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Under the Oak Tree (Novel) #4
Under the Oak Tree: Season 1 -4-
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 119-157 of the web novel Under the Oak Tree.
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 119-157 of the web novel Under the Oak Tree.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2022
280 people are currently reading
1160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 14, 2023
Maxi travels with Riftan and his knights as a healer, against Riftan's wishes. However, that doesn't mean he's going to bend when it comes to accompanying him into the actual war.
This part included a conversation in which Riftan started to talk about what he wanted for Maxi and why he was so against her coming with him and getting involved in this part of his life. I want the two of them to sit down and do more of that, please. But oof, they got so close to talking more about Maxi's insecurities (which I think Riftan is still largely unaware of?), and that didn't quite happen. Maybe in the next part, finally?
So much secondhand anxiety while reading this. It's worked out for the best so far, but there were multiple moments when Maxi could very easily have died.
This part included a conversation in which Riftan started to talk about what he wanted for Maxi and why he was so against her coming with him and getting involved in this part of his life. I want the two of them to sit down and do more of that, please. But oof, they got so close to talking more about Maxi's insecurities (which I think Riftan is still largely unaware of?), and that didn't quite happen. Maybe in the next part, finally?
So much secondhand anxiety while reading this. It's worked out for the best so far, but there were multiple moments when Maxi could very easily have died.
July 16, 2022
Maxi’s journey becomes an independent one for a good portion of this and it’s super interesting! I like her slow growth and confidence development. She’s a lot stronger than Riftan and even herself thinks.
”This is the hardest campaign I’ve ever been on in my life.”
Maxi joins the ranks among Riftan’s campaign group and, as expected, intense situations ensue. But her experience as a healer is invaluable to their efforts and her commitment is admirable.
Seeing how Riftan tone-switches from being a commander to being a husband is always super fascinating. He almost steps into a role, a character he has developed over his decade-plus years being a fighter. The way Maxi walks all over both of those lines clearly makes him have a crisis but I appreciate his acceptance and letting her do what she wants.
I just wish Maxi would realize his backing down is not because he is starting to hate her, but because he loves her so much he’ll let her do anything she wants. This man would give her the world, but all she wants is him. It’s so cute. And painful, since they keep accidentally pushing each other away.
Loved a lot of the side characters that were introduced in this! Maxi’s time in the basilica and onwards was really formative to her development. I love when women support women in my fiction.
Overall, excited for but also dreading reading the next part because then I know I will have to sit in translation-awaiting purgatory for a while. But too invested to slow down!
”This is the hardest campaign I’ve ever been on in my life.”
Maxi joins the ranks among Riftan’s campaign group and, as expected, intense situations ensue. But her experience as a healer is invaluable to their efforts and her commitment is admirable.
Seeing how Riftan tone-switches from being a commander to being a husband is always super fascinating. He almost steps into a role, a character he has developed over his decade-plus years being a fighter. The way Maxi walks all over both of those lines clearly makes him have a crisis but I appreciate his acceptance and letting her do what she wants.
I just wish Maxi would realize his backing down is not because he is starting to hate her, but because he loves her so much he’ll let her do anything she wants. This man would give her the world, but all she wants is him. It’s so cute. And painful, since they keep accidentally pushing each other away.
Loved a lot of the side characters that were introduced in this! Maxi’s time in the basilica and onwards was really formative to her development. I love when women support women in my fiction.
Overall, excited for but also dreading reading the next part because then I know I will have to sit in translation-awaiting purgatory for a while. But too invested to slow down!
March 11, 2023
Why is this volume a four? Because Maxi and Riftan are so close to finally opening up to each other, but more importantly, because Maxi is truly standing up for what she wants.
March 26, 2025
3.5, redondeado
Es muy evidente que es una webnovel larguísima dividida en tomos ya que este libro no tiene un final en forma, se terminó un capítulo y ya ahí se acabó el tomo, siento que debieron haber terminado el libro o antes o después para que el final tuviese más impacto.
Lo que sí es que se ha visto mucho desarrollo de personaje para Maxi y ha avanzado un poco la relación con Riftan, aunque me sigue molestando tanta sobreprotección de su parte y las acciones que hace en respuesta a su sobreprotección.
Es muy evidente que es una webnovel larguísima dividida en tomos ya que este libro no tiene un final en forma, se terminó un capítulo y ya ahí se acabó el tomo, siento que debieron haber terminado el libro o antes o después para que el final tuviese más impacto.
Lo que sí es que se ha visto mucho desarrollo de personaje para Maxi y ha avanzado un poco la relación con Riftan, aunque me sigue molestando tanta sobreprotección de su parte y las acciones que hace en respuesta a su sobreprotección.
March 27, 2024
1st reread
This was by far one of my favorites of the season. Maxi pushes to make herself useful and instead of sitting back and waiting she is out there doing. The plot is packed with adventure and camping which is always a favorite of mine. Our characters are eating meager meals, not a shower in sight so the smallest luxurious become paradise.
Finally, we get to see Riftan lead and it was worth the wait. People follow him blindly and do not question the most minuscule commands. With good reason. He is so capable and true to the point of invincibility. Riftan is comparable to a monster himself though with only one weakness. Maximilian. He scares his own people with his devotion to her and if he were to lose Maxi the world would burn.
Slowly Max herself has gained equal devotion from her followers as to her husband and it made me cry with joy. She has become a capable healer and no one can deny her now. Watching Riftan was like watching the Beast yell at his furniture servants haha. And if you pay attention to the punctuation every man that challenges Riften as an exclamation mark while Riftan does not. He is speaking slowly and precisely and it is scary as hell. Very thrilling.
War comes with so much dread. Waiting on news will slowly kill you, so Maxi keeps herself busy. Kuahel Loen Commander of the Temple Knights is an intriguing man. I'm not sure what he has against Riftan but something is definitely there. Sadly still a few of the Knights do not have enough strong characteristics to distinguish them from the rest. Though Ulyseon has to be one of the cutest kid alive. I cannot stop devouring this story and telling everyone about it. I only wished my review matched my affection for the story but my lack of literary knowledge has failed me. *sad face*
-----Quotes-----
Maxi pulled back, and his coarse tongue gently flicked over her lips as if to reassure her. His warm fingers clamped around her neck. It felt as though a hound that had been lounging at her feet had lunged at her throat without warning.
She sometimes read to him. Unable to refuse his pleas, she would sit on the bed and haltingly read epic sagas of ancient heroes or romantic poems of the bards. Riftan would lie with his head in her lap, his eyes closed as though he were listening to a sweet melody. No matter how much she stammered, he never looked at her with exasperation or treated her like a fool.
“Don’t worry. I will only look at him f-from afar.” “You may do so to your heart’s content as long as you’re fifty madions[9] away from him.” “I wouldn’t be able to see him from s-such a distance!” “You mustn’t get any closer than that. The man has senses keener than that of a wild animal.”
“I-I am not a duke’s daughter! I-I am the wife of a knight! I-I am no longer a Croyso… but a Calypse!”
“Fine. Let’s talk inside.” said Riftan.
“Oh heavens, you are so benevolent.”
Agnes said, her tone dripping with thick sarcasm.
This was by far one of my favorites of the season. Maxi pushes to make herself useful and instead of sitting back and waiting she is out there doing. The plot is packed with adventure and camping which is always a favorite of mine. Our characters are eating meager meals, not a shower in sight so the smallest luxurious become paradise.
Finally, we get to see Riftan lead and it was worth the wait. People follow him blindly and do not question the most minuscule commands. With good reason. He is so capable and true to the point of invincibility. Riftan is comparable to a monster himself though with only one weakness. Maximilian. He scares his own people with his devotion to her and if he were to lose Maxi the world would burn.
Slowly Max herself has gained equal devotion from her followers as to her husband and it made me cry with joy. She has become a capable healer and no one can deny her now. Watching Riftan was like watching the Beast yell at his furniture servants haha. And if you pay attention to the punctuation every man that challenges Riften as an exclamation mark while Riftan does not. He is speaking slowly and precisely and it is scary as hell. Very thrilling.
War comes with so much dread. Waiting on news will slowly kill you, so Maxi keeps herself busy. Kuahel Loen Commander of the Temple Knights is an intriguing man. I'm not sure what he has against Riftan but something is definitely there. Sadly still a few of the Knights do not have enough strong characteristics to distinguish them from the rest. Though Ulyseon has to be one of the cutest kid alive. I cannot stop devouring this story and telling everyone about it. I only wished my review matched my affection for the story but my lack of literary knowledge has failed me. *sad face*
-----Quotes-----
Maxi pulled back, and his coarse tongue gently flicked over her lips as if to reassure her. His warm fingers clamped around her neck. It felt as though a hound that had been lounging at her feet had lunged at her throat without warning.
She sometimes read to him. Unable to refuse his pleas, she would sit on the bed and haltingly read epic sagas of ancient heroes or romantic poems of the bards. Riftan would lie with his head in her lap, his eyes closed as though he were listening to a sweet melody. No matter how much she stammered, he never looked at her with exasperation or treated her like a fool.
“Don’t worry. I will only look at him f-from afar.” “You may do so to your heart’s content as long as you’re fifty madions[9] away from him.” “I wouldn’t be able to see him from s-such a distance!” “You mustn’t get any closer than that. The man has senses keener than that of a wild animal.”
“I-I am not a duke’s daughter! I-I am the wife of a knight! I-I am no longer a Croyso… but a Calypse!”
“Fine. Let’s talk inside.” said Riftan.
“Oh heavens, you are so benevolent.”
Agnes said, her tone dripping with thick sarcasm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
4.5
creo que el mejorcito hasta ahora 🫣🫣
La Maxi a veces me estresaba, like girl que haces siguiendo a tu esposo a una zona de guerra (no la culpo, la verdad), pero su testarudez le da más personalidad. Love u girl y entiendo que tomaste esas decisiones porque eso te decía la trama que hicieras.
Quote destacable
"I wanted to drape you in silks," he professed
in a choked voice, "and have you in dresses made only of satin, fur, expensive fabrics... I wanted to adorn each of your fingers with colorful gems, your head with a golden tiara, and your neck with the most exquisite pearls. I wanted you to live in a magnificent castle with servants tending to your every need. That's the reason I've been..."
¿Para cuando mi Riftan? 🤨
creo que el mejorcito hasta ahora 🫣🫣
La Maxi a veces me estresaba, like girl que haces siguiendo a tu esposo a una zona de guerra (no la culpo, la verdad), pero su testarudez le da más personalidad. Love u girl y entiendo que tomaste esas decisiones porque eso te decía la trama que hicieras.
Quote destacable
"I wanted to drape you in silks," he professed
in a choked voice, "and have you in dresses made only of satin, fur, expensive fabrics... I wanted to adorn each of your fingers with colorful gems, your head with a golden tiara, and your neck with the most exquisite pearls. I wanted you to live in a magnificent castle with servants tending to your every need. That's the reason I've been..."
¿Para cuando mi Riftan? 🤨
March 24, 2025
Manhwa - Ch. 95 to 125
Ohhhh, that ending!!!
Ohhhh, that ending!!!
August 10, 2025
WELL NOW I HAVE TO READ THE NEXT VOLUME
November 21, 2025
I couldn’t wait. 🥱 I read all night. I cried my eyes sore. It was fun.
June 10, 2024
04/20/24: I still have a lot of work I need to do but I spent most of my day reading this book. I just couldn’t stop.
———
06/10/24: Editing my review because I’m currently rereading! Yes, so soon. 😂
This book is like a life support for me at this point. Such a comfort read!
✅ no love triangles
✅ no bitchy characters that make my blood boil
✅ girls support girls 💗
✅ no betrayal of trust!!!
✅ no EXES lol
✅ full of very (hot) likeable, dependable men 🤭
(I can’t even decide who I’d marry-fuck-kill because I would like to f*ck MARRY THEM ALL)
✅ found family, twice! both in Anatol and Mage Tower
✅ coming out of comfort zone
✅ platonic friendships between men and women withstanding
✅ lots of funny moments i swear they didn’t even have to try 😂
✅ realistic portayal of overcoming insecurities and trauma
✅ action packed plot and lots of full circle moments! very satisfying
———
06/10/24: Editing my review because I’m currently rereading! Yes, so soon. 😂
This book is like a life support for me at this point. Such a comfort read!
✅ no love triangles
✅ no bitchy characters that make my blood boil
✅ girls support girls 💗
✅ no betrayal of trust!!!
✅ no EXES lol
✅ full of very (hot) likeable, dependable men 🤭
(I can’t even decide who I’d marry-fuck-kill because I would like to
✅ found family, twice! both in Anatol and Mage Tower
✅ coming out of comfort zone
✅ platonic friendships between men and women withstanding
✅ lots of funny moments i swear they didn’t even have to try 😂
✅ realistic portayal of overcoming insecurities and trauma
✅ action packed plot and lots of full circle moments! very satisfying
May 20, 2022
I understand them both and wish they could understand each other
These characters are so rich and relatable. When Maxi worries about Riftan but has little regard for her own safety, I see why Riftan reacts as he does. When Riftan wants nothing more than for her to live a life of comfert, I get why Maxi wants more and just to be with the man she loves
.
If these two could just finish all those sentences they stop when saying why they want things, we could all breath a sigb of relief byt the story would suffer. So we wait an anticipation
These characters are so rich and relatable. When Maxi worries about Riftan but has little regard for her own safety, I see why Riftan reacts as he does. When Riftan wants nothing more than for her to live a life of comfert, I get why Maxi wants more and just to be with the man she loves
.
If these two could just finish all those sentences they stop when saying why they want things, we could all breath a sigb of relief byt the story would suffer. So we wait an anticipation
September 9, 2025
My GOODNESS. I have been giving every other book 5 stars not knowing this was what to come??? If I could give something 6 stars I would. This has to be my favorite so far. The journey to Livadon, the boat trip, Maxi’s time at the mercenary, to her being basically on the front lines. It was beautiful from start to finish. They still don’t know how to talk to each other but I love and adore them nonetheless. I am SO looking forward to this adaptation on Manta. How beautiful the whole thing was is going to be extra special to see as a webtoon. Once again, no-freakin-notes.
August 10, 2022
A bit frustrating…
I am not a big fan of the female lead character… It’s a bit frustrating that she is so frail still… hoping she toughens up in last installment.
I am not a big fan of the female lead character… It’s a bit frustrating that she is so frail still… hoping she toughens up in last installment.
March 6, 2023
Aquí arrancó la lloración
March 22, 2023
3.5stars.
October 12, 2023
I'm getting premature baldness
May 19, 2024
Under the Oak Tree: Season 1 -5- by Suji KimMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
(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.
View all my reviews
June 10, 2025
truth be told, i have reawkened my utot phase again but if i remember correctly weren't like riftan and maxi on like not like speaking terms i wanna say like uhhh just a lil awkward?? like riftan goes off to war we dont see him again for like ~5-6 chapters or we dont hear from him, anyways the main focus i believe for this season 4 was maxi's character development/arc. yk finding who she really is as a person and learning how to depend on herself without her husband or any of the castle workers which i lobe cuz it kinda shows that she's finally getting to learn about the world and it's functions without being locked up all day in caplyse castle (omg its been so long that idk if my spellings correct 😭) like riftan has preferred since they got married because if i recall he BARELY let ruth teach her about sorcery cuz idk if yall remember but that man was pissed when he found out that maxi was learning sorcery behind his back but ngl i would too instead of sitting around all day so i guess good for her?? idk i just really enjoyed how we get to see more of maxi this season and learn more about her as the war went on, yk how she's pretending to be a female creclic (i believe its called) in order to get closer insights on how riftan was doing and so she could be more helpful (which i believe she wanted if i recall, yeah maybe cuz this is why she tagged along in case the rem dragons needed a healer cuz ruth wasn't around atm), idk i just feel like a shows a more softer side of her because she gen cares about her husband truly and that she understands that he's busy with war and stuff but she wants to let him know that shes here if he needs her like don't count her out because shes your wife. but anyways, finale riftan pulls off cloak and finds out that maxi has been working with the other female workers ... idk if i should be worried or estatic for maxi ... anyways cant wait for s5!!
September 14, 2023
So I've been eating this series up one by one ever since I started it about a week or so ago, and while the last book (3) got a 4 star instead of a 5, this one was back to 5 stars. This has spoilers, btw.
This one starts with Maxi and Riftan leaving Calypse Castle to begin the journey to the warfront. I really enjoyed this one, despite how angry/frustrated Riftan was with Maxi the majority of the time. I really love how much she's grown since the series started, and how much stronger she's becoming. While Riftan's reactions can be frustrating, I do understand why he is the way he is, and I love how protective he is of her. I also liked that he begrudgingly began to soften to her being with them, and despite how pissed he was, he still kept a close eye on her until he left her at the basilica.
Once they separated and Maxi snuck off to join the clerics, I enjoyed the little bit of time we got to see her roughing it and using her healing skills. She's had so much character growth and I really enjoy her character. However, I was honestly waiting with baited breath for her to reunite with Riftan, even though I knew he'd be furious. I enjoyed how quickly he recognized her when she ran into him at the spring, even after saying just a few words to him. I also really enjoyed his little run-in with Breston after he fucked around and found out, trying to mess with Maxi.
Still getting real tired of the lack of communicated between the two of them, but I'm hopeful some light will be shed soon. I feel like they keep hinting at her spilling the beans, but she still hasn't.
Anyway, I love this series, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think this may honestly be one of my favorites out of the series, so far.
This one starts with Maxi and Riftan leaving Calypse Castle to begin the journey to the warfront. I really enjoyed this one, despite how angry/frustrated Riftan was with Maxi the majority of the time. I really love how much she's grown since the series started, and how much stronger she's becoming. While Riftan's reactions can be frustrating, I do understand why he is the way he is, and I love how protective he is of her. I also liked that he begrudgingly began to soften to her being with them, and despite how pissed he was, he still kept a close eye on her until he left her at the basilica.
Once they separated and Maxi snuck off to join the clerics, I enjoyed the little bit of time we got to see her roughing it and using her healing skills. She's had so much character growth and I really enjoy her character. However, I was honestly waiting with baited breath for her to reunite with Riftan, even though I knew he'd be furious. I enjoyed how quickly he recognized her when she ran into him at the spring, even after saying just a few words to him. I also really enjoyed his little run-in with Breston after he fucked around and found out, trying to mess with Maxi.
Still getting real tired of the lack of communicated between the two of them, but I'm hopeful some light will be shed soon. I feel like they keep hinting at her spilling the beans, but she still hasn't.
Anyway, I love this series, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I think this may honestly be one of my favorites out of the series, so far.
September 11, 2023
And off to battle the knights go.
Book picks up immediately where book 3 ends.
This one covers the knights and Maxi leaving Anatol and traveling across the country to the capitol. Lots of monster battles throughout. Wyverns, harpies, drakes, an encounter with a kelpie. A sea voyage has them in siren territory before the frontlines.
Maxi is left behind in the capitol as the Remdragon Knights advance to the front lines to rescue their forward force.
Maxi can’t stand the separation anymore and disguises herself as a female cleric and goes to the front. She is introduced to the harsh and physical world of the working class and war.
Once she is in camp with the coalition armies full forces she is unable to stay hidden and is found by Riftan. Sparks and tempers flare at the end but the couple is reunited.
Maxi’s pov told in 3rd person
Steam - hot
New characters-
Lady Idsilla Calima - met at basilica and goes with Maxi to the front
Lady Alyssa Salmon - also met at basilica, cousin to Idsilla
Selina Keyman - childhood friend of Idsilla, female cleric, goes to the front with the women
Grand Duke Druik Aren - leads Livadonian knights, Riftan left him as Maxi’s guardian in capitol, brother of Sir Sejuleu
Sir Kuahel Leon- also reincarnation of Sir Rosem Wigrew, head knight of Temple Knights of Osiriya
Book picks up immediately where book 3 ends.
This one covers the knights and Maxi leaving Anatol and traveling across the country to the capitol. Lots of monster battles throughout. Wyverns, harpies, drakes, an encounter with a kelpie. A sea voyage has them in siren territory before the frontlines.
Maxi is left behind in the capitol as the Remdragon Knights advance to the front lines to rescue their forward force.
Maxi can’t stand the separation anymore and disguises herself as a female cleric and goes to the front. She is introduced to the harsh and physical world of the working class and war.
Once she is in camp with the coalition armies full forces she is unable to stay hidden and is found by Riftan. Sparks and tempers flare at the end but the couple is reunited.
Maxi’s pov told in 3rd person
Steam - hot
New characters-
Lady Idsilla Calima - met at basilica and goes with Maxi to the front
Lady Alyssa Salmon - also met at basilica, cousin to Idsilla
Selina Keyman - childhood friend of Idsilla, female cleric, goes to the front with the women
Grand Duke Druik Aren - leads Livadonian knights, Riftan left him as Maxi’s guardian in capitol, brother of Sir Sejuleu
Sir Kuahel Leon- also reincarnation of Sir Rosem Wigrew, head knight of Temple Knights of Osiriya
June 17, 2022
****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.
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.
September 28, 2024
Ok I know that I said the third part was good and showed a better and deeper character development from Maxi but ... Man this book has everything that I expected and more.
First, I loved how Maxi showed us, finally, her own determination and strength to take part of her own life and I know she took reckless decisions BUT she now has enough self-confidence to do it, and express it with others. Also she never loses her essentials and we have a part when even she's the support from her new friend.
The other thing I can say is she's still afraid nevertheless she doesn't allow that stopped her from reaching her goal.
This book made me feel so excited and nervous than the others and that is why this favorite from all the saga until now and makes me want to read the next part right now
TS : Don't blame me
First, I loved how Maxi showed us, finally, her own determination and strength to take part of her own life and I know she took reckless decisions BUT she now has enough self-confidence to do it, and express it with others. Also she never loses her essentials and we have a part when even she's the support from her new friend.
The other thing I can say is she's still afraid nevertheless she doesn't allow that stopped her from reaching her goal.
This book made me feel so excited and nervous than the others and that is why this favorite from all the saga until now and makes me want to read the next part right now
TS : Don't blame me
May 25, 2024
Yes Maxi!
In this volume, Maxi is super courageous. She doesn't complain of the grueling trek through the mountains and across the plains. She vows to not be a burden to Riftan and the knights. Honestly, I think most of the knights love her and their pride for her grows throughout the book. Riftan still thinks she's a weak noblewoman and she wants to prove him wrong. I think she really grows in character in this.installment. She's still scared of monsters and war, but she fairs better than the other women. I'm excited to see them both continue to grow their love for each other.
In this volume, Maxi is super courageous. She doesn't complain of the grueling trek through the mountains and across the plains. She vows to not be a burden to Riftan and the knights. Honestly, I think most of the knights love her and their pride for her grows throughout the book. Riftan still thinks she's a weak noblewoman and she wants to prove him wrong. I think she really grows in character in this.installment. She's still scared of monsters and war, but she fairs better than the other women. I'm excited to see them both continue to grow their love for each other.
September 22, 2022
Ahhh!!! Just absolutely amazing! I haven't felt this way about a book in a very, very long time! I was on the edge of my seat, gasping, and almost crying almost the entire time. The last 50 pages absolutely stole my heart, and I really, really want to just reread those pages (and honestly the last four books) over and over again. There was so much character growth going on for both Maxi and Riftan, which we love to see. I cannot wait for the next one to come out (hopefully very soon). Oh! And yes, the spice was much better in this one!
April 9, 2024
Ok this volume was so much better than all the previous once it's almost unreal. Up until now I had been a bit underwhelmed at how little agency Maxi had and how repetitive it could be at time, however that starts to change near the end of Vol. 3 and it carries over to Vol. 4. Maxi is still Maxi (and I wouldn't want it any other way), but she finally starts taking the reins of her own life instead of obeying blindly or resigning herself when told No. Overall a massive improvement and I am already hyped to read Vol. 5.
May 29, 2022
Fantastic!
This series continues to be a favourite. It’s got magic and war, love and desperation. The main female character, Maxi, continues to grow. She becomes more herself, breaking out of her shell. We get to see her struggle and triumph, and watch as her relationship with Riftan becomes stronger. Love love love!
This series continues to be a favourite. It’s got magic and war, love and desperation. The main female character, Maxi, continues to grow. She becomes more herself, breaking out of her shell. We get to see her struggle and triumph, and watch as her relationship with Riftan becomes stronger. Love love love!
April 13, 2024
Watching Maxi's character grow has been incredible. This is some of the deepest and most complex character growth I've ever seen. Maxi desperately wants to be of use to her husband even though he stubbornly refuses her every offer of help. I love that she doesn't let fear control her life and has come into her own person under Riftan's all consuming love for her.
June 9, 2025
I really like this series and the journey of Maxi. it can be frustrating st time as their communication is not ideal, but it is also the story of two younger people who have never had proper adult figures in their lives to show them love or compassion, so they are finding it with each other. it's a good read, and there is also a manhwa adaption, which is fun to read alongside the novel!
May 22, 2022
I LOVE this book!!! And everything about it!! Such loveable characters and amazing character development. The romance between Maxi and Riftan is soo beautiful and I’m practically on my knees waiting for the next book!! This is definitely one of my favourites ;)
May 23, 2022
Best Romantic Fantasy Ever!
This series is so great! I can’t get enough! The characters and world building really draws me in and I can’t stop reading. I hate waiting for the next book, please hurry!
This series is so great! I can’t get enough! The characters and world building really draws me in and I can’t stop reading. I hate waiting for the next book, please hurry!
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