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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 95 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.
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!
December 20, 2025
Riftan hater n.1
June 20, 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
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.
April 4, 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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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 real 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, Maxi would ultimately spoil his attempts by faulting 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 for his emotional instability, saying that she simply didn't love or trust him enough, which is allegedly 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.
(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 real 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, Maxi would ultimately spoil his attempts by faulting 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 for his emotional instability, saying that she simply didn't love or trust him enough, which is allegedly 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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
#life #lifethoughts #momblogger #journaling #journal #journals #UnderTheOakTreeVolume3 #RandomHouseWorlds #PenguinRandomHouse#Inklore #NetGalley #BookReview #FiveStarRead #MustRead #EmotionalReads #CharacterDriven #FantasyNovel #BookTok #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram
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.
#life #lifethoughts #momblogger #journaling #journal #journals #UnderTheOakTreeVolume3 #RandomHouseWorlds #PenguinRandomHouse#Inklore #NetGalley #BookReview #FiveStarRead #MustRead #EmotionalReads #CharacterDriven #FantasyNovel #BookTok #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint!
Volume 3 picks up right where we left off and dives straight into the action (I did have to do a quick re-read of the end of Vol 2 to get me back up to speed). Maxi and Riftan have travelled across the sea, with the plan to leave Maxi safely in the monastery while her husband helps lead the war effort against the monsters with the Remdragon Knights. To keep her mind off the dangers that Riftan is facing, Maxi and the other ladies volunteer at a shelter, where she shares her knowledge of herbal remedies and uses her healing skills to help the locals.
But Maxi, being Maxi, isn’t distracted for long. Before she knows it, she’s putting herself in perilous situations just for the chance to see Riftan again. And Riftan, being Riftan, is not best pleased with her for putting herself at risk, and reacts exactly as we’ve come to expect; furious, and incapable of expressing his anger in a healthy way.
There were a few topics I hoped this volume would explore, and it delivered. Maxi finally confronts her past, and it’s such a meaningful step in her growth. She doesn’t suddenly transform into a confident, unshakeable woman, but she is beginning to understand herself and come into her own.
And Riftan… oh, Riftan. He’s still the gruff man that we know. The man who will have an outburst and storm off, leaving Maxi alone rather than talking things through. I must admit, I was starting to get a little frustrated with his reactions, especially when he blew up over her disobeying demands that were sometimes unreasonable. There’s also something he does in this book (with very misguided reasoning) that I genuinely wasn’t sure I could forgive.
But then we start to see a different, softer side to him. I loved how he finally was able to be vulnerable with his wife, how the toughest knight in the kingdom finally started to let down his walls. Those moments were so worth the wait (who knew how much he yearned?!), and it made me even more excited for Riftan’s book.
Under the Oak Tree is a heavy series, and this volume is definitely the heaviest yet. It tackles serious, painful topics, and there were moments that were genuinely difficult to read. Check the trigger warnings with this one as there were parts that were difficult to read.
Volume 3 picks up right where we left off and dives straight into the action (I did have to do a quick re-read of the end of Vol 2 to get me back up to speed). Maxi and Riftan have travelled across the sea, with the plan to leave Maxi safely in the monastery while her husband helps lead the war effort against the monsters with the Remdragon Knights. To keep her mind off the dangers that Riftan is facing, Maxi and the other ladies volunteer at a shelter, where she shares her knowledge of herbal remedies and uses her healing skills to help the locals.
But Maxi, being Maxi, isn’t distracted for long. Before she knows it, she’s putting herself in perilous situations just for the chance to see Riftan again. And Riftan, being Riftan, is not best pleased with her for putting herself at risk, and reacts exactly as we’ve come to expect; furious, and incapable of expressing his anger in a healthy way.
There were a few topics I hoped this volume would explore, and it delivered. Maxi finally confronts her past, and it’s such a meaningful step in her growth. She doesn’t suddenly transform into a confident, unshakeable woman, but she is beginning to understand herself and come into her own.
And Riftan… oh, Riftan. He’s still the gruff man that we know. The man who will have an outburst and storm off, leaving Maxi alone rather than talking things through. I must admit, I was starting to get a little frustrated with his reactions, especially when he blew up over her disobeying demands that were sometimes unreasonable. There’s also something he does in this book (with very misguided reasoning) that I genuinely wasn’t sure I could forgive.
But then we start to see a different, softer side to him. I loved how he finally was able to be vulnerable with his wife, how the toughest knight in the kingdom finally started to let down his walls. Those moments were so worth the wait (who knew how much he yearned?!), and it made me even more excited for Riftan’s book.
Under the Oak Tree is a heavy series, and this volume is definitely the heaviest yet. It tackles serious, painful topics, and there were moments that were genuinely difficult to read. Check the trigger warnings with this one as there were parts that were difficult to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This installment of Under the Oak Tree was the most emotionally hostile of them all. My heart broke four times over watching Maxi get her feet under herself and Riftan break down the walls he's drawn for years. Volume 3 is about Maxi and Riftan finally understanding each other despite all their insecurities and consolidation of expectation differences in their societal duties. To trust, to love, and to be vulnerable are hard lessons learned.
Under the Oak Tree has always been one of my favorite series because of how gentle Suji Kim is when addressing healing from trauma (physical and mental). Kim has an incredible ability to decompose the psychological undertakings these characters endure through the smallest of details, and it's an honor to read and thread them together. Kim makes us understand why Maxi and Riftan are who they are, and it's healing to see them grow.
Maxi is also incredibly relatable. I see so much of myself in Maxi that it's easy to root for her. Not only do we experience Maxi's internal struggles, but We finally see her interact with her sister (yikes!) for the first time, which reveals an entirely new layer of how family dynamics interfere with psychological progression. (Oh, did I mention we also aren't done with Maxi's father?) Suji Kim might as well toss my heart in the gutter with how Maxi stands, falls, then tries to rise once again. (I absolutely love it.) Overall, this installment answers an important question: What happens when two vulnerable and hurt people come together to build a life despite all they have been through, a nd what happens when loving each other means doing different things?
Aside from the complexities Kim beautifully addresses, the writing is fantastic. The pacing is wonderful and had me reading during work, in the car, and late into the night. Each volume of Under the Oak Tree is it's own slice of life, and I fall more in love with Maxi with each release. I just hope I can get my hands on the next ARC because I'm simply withering away from the ending... I'm team Riftan until the day I die. Thank you to Inklore and NetGalley for giving me a digital ARC!
Under the Oak Tree has always been one of my favorite series because of how gentle Suji Kim is when addressing healing from trauma (physical and mental). Kim has an incredible ability to decompose the psychological undertakings these characters endure through the smallest of details, and it's an honor to read and thread them together. Kim makes us understand why Maxi and Riftan are who they are, and it's healing to see them grow.
Maxi is also incredibly relatable. I see so much of myself in Maxi that it's easy to root for her. Not only do we experience Maxi's internal struggles, but We finally see her interact with her sister (yikes!) for the first time, which reveals an entirely new layer of how family dynamics interfere with psychological progression. (Oh, did I mention we also aren't done with Maxi's father?) Suji Kim might as well toss my heart in the gutter with how Maxi stands, falls, then tries to rise once again. (I absolutely love it.) Overall, this installment answers an important question: What happens when two vulnerable and hurt people come together to build a life despite all they have been through, a nd what happens when loving each other means doing different things?
Aside from the complexities Kim beautifully addresses, the writing is fantastic. The pacing is wonderful and had me reading during work, in the car, and late into the night. Each volume of Under the Oak Tree is it's own slice of life, and I fall more in love with Maxi with each release. I just hope I can get my hands on the next ARC because I'm simply withering away from the ending... I'm team Riftan until the day I die. Thank you to Inklore and NetGalley for giving me a digital ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
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.
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.
March 4, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to start by thanking the author and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I have had the pleasure of reading all three novels as advance copies, and I cannot wait to see where volume four is going to take us.
I finished this book in a day; I could not put it down. There was so much action and problems going on that the flow of the book was great. I simply love Maxi and Riftan and their relationship. I had thought they had gone through some trials in the previous book; however, this book proved me wrong in so many ways.
Maxi's character grew a lot; she truly came to the realization that she needed to stand on her own two feet. Find who Maxi is without Riftan being over-protected and a father who would abuse her to keep her in line. When she went with her father, I was truly upset that the knights and the princess just let her know she was in so much distress. So at the end, I am glad she stood her ground and is going to the Mage Tower to study.
Riftan's character, we saw a whole other side of him that we had not seen. Of course, he has always been overprotected and never wanted Maxi to lift a finger for anything. So I can understand the anger that he feels when she breaks the promise and goes to the battlefield to be with him. Where she ends up saving the whole company. Yet after he finds out about what her Father did to him, his emotional soft side really comes out. Where we find out how long he has seen her and liked her. How he felt about seeing her hurt and the turmoil that he went through.
I was upset about how Riftan reacted to Maxi wanting to go to the Mage Tower. I know he said everything to hurt her, yet in the end, you only ended up hurting each other. He didn't even get to say goodbye, and he will be hating himself for that.
I can not wait to see if we are going to go through a time skip or if something is going to happen and Riftan has to go and save Maxi while she is at the Mage Tower. This book brought me all the feels, making me want to reread the first two volumes.
I have had the pleasure of reading all three novels as advance copies, and I cannot wait to see where volume four is going to take us.
I finished this book in a day; I could not put it down. There was so much action and problems going on that the flow of the book was great. I simply love Maxi and Riftan and their relationship. I had thought they had gone through some trials in the previous book; however, this book proved me wrong in so many ways.
Maxi's character grew a lot; she truly came to the realization that she needed to stand on her own two feet. Find who Maxi is without Riftan being over-protected and a father who would abuse her to keep her in line. When she went with her father, I was truly upset that the knights and the princess just let her know she was in so much distress. So at the end, I am glad she stood her ground and is going to the Mage Tower to study.
Riftan's character, we saw a whole other side of him that we had not seen. Of course, he has always been overprotected and never wanted Maxi to lift a finger for anything. So I can understand the anger that he feels when she breaks the promise and goes to the battlefield to be with him. Where she ends up saving the whole company. Yet after he finds out about what her Father did to him, his emotional soft side really comes out. Where we find out how long he has seen her and liked her. How he felt about seeing her hurt and the turmoil that he went through.
I was upset about how Riftan reacted to Maxi wanting to go to the Mage Tower. I know he said everything to hurt her, yet in the end, you only ended up hurting each other. He didn't even get to say goodbye, and he will be hating himself for that.
I can not wait to see if we are going to go through a time skip or if something is going to happen and Riftan has to go and save Maxi while she is at the Mage Tower. This book brought me all the feels, making me want to reread the first two volumes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am absolutely flummoxed! I do not understand how this series has such a chokehold on me. Riftan and Maxi are so infuriatingly uncommunicative throughout their relationship, and yet, I'm still rooting for them. I believe this is a testament to the author's storytelling capabilities because despite my frustrations, I am completely captivated by this series.
In this third installment of Under the Oak Tree, the story quickly follows the second book. The Remdragon Knights have made it across the channel to aid in the battle as per the King's request. Instead of joining the battle immediately, they stopy by a monastery to drop Maxi off to be protected by the Duke of Aren. During her time at the monastery, Maxi uses her healing knowledge and magic to help the local townsfolk along with other noble women under the monastery's protection. When word that the battle has gotten worse comes to town, Maxi and a new friend, come up with a plan to join a caravan into the battle as medical support.
I would say about 50-60% of the book is centered around this specific battle, but what really kept me at the edge of my seat was the last 40% of the story. There's a huge emotional turn that really sets the series in motion. From what I found online, Books 1-3 are considered season 1 of the story. Season 2 will begin after the release of Book 4 which is a Riftan POV novel.
I'm hoping Riftan's POV helps round out his character because this man's overprotectiveness has gone too far. It has gotten so controlling and obsessive to the point that it feels abusive.
At the end of the day, I am a Maxi girl through and through. I will ride for her! She has suffered enough. And I will not accept slander of her even in her densest moments. She is a survivor who is paving a path towards freedom and power for herself and while her emotional journey is not perfect, she deserves grace and dignity to be her own person.
*Thank you Random House Worlds and Inklore for the Netgalley ARC. I cannot wait to read the next novel!*
In this third installment of Under the Oak Tree, the story quickly follows the second book. The Remdragon Knights have made it across the channel to aid in the battle as per the King's request. Instead of joining the battle immediately, they stopy by a monastery to drop Maxi off to be protected by the Duke of Aren. During her time at the monastery, Maxi uses her healing knowledge and magic to help the local townsfolk along with other noble women under the monastery's protection. When word that the battle has gotten worse comes to town, Maxi and a new friend, come up with a plan to join a caravan into the battle as medical support.
I would say about 50-60% of the book is centered around this specific battle, but what really kept me at the edge of my seat was the last 40% of the story. There's a huge emotional turn that really sets the series in motion. From what I found online, Books 1-3 are considered season 1 of the story. Season 2 will begin after the release of Book 4 which is a Riftan POV novel.
I'm hoping Riftan's POV helps round out his character because this man's overprotectiveness has gone too far. It has gotten so controlling and obsessive to the point that it feels abusive.
At the end of the day, I am a Maxi girl through and through. I will ride for her! She has suffered enough. And I will not accept slander of her even in her densest moments. She is a survivor who is paving a path towards freedom and power for herself and while her emotional journey is not perfect, she deserves grace and dignity to be her own person.
*Thank you Random House Worlds and Inklore for the Netgalley ARC. I cannot wait to read the next novel!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 ⭐️ ARC/Reread • I have been ripped to pieces. Again. (WARNING: long review/spoilers incoming).
I actually cannot count how many times I have read this story — from Ridibooks, to rereading chapters while I waited for new ones to be published, to the Manta chapters (over and over), to the ebooks published before the traditional publishing, to this eARC. I have reread Maxi & Riftan’s story upwards of four to five times, and each time, it is a beautiful emotional gut punch. I LOVE THEM.
For my fellow long-term readers, this covers (from the eBooks before the trad publishing): Season 1, Vol. 4 (about midway through) to the end of Season 1, Vol. 5.
I will warn everyone who is just getting into this series for the first time: this book is one of the most intense emotionally. We start with Maxi having to watch Riftan ride off to war, and then her sneaking away to join the war effort. They both endure a lot of loss (please check content/trigger warnings, it’s intense) and Riftan finally finds out the truth about something things, and then the universe clearly cannot give them a break, because they are forced to (temporarily) separate.
I have read their story through several times, and I still cried throughout this book. Their communication issues truly go one step forward, two steps back, but it is so clear in every scene you read just how much they LOVE each other!!! I am always so proud of Maxi for every hurdle she overcomes, even though I desperately with my two faves could just have a soft life together.
I cannot wait to have a physical copy of them in my hands, and to reread that one (again) when I have it. I am always ready and willing to dive back into this world with these characters, and I will recommend it to anyone who wants an emotionally devastating romantic fantasy series.
Thank you so much @NetGalley and the publishers (Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore) for the eARC — I cannot wait to keep rereading this series!!
I actually cannot count how many times I have read this story — from Ridibooks, to rereading chapters while I waited for new ones to be published, to the Manta chapters (over and over), to the ebooks published before the traditional publishing, to this eARC. I have reread Maxi & Riftan’s story upwards of four to five times, and each time, it is a beautiful emotional gut punch. I LOVE THEM.
For my fellow long-term readers, this covers (from the eBooks before the trad publishing): Season 1, Vol. 4 (about midway through) to the end of Season 1, Vol. 5.
I will warn everyone who is just getting into this series for the first time: this book is one of the most intense emotionally. We start with Maxi having to watch Riftan ride off to war, and then her sneaking away to join the war effort. They both endure a lot of loss (please check content/trigger warnings, it’s intense) and Riftan finally finds out the truth about something things, and then the universe clearly cannot give them a break, because they are forced to (temporarily) separate.
I have read their story through several times, and I still cried throughout this book. Their communication issues truly go one step forward, two steps back, but it is so clear in every scene you read just how much they LOVE each other!!! I am always so proud of Maxi for every hurdle she overcomes, even though I desperately with my two faves could just have a soft life together.
I cannot wait to have a physical copy of them in my hands, and to reread that one (again) when I have it. I am always ready and willing to dive back into this world with these characters, and I will recommend it to anyone who wants an emotionally devastating romantic fantasy series.
Thank you so much @NetGalley and the publishers (Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore) for the eARC — I cannot wait to keep rereading this series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
This follows fairly quickly after the previous book. This installment seemed to focus a lot on Maxi and her growth and development. You can tell she has grown as the series has progressed, but I really liked this installment with her meeting other noblewomen like her, being exposed to more of a harder and rougher life with the war going on, while also continuing to build her relationship with Riftan.
I honestly don’t know why I like the series so much, especially when I absolutely cannot stand the miscommunication trope. I feel like the definition of miscommunication trope would be Riftan and Maxi.
And yet, I can’t stop reading it. I love them so much. Despite all the red flags, I just can’t help it. I love them so much, I want them to be endgame, I want them to be happy.
I will say that, despite the tough relationship these two have, they are really good when they are together, and there was actually more communication in this installment, with both of them kind of opening up more about themselves and about their past than the prior two books put together. I was very proud of them.
And I’m very proud of Maxi for standing up for herself, I’m sure it was very difficult, but I just wanted to applaud her at the end. She has grown so much!
However, that being said, that ending was agonizing. What a horrible cliffhanger. Now I have to wait so long for the next book to see how their story continues, how their journey and relationship continues. I am so upset, and sad. I’m filled with anguish. Dare I say, I feel like Riftan. I guess at least I have Riftan’s story to look forward to later this year to help tide me over.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly don’t know why I like the series so much, especially when I absolutely cannot stand the miscommunication trope. I feel like the definition of miscommunication trope would be Riftan and Maxi.
And yet, I can’t stop reading it. I love them so much. Despite all the red flags, I just can’t help it. I love them so much, I want them to be endgame, I want them to be happy.
I will say that, despite the tough relationship these two have, they are really good when they are together, and there was actually more communication in this installment, with both of them kind of opening up more about themselves and about their past than the prior two books put together. I was very proud of them.
And I’m very proud of Maxi for standing up for herself, I’m sure it was very difficult, but I just wanted to applaud her at the end. She has grown so much!
However, that being said, that ending was agonizing. What a horrible cliffhanger. Now I have to wait so long for the next book to see how their story continues, how their journey and relationship continues. I am so upset, and sad. I’m filled with anguish. Dare I say, I feel like Riftan. I guess at least I have Riftan’s story to look forward to later this year to help tide me over.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
💛💚 Under the Oak Tree Vol 3 ARC Review 💚💛
Thank you so much to Suji Kim and Inklore publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Under the Oak Tree Vol 3 is a fantasy romance and book 3 of the Under the Oak Tree series. After the events at the end of the last book, Lady Maximilian finds herself taking refuge in a monastery as her husband, the renowned knight Sir Riftan, leaves for war. Overwhelmed by worry and fear, Maxi finds herself wanting to flee the monastery and find her husband on the battlefield. Will their relationship survive this treacherous journey? Or will war rip them apart?
This was such a fantastic read! I adore Maxi and how she’s grown throughout this series. She’s overcome so much and I loved seeing her strength in this book. Riftan is the absolute best and I really liked that we are getting to see more of his character as the series goes on. I loved seeing their relationship continue to evolve as they trust each other more. This is such a vibrant world and I really enjoyed how we got to see more of the kingdom in this book
Overall this was a fantastic five star read! I adore these characters and can’t wait to read more of their story! This series has some dark themes, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book was definitely more plot driven than romance oriented, but it did have a couple spicy moments, so overall two flames for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, beautiful world building and interesting magic, then absolutely pick this series up! As this is a continuation of the story started in the previous books, I recommend reading them in order.
Thank you so much to Suji Kim and Inklore publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Under the Oak Tree Vol 3 is a fantasy romance and book 3 of the Under the Oak Tree series. After the events at the end of the last book, Lady Maximilian finds herself taking refuge in a monastery as her husband, the renowned knight Sir Riftan, leaves for war. Overwhelmed by worry and fear, Maxi finds herself wanting to flee the monastery and find her husband on the battlefield. Will their relationship survive this treacherous journey? Or will war rip them apart?
This was such a fantastic read! I adore Maxi and how she’s grown throughout this series. She’s overcome so much and I loved seeing her strength in this book. Riftan is the absolute best and I really liked that we are getting to see more of his character as the series goes on. I loved seeing their relationship continue to evolve as they trust each other more. This is such a vibrant world and I really enjoyed how we got to see more of the kingdom in this book
Overall this was a fantastic five star read! I adore these characters and can’t wait to read more of their story! This series has some dark themes, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book was definitely more plot driven than romance oriented, but it did have a couple spicy moments, so overall two flames for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, beautiful world building and interesting magic, then absolutely pick this series up! As this is a continuation of the story started in the previous books, I recommend reading them in order.
June 25, 2026
Finally we are getting somewhere in this series!
The action in the first half of this was fantastic! New friends, new problems, great big war.
I love this series so far, it somehow reads slower than most fantasy books but i love it for that reason. I feel like someone is slowly lowering me into the world and then guiding me by the hand through it while I'm reading. Whereas most fantasy books are full of fast paced damn near running through the pages. Basically, the pacing of these books is amazing and very easy to immerse yourself into.
Another thing i enjoy is the romance, well kind of. The couple which is clearly together (their married) somehow goes back and forth with each other so much in this new relationship that even though they kiss and are having..relations from the beginning it doesnt take away from the drama that is the romance. I mean we are on book 3 and not one "i love you" has been spoken but you know what has been said "ive been wanting and watching you, longer than you've known i existed" or "You are the most important thing" down right poetic.
I will say the second half of this book is nothing but tears. No tears is putting it to softly, i sobbed. Ugly snotty sobs for both our main characters. Honestly made me miss the war with the monsters. Like how can we end a book like that? Cruel. But its okay we just have to wait till NOVEMBER 😩
Anyway i love this series, highly recommend you take it for a spin if you havent already. I know its also a graphic novel but ive personally only read the novel but im sure its just as good, give either or both a go.
Trigger warning
Abuse/child abuse
Violence
War
Death
Sickness
Manipulation
Miscarriage
Etc.
The action in the first half of this was fantastic! New friends, new problems, great big war.
I love this series so far, it somehow reads slower than most fantasy books but i love it for that reason. I feel like someone is slowly lowering me into the world and then guiding me by the hand through it while I'm reading. Whereas most fantasy books are full of fast paced damn near running through the pages. Basically, the pacing of these books is amazing and very easy to immerse yourself into.
Another thing i enjoy is the romance, well kind of. The couple which is clearly together (their married) somehow goes back and forth with each other so much in this new relationship that even though they kiss and are having..relations from the beginning it doesnt take away from the drama that is the romance. I mean we are on book 3 and not one "i love you" has been spoken but you know what has been said "ive been wanting and watching you, longer than you've known i existed" or "You are the most important thing" down right poetic.
I will say the second half of this book is nothing but tears. No tears is putting it to softly, i sobbed. Ugly snotty sobs for both our main characters. Honestly made me miss the war with the monsters. Like how can we end a book like that? Cruel. But its okay we just have to wait till NOVEMBER 😩
Anyway i love this series, highly recommend you take it for a spin if you havent already. I know its also a graphic novel but ive personally only read the novel but im sure its just as good, give either or both a go.
Trigger warning
Abuse/child abuse
Violence
War
Death
Sickness
Manipulation
Miscarriage
Etc.
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