her as weak. It makes him love her even more. He already placed her above everything else. Now? There’s nothing he wouldn’t do. He would wage war for her without hesitation.
“𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙘𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙎𝙤 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜? 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜?”
What I love most is how both Maxi and Riftan are still flawed, still messy, but they’re slowly learning to be honest with each other. Maxi choosing the Mage Tower wasn’t weakness, it was strength. It was her deciding to become someone who can stand beside Riftan, not hide behind him. And Riftan… he’s still obsessive, still wants to carry the world alone to shield her from pain. That overprotectiveness is both his greatest love and his biggest flaw. It borders on self-destruction. But I can’t hate him for it. He loves with his whole being. And there's so much more behind the reason why he doesn't want to leave Maxi's side.
The writing doesn’t spoon-feed emotions. It lets you sit with them. And I felt everything. The anxiety. The anger. The yearning. The heartbreak.
“𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙. 𝙄 𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙙… 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
The last few pages absolutely ruined me.
I need Book 4 immediately. I am not okay.
December 20, 2025
Riftan hater n.1
July 24, 2026
They actually spoke about their feelings in this book??? Groundbreaking.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my heart. Why is this series so good? I'm in a terrible slump and still I devoured this in less than a day. The gorgeous editions these books are getting just say it all.
My heart hurts for Maxi. She goes through so much. After the ending, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
This is the series for everyone who keeps asking for a heroine who isn't the strongest and the bravest and the best. But is still the HEROINE.
Highly recommended!
My heart hurts for Maxi. She goes through so much. After the ending, I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
This is the series for everyone who keeps asking for a heroine who isn't the strongest and the bravest and the best. But is still the HEROINE.
Highly recommended!
July 13, 2026
I mean this genuinely, I have read thousands of books in my lifetime and no romance has ever matched the romance in this series.
June 19, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy through an unsolicited copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I originally enjoyed the first volume when it came out but the subsequent books have been nothing but disappointment. The husband was absent from the first 30% of the novel. How are we supposed to have a romance if he's not even physically present? Since the initial book, the amount of bedroom scenes has substantially decreased and the couple were rarely in the same location. There was too much filler and description of the environment rather than meaningful dialogue. I was incredibly bored considering how contrasting it was to the first volume. I was polite to accept the second and third books despite my hesitancy to continue. I'm now secure in my opinion to no longer accept any future books in this collection. It's far too long without enough payoff to sustain my attention. I wish we could go back to the start of a knight and his lady with minimal drama. What remains now is a shell of its former self. I'm grateful for this opportunity but it's time for us to part ways. This oak tree's leaves have all fallen off the branch and it's time to turn you into a rocking chair, bub.
I originally enjoyed the first volume when it came out but the subsequent books have been nothing but disappointment. The husband was absent from the first 30% of the novel. How are we supposed to have a romance if he's not even physically present? Since the initial book, the amount of bedroom scenes has substantially decreased and the couple were rarely in the same location. There was too much filler and description of the environment rather than meaningful dialogue. I was incredibly bored considering how contrasting it was to the first volume. I was polite to accept the second and third books despite my hesitancy to continue. I'm now secure in my opinion to no longer accept any future books in this collection. It's far too long without enough payoff to sustain my attention. I wish we could go back to the start of a knight and his lady with minimal drama. What remains now is a shell of its former self. I'm grateful for this opportunity but it's time for us to part ways. This oak tree's leaves have all fallen off the branch and it's time to turn you into a rocking chair, bub.
May 4, 2026
For me hating the miscommunication trope as much as I do, I’m a sucker for this story
July 9, 2026
As obsessed as always ♡
July 28, 2026
Stupid stupid ending 😭😭
September 14, 2026
•3.5 stars•
September 14, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Under the Oak Tree: Volume 3 (The Novel) by Kim Suji is the third person-POV continuation of the fantasy romance Under the Oak Tree.
In so many series, it feels like the best book is the first, but for this series, this book was the best by far. So many things came to a head, Maxi and Riftan grew and and then were torn apart again and again, and every single development had me absolutely gripped. Words cannot express how desperately I need volume four after that cliffhanger. I am so deeply invested in Maxi and Riftan’s story and how they finally achieve their happily ever after.
While this volume had the most interesting development for the romance, it is also very hard to read at times. Duke Croyso is back and we finally meet Maxi’s mysterious sister Rosetta and see their very complicated relationship for the first time. Rosetta both feels very cruel and like a child who is trying desperately to protect themselves so they keep everyone and everything away. She and Maxi are both abused children, but in very different ways and while Maxi is the one who received the worst of it, Rosetta still has my empathy for what she has witnessed and how it impacted her and her beliefs.
Riftan finally coming clean about just how deeply he's been yearning for Maxi for years made an already emotional book reach a fever pitch and I cannot wait until he confesses just how long it truly has been. I'm really, really hoping the publisher also releases the Riftan side stories because the bits I know about them make me feral.
Content warning for depictions of physical abuse, mentions of miscarriage, and racialized language used to describe trolls
Under the Oak Tree: Volume 3 (The Novel) by Kim Suji is the third person-POV continuation of the fantasy romance Under the Oak Tree.
In so many series, it feels like the best book is the first, but for this series, this book was the best by far. So many things came to a head, Maxi and Riftan grew and and then were torn apart again and again, and every single development had me absolutely gripped. Words cannot express how desperately I need volume four after that cliffhanger. I am so deeply invested in Maxi and Riftan’s story and how they finally achieve their happily ever after.
While this volume had the most interesting development for the romance, it is also very hard to read at times. Duke Croyso is back and we finally meet Maxi’s mysterious sister Rosetta and see their very complicated relationship for the first time. Rosetta both feels very cruel and like a child who is trying desperately to protect themselves so they keep everyone and everything away. She and Maxi are both abused children, but in very different ways and while Maxi is the one who received the worst of it, Rosetta still has my empathy for what she has witnessed and how it impacted her and her beliefs.
Riftan finally coming clean about just how deeply he's been yearning for Maxi for years made an already emotional book reach a fever pitch and I cannot wait until he confesses just how long it truly has been. I'm really, really hoping the publisher also releases the Riftan side stories because the bits I know about them make me feral.
Content warning for depictions of physical abuse, mentions of miscarriage, and racialized language used to describe trolls
August 10, 2026
What a devastating ending. Tears streaming down my face, I had to actually take time to pause after this one. I am often able to dive directly into my next read, but this one warranted more reflection.
This series has stuck in my heart and soul. There is something so raw, poignant, and relatable about Maxi's internal struggles after a traumatic and abusive upbringing. And the long, winding road that both Maxi and Riftan must walk to understand how to love each other properly is heartbreaking and so sweet all at once.
I am impressed that the characters in this series rather blatantly show their flaws. There are multiple interactions or thoughts we come across that might make us grimace as readers. Because no, neither person in this relationship is healed enough within themselves to show up to the other effectively. But the character growth shown throughout is absolutely phenomenal. The story takes its time with this as well, so even three books in there's a good amount of journey left for both MCs.
This book shows Maxi further exploring her independence and looking to empower herself. She has to fight against a lot to do it, including Riftan himself, politics, societal norms, and rivals. But it's such a deep journey that gets into my feels. We also start to peel back a little of the 'why' on Riftan in this one, and it cuts to the core.
And again, A. Jo does a wonderful job with the narration. She makes it an incredibly immersive experience.
I cannot wait to continue this story. Keep these books coming!
This series has stuck in my heart and soul. There is something so raw, poignant, and relatable about Maxi's internal struggles after a traumatic and abusive upbringing. And the long, winding road that both Maxi and Riftan must walk to understand how to love each other properly is heartbreaking and so sweet all at once.
I am impressed that the characters in this series rather blatantly show their flaws. There are multiple interactions or thoughts we come across that might make us grimace as readers. Because no, neither person in this relationship is healed enough within themselves to show up to the other effectively. But the character growth shown throughout is absolutely phenomenal. The story takes its time with this as well, so even three books in there's a good amount of journey left for both MCs.
This book shows Maxi further exploring her independence and looking to empower herself. She has to fight against a lot to do it, including Riftan himself, politics, societal norms, and rivals. But it's such a deep journey that gets into my feels. We also start to peel back a little of the 'why' on Riftan in this one, and it cuts to the core.
And again, A. Jo does a wonderful job with the narration. She makes it an incredibly immersive experience.
I cannot wait to continue this story. Keep these books coming!
July 14, 2026
I spent this entire volume angry at Maxie. I will never understand how someone who so desperately wants to prove they're not worthless and not be seen as a burden constantly puts themselves in situations, where they're not supposed to be and end up having to be baby-sat.
WHY TAKE YOUR ASS TO THE FIGHTING!?! Because you are worried!! Girl, if you don't keep your ass at home. Fighting monsters and shit is that man's job. Like her being there will put Riftans mind at ease. And let's say he wasn't doing well did she really think she'd be able to do anything for him? Other than stress him out because now he has to worry about her goofy ass in addition to the trolls and dragons around every corner.
I will give Maxie credit for being angry when she finds out she had a miscarriage and EVERYONE knew but her. Imagine finding out about such a thing about yourself secondhand. And when crashes out about finding out she's told it's old news and she rightfully like IT'S NOT OLD NEWS TO ME! Because while yes it happened a week or two ago. She just found out today so this is very much news and a fresh wound to her.
But then she starts yet another one of her self-pity spirals and allows her father to drag her back to his home because the gossiping about her miscarriage might negatively impact her sisters chance at getting engaged/married.
These books are a constant rinse and repeat of Maxie getting into some sort of situation where Riftan swoops in at the last second to rescue her ass, and they have sex. But in this volume instead of it taking place at Riftans place these events take place on the battlefield. I know every book in this genre doesn't play out like this. But this shit is so frustrating. I can't ever really enjoy this series because unnecessary shits keeps happening.
WHY TAKE YOUR ASS TO THE FIGHTING!?! Because you are worried!! Girl, if you don't keep your ass at home. Fighting monsters and shit is that man's job. Like her being there will put Riftans mind at ease. And let's say he wasn't doing well did she really think she'd be able to do anything for him? Other than stress him out because now he has to worry about her goofy ass in addition to the trolls and dragons around every corner.
I will give Maxie credit for being angry when she finds out she had a miscarriage and EVERYONE knew but her. Imagine finding out about such a thing about yourself secondhand. And when crashes out about finding out she's told it's old news and she rightfully like IT'S NOT OLD NEWS TO ME! Because while yes it happened a week or two ago. She just found out today so this is very much news and a fresh wound to her.
But then she starts yet another one of her self-pity spirals and allows her father to drag her back to his home because the gossiping about her miscarriage might negatively impact her sisters chance at getting engaged/married.
These books are a constant rinse and repeat of Maxie getting into some sort of situation where Riftan swoops in at the last second to rescue her ass, and they have sex. But in this volume instead of it taking place at Riftans place these events take place on the battlefield. I know every book in this genre doesn't play out like this. But this shit is so frustrating. I can't ever really enjoy this series because unnecessary shits keeps happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2026
I genuinely adore this series ever since I first discovered it back in 2022 during COVID. This series is what reignited my joy for reading. It breaks my heart that the author has shelved any potential side stories or sequels because of persistent illegal translations. I pray everyday that she will change her mind, as I know this series has so much potential. Maxi is such a strong character it is heartbreaking to be left with a cliff hanger, uncertain as to what awaits for her, even her relationship with Riftan is clouded with uncertainty.
I reread the novels this July as a special treat originally, only now to release it was a gift to myself to see how far I have come from the girl who first read this books. She was shy, quiet, scared. Only to have blossomed into someone of confidence and pride, that is eternally grateful for the person they are today. I would like to thank these books for making me into that person, but in reality they were merely my starting point for this hard road I have since endured. If it weren’t for them I’m not entirely sure I’d be the reader I am today.
I reread the novels this July as a special treat originally, only now to release it was a gift to myself to see how far I have come from the girl who first read this books. She was shy, quiet, scared. Only to have blossomed into someone of confidence and pride, that is eternally grateful for the person they are today. I would like to thank these books for making me into that person, but in reality they were merely my starting point for this hard road I have since endured. If it weren’t for them I’m not entirely sure I’d be the reader I am today.
February 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, and Inklore for the ARC of this book!
Wow does Suji Kim know how to write in a way that makes you feel every emotion while reading the story. Empowerment for Maxi’s growth as a character, enraged at the abuse from her father that she can’t seem to escape, anxiety over wondering what the outcome of the mediation with the king will be, heartbreak for Riftan because he is so overprotective and yearns for his wife but needs to work on his communication skills. This was a great next book in the series and I will definitely be reading the next one.
Wow does Suji Kim know how to write in a way that makes you feel every emotion while reading the story. Empowerment for Maxi’s growth as a character, enraged at the abuse from her father that she can’t seem to escape, anxiety over wondering what the outcome of the mediation with the king will be, heartbreak for Riftan because he is so overprotective and yearns for his wife but needs to work on his communication skills. This was a great next book in the series and I will definitely be reading the next one.
March 26, 2026
I feel like this series is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. The writing (translation?) is iffy at times - I constantly find myself debating if the best adjectives and descriptions were being used, especially when I felt like it didn't support/fully fit the scene that I was reading. There are a lot of sex scenes (though this book doesn't have as many) that I find myself just skimming because they aren't very well done and, again, weird descriptions. BUT despite all that, here I am, at the 3rd book. Lol.
I was excited in the middle of this book because I thought we were seeing some real growth from Maxi when she was tending the injured and disguised as a female cleric. But then Riftan had to go and become overbearing and obsessive and not wanting Maxi to do anything which made me like him less and pulled the story down for me.
Will I read the next book? Yep. I will. I need to see how this story proceeds and hopefully Maxi will continue in her growth and hopefully Riftan can snap out of whatever is his problem.
I might be being overly generous for my rating of this book, but I do keep reading them, so *shrugs*.
3 stars.
Thank you #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited in the middle of this book because I thought we were seeing some real growth from Maxi when she was tending the injured and disguised as a female cleric. But then Riftan had to go and become overbearing and obsessive and not wanting Maxi to do anything which made me like him less and pulled the story down for me.
Will I read the next book? Yep. I will. I need to see how this story proceeds and hopefully Maxi will continue in her growth and hopefully Riftan can snap out of whatever is his problem.
I might be being overly generous for my rating of this book, but I do keep reading them, so *shrugs*.
3 stars.
Thank you #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2026
WHO IS GIVING THIS BOOK GOOD REVIEWS WHY DOES IT HAVE 4.5 STARS
actually i think the reason is most riftan haters have stopped reading this book
riftan is absolutely awful to maxi, i'm so glad that
actually i think the reason is most riftan haters have stopped reading this book
riftan is absolutely awful to maxi, i'm so glad that
May 26, 2026
One of the most beautiful books I have ever read 🩷
June 25, 2026
SCREAMING. SOBBING. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW. THE ENDING DESTROYED ME!!! 😭💔 ASDFGHJK. I dont think I can survive until November for the next book.
July 21, 2026
Im obsessed, and cannot wait for the next one! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time
August 1, 2026
The ending bumped this up to five stars because WHAT?! Three years?! “I LIED”
Brb crying need this next book asap
Brb crying need this next book asap
June 27, 2026
Only took them like 2.5 books to actually talk to each other
August 21, 2026
I genuinely can’t stand this man, she deserves so much better! But at least she’s growing as a person and coming into her own.
July 6, 2026
The miscommunication trope is killing this series for me. Several times I put the book down because I was getting so frustrated 😩 most likely won’t be reading the next one. So much potential
September 5, 2026
I think this one is the last I can do of the series. I feel like the relationship is still barely progressing past strangers. The plot itself is somewhat there but I cannot seem to stay invested. These books are hefty and feel like the amount of plot points is enough for one book not vol 3.
July 18, 2026
1.5/5 stars
Wtf did I just read lol. RIP to my cortisol levels because this was just so aggravating. If Riftan has no haters, I'm dead.
I know the story is so that Maxi learns her worth, but girl. Seriously. Literally everyone surrounding her treats her like an object to use rather than a person with feelings and value. Riftan is less of a person and more like a stack of red flags piled on top of each other, getting redder and redder with each flag.
As I said in my review for Vol. 2: divorce, babe. Divorce.
Wtf did I just read lol. RIP to my cortisol levels because this was just so aggravating. If Riftan has no haters, I'm dead.
I know the story is so that Maxi learns her worth, but girl. Seriously. Literally everyone surrounding her treats her like an object to use rather than a person with feelings and value. Riftan is less of a person and more like a stack of red flags piled on top of each other, getting redder and redder with each flag.
As I said in my review for Vol. 2: divorce, babe. Divorce.
June 24, 2026
"I lied".
Two words could not destroy me more. I was sobbing when the book ended.
Why the four stars instead of my normal 5. I feel like we spent too much time in the basilica. I feel we could have moved that along but I get what the author was trying to do. This is also where the story stops being a romance and becomes more of a war story. I liked it but I didn't love it and the sheer amount of suffering both Riftan and Maxi go through- it's a lot.
This becomes a lot to handle.
So what happened? War happened, Riftan went off, Maxi stayed behind promising to stay out of trouble but when has she ever let herself just be fine with that? Never. The answer you are looking for is never. So of course when shit hits the fan our girl sets out with new found friends and goes to the front to support (and look out for) Remdragon Knights and Riftan.
Without telling him, telling anyone, and going through a lot of shit to get there (in disguise no less). Needless to say the plan lasts until page 140 or something and Riftan susses her out.
The back and forth between them is sweet, the war is ramping up with danger on all sides, and while I fully support Maxi having her own agency....she also has to deal with the consequences of said actions. And when the war comes to a close she's depleted her mana, she's lost a baby she was unaware of, and she's right back where she started in Castle Croyso- with her father.
If you thought things were shit before they are about to get worse.
Riftan, finally able to deal with the loss of the miscarriage, what Maxi did in order to clinch the win from the monsters, all the suffering she went through, finally shows up to try and see his wife. He was on clean up duty and was shaken by the events of the war. The duke, desperate to avoid a divorce- not that cares what happens to Maxi or her happiness- does not let him see her and when Maxi finds out Riftan came for her, tries to see him and gets the shit beat out of her for the millionth time by her father.
It's almost misery porn. Almost.
But her sister comes in and leads Riftan to the room the duke is using to beat his daughter. He then beats the shit out of her dad and nearly kills him. And while anyone with an ounce of sympathy would love to see this old shit die, it's good the knights pulled him off but now the duke and Riftan are screaming war at each other. Maxi's worse fear happens to her. Riftan sees her for what she is. Not a pampered favoured daughter of a duke, but an abuse victim. This sets off a bad dynamic with them as Riftan would do anything to protect her, and Maxi doesn't want to be smothered to death by his love.
They love each other too much.
The king gets involved and things are going to shit right quick and VERY POLITICAL. After it became apparent that the duke could not best Riftan on the field of battle he went the political route and wanted him put on trial for assaulting him. And while the king is fond of Riftan he needs to keep his nobles happy and be impartial in the proceedings. The duke is also wealthy enough to be the kings favourite as well. Before they boot this to a very public trial, they have to meet first to see if they can avoid it. Come to an understanding.
It's not looking great on the home front either. Riftan is neglecting his duties as lord, he isn't letting Maxi lift a damn finger, or move around the castle or do ANYTHING. And while she appreciates her time with him, she knows something is up. It comes to light that the duke is crying foul to the king and they all need to go to a meet up to discuss what happened.
It becomes very clear Riftan could lose his knighthood, his lands, even his knights. And while they could escape together in exile, Maxi could not live with herself if he chose her over everything. After all he did to get where he is.
And this is where Princess Agnes comes up with a plan. A plan I hate with my entire being, a plan that knocked one star off this book.
Maxi has to go to the Mage Tower, the same place Ruth ran from, for four years. Not only is leaving Riftan, she's not able (for some stupid rule) to speak to him- for four years. The reason the duke backs down is because she declares herself a mage, meaning he wasn't beating his daughter he was beating a mage from the Mage Tower and they have POWER. They can take back their mages leaving him vulnerable. They can investigate him for wrong doing and cause some serious damage if he's found out. It's messed up that she's only getting the proper help, and Riftan out of trouble, is if she's a mage. So Maxi, being Maxi, agrees to go to the Mage Tower, leaving Riftan behind even though it solves all their problems.
But at this point it's good that shes leaving. He loves her to the point of smothering her. She loves him too much to run away and ruin his life. They need some space and reflection. I just don't like that she has to leave to do it. I feel they could have worked together for another solution. However the novel was always hinting at Maxi becoming a mage. She wants to protect herself for once and stand out of his shadow.
Which leads me to the ending where Riftan swears he's not waiting for her. When she's gone he's not waiting around for her to come back. He did it once and he's not doing this to himself again.
But he lied.
And he will wait.
Yes, it's messy, yes I hate that they can't speak to each other for four years, yes I really-REALLY- hated that Riftan was out of his mind for most of the book with worry for her, but I love this story and couple.
And that's why I'm picking up the next volume. I have to know how she reacts when she sees him again and how they come back together after being ruined for so long.
Two words could not destroy me more. I was sobbing when the book ended.
Why the four stars instead of my normal 5. I feel like we spent too much time in the basilica. I feel we could have moved that along but I get what the author was trying to do. This is also where the story stops being a romance and becomes more of a war story. I liked it but I didn't love it and the sheer amount of suffering both Riftan and Maxi go through- it's a lot.
This becomes a lot to handle.
So what happened? War happened, Riftan went off, Maxi stayed behind promising to stay out of trouble but when has she ever let herself just be fine with that? Never. The answer you are looking for is never. So of course when shit hits the fan our girl sets out with new found friends and goes to the front to support (and look out for) Remdragon Knights and Riftan.
Without telling him, telling anyone, and going through a lot of shit to get there (in disguise no less). Needless to say the plan lasts until page 140 or something and Riftan susses her out.
The back and forth between them is sweet, the war is ramping up with danger on all sides, and while I fully support Maxi having her own agency....she also has to deal with the consequences of said actions. And when the war comes to a close she's depleted her mana, she's lost a baby she was unaware of, and she's right back where she started in Castle Croyso- with her father.
If you thought things were shit before they are about to get worse.
Riftan, finally able to deal with the loss of the miscarriage, what Maxi did in order to clinch the win from the monsters, all the suffering she went through, finally shows up to try and see his wife. He was on clean up duty and was shaken by the events of the war. The duke, desperate to avoid a divorce- not that cares what happens to Maxi or her happiness- does not let him see her and when Maxi finds out Riftan came for her, tries to see him and gets the shit beat out of her for the millionth time by her father.
It's almost misery porn. Almost.
But her sister comes in and leads Riftan to the room the duke is using to beat his daughter. He then beats the shit out of her dad and nearly kills him. And while anyone with an ounce of sympathy would love to see this old shit die, it's good the knights pulled him off but now the duke and Riftan are screaming war at each other. Maxi's worse fear happens to her. Riftan sees her for what she is. Not a pampered favoured daughter of a duke, but an abuse victim. This sets off a bad dynamic with them as Riftan would do anything to protect her, and Maxi doesn't want to be smothered to death by his love.
They love each other too much.
The king gets involved and things are going to shit right quick and VERY POLITICAL. After it became apparent that the duke could not best Riftan on the field of battle he went the political route and wanted him put on trial for assaulting him. And while the king is fond of Riftan he needs to keep his nobles happy and be impartial in the proceedings. The duke is also wealthy enough to be the kings favourite as well. Before they boot this to a very public trial, they have to meet first to see if they can avoid it. Come to an understanding.
It's not looking great on the home front either. Riftan is neglecting his duties as lord, he isn't letting Maxi lift a damn finger, or move around the castle or do ANYTHING. And while she appreciates her time with him, she knows something is up. It comes to light that the duke is crying foul to the king and they all need to go to a meet up to discuss what happened.
It becomes very clear Riftan could lose his knighthood, his lands, even his knights. And while they could escape together in exile, Maxi could not live with herself if he chose her over everything. After all he did to get where he is.
And this is where Princess Agnes comes up with a plan. A plan I hate with my entire being, a plan that knocked one star off this book.
Maxi has to go to the Mage Tower, the same place Ruth ran from, for four years. Not only is leaving Riftan, she's not able (for some stupid rule) to speak to him- for four years. The reason the duke backs down is because she declares herself a mage, meaning he wasn't beating his daughter he was beating a mage from the Mage Tower and they have POWER. They can take back their mages leaving him vulnerable. They can investigate him for wrong doing and cause some serious damage if he's found out. It's messed up that she's only getting the proper help, and Riftan out of trouble, is if she's a mage. So Maxi, being Maxi, agrees to go to the Mage Tower, leaving Riftan behind even though it solves all their problems.
But at this point it's good that shes leaving. He loves her to the point of smothering her. She loves him too much to run away and ruin his life. They need some space and reflection. I just don't like that she has to leave to do it. I feel they could have worked together for another solution. However the novel was always hinting at Maxi becoming a mage. She wants to protect herself for once and stand out of his shadow.
Which leads me to the ending where Riftan swears he's not waiting for her. When she's gone he's not waiting around for her to come back. He did it once and he's not doing this to himself again.
But he lied.
And he will wait.
Yes, it's messy, yes I hate that they can't speak to each other for four years, yes I really-REALLY- hated that Riftan was out of his mind for most of the book with worry for her, but I love this story and couple.
And that's why I'm picking up the next volume. I have to know how she reacts when she sees him again and how they come back together after being ruined for so long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
(ARC via NetGalley — thank you!)
married couple learning to communicate 🤝 character growth 🤝 me still being emotionally attached to maxi and riftan years later
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
okay but...at this point i feel like i'm in this series for life.
when i first discovered Under the Oak Tree, it was through the manhwa, and i absolutely fell in love with it. the art the emotions the chemistry between maxi and riftan everything just worked for me.
so naturally i picked up the novels. and while i enjoyed the first two volumes, i have to admit that some of the magic i felt while reading the manhwa didn't always translate in quite the same way for me. certain emotions, expressions and moments that felt incredibly powerful visually didn't always hit with the same intensity on the page.
did i end up liking the novels more than the manhwa? no. did i still enjoy reading them? absolutely.
and because of that i was genuinely excited (and very grateful) when i received an ARC of Volume 3 through NetGalley.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
now what i loved was MAXI. always maxi.
one of the things i've consistently appreciated about this series is that her growth never feels instant.
she's still insecure and uncertain and trying to find her place but every book shows her taking another step forward and honestly? that's what keeps me invested. her development feels earned and there's something incredibly satisfying about watching her slowly build confidence in herself instead of suddenly becoming a completely different person overnight.
and riftan...sir, please learn how to communicate! respectfully. i adore him, but there were multiple moments where i wanted to physically sit him down and force him to have a proper conversation.
which, to be fair, has always been part of his character. he loves fiercely he protects fiercely he worries fiercely and sometimes that creates just as many problems as it solves.
which leads me to their relationship.
their relationship has never been a romance built on perfect communication.
it's built on misunderstandings(and there are A LOT)fear, devotion, longing and that's exactly why it works because underneath all the frustration, you can feel how deeply these two care about each other.
even when they're making me want to scream.
which they do.
frequently.
what i appreciated about this volume was that this felt like a continuation of the emotional journey rather than simply moving pieces around for the plot.
the focus remains where it should be which is on Maxi's growth, their marriage and learning how to become partners instead of simply husband and wife. later on those quieter moments often ended up being my favorite parts.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
what didn't fully hit was how i still found myself comparing certain scenes to the manhwa.
and honestly?
the manhwa remains my favorite version of this story.
there are moments where the artwork, expressions and visual storytelling convey emotions that just land harder for me. that's not necessarily a criticism of the novel itself it's simply the version of the story that connected with me most.
there were also a few sections where the pacing felt slower than i wanted.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
overall, this felt like coming back to characters i've known for years.
maybe the novels don't completely replace the experience i had reading the manhwa but they do add layers. they give me more time with these characters and at the end of the day, that's exactly why i keep coming back.
So if you liked the Under the Oak Tree manhwa or a character focused fantasy romance with marriage in trouble but not really kinda romance and slow realistic personal growth...you'll probably enjoy this continuation.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
final thought;
did i still prefer the manhwa? yes.
was i still ridiculously happy to spend more time with maxi and riftan? also yes. 💜🌳✨
(ARC via NetGalley — thank you!)
married couple learning to communicate 🤝 character growth 🤝 me still being emotionally attached to maxi and riftan years later
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
okay but...at this point i feel like i'm in this series for life.
when i first discovered Under the Oak Tree, it was through the manhwa, and i absolutely fell in love with it. the art the emotions the chemistry between maxi and riftan everything just worked for me.
so naturally i picked up the novels. and while i enjoyed the first two volumes, i have to admit that some of the magic i felt while reading the manhwa didn't always translate in quite the same way for me. certain emotions, expressions and moments that felt incredibly powerful visually didn't always hit with the same intensity on the page.
did i end up liking the novels more than the manhwa? no. did i still enjoy reading them? absolutely.
and because of that i was genuinely excited (and very grateful) when i received an ARC of Volume 3 through NetGalley.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
now what i loved was MAXI. always maxi.
one of the things i've consistently appreciated about this series is that her growth never feels instant.
she's still insecure and uncertain and trying to find her place but every book shows her taking another step forward and honestly? that's what keeps me invested. her development feels earned and there's something incredibly satisfying about watching her slowly build confidence in herself instead of suddenly becoming a completely different person overnight.
and riftan...sir, please learn how to communicate! respectfully. i adore him, but there were multiple moments where i wanted to physically sit him down and force him to have a proper conversation.
which, to be fair, has always been part of his character. he loves fiercely he protects fiercely he worries fiercely and sometimes that creates just as many problems as it solves.
which leads me to their relationship.
their relationship has never been a romance built on perfect communication.
it's built on misunderstandings(and there are A LOT)fear, devotion, longing and that's exactly why it works because underneath all the frustration, you can feel how deeply these two care about each other.
even when they're making me want to scream.
which they do.
frequently.
what i appreciated about this volume was that this felt like a continuation of the emotional journey rather than simply moving pieces around for the plot.
the focus remains where it should be which is on Maxi's growth, their marriage and learning how to become partners instead of simply husband and wife. later on those quieter moments often ended up being my favorite parts.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
what didn't fully hit was how i still found myself comparing certain scenes to the manhwa.
and honestly?
the manhwa remains my favorite version of this story.
there are moments where the artwork, expressions and visual storytelling convey emotions that just land harder for me. that's not necessarily a criticism of the novel itself it's simply the version of the story that connected with me most.
there were also a few sections where the pacing felt slower than i wanted.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
overall, this felt like coming back to characters i've known for years.
maybe the novels don't completely replace the experience i had reading the manhwa but they do add layers. they give me more time with these characters and at the end of the day, that's exactly why i keep coming back.
So if you liked the Under the Oak Tree manhwa or a character focused fantasy romance with marriage in trouble but not really kinda romance and slow realistic personal growth...you'll probably enjoy this continuation.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
final thought;
did i still prefer the manhwa? yes.
was i still ridiculously happy to spend more time with maxi and riftan? also yes. 💜🌳✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: Under the Oak Tree Volume 3 by Suji Kim
By Volume 3, Under the Oak Tree has settled into a familiar tension: Lady Maximilian is determined to grow into a capable mage and adult human being, while her husband, Sir Riftan Calypse, remains convinced that the safest place for her is somewhere very far away from sharp objects, monsters, and general reality. The book opens with Maxi parked at a monastery while Riftan and the Remdragon Knights ride off to deal with a monster crisis in Livadon. The arrangement is meant to protect her, which is thoughtful in the way that locking someone in a very comfortable box can be thoughtful. Unsurprisingly, Maxi eventually decides she'd rather risk death than continue living as a decorative liability and sets out toward the battlefield.
The plot largely unfolds amid the Livadon campaign, where ruined villages, injured soldiers, and increasingly unpleasant monsters make it clear that war isn't an abstract concept. Maxi arrives with limited magical training but a stubborn determination to prove she's not useless. She assists with healing, supports soldiers where she can, and slowly begins to function as something other than Riftan's extremely anxious spouse. Watching her navigate the chaos of a military camp while trying to use magic she's still learning provides much of the story's momentum.
Riftan's reaction to this development is, predictably, not calm. What distinguishes his protectiveness in this volume from generic romance hero possessiveness is the specific texture of his fear. He doesn't doubt Maxi's worth. He doubts the world's willingness to be careful with her. That's a more sympathetic and more interesting problem, and Kim uses it well. The arguments between them are frequent and emotionally wearing in the way real relationship friction is wearing, less a flaw of the book than a feature of its honesty about how long it actually takes two people to recalibrate around each other. Both characters move, incrementally and imperfectly, toward something that looks more like partnership than guardianship.
That shift in their dynamic is worth noting because it sets the stage for what the book is really doing underneath the campaign plot. Maxi's arc isn't just about proving herself to Riftan. It is about proving something to herself. Raised by an abusive father who convinced her she was weak and worthless, she's spent most of her life assuming she can't handle difficulty. The war becomes the unlikely setting where she tests that assumption and finds it increasingly inaccurate. She's not the most powerful mage on the field and certainly not the most confident, but she proves she can endure fear, make decisions, and help people when it matters. In a series filled with knights and monsters, Volume 3 quietly argues that the most important battle Maxi fights is the one against the version of herself she was taught to believe in. For a volume that spends so much time in muddy war camps and tense marital arguments, it ends up being genuinely satisfying. Not quite perfect, but strong enough to earn a very solid 4 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
By Volume 3, Under the Oak Tree has settled into a familiar tension: Lady Maximilian is determined to grow into a capable mage and adult human being, while her husband, Sir Riftan Calypse, remains convinced that the safest place for her is somewhere very far away from sharp objects, monsters, and general reality. The book opens with Maxi parked at a monastery while Riftan and the Remdragon Knights ride off to deal with a monster crisis in Livadon. The arrangement is meant to protect her, which is thoughtful in the way that locking someone in a very comfortable box can be thoughtful. Unsurprisingly, Maxi eventually decides she'd rather risk death than continue living as a decorative liability and sets out toward the battlefield.
The plot largely unfolds amid the Livadon campaign, where ruined villages, injured soldiers, and increasingly unpleasant monsters make it clear that war isn't an abstract concept. Maxi arrives with limited magical training but a stubborn determination to prove she's not useless. She assists with healing, supports soldiers where she can, and slowly begins to function as something other than Riftan's extremely anxious spouse. Watching her navigate the chaos of a military camp while trying to use magic she's still learning provides much of the story's momentum.
Riftan's reaction to this development is, predictably, not calm. What distinguishes his protectiveness in this volume from generic romance hero possessiveness is the specific texture of his fear. He doesn't doubt Maxi's worth. He doubts the world's willingness to be careful with her. That's a more sympathetic and more interesting problem, and Kim uses it well. The arguments between them are frequent and emotionally wearing in the way real relationship friction is wearing, less a flaw of the book than a feature of its honesty about how long it actually takes two people to recalibrate around each other. Both characters move, incrementally and imperfectly, toward something that looks more like partnership than guardianship.
That shift in their dynamic is worth noting because it sets the stage for what the book is really doing underneath the campaign plot. Maxi's arc isn't just about proving herself to Riftan. It is about proving something to herself. Raised by an abusive father who convinced her she was weak and worthless, she's spent most of her life assuming she can't handle difficulty. The war becomes the unlikely setting where she tests that assumption and finds it increasingly inaccurate. She's not the most powerful mage on the field and certainly not the most confident, but she proves she can endure fear, make decisions, and help people when it matters. In a series filled with knights and monsters, Volume 3 quietly argues that the most important battle Maxi fights is the one against the version of herself she was taught to believe in. For a volume that spends so much time in muddy war camps and tense marital arguments, it ends up being genuinely satisfying. Not quite perfect, but strong enough to earn a very solid 4 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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