Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. This follows very closely to the manhwa, which I read a couple years ago. While I enjoyed rereading the story, readers entranced by the cover art would likely enjoy the original story just as much, as Kim’s strength lies in their plot and artwork.

⇢➤ Plot: Maxi, the main female protagonist pictured on the cover, is the daughter of a Duke. Despite public appearances, she is abused and sequestered by her father due to her stutter, leading her to be sheltered and easily afraid. In a political move, Maxi is wed to a knight, Sir Riftan. The two spend only one night together before he’s sent away on a dangerous campaign. Three years later, the campaign is complete, and Riftan retrieves his wife Maxi to go back to their castle. She must learn to overcome her circumstances and grow into the woman Riftan is already in love with.

***Please be aware there are no trigger warnings, but there are scenes of abuse and SA. The author should strongly consider adding trigger warnings or rewording Maxi’s first encounter with Riftan, as her lack of understanding is a clear indication of non-consent.

⇢➤ Pros: This is a medieval story filled with knights, magic, political intrigue, and dragon slaying. Riftan falls first and is obsessive about his wife. There is a sassy sorcerer, a gaggle of funny squires, healing magic, and lots of insight into how to run a castle. If that’s up your alley, this fits the bill.

As when I read it the first time, I flew through the story. There is something charming about the way Maxi navigates the world. I haven’t seen a female protagonist with a stutter before in fantasy and she slowly grows confidence when removed from her abusive home life. Riftan never comments on her stutter, nor do his knights, accepting it as part of her without judgment.

⇢➤ Cons: I have always hated the first few scenes between Maxi and Riftan. The clear divide between their understanding of the world (i.e. what sex is, how to consent to it, and how to respect boundaries) is incredibly off-putting. And I get it: she’s innocent, she’s sheltered, etc. But having that misunderstanding laid out in novel form with no trigger warnings in *the first* chapter? I would heavily recommend revisions. If I wasn’t prepared for it, I would have put the book down.

Most disappointingly, I don’t think a novel translation added much to the original manhwa. With webtoons and fanfiction alike, there is more inherent leeway when it comes to dialogue, repeated ideas, and morally gray choices. In novel form, having it read like a webtoon takes away from the book. I expect readers who don’t know this is an adaptation would have trouble. While this is the first volume, I also wish there was a more coherent rising action/climax/ending.

⇢➤ Recommended for fans of: High fantasy/romance

This book is a beautiful adaptation of the original graphic novel, and I absolutely adored the time I spent with it. While I find myself drawn to the graphic novel for its illustrations, the prose within this was enough to completely draw me in. I'd recommend this to any fans of the original work, and I think this stayed true to that very well!

I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this upon release.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc, unfortunately this just wasn’t for me! I DNFd at 50% due to no plot and shallow characters.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I was so excited for this book, because of its beautiful cover! This story has a some really unique parts that I did enjoy, but other parts were slow and hard to get through. I think if you’re not a mood reader this book has a great story you can enjoy!

I was initially drawn to “Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1” by Suji Kim because of its captivating cover and intriguing description. The promise of a unique fantasy romance set against a backdrop of noble intrigue and personal growth had me excited to dive in.

The story follows Lady Maximilian, a noblewoman with a stutter, who is forced into a marriage with Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight. Their relationship starts off rocky, but as Riftan returns as a war hero, the dynamics between them begin to shift. The premise of overcoming personal and relational challenges is compelling, and I appreciated the depth given to Maxi’s character as she navigates her new life.

However, as I progressed through the book, I found that it didn’t quite capture my interest as I had hoped. While the world-building and character development are commendable, the pacing felt a bit slow for my taste, and I struggled to stay engaged with the plot and, unfortunately, did not finish this book.

That said, I can see how this novel would appeal to readers who enjoy detailed fantasy settings and character-driven stories. Suji Kim’s writing has a lyrical quality that many will find enchanting, and the themes of resilience and self-discovery are beautifully woven throughout the narrative.

Interestingly, this novel was originally a webtoon, which adds a unique twist to its origin.

Although “Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1” wasn’t entirely for me, I believe it has the potential to resonate with many other readers. If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with rich character arcs, this might just be the book for you.

✨✨✨✨Disclaimer: My rating scale is based on giving books up to five hearts, rather than the common star system. However, on platforms where stars are required, I do provide star ratings. For books I didn't enjoy, I still give a minimum of three stars. This is because platforms like Amazon use algorithms that can negatively impact authors' income if they receive less than three stars. I aim to support authors, especially Indie Authors, by ensuring my ratings do not adversely affect their earnings.✨✨✨✨

Suji Kim's 'Under the Oak Tree' is a captivating romance that weaves together a compelling plot, endearing characters, and a satisfying exploration of self-discovery. While the premise of a forced marriage might seem familiar, Kim breathes fresh life into the trope with its nuanced portrayal of both love and societal constraints. Maxi, the timid and stuttering daughter of a powerful Duke, is a relatable protagonist. Her struggles with self-doubt and societal expectations, amplified by her stammer, resonate deeply. Kim avoids cliché and instead crafts a woman who is both vulnerable and strong, her vulnerability adding depth and authenticity to her character. Riftan, the gruff but undeniably charismatic knight, is a compelling counterpart. Despite his rough exterior, Riftan possesses a depth of emotion that slowly unfolds as the story progresses. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension, fueled by misunderstanding and societal prejudices. Witnessing their relationship evolve from animosity to reluctant acceptance, and ultimately to love, is a rewarding journey. The story itself is richly woven, seamlessly blending elements of romance, fantasy, and societal commentary. The vivid imagery of the world Kim creates draws the reader in, making it easy to visualize Maxi's journey from a sheltered life to navigating the complexities of court life and war. 'Under the Oak Tree' is more than just a romantic story. It is a tale of self-discovery, of learning to embrace one's true self despite societal expectations. Maxi's journey of overcoming her fear of speaking and finding her voice is both inspiring and empowering. Overall, Under the Oak Tree is a highly engaging and beautifully written romance that will stay with you long after the final page. With its captivating characters, compelling plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a story that both entertains and inspires.

3.75 stars!
I have read the webtoon on Manta and was a fan so I wanted to read the novel. Overall I enjoyed this read! Also liked that it was spicier than I thought it would be! I do think it fell flat at times and lacked some emotion that you could get in the webtoon through illustrations. I also felt it struggled with pacing, there were times where things were really happening in the story or between characters that I enjoyed, but other times the story moved slowly. I would read book 2! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you so much for the arc! I think I want to find the Manhwa now to read it. I did enjoy this story but it was hard for me to really get into it until almost halfway through. But, once it hit, I was into it!!

3 stars


I enjoyed this one. It was definitely unique and different. The cover is what drew me in and think it’s beautiful

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC!
Unfortunately, this book was not it for me. I read a decent amount of the Webtoon several years ago, so I was interested in seeing what a novelization would be like. However, reading it in this format just exacerbated the content that trigger warnings were given for, and the tropes like miscommunication just come across so much worse and it was just an uncomfortable reading experience. If some of the plot addressed these serious themes/content/tropes, that would be nice - But it never does.

This volume also ends at a very random part of the story. It was very confusing.

I've always wanted to read the novel after having read the manhwa adaptation of Under the Oak Tree and am glad to say that the novel held up pretty well! One of the main things I loved from the manhwa was the exploration of Maxi's character development, which I feel like the pacing of the story overall makes it kind of hard to explore in novel form, but I still enjoy seeing how things played out in the some ways very slow burn and in other ways, very quick burn romance of Riftan and Maxi.

Using this novel to reread was a really great experience because it reminded me of how much I adore them, even with the miscommunication/lack of communication. The challenges of an arranged marriage with a 3-year-gap to a sudden reunion and navigating through building a home in a castle, and overseeing so many people was touched upon well here, and I think still gives a nice flavor as the manhwa did. The writing style made it really easy to read too, and I appreciate the translation of the story.

But the biggest challenge for me was that I feel like I had to kind of rely on me imagining the webtoon art while reading this to feel the emotions that I did. If people hated Riftan in the manhwa but forgave him for the hot art, it'd probably be a lot harder to do here where we don't really get to see how attractive Riftan is physically through the descriptions and the spice.

I think for someone reading the story for the first time, it would make rooting for him a little difficult and the romantic vibes might be a little hard to feel (depending on your taste of buildup I guess, hahaha!) In this form, it was hard to see the emotions play out (I hesitate to say "as well" as the manhwa because I think while the art helps a lot, it isn't the main factor in a way.) Because the kind of matter-of-fact writing style makes you feel kind of more of an observer, but that could also just be me! My highest recommendation would be to start with the manhwa first then come to the novel because it does still feel nice to read.

I would still be interested in reading volume two, but I feel like I'm more excited to read the manhwa.

I had no idea this was a novelization of a web comic. I was just curious because I liked the cover. It was a cute romantasy about two people getting to know each other after having an arranged wedding. Set in classic chivalry kind of time period (with knights). I'm not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope though. Just talk to each other!

I read the web comic, so when I saw that there was the novel version I was so incredibly happy to be able to read it via ARC. It is very well written and overall I would highly recommend to everyone. This novel really filled in the extras that really brought the story to life. The only "critique" I have is that the chapters are super long. I am a kindle girl and having chapters that are 30+ minutes long hurts my heart but I absolutely do not think it warrants any change.

I didn't care for the insatiable need of the MMC towards the FMC. She's timid and inexperienced and it was unsettling when he would initiate and continue despite the repetitive NO spoken from the FMC. I didn't like the miscommunication between the characters, it went on for a majority of the book and it was unpleasant. The story was good, I enjoyed that. However, I did not completely like the dynamic between the two main characters.

I very much enjoyed the story of Maxi and Riftan. While the pacing was very slow, I found myself looking forward to reading chapter after chapter, and seeing Maxi grow and develop surrounded by people who seemed to genuinely care about her. There were a few times that Maxi’s self-loathing really resonated with me and felt realistic to how, we as women, are often our own worst critics. It was especially poignant in juxtaposition to how much Riftan loves Maxi and would do (and DID) anything for her. I also really appreciated that there was no magic spell to cure Maxi’s speech impediment.
I’m very interested in reading part two and have a feeling the story will pick up significantly (at least I hope so). I want a little more adventure from Maxi!

. I came across Under The Oak Tree by Sushi Kim and let me tell you, I was intrigued and interested in what this story had to offer. Although there was a good plot and development in characters, I feel there could be much more thematic elements throughout the story to continue to entice the reader.. Although slow burned, there were good parts to make the reader focus on the details you for I felt there could be more to the story. I like the struggles, tribulations and strong essence of marriage carried out throughout the story. Strong main characters brings this book into perspective. Into the romantasy realm.

Suji Kim's Under the Oak Tree is a high fantasy romance series that enthralls its readers with a rich fantasy world and a STEAMY forced marriage romance between a low-born knight and a chronically self-concious noblewoman. This fantastic romance wedged its way into my heart and will forever be one of my favorite romances of all time!

Quick Thoughts:
- Under the Oak Tree is the PERFECT romance series for fans of world building, monsters, magic, high fantasy and (most importantly) steamy romance!
- Heroine, Maximillian Croyso, is a noblewoman with a stutter and cronically low self-esteem that slowly becomes more confident after leaving her father's abusive household and marrying Riftan.
- Hero, Riftan Calypse, is a heroic, moody, manly and handsome low-born knight OBSESSED with Maxi. Riftan is, quite frankly, my ideal book boyfriend (even if he is a bit overbearing!).
- At some points, the romance is a slow burn, but when it erupts, it is a volcano! Author knows how to write a love scene that is sure to send pulses raising while also feeling beautifully elegant.
- The forced marriage and marriage of covenience tropes are perfectly executed. Readers will rejoice in witnessing the evolution of Riftan and Maxi's romance.

3.5🌟

I first discovered this story as a manhwa/webcomic and was captivated by the art. Then when I saw the original webnovel was being translated to English I knew I had to read it. Thank you Net Galley for the arc!

This story is a romantasy set in a classic fantasy world. Maxi is the firstborn daughter of Duke Croyso, who disregards and neglects her because of her stutter and shy personality. Duke Croyso makes an agreement to marry Maxi to Sir Riftan in order to avoid his responsibility to go on a quest to defeat a dragon. Riftan, a lowborn knight and former mercenary returns after a 3 year campaign to bring his wife Maxi back to his land and begin their life together. This story shows the evolution of their relationship as they both deal with their respective insecurities and hidden secrets. Riftan has a chip on his shoulder for being lowborn and always wants to ensure Maxi has enough needs to prove his status by being able to provide and protect his high lady wife. Maxi is insecure of her stutter and the truth that she was neglected and abused in her childhood home and fears Riftan will discover she is not the high lady accustomed to wealth and grandeur that he perceives her to be.

This book is a fun, quick read about two complicated people coming together. My favorite parts are Maxi connecting with the servants and knights of Anatol as she gains more confidence in herself.

I give this a 3.5 star 🌟 I want to continue Maxi and Riftan’s story but the continuous lack of communication drives me crazy. Miscommunication trope to the extreme.

Review posted on Goodreads and Instagram (@elfs_bookshelf)

Lady Maximilian (Maxi) has lived an isolating life due to her stutter. Her cruel and domineering father fears her speech will damage the family's noble reputation. He forces her to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight. Their relationship starts rocky, with Riftan's abrupt departure the morning after their wedding. After three years, he returned from the war as a celebrated hero. Determined to keep Maxi as his wife, she is taken from her home and thrust into a budding relationship with apprehension and wonder.

Both main characters are profoundly conflicted and lack the understanding of how to express emotion. You are furious with Riftan, hate him at the beginning of the book, and feel sorrow for Maxi. They were both put in situations where they had to make the best of it because they were bound by duty and fear. Maxi's character develops from a sheepish and fearful woman to someone who is beginning to stand on her own two feet and has some self-assurance, which is beautiful. Riftan's return changes their relationship, revealing his true feeling for Maxi and their marriage. The writing effectively conveys the emotions and inner struggles of the characters.

There are mentions of monsters and werewolves on the way to Rifan's home. It gives the reader a sense of dread and a balance between Maxi's innocence and the perils of her environment. You will have a sense of suspicion whenever any character mentions Maxi's father. Considering this is the first volume, there is some foreboding.

Maxi is inspiring as she overcomes significant personal challenges and past trauma to find her inner strength, which is reason enough to read this book.

I do love the idea of the plot but the author stuck so true to historical treatment of women that it felt a little uncomfortable. The MMC pushes his wife to have sex with him several times and it just felt unhealthy.