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Under the Oak Tree (Novel) #5.5
Riftan’s POV
The daughter of a duke, the stuttering Maximilian, married a knight of lowly status at her father’s coercion.
After their first night, her husband departed for an expedition without another word.
He comes back three years later, this time as a famous knight in the whole continent.
How would Maximilian face him on his return?
After their first night, her husband departed for an expedition without another word.
He comes back three years later, this time as a famous knight in the whole continent.
How would Maximilian face him on his return?
388 pages, ebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
August 26, 2021
DNF
Did I read something completely different from everybody else? I had some slight hopes this would be good and sweet based on some artwork, but god no. Not only was this incredibly rushed and terribly written, it was also very rape-y??? Is no one seeing that? The male love interest, Raftan or Riftan or whatever, literally said he wouldn’t be able to stop himself even if she said no? Like?? Not to speak of their wedding night? And he’s literally obsessed with so-called «marriage duties» and she’s obviously nervous and unsure and scared, like?? maybe?? don’t pressure her??
No thank you and good bye.
Did I read something completely different from everybody else? I had some slight hopes this would be good and sweet based on some artwork, but god no. Not only was this incredibly rushed and terribly written, it was also very rape-y??? Is no one seeing that? The male love interest, Raftan or Riftan or whatever, literally said he wouldn’t be able to stop himself even if she said no? Like?? Not to speak of their wedding night? And he’s literally obsessed with so-called «marriage duties» and she’s obviously nervous and unsure and scared, like?? maybe?? don’t pressure her??
No thank you and good bye.
April 14, 2022
I read this a little while ago and I cannot tell you how much it hurt my heart to read from Riftan’s perspective! Everything he went through and how small and unworthy he feels of Maxi.
He really, REALLY thinks her father was doting and spoiling with her, it only makes me want more for him to know how Maxi’s father treated her, and hell will break loose, as it fucking should!!!
I re read the webtoon after finishing his POV and many scenes hurt so much more, but damn my man yearned for his lady so much, yet he would not accept she be used as a prize or as a bargaining chip, we get to see which trap The Duke of Croix used to get them to marry as we see at the beginning of Maxi’s POV, and man IT HURT LIKE HELL.
We get to see (or rather, read) where he comes from, how he becomes the way he is, how he met Ruth, his men and how he won his fame, but I’ll be damned if it didn’t hurt to read him, a big, scary-looking, ruthless mercenary-turned-knight that never seemed to be interested in his looks, trying to look as dashing and handsome as possible in front of a mirror for one hour, for the lady he is in love with to end up believing she dislikes him. I HATE it here.
I need these books in printed form resting in my bookshelf so, so bad!
He really, REALLY thinks her father was doting and spoiling with her, it only makes me want more for him to know how Maxi’s father treated her, and hell will break loose, as it fucking should!!!
I re read the webtoon after finishing his POV and many scenes hurt so much more, but damn my man yearned for his lady so much, yet he would not accept she be used as a prize or as a bargaining chip, we get to see which trap The Duke of Croix used to get them to marry as we see at the beginning of Maxi’s POV, and man IT HURT LIKE HELL.
We get to see (or rather, read) where he comes from, how he becomes the way he is, how he met Ruth, his men and how he won his fame, but I’ll be damned if it didn’t hurt to read him, a big, scary-looking, ruthless mercenary-turned-knight that never seemed to be interested in his looks, trying to look as dashing and handsome as possible in front of a mirror for one hour, for the lady he is in love with to end up believing she dislikes him. I HATE it here.
I need these books in printed form resting in my bookshelf so, so bad!
November 15, 2024
“If I were to die, I should like to return as your hair. To have no other purpose but to cascade down your back, and every time the wind blows, brush against your lips, your cheeks…”
If he doesn’t want to be reincarnated as my hair I don’t want him. If he’s not been loyal to me, not looked at or thought about anyone other than me since the age of eight I don’t want him.
If he doesn’t want to be reincarnated as my hair I don’t want him. If he’s not been loyal to me, not looked at or thought about anyone other than me since the age of eight I don’t want him.
May 22, 2024
*squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal* This cover reminds me of The Kiss and we get to be inside Riftan's complex man brain!!!!!!
Okay now that that's done, Riftan's story is the 6th book in the series and should be read as such because it gives away vital information. The book begins with Riftan at a very young age while working and watching Maxi from afar. Under the Oak Tree is by far the most angstiest thing I have ever and will ever read and this book took it to new heights.
Riftan reminded me of The Witcher with the Bard aka Ruth always nagging at his heels. Ruth is heartwarming, annoying, and the cutest sadistic wizard I have ever come across. He latched on and demanded to be loved. Bravo Ruth, I give up.
There didn't seem to be much world-building but the character depth was masterfully done. Riftan is forward, restrained, suffocating, withdrawn, jealous, indifferent, caring, neglectful, and obsessed. He is contradictory to the point I want to pull my hair out. But his pov gave so much more depth to himself and the story that I finally began to understand the chaos.
Crazy enough, even though I knew Riftan and Max would be married, I anxiously awaited its arrival hoping it wasn't all just a dream. So in true fashion of an obsessed fan, I read until my eyes were heavy. This book was excruciating. Riftan has been through and seen so much, I just can't form words. He deserves to be happy for the rest of his days. I absolutely lived for the mere glances he gave Max. The story became very tedious but in time showed the depth of his love and I wouldn't take back one second of it.
If you're a crazy cartographer like myself there is a map in the webtoon....... why it isn't in the books is beyond me but maybe it will be fixed in time.
The ending side story of Gabel was hilarious. Herbaron has no shame in getting Maxi drunk. I was anxiously waiting for Riftan to walk in the door. He always seems to sense these things. And poor Maxi she is the cutest when inebriated spouting off all the things she loves about Riftan haha.
"Now, then!" Hebaron barked as if determined to rile his subordinate further. "Off we go to face the endearing Sir Riftan, whose hair is parted slightly on the right!"
Spoilers
----------------
--------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Omg is that why he licks her tears? Because the puppy is the only thing that made her smile. AND we got to find out where the jewels came from *squeal*. They even made crowns for each other. A flower crown for Riftan and an iron crown for Maxi. How fitting.
Quotes:
He shouldn’t have gone there and made himself aware of how easily she could capture his feelings with a single glance. The girl was rooted deep within his core before he had the chance to fall in love with anyone else before he was able to defend his feelings with a hard shell. And yet, he feared that his only comfort and paradise would shatter.
The slight girl was crouched over, picking something off the ground. All the bitterness in Riftan’s heart seemed to evaporate like magic at the sight of her.
Being careful not to get too close, Riftan cautiously placed the pebble on the ground, then stalked away as though he had other matters to attend to. He glanced over his shoulder a moment later and saw the girl pick up the pebble before placing it in a colorful pouch. Suppressing the smile that tugged at his lips, Riftan returned to the castle gate.
His heart twinged as he realized that she longed to be held. He felt her loneliness so acutely that he almost mistook it for his own.
His mother seemed to hesitate before pulling the blanket over his shoulder. Tears sprang in his eyes at her cautious touch. As his eyelids grew heavy, he mused that being sick once in a while was not so bad.
In his opinion, the mage was closer to a siren. Just like the monster, he was pale, sluggish, and infuriatingly noisy.
She had infiltrated the innermost corners of his heart. Knowing how easily he could fall under her spell again, he should have done everything in his power to avoid her.
If he could, he would lay a reassuring hand on her small back and tell her that a speech impediment was nothing more than a minor flaw. He would gladly hand over sacks of gold just to hear her speak.
If I were to die, I should like to return as your hair. To have no other purpose but to cascade down your back, and every time the wind blows, brush against your lips, your cheeks…
Okay now that that's done, Riftan's story is the 6th book in the series and should be read as such because it gives away vital information. The book begins with Riftan at a very young age while working and watching Maxi from afar. Under the Oak Tree is by far the most angstiest thing I have ever and will ever read and this book took it to new heights.
Riftan reminded me of The Witcher with the Bard aka Ruth always nagging at his heels. Ruth is heartwarming, annoying, and the cutest sadistic wizard I have ever come across. He latched on and demanded to be loved. Bravo Ruth, I give up.
There didn't seem to be much world-building but the character depth was masterfully done. Riftan is forward, restrained, suffocating, withdrawn, jealous, indifferent, caring, neglectful, and obsessed. He is contradictory to the point I want to pull my hair out. But his pov gave so much more depth to himself and the story that I finally began to understand the chaos.
Crazy enough, even though I knew Riftan and Max would be married, I anxiously awaited its arrival hoping it wasn't all just a dream. So in true fashion of an obsessed fan, I read until my eyes were heavy. This book was excruciating. Riftan has been through and seen so much, I just can't form words. He deserves to be happy for the rest of his days. I absolutely lived for the mere glances he gave Max. The story became very tedious but in time showed the depth of his love and I wouldn't take back one second of it.
If you're a crazy cartographer like myself there is a map in the webtoon....... why it isn't in the books is beyond me but maybe it will be fixed in time.
The ending side story of Gabel was hilarious. Herbaron has no shame in getting Maxi drunk. I was anxiously waiting for Riftan to walk in the door. He always seems to sense these things. And poor Maxi she is the cutest when inebriated spouting off all the things she loves about Riftan haha.
"Now, then!" Hebaron barked as if determined to rile his subordinate further. "Off we go to face the endearing Sir Riftan, whose hair is parted slightly on the right!"
Spoilers
----------------
--------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
Omg is that why he licks her tears? Because the puppy is the only thing that made her smile. AND we got to find out where the jewels came from *squeal*. They even made crowns for each other. A flower crown for Riftan and an iron crown for Maxi. How fitting.
Quotes:
He shouldn’t have gone there and made himself aware of how easily she could capture his feelings with a single glance. The girl was rooted deep within his core before he had the chance to fall in love with anyone else before he was able to defend his feelings with a hard shell. And yet, he feared that his only comfort and paradise would shatter.
The slight girl was crouched over, picking something off the ground. All the bitterness in Riftan’s heart seemed to evaporate like magic at the sight of her.
Being careful not to get too close, Riftan cautiously placed the pebble on the ground, then stalked away as though he had other matters to attend to. He glanced over his shoulder a moment later and saw the girl pick up the pebble before placing it in a colorful pouch. Suppressing the smile that tugged at his lips, Riftan returned to the castle gate.
His heart twinged as he realized that she longed to be held. He felt her loneliness so acutely that he almost mistook it for his own.
His mother seemed to hesitate before pulling the blanket over his shoulder. Tears sprang in his eyes at her cautious touch. As his eyelids grew heavy, he mused that being sick once in a while was not so bad.
In his opinion, the mage was closer to a siren. Just like the monster, he was pale, sluggish, and infuriatingly noisy.
She had infiltrated the innermost corners of his heart. Knowing how easily he could fall under her spell again, he should have done everything in his power to avoid her.
If he could, he would lay a reassuring hand on her small back and tell her that a speech impediment was nothing more than a minor flaw. He would gladly hand over sacks of gold just to hear her speak.
If I were to die, I should like to return as your hair. To have no other purpose but to cascade down your back, and every time the wind blows, brush against your lips, your cheeks…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
I've read all the chapters available so far on Ridibooks (using Google chrome to translate Korean to English - not great, but understandable.) I came across the novel after reading the weekly manhwa (Korean manga), which seems like a toned down version of the novel. At first the novel seemed like a typical toxic romance sprinkled with smut (just a heads up - some stuff is explicit), but I was actually surprised to find a decent storyline. The character development (especially the female lead) was also surprisingly well-written and enough to keep me reading. For any newcomers - Book 1 has 193 chapters, then there are 45 side chapters (I recommend reading these before Book 2), and Book 2 is currently unfinished at 106 chapters. The author has been on hiatus for a year, but there's talk of a Book 3 (fingers crossed.) This book kept me wonderfully distracted for the past several weeks with so much going on in the world, and it also introduced me to an international fan base. Sending the author well-wishes and honestly hoping for a happy ending between the two lead characters.
June 7, 2022
Çok güzeldi...riftan i tanımış altta yatan sebepleri öğrenmiş olduk...yazarımız dram dozunu kaçırmış ama neyse...
Keşke ana seriyi de Riftan in bakış açısıyla yazsaymiş.
Keşke ana seriyi de Riftan in bakış açısıyla yazsaymiş.
February 28, 2023
"If I were to die, I should like to return as your hair. To have no other purpose but to cascade down your back, and every time the wind blows, brush against your lips, your cheeks..."
Just crying, crying all over the place! Riftan's backstory is just so heartbreaking and tough to read, no matter how many times I do it. Ending on another quote because I like pain:
"But, if fortune was on his side, he would at least be allowed to die her husband."
😭😭😭😭😭😭
Just crying, crying all over the place! Riftan's backstory is just so heartbreaking and tough to read, no matter how many times I do it. Ending on another quote because I like pain:
"But, if fortune was on his side, he would at least be allowed to die her husband."
😭😭😭😭😭😭
March 9, 2022
Riftan went through so much shit in his life and yet, he bears so much love for Maxi. 🥺 and that, for years!
I hope that Riftan learns about Maxi's abuse soon in the main story and that her father dies a painful death (I'm at chapter 150-ish by the time of this review)
I hope that Riftan learns about Maxi's abuse soon in the main story and that her father dies a painful death (I'm at chapter 150-ish by the time of this review)
February 10, 2023
Amazing
I loved this. Poor guy. I really want these two to actually communicate and get their misunderstandings out of the way. I want more from Riften's POV.
I loved this. Poor guy. I really want these two to actually communicate and get their misunderstandings out of the way. I want more from Riften's POV.
June 26, 2022
Riftan has my heart. It was so good to understand his past and his personality.
To know that his life was so messed up, like Maxi, and then his only crush, the only girl who he thought about became his wife (even though the reasons behind that arranged marriage were really fucked up) was so bittersweet.
The whole story could be encapsulated in that single word, bittersweet.
Despite this my opinion towards him and the novel changed for the better as it went along. It didn’t, however, alter my opinion in regards to the beginning of the novel.
To know that his life was so messed up, like Maxi, and then his only crush, the only girl who he thought about became his wife (even though the reasons behind that arranged marriage were really fucked up) was so bittersweet.
The whole story could be encapsulated in that single word, bittersweet.
Despite this my opinion towards him and the novel changed for the better as it went along. It didn’t, however, alter my opinion in regards to the beginning of the novel.
January 10, 2025
4.5
ريفيتان كتكوت و مسكين زعلت عليه بالرواية بالبداية مطلعينه كانه شرير و ruthless بس هو مهووس بماكسي🥹🥹..لسا مو مصدقة انو انا الslow reader خلصت ٣٨٨ بيوم💀💀💀💀
ريفيتان كتكوت و مسكين زعلت عليه بالرواية بالبداية مطلعينه كانه شرير و ruthless بس هو مهووس بماكسي🥹🥹..لسا مو مصدقة انو انا الslow reader خلصت ٣٨٨ بيوم💀💀💀💀
May 17, 2022
First I found the manga. I liked it very much but then I learned it had been a novel first so I went and found the novel.... and holy sh*t!!! This is one of the best books I have read in a loooong time.
Seriously.
Hands down.
I'm not a big fan of smutty romance novels but I was on a kick this year and have been reading them for funsies...
This book is so much more than a romance novel.
And the smut is so hot. It isn't like 50 Shades where you can't read the smut because it is beyond stupid. and it isn't like a lot of smut I have come across where the sex is mechanical or like reading an Ikea instruction manual. This smut is gooood!
Beyond the smut... the plot is super cool and I think I just might have given the book 5 stars even if there had been no smut in the whole book.
This book is Princess Bride meets The Witcher.
Merged review:
If you've read Under the Oak Tree and wonder why Riftan does what he does especially with regard to Maxi then this is for you.
Ever wondered how Riftan met Ruth? Then this is the book for you.
Want to know how a half-blood bastard becomes the leader of the RemDragon Knights and the best knight in all the lands? Then this is the book for you.
It is a prequal and answers questions you never even knew to ask.
Seriously.
Hands down.
I'm not a big fan of smutty romance novels but I was on a kick this year and have been reading them for funsies...
This book is so much more than a romance novel.
And the smut is so hot. It isn't like 50 Shades where you can't read the smut because it is beyond stupid. and it isn't like a lot of smut I have come across where the sex is mechanical or like reading an Ikea instruction manual. This smut is gooood!
Beyond the smut... the plot is super cool and I think I just might have given the book 5 stars even if there had been no smut in the whole book.
This book is Princess Bride meets The Witcher.
Merged review:
If you've read Under the Oak Tree and wonder why Riftan does what he does especially with regard to Maxi then this is for you.
Ever wondered how Riftan met Ruth? Then this is the book for you.
Want to know how a half-blood bastard becomes the leader of the RemDragon Knights and the best knight in all the lands? Then this is the book for you.
It is a prequal and answers questions you never even knew to ask.
July 22, 2022
Historias cortas que ayudan a entender más a Riftan. Las dificultades que tiene para entender ciertos compartimientos, su pasado y como todo está conectado con Max.
También como conoció a Ruth y su ascensión social debido a sus habilidades.
También como conoció a Ruth y su ascensión social debido a sus habilidades.
October 5, 2022
The novel gives you more insight why he sometimes react/act the way he does, especially why he is so obsessed with Maxi. I definitely recommend reading riftans pov after season 1 first, then start with season 2.
***SPOILERSS***
I mean she unconsciously kept him alive through his teens, giving him hope but also alot of heartache. Seeing how his step father didn't wanna acknowledge his existence after, makes sense why he felt do alone and also why he called Maxi his only family.
I'm kinda sad we didn't got to read how he defeated the dragon, and him meeting Maxi again through his pov.
Last bit was funny af! 🤣
***SPOILERSS***
I mean she unconsciously kept him alive through his teens, giving him hope but also alot of heartache. Seeing how his step father didn't wanna acknowledge his existence after, makes sense why he felt do alone and also why he called Maxi his only family.
I'm kinda sad we didn't got to read how he defeated the dragon, and him meeting Maxi again through his pov.
Last bit was funny af! 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
Esse livro mostra de forma profunda os sentimentos do Riftan com relação ao mundo, ele não se passa ao mesmo tempo que os acontecimentos narrados por Maximilian, mas nos dá um vislumbre de como ele se sentiu durante toda a sua vida.
Aqui podemos ver porque Riftan é tão avesso a "nobreza", como sua vida foi marcada por sua posição social, sua cor, suas origens e seu credo (ou a falta dele). Como ele acabou criando uma "casca" para se proteger nesse mundo e foi se fechando cada vez mais.
Sua caminhada não foi fácil e doeu ver que seu único momento de paz, era uma lembrança de uma garotinha solitária que lhe parecia tão necessitada de afeto quanto ele. Nesse ponto ele pensou "será que ela é tão solitária quanto eu?"
A partir daí seu amor por Max cresceu, inicialmente um sentimento infantil até o momento em que ela se torna sua esposa.
Consegui entender porque muitas vezes ele não notava que Max estava muito ferida, porque ele também estava. Riftan estava acostumado a pensar que as pessoas o desprezavam e isso estava tão enraizado que ele não conseguia pensar que Max poderia o ver de outra forma.
Adoraria ver mais pelo ponto de vista dele, muitos momentos desejei saber o que se passava em sua cabeça e gostaria de ver sua mudança a medida que ele deixa Max entrar e percebe porque ela age como age.
P.s.: Torço para que Riftan tenha paz, construindo um futuro com Maxi e que ele seja menos teimoso e menos possessivo com a bichinha. Mas isso fica para a segunda temporada. Hehe
Aqui podemos ver porque Riftan é tão avesso a "nobreza", como sua vida foi marcada por sua posição social, sua cor, suas origens e seu credo (ou a falta dele). Como ele acabou criando uma "casca" para se proteger nesse mundo e foi se fechando cada vez mais.
Sua caminhada não foi fácil e doeu ver que seu único momento de paz, era uma lembrança de uma garotinha solitária que lhe parecia tão necessitada de afeto quanto ele. Nesse ponto ele pensou "será que ela é tão solitária quanto eu?"
A partir daí seu amor por Max cresceu, inicialmente um sentimento infantil até o momento em que ela se torna sua esposa.
Consegui entender porque muitas vezes ele não notava que Max estava muito ferida, porque ele também estava. Riftan estava acostumado a pensar que as pessoas o desprezavam e isso estava tão enraizado que ele não conseguia pensar que Max poderia o ver de outra forma.
Adoraria ver mais pelo ponto de vista dele, muitos momentos desejei saber o que se passava em sua cabeça e gostaria de ver sua mudança a medida que ele deixa Max entrar e percebe porque ela age como age.
P.s.: Torço para que Riftan tenha paz, construindo um futuro com Maxi e que ele seja menos teimoso e menos possessivo com a bichinha. Mas isso fica para a segunda temporada. Hehe
January 7, 2024
Riftan'ın hikayesi kalbimi ne kadar kırsa, sevmeyi bilmediğini iyice anlasam ya da kendisine olan aşağılık duygularını derinden hissetsem de birinci kitabı okurken de bu tarz şeyler bekliyordum zaten. O yüzden, okurken kimsenin kalbimi kendinde tutamadığı sözlere tanıklık etsek dahi bu hikayede en çok yanan, Riftan'ın tüm içten kavrulmalarına rağmen Max. Riftan öyle böyle sesini çıkarıp onu dinleyebilecek bir mecra bulabiliyor çünkü. O yüzden hala kızgınlıklarımı baki tutuyorum ona karşı.
Ayrıca özellikle Max'ın bıcır bıcır, cesur küçüklüğünü görmek beni iyice mahvetti. Ruhunun ne derece ezildiği tekrar gözler önüne serildi.
Umuyorum ki ne birbirlerini ne de kendileri yakmadan gıdıklayan bir sıcaklıkla, sağlıklı bir şekilde birbirleri sevebilecekleri günler gelecek. Yazar hanımdan beklentilerim çok büyük.
Ayrıca özellikle Max'ın bıcır bıcır, cesur küçüklüğünü görmek beni iyice mahvetti. Ruhunun ne derece ezildiği tekrar gözler önüne serildi.
Umuyorum ki ne birbirlerini ne de kendileri yakmadan gıdıklayan bir sıcaklıkla, sağlıklı bir şekilde birbirleri sevebilecekleri günler gelecek. Yazar hanımdan beklentilerim çok büyük.
August 17, 2025
It hit me when I read this. This man had severe depression his whole life, he had absolutely no reason to live, that's why he lived so recklessly, it was either death or more gold and both did not sound like a bad idea. More gold meant becoming someone who is capable of standing in front of the girl in the ONLY sweet memory he had in his lonely life, not because he ever dreamed of having her... my boy thought she despised him as her dad, but only the idea of being richer and stronger for her was what kept him going despite his terrible depression... I was never the same after understanding him
January 16, 2024
Sin duda, si quieres leer Debajo del roble, tienes que leer la historia de Riftan. Ahora comprendo los cambios que tiene en el libro principal y, por favor, que alguien le de una manta y comida caliente al Riftan niño. Me ha dado mucha lástima, pero también he disfrutado mucho cómo se iba haciendo un nombre poco a poco y cómo conoce a los que luego serían sus inseparables caballeros. Muy recomendado leer el libro si ya has leído Debajo del roble.
May 26, 2022
üstadım tarkan dan ölürüm sana şarkısı benden sana gelsin riftan reis 💋 muhtemelen senden de maxi kıza gidecektir 🤡
July 12, 2022
Es tan precioso <3
April 10, 2021
I started this on a whim after seeing it advertised on my TikTok FYP and binge read it in one day (as of this review it only has 24 chapters). I’m glad I did because it’s a great read, and it’s drawn so beautifully.
Maximillian is our MC and she’s been subject to every kinds of abuse her entire life, eventually before she’s forced to marry a “lowly” knight by her father at the age of 19. She’s a pawn to whatever plans he has and she has no choice to obey him because of how afraid she is of him - i’ll admit it broke my heart reading her internal monologue, i even had to stop because i got so teary eyed about her. Her father shows no hesitation in physically abusing her even when knews of her husband’s return reaches them; it’s clear he is the source of all of her low self esteem and self hatred - he feeds her worry about being abandoned by telling her that her husband is asking for a divorce and that it’s all her fault.
Honestly, normally i would hate a female protagonist like this but the way the writer portrays her makes me just want to protect maximilian so much, she’s so loveable and deserves so much happiness. She constantly doubts herself but she’s learning to grow because she’s no longer under her father’s thumb; while Riften aids in her growth as a person, a lot of her growth takes place in the chapters he’s not there and she’s learning to be a lady of his home and it gives this amazing spark of confidence that it fantastic to see.
I came for the romance, but i’m honestly staying because Maxi is an amazing protagonist who is growing and healing as a person, and i can’t wait to see even more of her character development.
Riften is her husband and he comes back suddenly propelled in status and a favourite of the king, and despite being offered a divorce and a marriage to the princess, he respects his vows with Maxi and he wants to treat her as his wife; there are a few things that tick me off about his character like how he basically rushes her to have sex and ignores her worries about it being painful. I think he must be incredibly blind or incredibly stupid to not see how afraid she was of him and of sex in general, and it soured my perception of him, but he’s not a bad guy. He clearly cares and, dare i say, loves Maxi and would never intentionally harm her, and he deeply respects her as a person and doesn’t undermine her choices or authority as lady of the castle. He’s quick to temper and somewhat overtly possessive of her, though it’s understandable since he hasn’t seen his wife in three years and most of his company are young knights. The main thing i’m looking forward to is his finding out of Maxi’s abuse, despite how desperately she’s trying to hide it from him - talk about spicey drama.
The world building has some serious thought built into it - it seems like a medieval fantasy world, filled with monsters of human and supernatural beings alike. It has its own history, own currency, even Riften’s sword has a backstory of it being made of a precious metal made from the ore of the gods. Everything is so well thought of, it feels like a real, fantastical world where if the ogres don’t eat you, the noble will.
I’m only giving it four stars because as i said, only 24 chapters have come out yet and i want to read more before i give a final decision.
Maximillian is our MC and she’s been subject to every kinds of abuse her entire life, eventually before she’s forced to marry a “lowly” knight by her father at the age of 19. She’s a pawn to whatever plans he has and she has no choice to obey him because of how afraid she is of him - i’ll admit it broke my heart reading her internal monologue, i even had to stop because i got so teary eyed about her. Her father shows no hesitation in physically abusing her even when knews of her husband’s return reaches them; it’s clear he is the source of all of her low self esteem and self hatred - he feeds her worry about being abandoned by telling her that her husband is asking for a divorce and that it’s all her fault.
Honestly, normally i would hate a female protagonist like this but the way the writer portrays her makes me just want to protect maximilian so much, she’s so loveable and deserves so much happiness. She constantly doubts herself but she’s learning to grow because she’s no longer under her father’s thumb; while Riften aids in her growth as a person, a lot of her growth takes place in the chapters he’s not there and she’s learning to be a lady of his home and it gives this amazing spark of confidence that it fantastic to see.
I came for the romance, but i’m honestly staying because Maxi is an amazing protagonist who is growing and healing as a person, and i can’t wait to see even more of her character development.
Riften is her husband and he comes back suddenly propelled in status and a favourite of the king, and despite being offered a divorce and a marriage to the princess, he respects his vows with Maxi and he wants to treat her as his wife; there are a few things that tick me off about his character like how he basically rushes her to have sex and ignores her worries about it being painful. I think he must be incredibly blind or incredibly stupid to not see how afraid she was of him and of sex in general, and it soured my perception of him, but he’s not a bad guy. He clearly cares and, dare i say, loves Maxi and would never intentionally harm her, and he deeply respects her as a person and doesn’t undermine her choices or authority as lady of the castle. He’s quick to temper and somewhat overtly possessive of her, though it’s understandable since he hasn’t seen his wife in three years and most of his company are young knights. The main thing i’m looking forward to is his finding out of Maxi’s abuse, despite how desperately she’s trying to hide it from him - talk about spicey drama.
The world building has some serious thought built into it - it seems like a medieval fantasy world, filled with monsters of human and supernatural beings alike. It has its own history, own currency, even Riften’s sword has a backstory of it being made of a precious metal made from the ore of the gods. Everything is so well thought of, it feels like a real, fantastical world where if the ogres don’t eat you, the noble will.
I’m only giving it four stars because as i said, only 24 chapters have come out yet and i want to read more before i give a final decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
Once again, this story has captivated me. In this POV we get to see the true story behind the man that is Riftan Calypse.
We get to see the truth behind all the animosity between him and the Duke. See where he grew up and why he became the man he is. It makes me want to reread the first 5 stories(which I will do) bc it will be a new experience after this POV.
I wish we could get physical copies. And I wish the author would charge more for the ebooks. I'd gladly pay triple if it meant the story continues to get translated.
We get to see the truth behind all the animosity between him and the Duke. See where he grew up and why he became the man he is. It makes me want to reread the first 5 stories(which I will do) bc it will be a new experience after this POV.
I wish we could get physical copies. And I wish the author would charge more for the ebooks. I'd gladly pay triple if it meant the story continues to get translated.
February 17, 2023
Understanding Riftan's POV
Finally know what went through this mysterious man's head was a refresher after reading the other 5 books in the series where you only know what Maxi is thinking. I wonder if reading this side story before starting on book 1 would have given me a different experience.
Finally know what went through this mysterious man's head was a refresher after reading the other 5 books in the series where you only know what Maxi is thinking. I wonder if reading this side story before starting on book 1 would have given me a different experience.
June 24, 2022
It heart wrenching. The author really takes her time to give riftan these little nuances that made him the not-so-perfect character. Just a main character that can be build up and grow. He really has had a hard life.
October 18, 2022
“If I were to be reincarnated, I want to become your hair.
If only I could sway against your back, touch your cheeks from time to time when the wind blows, perhaps even your lips, then I would be…”
-Riftan Calypse, from Under the Oak Tree (Riftan’s POV) by Suji Kim
March 3, 2023
Another awesome read from Suji Kim...
Can't wait for more. Hopefully more quickly this time? I don't often read romances (Yick!) but for some reason this one has gotten under my skin.
Can't wait for more. Hopefully more quickly this time? I don't often read romances (Yick!) but for some reason this one has gotten under my skin.
March 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this prequel, but reading it really makes you want to go back and reread book one again!
You can read more of my thoughts on my blog:
https://wordpress.com/view/beyondthes...
You can read more of my thoughts on my blog:
https://wordpress.com/view/beyondthes...
April 17, 2023
Oof, my heart hurts for Riftan. He didn't have the best life growing up. This book gave a lot of insight to the previous books and basically on why Riftan is the way he is. It was nice reading how he met Ruth and the Remdragon Knights.
February 17, 2025
“If I were to die, I should like to return as your hair.
To have no other purpose but to cascade down your back, and every time the wind blows, brush against your lips, your cheeks...”
Riftan Calypse there will never be a man like you
To have no other purpose but to cascade down your back, and every time the wind blows, brush against your lips, your cheeks...”
Riftan Calypse there will never be a man like you
December 24, 2022
I couldn't justify or comprehend his obsession with her. Especially when I know he's come to realize she's not that pampered duke's daughter he thought she is.
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