Maximilian (Maxi), the eldest daughter of the Croyso family, grows up being abused by her father. As a consequence of the physical and mental trauma, she develops a crippling inferiority complex about both her stutter and her physical appearance as well as a general lack of self-respect.
When Maxi’s father, Duke Croyso, receives a royal order from the King to fight the Red Dragon Sektor, he decides to marry his daughter off to Riftan Calypse, a peasant knight. Duke Croyso’s plan is to push off his martial responsibilities to his son-in-law. Maxi thus finds herself forced into a marriage with a man she barely knows. The newlyweds spend their first night together, but they become separated immediately as Riftan leaves for war early next morning.
Fast forward three years later, and the couple reunites when Riftan comes back to the city to celebrate his victory in war. Although the two spent only one night together and Riftan is a stranger to Maxi, she is afraid that he might want to divorce her, for the divorce would mean a death sentence for the young woman.
What are Riftan’s intentions? Will Maxi find the strength to overcome her trauma and lack of self-confidence? Will the couple survive and find love against all odds?
This volume collects episodes 79–118 of the web novel Under the Oak Tree.
How can one instalment have so many funny and cute moments and THEN END LIKE THAT. I mean, I knew it was coming, it’s like the third time I’ve read it, but 😭 Preparing myself for all the upcoming angst!!!
I say this every volume, but for the love of MUD, please, talk to each other!!! (You know, just like you did when you explained menstruation to your husband. Proof that the author can write characters discussing something rationally and calmly.)
As always, Maxi’s journey is charming and comedic but also incredibly nerve wracking and tense.
A thought suddenly came to Maxi that, like her, Riftan might not be familiar with the gentle and warm aspects of life.
So much happens in this one! It’s a good chunk larger than the first two parts and this duo still struggles with misunderstanding each other. I don’t mind it, because it’s not like they’re saying the wrong things, they’re just not talking at all out of fear. Riftan’s tough-guy demeanor is hindering as much as it helps him this time around.
I was surprised at how much Agnes grew on me! I am glad it transitioned away from the women being enemies and more into acquaintances who respect each other. You aren’t always in competition!! I also liked her brusque nature and confidence, I think she could be a good friend for Maxi actually. It’s hilarious how quickly Agnes can get on Riftan’s nerves.
Lotta drama around Maxi’s magical capabilities this time. I’m happy to watch as Maxi develops more confidence and can assert for herself what she wants, breaking Riftan’s very flat expectations for her. Waiting for when he finally realizes his wife is not a fragile piece of glass and wants to be on equal footing with him.
Her studies mean we’ve been able to get a lot of world building too! Big battles on the horizon, hoping everything goes well for them in the next books.
Quick aside: funniest part of this was the period discussion, I legitimately had to take a break to laugh because it is so fitting how little Riftan knows lol. Also surprised Maxi has not realized, with this man’s commitment to vows, that he did save himself for marriage. omg. It’s the little things.
Sigue sin haber una verdadera comunicación entre Riftan y Maxi pero vemos lo mucho que Maxi está evolucionando como personaje, como maga y como persona.
La relación amistosa que surge entre Maxi y la princesa Agnes fue inesperada pero increíble, ya quiero ver cómo reacciona Agnes cuando se entere del pasado de Maxi, siento que las dos serán un dúo imparable
Y Riftan pls deja de ser tan sobreprotector Dios mío me dan ganas de reventarte un coco en la cabeza a veces
Maxi finally meets Agnes, the princess she originally thought Riftan was going to ditch her for, and it goes better than I expected, although there is still great gobs of tension on Maxi's part.
Er, aside from that and Maxi learning healing and fretting over Riftan having to go off to war again, I can't remember a lot of the specifics of this part.
(Looking over Friend reviews, was the menstruation discussion in this bit? If so, I was at least as taken by surprise as Maxi. I'd have figured that, at some point in his life, Riftan would have learned a bit more about how women work. Also, it puts a new spin on their wedding night. Yeesh.)
I really want Maxi to finally tell Riftan more about what her life was like growing up. At this point, Riftan has said more about his early life than she's said about hers.
I liked it but I hope we get to have their relationship develop more on a deeper level. I love seeing Maxi grow (I hope Riftan starts to grow too as a character) but their relationship hasn’t really grown as much. Hopefully as they embark on their journey we get to see more of them in different settings and their understanding of each other and their past will flourish.
Jealousy is a nasty companion. My heart hurt for Maxi and her uncertainty. Actually I was so engrossed with Maxi that I started to feel everything she felt. Anxiousness, heartache, relief, love. It was uncomfortable reading this book but I enjoyed it so much and I never want it to end.
It amazes me when someone I dislike suddenly owns a very important piece of my heart. Agnes barged her way in with her carefree attitude and tenacity. She drug Maximilian around like a long-lost sister and all to the annoyance of Riftan. Agnes and Hebaron were like siblings in the way they always ruffled Riftans feathers I need more of it. And I constantly glowed with pride with my love for them.
Riftan's protectiveness started to look like Max was nothing but a bed warmer. Even so, this is all explained in later chapters. Geez if they would just talk to each other this book would be much shorter but I couldn't stand for that to happen so I can't complain. Again I cannot express what it does to me when an author mentions a woman's monthly. They are a natural part of life and seeing a grown hulk of a man being struck dumb by the news was the best thing that has happened to me all day.
Finally Maxi stood up to Riftan I am beyond proud. Get angry girl. And have I mentioned the smut in this book is just grade A stuff. *wink*
-----Quotes-----
“Of course, you should have stayed in the castle!” Riftan beat his fist against his chest. “Why do you think I work from morning until night? Who do you think these city walls and castle were built for?!”
“I’ve never seen you enjoying yourself so much.” “Th-that’s because this is the first time… I’ve been to a village festival,” Maxi stammered, enthralled by his intense gaze. “Would you like me to hold it year-round?” Riftan asked, his face serious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm still enjoying this series, but I have to say I liked this one a little less than the other two.
I'm getting thoroughly tired of their absolute lack of communication. I thought at this point Riftan would understand Maxi's history, but she continues to keep him in the dark. It seems like, as the series progresses, the distance between them grow further. Neither of them want to share their inner turmoil, so they both keep their walls up. Occasionally something slips, and we get a glimpse at how they're feeling, then they back away again. It's exhausting.
Maxi continues to learn magic as the monster issue escalates, and we anxiously await the call for Riftan to leave for the fight.
I liked that Maxi is gradually getting more of a backbone around Riftan and is not always allowing him to trounce all over her like the alpha he is. It's funny seeing his reactions. I also enjoy her steadily improving relationship with the knights, and the respect she's earning from her magic.
There was very little sex in this one, especially compared to the other two, which was good and also kind of a drag at the same time, considering I could have used some spice to break up some of the unhappiness.
I also wanted to say that I'm mostly glad with how things turned out with Princess Agnes. She wasn't dismissed as a rival, but I did enjoy the little bit of tension she threw into the pot, and it was fun getting to see Maxi enjoy a little girl time here and there. I will say, I didn't live that Agnes hinted at having feelings for Riftan, but since she didn't act on them in the past, I'll continue to hope she'll respect that he's married and not make a play for him - not that I think he'd ever accept it. Despite their issues, he is too into Maxi to stray, I think.
Overall, I still really enjoyed this one, but it was a little harder to read than the others, with the mounting issues between them.
The continuation of the story finds the main character growing more mature and standing up for herself, while our male lead is growing more and more annoying.
(Books 1-5) Even though I fell in love with the story and the development of the characters, in the beginning of the novel I had some problems about consent during sex. I had some big concerns about this, I know that the idea is that he did it to protect her (and him), and to establish their marriage, and that this type of things were common in medieval times. But I didn't like to read that part, it really shouldn’t ever be portrayed as something excusable. (I actually gave it 3 stars because of this, although my opinion did change throughout the book because of how invested in the plot I got) However, at least, as I kept reading, I watched their relationship grow into something somehow cute. And she started to learn how to want and be wanted by someone.
Another thing that I liked about it was how the main characters are so different: a stuttering girl who was abused by her father (because of her disability) all her life and an arrogant, overprotective boy (that clearly loves her), together gave us some funny moments but also a lot of miscommunication momentsssss arghhh. The friendship she formed with his companions was really cute, and even though she was afraid of talking to them, nobody cared that she stuttered. Anyway, it was a lovely thing to see the female character develop throughout the story, from the deep shithole she was in, all the way to finding her love and her calling; and I ended up cheering for her a lot. I have to say, the finale (book 5) was a rollercoaster. So many things happened and I don’t know how my heart was able to handle it.
****I made the same review with all the other parts.****
I find this book really interesting. Although it only shows Maxi's POV, it gets unfortunate when she pushes herself down, other characters learned to respect her as the story progresses. You have to be patient with how the characters develop in the story since it is slow, there are realizations in each character that will only take place in specific events and it helps them to better understand each other as well. The real strong character is Riftan due to his overprotective and obsessive behavior towards Maxi and it doesn't help that he really has a short temper and has a tendency to outburst often.
I understand people who are triggered by how Riftan gets on his way in the beginning but I have always had an open mind when it comes to reading stories since this is only fantasy and also has a historical aspect to it when it comes to women's rights and how women are viewed during ancient times. I don't understand why they have to attack those people who see this as a literary work.
The second book is still a work in progress as well, so it really does take a great deal of patience to wait for the official release. The side story, Riftan's POV, gives light on how Riftan's character was built, so better read that too.
3.5 I must say I wasn't truly excited to read this book because the last one wasn't my favorite, instead there were a lot of things I didn't like but I feel happy to give it another chance. This part is quite better than the second part especially for the Maxi's character development, she's the girl who wants to be involved with and that makes me proud of her. She's not more the fragile woman who needs to be protected instead she wants to be part of the team and maybe this took a little time to realize, she was the one who made it happen. But this book isn't perfect and my principal problem in this part is with Riftan, Gosh please! Stop being an idiot we both know Maxi is capable of doing magic. He overprotective mood took me and I wasn't happy with her. Also the beginning is a little bit slow and sometimes I get bored even when princess Agnes appears she's amazing. Anyway this was my favorite part from this saga and I must say I need to highlight the chapter of menstruation and sexuality cause it's a topic that everyone has to talk about. I wanna read the next part now! TS SONG: Fearless
Maxi and Riftan's story continues in this latest installation of Under the Oak Tree and it was really nice to see Maxi become even more confident and stand on her own, while navigating her increasing affection for Riftan. I also liked the focus on her relationships with the other characters in the book, and that it didn't completely revolve around Riftan.
Just the thought of parting with him made her feel as if her body would split in half.
The story line and the plot was also really good. The world building is interesting and complex without being totally confusing, and I'm excited to see where it goes. Also, I can't help but get the vibe that Riftan is hiding something about himself, so I'm awaiting more information on that aspect of the book. It did end on a cliffhanger (once again), so hopefully the next installment comes out soon.
I am done. This is making me feel more bad than good at this point. i're read until 78% in and i am dropping out now as they just refuse to open up to each other and by this point just too much has pilled up.
This is not healthy. This is borderline toxic and i am refusing to read further. I skimmed parts of the 4th and 5th book and i have strong suspicions it's not getting better soon, maybe after what will happen in 6th when it comes up but i am not gonna wait and be miserable myself for now....
I'm really sad cause i liked the premise very much, but it's just not worth it for me at this point to read it. Maybe with some distance i can push through to the good parts again but ... nah i'm out right now
Aclaro que leí el comic no la novela, pero no encontré el volumen 3. Maxi ha evolucionado un montón puede que aún le cueste decir lo que realmente piensa pero ya no es para nada la misma que al comienzo. EN CAMBIO CIERTO PESADO SIGUE IGUAL, hace una bien y 20 mal. Mientras yo esté viva Riftan va a tener un hater. Es realmente muy maltratador con Maxi y detesto que al final van a estar juntos y felices amándose cuando él, en nombre de protegerla y darle la vida que supuestamente ella quiere, la trate tan mal. Seguiré sosteniendo que Ruth es el mejor de todos. Le baje la puntuación porque la historia avanza muy poco, por culpa de ya sabemos quién, y me molesta que se vea como algo lindo los pocos momentos en que Riftan no es un violento.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
**PSA: If you're looking for great writing, you won't find it. If you're looking for mindless smut, then you've found your perfect next read!**
Yeah, the PSA really covers it. If you're looking for great world building, complex magical systems, and carefully crafted plot lines, then this IS NOT your next read. If you're looking for a romance between an Adonis and meek woman who slowly becomes more empowered, then you'll find yourself swept up in this story. Maxi and Riftan are trigger-leaden, so I also don't recommend this series to anyone who is sensitive to DubCon and the like. And that pretty much covers it!
Three stars, but within its genre. I wouldn't necessarily compare it to other books I've rated similar.
I think I enjoyed this book more because there was significantly less smut. I found a lot of the smut in books one and two to be bordering too closely to - and in fact, in many cases it probably was - rape. Although I admit that some of that could stem from translation issues. Still, it's impossible to enjoy the smut when the MC doesn't seem to get much of a choice in the matter and often describes their intimate relations as painful...
I've found myself rooting for Maxi, rather than Riftan and Maxi, as she seems to have found her voice and her desire to be someone. I like that she's disobeying her husband.
This book read differently to the other two, and as a result, I rather enjoyed it.
AAAAAH!!! I just finished reading all the available chapters in the webtoon and it ended at the exact same scene where this book ended!
I can’t wait to finish all the remaining books, but it kinda feels incomplete not having the webtoon counterpart I can read alongside them. I’m guessing I might have to wait at least 6 years for the webtoon to be completed based on the pace of the uploads. 🥹 I’m so glad the last book of season 2 was released a few days ago and I just need to wait a few days more for the official copy.
I loved the first two books, this was a little different, I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first two.
But by the ending, I am looking forward to book 4.
book 4 is obvious what title happen, once you read this one, but I am hoping that there is more books and her father comes to pay a visit.... hopefully riftan will pay witness to his behaviour and punish him
The 3rd book of the season feels like you’ve spent a whole year with the characters preparing for war, and growing more powerful daily. The characters are easy to fall in love with as you continue to get to know them better. The depth and development continues to get better while taking you on an adventure that sends you away into another world full of kingdoms, monsters, steamy romance, and magic.
If the first 2 parts were more interesting with the life change for Maxi and her magical abilities developing, this part is getting boring. They don't talk to each other and she just continuously undermining herself. I know mental abuse is difficult to get over with but after all Riftan has done, she communicates more with the mage than her own husband. Seriously!! But I guess that will get better now that the princess has arrived and it will make her tell her truth.
This one covers a monster battle and Maxi experiencing magic depletion, the princess visiting, day to day life, the road construction project, Maxi and Riftan’s first fight and the ever increasing monster presence and an order from the king to march.
Told from Maxi’s pov in third person
The manga is fairly clean but this is steamy
New characters- Melric Aaron - old healer who comes to Anatol from the Earl of Loverne and teaches Maxi more about healing
AGAIN-THIS BOOK DID IT AGAIN (I got a little bit uninterested near the end because I saw on tiktok that this b won't have a good ending and it broke my heart but I finished reading it anyway and boiiiii)
*spoilers* I love how maxi started standing up for herself. Riftan is being really overprotective it's quite understandable and I believe if she didn't open her mouth and just stood there like your typical female lead I would have dropped this immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
While I am still enjoying the story, I am more than a little annoyed with Maxi. I had hoped she would stop being such a meep already. I will be taking a break from these books because I may or may not have seen how season one ends and it greatly annoyed me. Maxi is just too all over and really annoying.
I love this series! In this book we get to see more of Maxi learning her magic and settling into her skin more. It’s wonderful to see her come out of her shell. We also get to see more of Riftan’s love for Maxi. And see how stubborn he can be! Can’t wait to read the next book.
I liked seeing Maxi’s confidence grow, but Riftan’s over protectiveness is becoming truly overbearing and is doing his character a great disservice. Maxi is experiencing growth but it seems that Riftan hasn’t simply stagnated- he’s becoming unpredictable. I want to see him grow more as a character and I’m hoping Maxi being involved in this new campaign will facilitate that.
Ooof, I didn't know I was going to get so angry with Riftan in this one. My emotions were honestly dragged up and down and all over the place every chapter. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book, but at the moment Riftan's ass could use a meaningful discussion with my foot. Maxi tho, you still my girl, I'm very proud!
Ugh, an amazing continuation! Again, we see a lot more character development and a lot of "hidden" issues arise, that I hope we will get to see in Part 4. My only complaint is that there were a lot fewer intense spicy scenes, but again, we'll see if they pick up again in the next book (not very likely all considering where the next book seems to be leading but we'll see).
Honestly, I don’t get why it’s acceptable for Riftan to be quite mean and treat Maxi like an incompetent child and to say things like “shut your mouth” and it’s all under the BS guise of “his worried and really cares about her”.
I’m glad she’s kinda standing up for herself but honestly they need to COMMUNICATE. 3 books of miscommunication is annoying now.