Under the Oak Tree: Volume 3

Under The Oak Tree - Novel #3

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 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.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Manhwa, Fiction

528 pages, Hardcover

First published November 29, 2025

About the author

김수지

Reviews

[Iqra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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! ♥︎

[Raikeehime · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[tomatouu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Riftan hater n.1

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Becca D · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Abby Rogish Bodin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me hating the miscommunication trope as much as I do, I’m a sucker for this story

[Yumeko · Rating 1 out of 5]

A "Romance" That Punishes Its Heroine Instead of Loving Her

(I already marked this as a spoiler, so if you continue reading despite the warning, that's on you.)


I will preface this rant review with this:

𝘙𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘪. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳… 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵.

So, by the end of Book 1, Maxi is forced to leave Anatol to train as a mage. This decision is not made out of personal ambition or selfish desire, but rather it's part of a calculated plan that Princess Agnes thought of in order to protect Riftan from the political and legal consequences of his actions.

Major spoiler: After discovering the Duke brutally abusing Maxi, Riftan nearly beats him to death. While this is arguably the only genuinely redeemable action Riftan ever takes on Maxi’s behalf, it places him in danger of punishment. Maxi’s departure is meant to protect him, not herself.

As expected, Riftan is upset by this decision and unfairly lashes out at Maxi. He refuses to see Maxi off when she boards the ship and coldly tells her that if she leaves, he will not wait for her, and he'd erase her from his mind—essentially forgetting all about her. He shouts at her, tells her to "get the hell out" of his room, and Maxi ends up leaving in tears. Only after she's gone does he collapse emotionally, admitting that he lied, that he would, in fact, wait for her and that he cannot live without her. The narrative frames this breakdown as a moment of realization and supposed emotional growth. Three years later, Maxi returns.

At this point, we're led to expect some form of reckoning or at least an acknowledgment of his earlier cruelty, relief at her safe return, or even a sincere attempt at reconciliation. Instead, Riftan does the opposite. Upon their reunion, he pointedly ignores her. He avoids her, refuses conversation, and withholds any emotional engagement. This behavior is not neutral or passive; it's actively punitive. He spends the early part of Maxi’s return emotionally stonewalling her, forcing her into uncertainty and distress while never explaining himself, as "punishment" for leaving him. This prolonged emotional manipulation culminates in the infamous "banquet scene."

In retaliation, Maxi provokes Riftan by attending the banquet in a deliberately revealing dress and dancing with another man right in front of him. Her actions are immature and reactive, sure, but they are also a direct result of Riftan’s sustained avoidance and refusal to communicate. Rather than addressing the underlying conflict, Riftan responds with violence disguised as passion. He forcibly pulls Maxi away and has sex with her in a guest room. This doesn't occur once, nor in a momentary lapse of control.

He confines her with him for an entire week.

During this time, he repeatedly has rough sex with her despite her physical discomfort, emotional distress, and explicit protests. At one point, Maxi is crying and begging him to stop, yet he ignores her pleas—pretending as if he can't hear her. The scene itself doesn't read as consensual reconciliation but instead—at least from my perspective—as coercion sustained over days of emotional avoidance. When he finally stops, he smugly asks her, “Isn’t this what you wanted?”—a statement that reframes her earlier attempt to provoke communication as justification for her suffering.

What makes this sequence absolutely disgusting and egregious is that it follows directly after Riftan’s supposed realization at the end of Book 1. There's a noticeable lack of remorse, no offer of an apology for his earlier withdrawal, no accountability for his emotional punishment of Maxi upon her return, and no acknowledgment of the harm he's caused both before her departure as well as after her return. Instead, the story substitutes communication with sexual dominance and expects the reader to interpret this as romantic intimacy rather than borderline sexual abuse.

Far from demonstrating growth, this arc confirms that Riftan’s internal feelings—his guilt, fear, and obsession—never translate into meaningful behavioral change. Maxi bears the emotional consequences alone, and it pains me to witness an otherwise wonderfully written female lead be reduced to a sex object because of the ML's emotional volatility.

All of this, including the blatant marital rape scene on their wedding night, is exactly why this story has been such a disappointment for me and why I despise Riftan so much. For the majority of the narrative, all his actions have done is reinforce Maxi's insecurities, doubt her capabilities, regress her self-esteem, insult her autonomy, and sabotage all of her attempts at self-improvement. Meanwhile, Riftan repeatedly claims her body after every heated argument that was perpetuated by his utter lack of maturity and refusal to communicate and compromise. He does literally the bare minimum of character growth by the final volume of the novel, but it comes far too late into Maxi's journey, and by that point, he's already hurt her too many times for his "growth" to feel even remotely meaningful. We don't get a cathartic apology scene after reading through 80+ chapters of emotional avoidance towards Maxi just because, again, she made the choice to leave him for 3 years as a means to protect his ungrateful ass. Instead, we get a disgustingly drawn out, dub-con sex scene that lasts for several chapters, and then we witness him pathetically beg Maxi not to leave him again because the author assumed that him groveling to his wife was an effective substitute over him taking *full* accountability for the inconsiderate, domineering, and obsessive behavior he's demonstrated throughout the majority of the story. Even when he admits to what he's done, he never truly accepts responsibility for it or offers Maxi a sincere apology, so moments that 𝘥𝘰 seem to convey character development completely fall apart. Plus, even if Riftan 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 to accept responsibility, 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 would ultimately spoil any attempt by faulting herself for his emotional instability, saying that she simply didn't love or trust him enough, which is what caused him to act out at all or some nonsense—as if his broken pride, bruised ego and emotional immaturity are hers to manage.

If you're expecting a "happy ending," after what was essentially a hellstorm of poorly-written and incredibly arbitrary misunderstandings and miscommunication, then, honestly, it's best if you look elsewhere. At some point, Riftan finally tells Maxi that he's "proud" of her, but along with the lack of accountability or proper apology for his emotional avoidance during the entire first half of Book 2, him telling Maxi he's "proud of her" feels more like a hollow platitude than anything meaningful. Then at the end, he makes a dramatic scene by declaring a "knight's oath" to Maxi, but again, the gesture is incredibly hollow because of everything he had done to her and never once apologized for. All in all, I'd say to just drop it. It's 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, but I wouldn't call it a positive or even a 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 ending. I think it speaks for itself when Maxi, in her own words, admits she's begun to feel more like a younger sibling than a spouse to Riftan because of his seemingly withered passion for her. So, after the festering disaster of watching them fumble and fail in their relationship, that's the best we get? The FL is left feeling like the little sister to her once obsessively horny husband. What mess this story has been, I swear.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly Niehaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Worlds, Penguin Random House, and Inklore for this ARC. From the very beginning of this series, it has been clear that Maxi and Riftan are not simply lovers separated by circumstance—they are two broken souls who desperately need to come true with each other. In Volume 3, that emotional truth deepens in ways that lingered long after I turned the final page.

This volume does not rush healing. Instead, it lingers in misunderstandings, pride, fear, and longing. Maxi continues her steady, hard-earned growth—learning her own strength, her own voice, and her own worth. Riftan, equally wounded in his own way, loves fiercely. Watching them struggle toward one another—rather than simply fall together—feels painfully real. Their love is not soft fantasy; it is complicated, bruised, and deeply human.

What struck me most in this volume is the emotional tension. Every conversation feels weighted. Every silence feels loud. There is so much unsaid between them, and yet so much feeling beneath the surface.

The world-building continues to expand, adding layers of danger and political tension, but the heart of the story remains the fragile, stubborn bond between Maxi and Riftan. Their relationship is not built on grand declarations alone—it is built on vulnerability, missteps, and the terrifying act of letting someone truly see you.

I don’t know what these two will face next, and that uncertainty makes my heart ache. The path ahead will not be easy—I am certain of that—but I hope with everything in me that they find their way through it together.

Suji Kim has an extraordinary talent. She does not simply write romance—she writes emotion in its rawest form. Her storytelling allows the reader to truly feel: the hope, the anger, the devotion, the quiet resilience. Few authors can make you inhabit a character’s heart so completely. This series has become more than a story; it is an emotional experience.

Without question, Under the Oak Tree, Volume 3 will be my favorite book of the year.

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[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this series to an unhealthy degree, nearly as obsessed as Riftan is with Maxi. When I described this book series to coworkers, they said, "Wow, that book sounds bad,” and part of me agrees with them. I almost feel like my five-star rating is an insult to true five-star books. The Under the Oak Tree series is the most beautiful, never-ending train wreck, and I have loved every minute of it so far. The series is incredibly toxic and messy, and I probably shouldn’t love it as much as I do. Riftan and Maxi have one of the most unhealthy, codependent relationships that is almost constantly spiraling into disaster.

Riftan was an obsessive partner who constantly undermined Maxi's agency. He refused to let her make choices for herself and wanted her to be dependent on him for everything. Every time she tried to get involved in his life and learn about him, he shut her out and told her not to worry about those things, yet he also wanted to be involved in every aspect of her life. He frequently kept important information secret from her because he didn't want to upset her. While he meant well overall, his behavior was still concerning. I wouldn’t go as far as saying he was physically abusive, but he did drag her around by the arm frequently throughout this series and often used his size difference to intimidate her. Additionally, he told her to shut up a few too many times for my liking. If it were up to me, Maxi would have divorced him and found someone new to fall in love with.

Having Maxi as the main character was equal parts endearing and mind-numbingly insufferable. I couldn’t believe that it took three books for Maxi to gain some self-esteem and grow a backbone. What a painful but rewarding journey. The ending of book 3 made me so proud of her, and I almost cried real tears. As I finished the book, I was quite literally yelling, “Yes, girl, run away! Get away from him! Flee!” while pumping my fist in the air. I don’t know how this series ends, but I’m assuming Maxi and Riftan are unfortunately endgame, so hopefully, he fixes himself during their time apart.

I can't stop reading because I need to see Maxi happy and confident. I also need to see the ending of this tragically unhealthy relationship. Hopefully, I can get my hands on an arc of book 4!

[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. In Volume 2, we saw Maxi gain confidence in herself as Lady of Anatol as well as learn new mage healing abilities.

Volume 3 picks up where Volume 2 left off. This is probably the most exciting of the three volumes so far. Maxi has grown as a mage and looks to help as often as she can to aid the Remdragon Knights as well as Riftan.

Volume 3 picks up where Volume 2 left off. This is probably the most exciting of the three volumes so far. Maxi has grown as a mage and looks to help as often as she can to aid the Remdragon Knights as well as Riftan. Volume 3 presents new challenges for both Maxi and Riftan both in their relationship and as they face circumstances beyond their control. This is the most action-packed novel across all the volumes released so far. This is also the most emotionally intense volume as a lot more trauma comes into the fold between some of the characters. I am still not a fan of Riftan, but there was one particular moment where he almost redeemed himself (manwha readers should know) in my eyes.

I also feel that the first 25% of the novel did not translate well from comic to novelization. It was incredibly slow and difficult to follow whereas the comic probably had more visuals carrying it along where I felt the actual story was very weak. The rest of the novel was a lot more entertaining.

The star of the show is obviously Maxi. We saw her growth in the first few volumes and we continue to see it here. Gaining her powers in Volume 2 really got her confidence to bloom and seeing her become more of her own person in Volume 3 was a real treat and I cannot wait to see more of her soon.

Sidenote, pay close attention to the note from Suji Kim about difficult and complex themes in the beginning up the book. This will be your trigger warning for some of the more sensitive topics in Volume 3.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving an ARC of Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2, I was incredibly excited to continue the story with the next book: Under the Oak Tree: Volume 3.

This novel picks up with Riftan leaving for war. Maxi accompanies him for some of the journey, but they part ways at a monastery in Livadon so that Maxi is safe from active combat. Maxi, however, decides she cannot abide waiting idly at the monastery and disguises herself in order to travel to the front lines as a healer. However, once there, she is forced to confront the realities of war, as well as troubles from the past.

Continuing where the second novel left off, I noted that Maxi, as before, continues to grow but her growth in this novel far surpasses the first two. Her growing confidence in herself allows her to face her fears and do things she never would have been able to in the first novel, such as secretly following Riftan to war. She also shows agency in this novel, something that was really lacking (though for good reason) initially. She stands by her choice to go to the front lines and action once she is there even when faced with anger by those around her, which was incredibly satisfying. Earlier in her story, I would have easily seen her folding in that moment and accepting being sent away. Her growth as a heroine has been beautiful, incredibly emotional, and very real. Maxi, despite how much change she has experienced, still feels very realistic given her traumas; each moment of confidence feels earned, as opposed to given.

Riftan is also a fantastic character I have enjoyed following in this series. He is imperfect, messy, and deeply overprotective, but it’s hard to fault him - he’s anxious, angry, and a bit mean because of how much he yearns for Maxi, which is beautiful in its own way. And after the ending, diabolical cliffhanger it was, I sympathize with him quite a bit.

I came into this arc expecting to enjoy it, as I have enjoyed the previous installments, but this one really knocked it out of the park. This is my favourite installment so far and I’ll be anxiously awaiting Volume 4.

✨ 4.5 stars! ✨

Thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Inklore for providing an ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[The Tiny Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 3 of Under the Oak Tree delivers exactly what fans have been waiting for: emotional intensity, meaningful character growth, and a deepening romance that feels earned rather than rushed. Suji Kim continues to build on the rich emotional groundwork of the earlier volumes, giving readers a more confident and evolving Maxi while still honoring the vulnerability that defines her.

One of the strongest aspects of this installment is character development. Maxi’s internal struggles remain central, but her growth feels tangible here. Her increasing independence and determination add satisfying momentum to the story. Riftan, too, becomes more layered. While his possessiveness and intensity are still present, this volume offers greater insight into his emotional complexity, making his actions feel more grounded and less one-dimensional than before.

The romance remains the heart of the novel. The tension between Maxi and Riftan simmers throughout, balancing longing, miscommunication, and devotion in a way that keeps the pages turning. Their relationship feels more mature in this volume, even when conflict arises. The emotional payoff in several key scenes is deeply satisfying.

The world-building also expands further, giving readers a broader sense of the political and social pressures surrounding the characters. While some sections move at a slower pace due to detailed descriptions and internal monologues, the immersive atmosphere ultimately strengthens the narrative rather than detracts from it.

If there is a minor drawback, it’s that a few conflicts feel prolonged, and readers eager for swift resolutions may find themselves wishing for quicker progress. Still, the emotional depth and romantic development more than compensate.

Overall, Under the Oak Tree: Volume 3 is a compelling continuation of the series—intimate, dramatic, and deeply character-driven. Fans of slow-burn fantasy romance will find this volume both rewarding and emotionally resonant, setting the stage beautifully for what comes next.

[nyans ദ്ദി（• ˕ •マ.ᐟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Oak Tree is admittedly one of my favorite series of all time. It's insanely frustrating to read, and I've read the original Korean webnovel, the manhwa, the first e-printing of the translation, and now the traditionally published version.

Even though I get so frustrated with this story, the thing that ultimately keeps me coming back to it is simply the character growth. If nothing else, the character growth of the female lead Maxi is one of the most relatable and truly tangible aspects of this story. Growing up as a girl in a oppressive society under an oppressive parent there is already so much expected of you, but Maxi's disability makes things even harder for her. But her growth up until and throughout this novel is truly so satisfying.

One major critique that is always present in this story is that of the underlying romance. Riftan is...Riftan. He's an emotionally volatile man, whose number one desire is to protect his wife, Maxi. What he cannot ever seem to grasp is that she does not want such protection, because she's felt the pressure of such things from her life living with her father and believes that Riftan will eventually turn into that very man, making it difficult for her to really open her heart. These two so very obviously love each other, but their respective traumas based on their individual upbringings really stunt any progress they make in their relationship. I've never faced a miscommunication trope that has actual layers beyond a misheard conversation or general misunderstanding.

This story is quite controversial in the manhwa sphere just based on that factor alone, but I think if you can stick with the story through the end, I've never really read a fantasy romance with as big of a payoff as this one had for me personally. This series constantly has me crying, yelling, gripping the edges of the book wanting to scream at how dumb Riftan is being. It makes my heart hurt at how badly I love these two.

Big thank you to NetGalley and Inklore for the advanced copy!

[anenchantedcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much as I adore this story and eagerly lapped up the crumbs of it that I’m getting via these new English translations, this volume hurt. Oh boy did it hurt. I was actually kinda dreading getting to this part. At least this time we don’t have an epic almost 3 year waiting period for the author to return with Book 2!!!

But just as Maxi thought in her little epiphany, “Riftan had no qualms about destroying himself over anything concerning Maxi, while she was possessed by the perpetual temptation to cling to him and hide from the outside world. Left to continue, he would suffocate her, and she would drag his future through the mud. They would destroy each other in the name of love.” This has to happen. They have to learn to be more self-sufficient and not so co-dependent on each other. They’ve already both made strides in this department, but they still have light years to go.

Painful as it is to read, I adore stories that show the unhealthy realities that can happen when relationships consume us. I love that nothing is held back—Riftan isn’t portrayed as the perfect book boyfriend, he’s shown to be just as overprotective and controlling as he really is. Maxi is shown to be a bit weak and overly forgiving when it comes to looking past his bad behaviors because she’s so grateful to have someone caring for her—but in turn, it makes her almost dangerously reckless. 💯 they remain the blueprint for one of the best, most realistic, and yes still most toxic love story I’ve ever read. Maxi on her own is the FMC for all you book girls out there like me so sick of the stabby, stupid, bratty FMC trend out there right now. She’s for the girls who don’t see themselves as brave, strong, or fierce. She’s still every one of those things, but in her own kind, quiet way.

Ugh. I just adore this story.

Endless thanks to NetGalley and Inklore for allowing me the privilege of reading this book before its release in exchange for my honest opinion! My preorders of it in all formats are locked and loaded.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues! Maxi may have convinced Riftan to let her accompany him and his knights, but it doesn’t mean he will take her to war. She is forced to stay behind at a monastery while she waits for Riftan to come back from war against the monsters that plagued the land. But staying still is the last thing Maxi wants. And she gets the opportunity to help and possibly catch a glimpse of Riftan when her and another noblewoman disguise themselves as female clerics to help the wounded. She is closer to the action than she thought she would be and danger for her may be closer than she thinks. Especially since if she isn’t careful Riftan will spot her. For me, this caught me up to where the comic of this story is currently at and beyond! So much happens in this book. A lot of action and a lot of revelations. I couldn’t put it down, having to know what was going to happen next with these characters. But here was my biggest question when I reached the end… was this truly the end? It’s a bit vague in the sense nothing is advertised as it, but since these volumes pick up with the next chapter and this one has an epilogue, it may be that we have reached the end. And end that does conclude rather well but also leaves us wanting more considering where we left off with Riftan and Maxi. I needed an epilogue after the epilogue! A better peek at the future after everything we saw happened. But I will say, Maxi’s journey really took off in this story. She has so much more fight in this book and we see that in several very important places, especially the end. But again, I love a good satisfying happily ever after for our characters and I needed more than we got. Overall though, I really did love this series. It was an interesting world to be in and if this isn’t the end, then I can’t wait for more. But if we have truly reached the end, it’s been a great journey.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Del Rey for the ARC! ♥︎

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Riftan and Maxi are not just a couple to me—they are my people. My beloveds. My emotional support disaster duo. I am so deeply attached to them it’s honestly a little concerning.

This book?? Hurt.
He’d wait for her for YEARS 😭😭 Where do I find love like this?!!?
Like actually pause—because I had to put the book down and just stare at the wall for a minute.
In the best way. But also… I suffered.

What I love so much about this series is that it’s not clean, it’s not easy, and it’s definitely not perfect. Their relationship is built on so much miscommunication, trauma, and love that neither of them really knows how to express properly—and somehow that makes it feel even more real.

Maxi absolutely shattered my heart in this one. Watching her constantly doubt herself, struggle with her past, and still try to push forward?? She is that girl. Not because she’s the strongest or the bravest in the traditional sense—but because she keeps going anyway. And that kind of strength hits so much harder.

And Riftan…
That man is not okay.

The way he loves her is so intense it borders on self-destruction. He wants to protect her from everything—even things she needs to face for herself—and it creates this constant tension between them. But when he finally starts to understand what she’s been through??? The shift in him??? I was unwell.

Also can we talk about the emotional damage in this book because I was reading this at an ungodly hour absolutely spiraling.

And that ending???
No.
Absolutely not.

I need the next book immediately because I am NOT leaving them like that.

This series continues to prove why it’s one of my all-time favourites. It’s emotional, messy, frustrating, beautiful—and it stays with you.

If you love:

miscommunication that actually makes sense
emotionally constipated but deeply devoted men
soft but strong heroines
relationships that hurt a little

…this is your book.

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Maximillian “Maxi” Calypse has survived the grueling journey to Livadon. She watches as her husband and his knights continue onward to the battlefield without her. With no news of Riftan, Maxi impersonates a cleric, so she can travel to the combat zone. She is ill prepared for the cruel realities of war or the circumstances of her actions. When her past threatens the future, Maxi has a difficult choice to make. Can she help Riftan overcome their latest obstacle? And what sacrifice will Maxi have to make?

Maxi continues to show such amazing character growth. She no longer wants to be that pathetic, timid woman hiding behind Riftan. Maxi wants to share his burdens and troubles. I admire the bravado it took for her to follow him to the battlefield. Maxi knew that she would enrage Riftan by defying his orders. To me, it felt like she came into her own there.

It hurt to see all of Maxi’s progress and hard work nearly destroyed because of her father. Riftan’s behavior did not help matters either. However, I like that Maxi persevered. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment. I hope Maxi’s newest journey will instill confidence in her. That she can be the person she desperately wants to be.

This installment does touch on some sensitive and triggering subject matters. Physical and emotional (or mental) abuse and miscarriage being the main ones. The author does warn about this at the start of the book.

[Jowls & Java - Bulldog Book Reviewers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
2🌶️
🎧 (Narrator: A. Jo; 5/5 🎤)
Themes/Tropes: Wars/Battle; Mage x Warriors; touch her and 💀; arranged marriage; long journey; hidden identities, loss

I absolutely adored Vol. 1 & 2 so I was SO excited when PRH Audio added this ALC to their influencer platform. A big thank you to PRH Audio for a chance to do an early read in exchange for an honest review.

This volume picks up right exactly where volume 2 left off, on the boat before they get to the monestary and Riftan and Maxi part ways. Maxi to wait for Riftan and the knights to go off to battle; however, our anxious gal Maxi doesn’t stay put and follows after her husband. Much happens along the way. When war is over much is lost and left unsaid.

There is a lot of loss, trauma, and love in this book. That being said there are a lot of trigger warnings for this book, so PLEASE check them before reading and protect your piece. That being said, I really enjoyed this volume and would highly recommend. The ending will have you bawling your eyes out and screaming for the next installment, so be prepared.

As always, I am super excited to get my paws on the next volume. Love these two absolute precious knobs who cannot communicate effectively to save their lives. Riftan and Maxi deserve all the HEA. Hoping that’s where their entire story will end.

[Elsa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please please please give me eme the next book as soon as possible. I am crushed and in tears.
I love this series so much but wow this third book was a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, and battles. I was so excited to read about Maxi following Riftan to war. Her time with the noblewomen was interesting, it reflects how women don’t want to sit idle when there’s a war in progress. But then, Maxi takes it to another level and impersonates a cleric to see Riftan. She goes through the hardships of war, tending to soldiers and healing them. It was very humbling to see her do that after all she’s lived so far. Seeing battle after battle, I could not put this book down. I have to say Riftan was more chaotic in this book than ever before.
With Maxi injured after helping during the war, that’s when we see the drama and trauma. Her father is back to take her to his castle and she can’t say no. Of course, is not long for Maxi to see again the abuse she endured as a child. And the consequences are incredibly big. I am still so glad to see Maxi’s development and seeing her take that step at the end wven though it hurts makes me very proud of her as a character. That epilogue was very painful, and the very end, I really hope both Riftan and Maxi find themselves again and maybe come back better than ever

[Kianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of war, things are hectic. In this volume, Maxi takes advantage of such chaos to grow and develop as a mage and a person. Rather than stay sheltered and safe in a monastery, she wishes to help and so she does just that in the front lines. This was quite a change of pace from the previous volumes as it provided much more in terms of plot but also growth for Maxi. The story doesn't tarry like it did in the first two volumes, instead staying vibrant and dynamic from start to finish.

I think this may be my favorite volume so far! The first was incredibly memorable like all beginnings of good stories are but this one just gave Maxi so much room to grow and I am loving that for her! For such a soft FMC, she really broke out of her shell this volume and is set up to do so even more in Volume 4 which is so exciting! Riftan, on the other hand, did his best to suffocate Maxi. I do worry about their relationship dynamic and I'm hoping that the next volume sees Riftan acknowledging Maxi's skills rather than trying to keep her from using her talents. Overall, this was such a fun read and I can't wait until the next volume!

𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘭-𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 • 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 • 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺

Thank you RandomHouse and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, am I not obsessed with this series. I didn't make it this far by any means while reading the webtoon but... Good god, I need book four out like... yesterday at the latest.
This book just does things to me, and things are slowly getting to the point where and when you know the dam is going to break and then tears will pour because it's either goint to break your heart or be debastaitingly haunting.
This book was... Wow, not only am I know questing for our lovely squires to get themselves some sweet, gentle, loving lady to fancy ('cuase honestly, the poor boys deserve someone to pamper and woo as seems to be their pastime) but also ready as never before to get Maxi to get the big words out and kick some ass (literally, metaphorically, dunno, don't care). And well, then again, I just know things are getting real. Ready as they come for book four (can't help it, i don't know how this ends and don't want to spoil it) to be on Netgalley nor can I wait for the day the Amazon delivery guy will bring this book to my house 'cause of course it's going to join its siblings on my selves and my list of special editions as well.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Under the Oak tree vol. 3 by Suji Kim 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book Review: Under the Oak Tree Vol.3 by Suji Kim 5 stars

This was the best book in the series!
This is a novelization version of a well loved webtoon, I had read some of it a few years ago, but when I heard this version was being made I stopped. I knew all of book 1 and book 2 but all that occurred in this book was new to me and i’m so glad because I was able to just let the story fully develop on its own. I had given book 1 & 2 3.5 stars but this installment was by far my favorite! so many things happen throughout and I was hooked and eager to see what was going to happen next!
I loved how Maxi was finally able to grow into her own little by little gaining self-confidence and over coming the all trauma and abuse of her childhood. Riftan’s character still makes me upset at times, but with this book we get more context into why he behaves the way he does. Also, after this cliff hanger!!!! I can’t wait to see how Maxi and Riftan’s relationship will turn out!
I am highly looking forward to the next installment!!!

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

c'est quoi cette fin??????????

Ce livre ne sort que fin juin mais j'ai eu la chance de le découvrir, je tiens à remercier Inklore pour la confiance! Autant dire que j'étais surexcitée de le lire surtout quand on connait ma passion pour le manga ^^ On reprend les aventures directement les aventures de Maxi là où on l'avait laissé dans le tome précédent... Ce livre est une montagne russe émotionnelle : on traverse beaucoup d'émotions et d'épreuves avec Maxi, on a le cœur brisé pour elle, on a encore envie de secouer Riftan mais également envie de leur faire des câlins! J'ai vraiment adoré ce tome qui est haletant et destructeur mais SERIEUSEMENT C'EST QUOI CETTE FIN DE MALADE??? Il va falloir que je lise rapidement la suite car je suis détruite !!

This book isn't coming out until late June, but I was lucky enough to get an early read—I want to thank Inklore for trusting me with it! Needless to say, I was super excited to read it, especially since you know how much I love manga ^^ We pick up Maxi's adventures right where we left off in the previous volume... This book is an emotional roller coaster: we go through a lot of emotions and trials with Maxi; our hearts break for her; we still want to shake Riftan, but we also want to give them both a big hug! I absolutely loved this volume—it’s fast-paced and heartbreaking—but SERIOUSLY, WHAT WAS THAT INSANE ENDING??? I’m going to have to read the next book quickly because I’m devastated!!

[SaucceyySarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! I am so grateful to get this arc from NetGalley and thank you to Del Rey, Random House Worlds and Inklore for the opportunity as well.

These characters are my favourite!!! Maxi struggling with her anxiety but also her identity and wanting to shape herself in a strong woman that she is but also feel this in her heart as well spoke to me so much!!

Riftan is a little overbearing but would end the world to protect the things he cares for! His love for Maxi is so swooning and delicate it makes you tear up from his kindness. He hates to see Maxi hurt but also has to learn that she is growing in her own person.

I relate so much to these characters it is uncanny and really inspired by their growth in these books! I cried my heart out while reading this but it was also so satisfying.

Thank you for the opportunity for letting me read this.

[Anaïs George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC of Under the Oak Tree

The pick up Maxi and Riftan's journey. Maxi doesn't want to just be a wife for Riftan, she wants to help and be here for him. She also wants to use her knowledge in magic and plants to save/heal others. This journey to find her husband whelps maxi growing even more as a woman. She finds balance and confidence in helping others. The difference between the first and third book is truly amazing.

This book is filled with angst too, even tho we know Riftan wants to protect her, it's sickening how the "miscommunication" works. They do talk, just not enough. They have the same conversation and yet, both hear or understand something else.

I really want to see where this is going, still a pleasure to read every time.

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

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Worlds for offering me an early copy of Under The Oak Tree: Novel 3.

I love this series. I have been a big fan of the web novel for years and thoroughly enjoy the book adaptations. The third book continues from where the last one finished, with Maxi and Riftan on they're way to Livadon.
The book covers the many trials, including war, personal tragedies and many misunderstandings and betrayals that the couple must overcome. And the cliffhanger at the end will have you screaming.

Like the other books in the series, the book is engaging and well written. If you are a fan of the series, medieval knights or fantasy romances then you will love this book.

Cannot wait for the next book!

[Anna Yi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaw drop. The last few chapters are just wow.

Book three is unlike the first two in many respects. The smut was what primarily fueled the first two books and allowed me to keep reading despite cringe moments. Book three is in large part a journey, a war and the aftermath. Maxi is developing her sense of identity and her confidence. There's mounting tension born from Maxi's increasing risk tolerance which stands in direct conflict with Riftan's desire to keep her sheltered from any suffering. I was very pleasantly surprised by the tonal shift. The almost feminist coming of age type journey Maxi is embarking on felt like a marked departure from the condoned marital rape in book one.

thank you for the ARC NetGalley!

[Jia Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a guilty pleasure of mine. Maybe it is because I was a little girl who wished to be saved by a knight like Riftan, someone who would love and protect me like a dragon protects its gold. And while that might be unhealthy (okay I know its a very toxic dynamic long term), thats why we have fiction. I love that Maxi is becoming more and more confident in herself, that Riftan loving her is not the only reason she values herself in this book. I think she is still basing her self worth on her usefulness to others, but she is learning. And while I HATED that ending, it was not because it was bad, just painful. I need the conflict resolved IMMEDIATELY. I wish I was joking...