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Under the Oak Tree (Novel) #1-7.75
상수리나무 아래 [Sangsurinamu Arae] (Under the Oak Tree
말더듬이 공작 영애 맥시밀리언은
아버지의 강요로 비천한 출생의 기사와 결혼하게 된다.
첫날밤을 치르고 원정을 떠나간 남편은
3년 후, 전 대륙에 명성을 떨치는 기사가 되어 돌아오는데….
아버지의 강요로 비천한 출생의 기사와 결혼하게 된다.
첫날밤을 치르고 원정을 떠나간 남편은
3년 후, 전 대륙에 명성을 떨치는 기사가 되어 돌아오는데….
459 pages, webnovel
First published January 17, 2017
805 people are currently reading
5691 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
April 23, 2020
Oh dear, this is a tough one.
This is one of the stories you have to be patient with and wait for the character development to start. There are a lot of miscommunication at the beginning because of the lead characters low self-esteem. Max and Riftan, they are both so awkward and poor at communicating.
One thinks that anger is a sign to beat, and the other takes every word as a critique of his social status.
One is very timid, the other one is a bit overbearing.
And both of them misunderstand each other due to FL, Max's father.
Since Max has a below sea-level self esteem and Riftan has insecurity the misunderstandings between them are still not cleared.
So why keep reading it?
Because there is an explanation for everything, the story mainly revolves around Max's character progress which has already started and we've already seen Riftan being really considerate with her when he fucking doesnt misunderstand every damn thing.
Max is just an innocent bean who got physically and mentally abused by her own father. Our MC grew up without love or care from her family, she never had friends as well... she's quite pitiful to be honest. It's sad that she's been abused so much so that she's a trembling mess in front of her husband.
Riftan used to just a knight of lowly status who was 'forced' to marry Max before departing for an expedition that lasted 3 years. So when he comes back he has a lot of insecurity about Max and their marriage.
So Of course they misunderstand each other!! They will probably need long time to restore confidence to communicate normally.
However, after the come-back sex, which annoyed the hell out me and nearly made me drop this series because the author had a rough and unappealing start to the smut aspects...
...he was so considerate with her. He loves her so much (dont know for sure yet but it seems it was love at first sight for him) and acts like a beast because he loves her so much. He's overbearing but in a not asshole way. Even though he's quite rough around the edges he's already shown some remarkable good qualities.
Overall; despite the feeling want to smack their head to wake them up, I look forward for their growth.
This is one of the stories you have to be patient with and wait for the character development to start. There are a lot of miscommunication at the beginning because of the lead characters low self-esteem. Max and Riftan, they are both so awkward and poor at communicating.
One thinks that anger is a sign to beat, and the other takes every word as a critique of his social status.
One is very timid, the other one is a bit overbearing.
And both of them misunderstand each other due to FL, Max's father.
Since Max has a below sea-level self esteem and Riftan has insecurity the misunderstandings between them are still not cleared.
So why keep reading it?
Because there is an explanation for everything, the story mainly revolves around Max's character progress which has already started and we've already seen Riftan being really considerate with her when he fucking doesnt misunderstand every damn thing.
Max is just an innocent bean who got physically and mentally abused by her own father. Our MC grew up without love or care from her family, she never had friends as well... she's quite pitiful to be honest. It's sad that she's been abused so much so that she's a trembling mess in front of her husband.
Riftan used to just a knight of lowly status who was 'forced' to marry Max before departing for an expedition that lasted 3 years. So when he comes back he has a lot of insecurity about Max and their marriage.
So Of course they misunderstand each other!! They will probably need long time to restore confidence to communicate normally.
However, after the come-back sex, which annoyed the hell out me and nearly made me drop this series because the author had a rough and unappealing start to the smut aspects...
...he was so considerate with her. He loves her so much (dont know for sure yet but it seems it was love at first sight for him) and acts like a beast because he loves her so much. He's overbearing but in a not asshole way. Even though he's quite rough around the edges he's already shown some remarkable good qualities.
Overall; despite the feeling want to smack their head to wake them up, I look forward for their growth.
December 3, 2020
This light novel is just amazing.
The heroine Max is naive but it isnt as irritating like other books. And the male lead Riftan is just hot.
Although reading this novel, u have to have patience. Theres many misunderstanding at the beginning and Max low self esteem and Riftans lack of understanding doesnt help... I am eagerly waiting when Riftan will know that Max was actually abused.
I wish it updates more frequently.
The heroine Max is naive but it isnt as irritating like other books. And the male lead Riftan is just hot.
Although reading this novel, u have to have patience. Theres many misunderstanding at the beginning and Max low self esteem and Riftans lack of understanding doesnt help... I am eagerly waiting when Riftan will know that Max was actually abused.
I wish it updates more frequently.
March 23, 2023
از این کتاب هایی که پارانویا و تجاوز رو به جای محبت و عشق جا میزنن بشدت بدم میاد! و در آخر اینکه گول تبلیغات لایت ناول های یوتوب رو نخورید یکی از یکی چرت تر!
June 21, 2020
Waiting for second book to come up soon. It's really slow burn romance with quite some character development that I really look forward.
December 19, 2021
Sex doesn't heal trauma people...
May 21, 2021
The characters' development is incredible and I'm so very glad to see Maxi growing to be her own self and gaining confidence.
Some people might get annoyed with her at first because she stutters and acts like a scared mouse all the time, so I must point this out very clearly: Maxi has been treated like shit, beaten and belittled every single moment of her life by her own father and that's all she's ever known since forever.
It'd be just a plain lazy and stupid writing if Maxi were to become a confident woman as soon as she'd left her father's house just because Riftan had returned to take her to their fiefdom.
Oh, about Riftan! He's one of the cutest and nicest ML I've ever seen in a Korean novel. Riftan is such a good guy! Not to say he's perfect, because he's not. Dude definitely has his own issues to overcome.
To be honest, both characters have lots of confidence problems, creating a lot of misunderstandings but both are trying their best to grow and be a little less insecure.
I focused my review on the main characters, yes. Nevertheless the story is so damn good, you know??? I can't barely wait to read the second book ❤
Some people might get annoyed with her at first because she stutters and acts like a scared mouse all the time, so I must point this out very clearly: Maxi has been treated like shit, beaten and belittled every single moment of her life by her own father and that's all she's ever known since forever.
It'd be just a plain lazy and stupid writing if Maxi were to become a confident woman as soon as she'd left her father's house just because Riftan had returned to take her to their fiefdom.
Oh, about Riftan! He's one of the cutest and nicest ML I've ever seen in a Korean novel. Riftan is such a good guy! Not to say he's perfect, because he's not. Dude definitely has his own issues to overcome.
To be honest, both characters have lots of confidence problems, creating a lot of misunderstandings but both are trying their best to grow and be a little less insecure.
I focused my review on the main characters, yes. Nevertheless the story is so damn good, you know??? I can't barely wait to read the second book ❤
December 26, 2020
What can possibly go wrong if we put together a traumatized female lead with an overbearing-self-conscious male lead that won't stop misunderstanding each other every time they interact with one another in the most ridiculous escenarios ever created by mankind?
Under the Oak Tree, a romantic, historical and fantasy Korean light novel, is by far the most incredible read I did so far this year.
The daughter of a Duke, Max, starts as a traumatized, trembling little reindeer girl that's always stuttering and it's always scared of everything because she went through such a traumatic childhood with an asshole abusive father that fucked her up so bad to the point of having her self esteem or basic human interaction at 0 %. On the other hand, we have Riftan, the man her father forced her to marry to. A gigantic ball of overbearingness that believes Max behaves the way she does because she is a preppy little girl who misses daddy and it's probably too disgusted by him and how little he can offer.
Here is the thing. Riftan worked his ass+1 to be in the position he is right now, he acomplished what no other Knight or Kingdom alone would ever do and he is so proud of it, everyone basically kisses his butt (not like I wouldn't). But he believes that Max only sees nothing but the small-ugly-no-rank knight that he used to be in the past, even when in the present he himself has his own Country and has the Kingdom (King included) basically on their knees for him, but in his mind he believes Max doesn't want him/love him because he isn't worthy. Swoooooon.
Obviously our favorite male lead is obnoxiously unaware that his wife is so badly traumatized for her father that she literally can't/doesn't know how to talk to him/people and it can get enfuriating because they literally CAN'T COMUNICATE and they are involved in the most chaotic misunderstandings possible. Our female lead would most likely have a panic attack if she even so dare to try to have a conversation with a rock.
To me, the most incredible part of the story is not the smut or the romance itself which are both pretty good, but the significantly growth Max's character hits. Her development is indeed slow but SO INCREDIBLE GOOD and baby I'm here to cheer her forever and always, let's goooo Max babyyyy.
Anyways, I honestly cannot wait for its manga adaptation. My heart only knows Max, Riftan and Sooji Kim. Love.
PS. Did I mention the tribute to Klimt as their bookcover???? I'm swooning.
Under the Oak Tree, a romantic, historical and fantasy Korean light novel, is by far the most incredible read I did so far this year.
The daughter of a Duke, Max, starts as a traumatized, trembling little reindeer girl that's always stuttering and it's always scared of everything because she went through such a traumatic childhood with an asshole abusive father that fucked her up so bad to the point of having her self esteem or basic human interaction at 0 %. On the other hand, we have Riftan, the man her father forced her to marry to. A gigantic ball of overbearingness that believes Max behaves the way she does because she is a preppy little girl who misses daddy and it's probably too disgusted by him and how little he can offer.
Here is the thing. Riftan worked his ass+1 to be in the position he is right now, he acomplished what no other Knight or Kingdom alone would ever do and he is so proud of it, everyone basically kisses his butt (not like I wouldn't). But he believes that Max only sees nothing but the small-ugly-no-rank knight that he used to be in the past, even when in the present he himself has his own Country and has the Kingdom (King included) basically on their knees for him, but in his mind he believes Max doesn't want him/love him because he isn't worthy. Swoooooon.
Obviously our favorite male lead is obnoxiously unaware that his wife is so badly traumatized for her father that she literally can't/doesn't know how to talk to him/people and it can get enfuriating because they literally CAN'T COMUNICATE and they are involved in the most chaotic misunderstandings possible. Our female lead would most likely have a panic attack if she even so dare to try to have a conversation with a rock.
To me, the most incredible part of the story is not the smut or the romance itself which are both pretty good, but the significantly growth Max's character hits. Her development is indeed slow but SO INCREDIBLE GOOD and baby I'm here to cheer her forever and always, let's goooo Max babyyyy.
Anyways, I honestly cannot wait for its manga adaptation. My heart only knows Max, Riftan and Sooji Kim. Love.
PS. Did I mention the tribute to Klimt as their bookcover???? I'm swooning.
November 8, 2021
I am obsessed with tgis story, can't wait for the new episode. Someone please make this a graphic novel, the art is sooo beautiful
June 14, 2022
RIFTANIMMMMMMM ASLANIM YİĞİDİM...
MAXI AŞKIM SENİ DE DÖVÜCEM ARTIK ÇIK SÖYLE NE SÖYLİCEKSEN SÜREKLİ RIFTAN BENİ BIRAKIR DİYE TRİPLENMEYİ BIRAK BİRAZ KABULLEN MÜKEMMELLİĞİNİ.
ÇOK GÜZELSİNNİZZ
MAXI AŞKIM SENİ DE DÖVÜCEM ARTIK ÇIK SÖYLE NE SÖYLİCEKSEN SÜREKLİ RIFTAN BENİ BIRAKIR DİYE TRİPLENMEYİ BIRAK BİRAZ KABULLEN MÜKEMMELLİĞİNİ.
ÇOK GÜZELSİNNİZZ
June 7, 2020
First of all, I am surprised that this book is at goodreads.com.
How do English readers have access to this novel? As far as I know, this work was never formally translated by Ridi books. So I don't know how you all got to even know about this work.
There are 193 chapters in Season 1, and each chapters are sold for about $0.10. So, if you are reading this work for FREE at some fishy translation site, you are STEALING the author's work!
If you are paying the translators, then you are also stealing the author's work!
Kim, the author, never formally requested anyone for English Translation. So when you pay the translators, nothing goes to the author.
In fact, the translators are stealing from the author. They should not profit from someone else's work.
If you think that translation is the translator's work and thus should be rewarded by their works, you are wrong.
This was never their (translator's) work to translate in first place.
Dont even say things like the translators promoted this novel, and that's the reason why this is so popular.
This novel is written well, and that is the reason why it is popular. It's not the translator's work.
It is the author's work.
How do English readers have access to this novel? As far as I know, this work was never formally translated by Ridi books. So I don't know how you all got to even know about this work.
There are 193 chapters in Season 1, and each chapters are sold for about $0.10. So, if you are reading this work for FREE at some fishy translation site, you are STEALING the author's work!
If you are paying the translators, then you are also stealing the author's work!
Kim, the author, never formally requested anyone for English Translation. So when you pay the translators, nothing goes to the author.
In fact, the translators are stealing from the author. They should not profit from someone else's work.
If you think that translation is the translator's work and thus should be rewarded by their works, you are wrong.
This was never their (translator's) work to translate in first place.
Dont even say things like the translators promoted this novel, and that's the reason why this is so popular.
This novel is written well, and that is the reason why it is popular. It's not the translator's work.
It is the author's work.
May 1, 2021
Really CLICHÉ.
Timid girl that has been oppressed her whole life has been forced to mary a war hero and he's strong, impulsive and gorgeous.
Love that the love interest is a POC HOWEVERRRRR not a fan of the Mary sue trope. Sorry not sorry. This wasn't a good read for me.
ALSO HAVE THEY EVER HEARD OF CONSENT?!?!?!? I WAS SCREAMING WHILST READING THIS. Like hellooooo
Do NOT READ THIS
I rest my case
Timid girl that has been oppressed her whole life has been forced to mary a war hero and he's strong, impulsive and gorgeous.
Love that the love interest is a POC HOWEVERRRRR not a fan of the Mary sue trope. Sorry not sorry. This wasn't a good read for me.
ALSO HAVE THEY EVER HEARD OF CONSENT?!?!?!? I WAS SCREAMING WHILST READING THIS. Like hellooooo
Do NOT READ THIS
I rest my case
December 23, 2021
3 stars ☆
manga > novel.
manga > novel.
December 14, 2020
OKAY I love the webtoon so I looked up the original book
May 8, 2021
If I had stuck with this long enough, apparently there would have been massive character growth and development. Unfortunately, I stuck it out till chapter 40+, it hadn't happened and it's gotten to the point where continuing is unbearable. The sexism, lack of consent and clunky translations in this was awful to read - at best, this light novel is a product of the society it's created in. At worst it's ignorant of what a real relationship needs to function.
December 2, 2021
If this light novel got published it could be HUGE.
Like, Harry Potter huge.
I’ve been looking everywhere and I can’t even find a korean physical book to purchase and it hurts. Pls someone do something about this masterpiece I need to be able to hold it in my hands and to tab it and underline all my fav moments 😩😩😩
Like, Harry Potter huge.
I’ve been looking everywhere and I can’t even find a korean physical book to purchase and it hurts. Pls someone do something about this masterpiece I need to be able to hold it in my hands and to tab it and underline all my fav moments 😩😩😩
September 3, 2022
lord have mercy, im so inlove w riftan & ruth 😩😩 I LOVE RIFTAN SO MUCH! and max bby stay strong, ur doing great ;-; the father here is an abusive asshole, i want him gone!
June 14, 2021
Corea tiene bastantes cosas buenas tanto en cine como tv, pero es la primera vez que leo una novela de una autora coreana; tampoco defrauda. Me ha dejado con un grato sabor de boca, y más cómo es que mezcla una historia de amor, guerra y fantasía.
La protagonista, Maximillian, es mi personaje favorito por la forma en la que evolucionó de a poco hasta el final. Sufrí mucho por las cosas que atravesó, para mí fue muy realista la forma en que la autora abordó su psicología de una mujer maltratada pues a lo largo de la historia todo el tiempo la acompañan sentimientos de inferioridad, ansiedad, inseguridad y miedo, e igual me alegré por sus pequeños triunfos. Creo que habría sido fácil para la autora irse por el camino de convertirla de repente en una chica super poderosa, una elegida, iluminada o algo así. No lo sentiría creíble, no sé.
Por otro lado, no puedo decir lo mismo del protagonista, Riftan. Su caso es problemático, muchas veces llegué a odiarlo porque masculinidad toxica jajajaja. Sus acciones y actitudes dejan mucho que desear, si bien más o menos al final nos ofrecen unas pinceladas de lo que fue su pasado y así justificar su psicología, pero a mí parecer es el que menos crece.
En fin, la recomiendo ampliamente para quien quiere leer una historia emocionante de contexto histórico-romántico-erótico-fantástico con caballeros, magos, princesas, monstruos, de todo un poco lol.
Ya por último, como dije antes adoro a Maxi, pero también Ruth y Agnes se ganaron mi corazón. Los Caballeros Remdragón también son la onda. Los quiero.♡
La protagonista, Maximillian, es mi personaje favorito por la forma en la que evolucionó de a poco hasta el final. Sufrí mucho por las cosas que atravesó, para mí fue muy realista la forma en que la autora abordó su psicología de una mujer maltratada pues a lo largo de la historia todo el tiempo la acompañan sentimientos de inferioridad, ansiedad, inseguridad y miedo, e igual me alegré por sus pequeños triunfos. Creo que habría sido fácil para la autora irse por el camino de convertirla de repente en una chica super poderosa, una elegida, iluminada o algo así. No lo sentiría creíble, no sé.
Por otro lado, no puedo decir lo mismo del protagonista, Riftan. Su caso es problemático, muchas veces llegué a odiarlo porque masculinidad toxica jajajaja. Sus acciones y actitudes dejan mucho que desear, si bien más o menos al final nos ofrecen unas pinceladas de lo que fue su pasado y así justificar su psicología, pero a mí parecer es el que menos crece.
En fin, la recomiendo ampliamente para quien quiere leer una historia emocionante de contexto histórico-romántico-erótico-fantástico con caballeros, magos, princesas, monstruos, de todo un poco lol.
Ya por último, como dije antes adoro a Maxi, pero también Ruth y Agnes se ganaron mi corazón. Los Caballeros Remdragón también son la onda. Los quiero.♡
August 30, 2021
I’m convinced I read the wrong story cuz I don’t get the hype at all. Not a fan of whatever this trope is 🤢
November 10, 2020
Well, i want to objectively write this review, so i want to look of all the aspects this novel has
First, author style of writing, ut is very neat and enjoyable, she describe the story not too much and not too little, just the right proportion, she add the mood in the scene so we don't just read what's going on but also feel what kind of atmosphere the scene has
Although there is a smut scene, but I don't get distracted, instead can feel what kind of mood the character's currently have. Also, author has doing a great job distributing attention even to the side characters, usually novel only emphasis on Main characters and just used the side character to enhance the MC important's role, but i came to like many unique side character appeared in the novel, and enjoy even their little conversation
It is slow building romance, but believe me, you will not get bored because author play with many elements to keep us interesting while waiting for their progress
Second, the character nature chosen was totally different with a common korean romance novel (usually they used extremely rich man and extremely poor woman and otherwise with overbearing, or cold character, entangling in misunderstanding and finally end up together), what different with this one is, author actually don't follow that pattern, instead play with both characters's weaknesses and as the time goes by, they slowly change and heal each other. But although they are each other main reason of change, but the other side characters also play important role especially for the FL
First i thought only female character has problems, but both of them actually has their own issues. In part one of the book you will fall in love with the female lead character development, but almost at the end of book one, author tell a story about male lead's background, and that is mind blowing. Although until the novel went hiatus and both of them not fully open to each other yet, but you will be curious of what will happen next that author not write yet about the story
In part one i especially love female character development, she is not like a usual white lotus type of FL, neither she is an extreme feminist who steal all the spotlight, she was just a simple brave woman in nature who lost her confidence bcos of abusive environment
I also love the ML attributes, behind his inferiority complex, he is actually an excellent leader, a smart man who's good at bargaining, a caring lover, a responsible man, honest man with an overbearing attitude towards our FL
We can relate to them because author try to showed that both FL and ML have flaws, not just unrealistic perfect lover who appeared in most romance novel
Third, their main issues is actually miscommunication, but through the story author make me realize how important it is to be open to your spouse, although they are passionate to each other, they still have this issues since they don't have a totally proper conversation between spouse. Guys, communication is very important
Fourth, the story is quite heavy but enjoyable, you will experience emotional rollercoaster, like sad, symphaty, anger, happiness, heart warming, funny, cringe, proud, etc
And if you are into details like me, you will find many things to learn from, like it is ok to have weaknesses, how important it is to be honest, how love can encourage you to be a better person, how to deal with different character without being offended, it is ok to be straightforward, it is ok to have an argument, talk about it and make up, how achievement can increase someone self esteem, how overprotectiveness can be dangerous to a certain degree ( it can limit our self development) and many more
So yeah, 5 start for the first two books and totally recommended for you who seek meaningful story
First, author style of writing, ut is very neat and enjoyable, she describe the story not too much and not too little, just the right proportion, she add the mood in the scene so we don't just read what's going on but also feel what kind of atmosphere the scene has
Although there is a smut scene, but I don't get distracted, instead can feel what kind of mood the character's currently have. Also, author has doing a great job distributing attention even to the side characters, usually novel only emphasis on Main characters and just used the side character to enhance the MC important's role, but i came to like many unique side character appeared in the novel, and enjoy even their little conversation
It is slow building romance, but believe me, you will not get bored because author play with many elements to keep us interesting while waiting for their progress
Second, the character nature chosen was totally different with a common korean romance novel (usually they used extremely rich man and extremely poor woman and otherwise with overbearing, or cold character, entangling in misunderstanding and finally end up together), what different with this one is, author actually don't follow that pattern, instead play with both characters's weaknesses and as the time goes by, they slowly change and heal each other. But although they are each other main reason of change, but the other side characters also play important role especially for the FL
First i thought only female character has problems, but both of them actually has their own issues. In part one of the book you will fall in love with the female lead character development, but almost at the end of book one, author tell a story about male lead's background, and that is mind blowing. Although until the novel went hiatus and both of them not fully open to each other yet, but you will be curious of what will happen next that author not write yet about the story
In part one i especially love female character development, she is not like a usual white lotus type of FL, neither she is an extreme feminist who steal all the spotlight, she was just a simple brave woman in nature who lost her confidence bcos of abusive environment
I also love the ML attributes, behind his inferiority complex, he is actually an excellent leader, a smart man who's good at bargaining, a caring lover, a responsible man, honest man with an overbearing attitude towards our FL
We can relate to them because author try to showed that both FL and ML have flaws, not just unrealistic perfect lover who appeared in most romance novel
Third, their main issues is actually miscommunication, but through the story author make me realize how important it is to be open to your spouse, although they are passionate to each other, they still have this issues since they don't have a totally proper conversation between spouse. Guys, communication is very important
Fourth, the story is quite heavy but enjoyable, you will experience emotional rollercoaster, like sad, symphaty, anger, happiness, heart warming, funny, cringe, proud, etc
And if you are into details like me, you will find many things to learn from, like it is ok to have weaknesses, how important it is to be honest, how love can encourage you to be a better person, how to deal with different character without being offended, it is ok to be straightforward, it is ok to have an argument, talk about it and make up, how achievement can increase someone self esteem, how overprotectiveness can be dangerous to a certain degree ( it can limit our self development) and many more
So yeah, 5 start for the first two books and totally recommended for you who seek meaningful story
June 20, 2022
Lo terminé en un día, solo quiero decir que necesito 1 o un libro de esta pareja o 2 la 3ra temporada porque el final me dejó con ganas de más.
February 19, 2023
**(Feb '23) Because there is no book for the manhwa on here, I'm using this to say I've finished season 2**
__________
I’ve just finished book 1 and really am at a loss for words. In the past, every time I was asked “What’s your favourite book?“ I could never give an answer. I changed my mind or could never feel passionate enough to choose something, but in actuality, the answer wasn’t clear until I read THIS!
There are so many things I want to say but my emotions are all over the place, and maybe my words wouldn’t be enough anyway, to praise this masterpiece.
What I first thought was only a simple historical romance turned into something much more very quickly. The storyline is intricate and beautiful, but also very, very painful. It explores so many hard hitting topics, and tore my heart out multiple times.
I really can’t wait to read book 2 whenever that may be possible!
EDIT: I just finished reading Riftan’s pov and good grief, I am so SAD. Also, the man thinks in straight up poetry!! It’s a shame he never had the chance to voice such beautiful thoughts, and when he tried he was denied, and then when he had the chance, it wasn’t the right time… So many heartbreaking moments, but I can’t wait to reread book 1 with his pov in mind. It has helped me understand him a lot better and makes the story all that more beautiful and devastating.
__________
I’ve just finished book 1 and really am at a loss for words. In the past, every time I was asked “What’s your favourite book?“ I could never give an answer. I changed my mind or could never feel passionate enough to choose something, but in actuality, the answer wasn’t clear until I read THIS!
There are so many things I want to say but my emotions are all over the place, and maybe my words wouldn’t be enough anyway, to praise this masterpiece.
What I first thought was only a simple historical romance turned into something much more very quickly. The storyline is intricate and beautiful, but also very, very painful. It explores so many hard hitting topics, and tore my heart out multiple times.
I really can’t wait to read book 2 whenever that may be possible!
EDIT: I just finished reading Riftan’s pov and good grief, I am so SAD. Also, the man thinks in straight up poetry!! It’s a shame he never had the chance to voice such beautiful thoughts, and when he tried he was denied, and then when he had the chance, it wasn’t the right time… So many heartbreaking moments, but I can’t wait to reread book 1 with his pov in mind. It has helped me understand him a lot better and makes the story all that more beautiful and devastating.
September 15, 2020
BEWARE of SPOILER
The morning after their wedding night, Max was left by her husband Riftan, who went in her father's stead to fight dragons. The novel started on the day he return, three years later. Max was abused by her father, forcing her to keep the marriage intact if she wanted a peaceful life. From an unknown knight, Riftan shoot to the top when he managed to subdue the dragon. And rumors were flying that the king has bestowed his princess to Riftan.
Riftan arrived and amidst misunderstanding and confusion on both sides, took Max away, heading to his own castle. And oh boy, the misunderstanding kept piling up on top of each other. It didn't help either that both Max and Riftan never open up to each other; Max because of her stutter and low self-esteem and Riftan because of his headstrong character.
Book 1 ended as Max went to a magic school ala Hogwart after she found out she was born with the ability. Book 2 however, was on hiatus as at the moment, the writer was dealing with health issue.
The morning after their wedding night, Max was left by her husband Riftan, who went in her father's stead to fight dragons. The novel started on the day he return, three years later. Max was abused by her father, forcing her to keep the marriage intact if she wanted a peaceful life. From an unknown knight, Riftan shoot to the top when he managed to subdue the dragon. And rumors were flying that the king has bestowed his princess to Riftan.
Riftan arrived and amidst misunderstanding and confusion on both sides, took Max away, heading to his own castle. And oh boy, the misunderstanding kept piling up on top of each other. It didn't help either that both Max and Riftan never open up to each other; Max because of her stutter and low self-esteem and Riftan because of his headstrong character.
Book 1 ended as Max went to a magic school ala Hogwart after she found out she was born with the ability. Book 2 however, was on hiatus as at the moment, the writer was dealing with health issue.
January 11, 2021
This novel is one of my all time favorites! I completely understand why some people might be frustrated at the characters' lack of communication and at how timid Maxi is, but you have to understand that both of them are flawed, and the novel is ultimately about how they develop as characters. I highly recommend that you push past the first half of the novel, since I promise, it gets better! And yes, although some aspects of their relationship may seem problematic at first, it later explains the reasons for why they act that way.
I loved reading about how they grew as people, all of the fantastical aspects, and of course, the steamy scenes ;) This novel is HOT. Seriously, just go ahead and give it a go; I promise you won't be disappointed!!
I heard there's an officially licensed English version of the webtoon coming out soon, so I'll be reading the manhwa as well while I wait for the author to continue publishing.
I loved reading about how they grew as people, all of the fantastical aspects, and of course, the steamy scenes ;) This novel is HOT. Seriously, just go ahead and give it a go; I promise you won't be disappointed!!
I heard there's an officially licensed English version of the webtoon coming out soon, so I'll be reading the manhwa as well while I wait for the author to continue publishing.
January 28, 2022
riftan & maxi my loves who deserve the whole world 🥰❤️
August 3, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
January 11, 2022
This novel truly gave me an existential crisis. Oh boy here we go.
Did I like this novel? Yes!
Do I consider this novel good? Yes!
Has this novel put me in a very bad mood? Yes, yes and yes!!!
Let's talk about the flaws(that are many💀). Before you read this novel, take into account that it has a lot of smut, and especially in the first chapters, you can observe a VERY doubtful consent regarding sexual intercourse. There may be perfectly 30 chapters without anything relevant to the plot(seriously, I can't remember like a quarter part of the book). I've had more than enough with the constant descriptions of Riftan, also known as Mr. Flawless. Sometimes I feel like the characters are dumb and take stupid decisions but they are needed because without them the plot cannot progress and I think that is not a very organic way. And don't even ask me about the terrible lack of communication between the couple (it is the main conflict) that it gets worse due to the interruption of the smut scenes🤡.
BUT, BUT BUT, BUT I think it's totally worth it just because of our dear protagonist: Maximilian. The story is told by her, and she's presented like a traumatized insecure girl who suffered the constant abuse of her father, but once her environment is changed and is surrounded by a caring husband and supportive people, she starts to realize that maybe she is more than what she was told. Her character development is slow but realistic and truly beautiful and inspiring. Also the secondary characters are very interesting (Ruth ily). And despite all the complains I have with the main couple, I also understand the misunderstandings and misconception about what it's beloved wants due to their past experiences and personalities, so I consider they have a great potential and the execution of the concept is in general well done.
So, in general it is a good novel . Above all, it is a love story composed by a noble woman who has to learn how to be strong, and a knight who has to learn how to be weak, and in order to achieve that they have to help each other.
Did I like this novel? Yes!
Do I consider this novel good? Yes!
Has this novel put me in a very bad mood? Yes, yes and yes!!!
Let's talk about the flaws(that are many💀). Before you read this novel, take into account that it has a lot of smut, and especially in the first chapters, you can observe a VERY doubtful consent regarding sexual intercourse. There may be perfectly 30 chapters without anything relevant to the plot(seriously, I can't remember like a quarter part of the book). I've had more than enough with the constant descriptions of Riftan, also known as Mr. Flawless. Sometimes I feel like the characters are dumb and take stupid decisions but they are needed because without them the plot cannot progress and I think that is not a very organic way. And don't even ask me about the terrible lack of communication between the couple (it is the main conflict) that it gets worse due to the interruption of the smut scenes🤡.
BUT, BUT BUT, BUT I think it's totally worth it just because of our dear protagonist: Maximilian. The story is told by her, and she's presented like a traumatized insecure girl who suffered the constant abuse of her father, but once her environment is changed and is surrounded by a caring husband and supportive people, she starts to realize that maybe she is more than what she was told. Her character development is slow but realistic and truly beautiful and inspiring. Also the secondary characters are very interesting (Ruth ily). And despite all the complains I have with the main couple, I also understand the misunderstandings and misconception about what it's beloved wants due to their past experiences and personalities, so I consider they have a great potential and the execution of the concept is in general well done.
So, in general it is a good novel . Above all, it is a love story composed by a noble woman who has to learn how to be strong, and a knight who has to learn how to be weak, and in order to achieve that they have to help each other.
May 23, 2024
manga: may 2024
read until: chapter 95 [season 3 completed]
i don’t think i need to say anything cause max and riftan are everything. i’ve already read the novel for this so i know what’s going to happen next but i’m just gonna continue the manga because it’s beautiful. i want max to become braver when communicating her thoughts and while i understand riftan wants to protect her, max needs to go through some experiences to become stronger.
novel: feb 2023
i adored max and riftan. what a beautiful couple but they’re not without flaws. max’s progress in gaining her confidence and self-worth is a slow one considering the horrifying treatment she had received from her father before she was brought away from her home. slowly, she’s becoming more capable with magic, starting with healing and then defensive. but riftan is consistently asking her to stop or showing his disapproval. while it’s obvious to readers that riftan just wanted to provide the best fro max and doesn’t want her to have a single worry and doesn’t want her to be injured, max doesn’t know and riftan doesn’t explicitly say. i think this caused quite a bit of rift between the couple. it hurts both of them. why couldn’t the other person know why they’re doing what they’re doing?
i was hoping the novel would end nicely but it ended with separation. however, i’m actually looking forward what the years apart would do to the couple. max wants to be useful while riftan wants to provide. i loved max’s bravery during the war plot and i adored riftan for being a devoted husband. but the two of them needs time apart to grow into their own. fear and insecurity was holding them back and i’m anticipating great changes in book two.
read until: chapter 95 [season 3 completed]
i don’t think i need to say anything cause max and riftan are everything. i’ve already read the novel for this so i know what’s going to happen next but i’m just gonna continue the manga because it’s beautiful. i want max to become braver when communicating her thoughts and while i understand riftan wants to protect her, max needs to go through some experiences to become stronger.
novel: feb 2023
i adored max and riftan. what a beautiful couple but they’re not without flaws. max’s progress in gaining her confidence and self-worth is a slow one considering the horrifying treatment she had received from her father before she was brought away from her home. slowly, she’s becoming more capable with magic, starting with healing and then defensive. but riftan is consistently asking her to stop or showing his disapproval. while it’s obvious to readers that riftan just wanted to provide the best fro max and doesn’t want her to have a single worry and doesn’t want her to be injured, max doesn’t know and riftan doesn’t explicitly say. i think this caused quite a bit of rift between the couple. it hurts both of them. why couldn’t the other person know why they’re doing what they’re doing?
i was hoping the novel would end nicely but it ended with separation. however, i’m actually looking forward what the years apart would do to the couple. max wants to be useful while riftan wants to provide. i loved max’s bravery during the war plot and i adored riftan for being a devoted husband. but the two of them needs time apart to grow into their own. fear and insecurity was holding them back and i’m anticipating great changes in book two.
February 12, 2021
Ну, я, конечно, не то чтобы закончила. (прочла около сотни глав из вроде как 344)
История робкой заикающейся жертвы домашнего насилия, выданной замуж за грубоватого, но влюбленного в нее рыцаря с комплексом неполноценности и познающей радости супружеского секса, управления хозяйством и освоения магией.
В манге эро сцены порезаны, в новелле описаны на радость всем страждущим.
В целом, с мужем героине лучше, чем с отцом (хотя тоже страшно). В комментах обсуждают, когда ж героиня забеременеет (с таким обилием секса этого можно ожидать), я жду приступа ревности мужа к магу(незаслуженного, но назревающего)
История робкой заикающейся жертвы домашнего насилия, выданной замуж за грубоватого, но влюбленного в нее рыцаря с комплексом неполноценности и познающей радости супружеского секса, управления хозяйством и освоения магией.
В манге эро сцены порезаны, в новелле описаны на радость всем страждущим.
В целом, с мужем героине лучше, чем с отцом (хотя тоже страшно). В комментах обсуждают, когда ж героиня забеременеет (с таким обилием секса этого можно ожидать), я жду приступа ревности мужа к магу(незаслуженного, но назревающего)
November 24, 2021
Already finished the book in 8 days because i was super hooked. Saw it on manta comics. Able to read all 34 chapters in manhwa and also registered to ridibooks to read the whole novel. Already finished book 2 yesterday but i still can’t get enough of Under The Oak Tree. I think there’s still more about the story the ending in book 2 isn’t the perfect ending i expect it to be. Hoping for book 3 soon.. Hope Riftan will open up more to Maxi. I love Maxi’s character development. And kudos to the author Miss Kim Suji.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
No words can describe how beautiful this story was. Every chapter was full of lively characters and heartbreak. A beautiful romance that I never thought I would become so attached to, the characters are real and relatable. It’s hard not to root for their eternity together but there are so many things that could keep them apart.
Thanks to all the hard working subbers who brought this light novel to life, it is because of you guys that we can experience the beautiful stories of other countries and artists.
I’ll see everyone in book 2 <3
Thanks to all the hard working subbers who brought this light novel to life, it is because of you guys that we can experience the beautiful stories of other countries and artists.
I’ll see everyone in book 2 <3
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