Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 by Suji Kim is a beautifully written and emotionally rich fantasy novel that immediately drew me in. This first volume of the series has everything I love—magic, complex characters, and an intriguing plot with plenty of twists and turns.

The story follows the main character, Max, who is forced to confront her fears and grow in a world filled with danger and magic. The way Suji Kim develops her character is incredible. Max starts as someone who's vulnerable and hesitant, but through her journey, she becomes much stronger, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The way the author delves into her inner turmoil and growth made her journey feel very personal and relatable, despite the fantastical setting.

The romance in this book is also wonderfully done. It's slow-burning and filled with tension, and I loved how it developed naturally alongside the plot. The interactions between Max and the other key characters had me both frustrated and hopeful, which made their chemistry feel real and engaging. I appreciated how the romantic relationship wasn't rushed, allowing it to unfold gradually and without feeling forced.

The world-building is another highlight. The setting is vivid and full of magic, and the author does a great job of describing the landscapes and intricate details of the world. It’s a magical world that feels rich with history, and I can’t wait to learn more as the series progresses.

Overall, Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 is a fantastic read for fans of fantasy and romance. The book had a perfect blend of heart and adventure, with a touch of mystery that left me wanting more. I’m definitely excited to continue the series and see where the characters go next.

Absolutely loved this, I’m a fan of the webcomic series so when I saw this I knew I had to read the source material for one of my favourites. I loved every page and was sad when it ended as I need more, can’t wait to read the next book and will be buying this in a physical copy to keep and preordering the next

Unfortunately, this book was not for me and I really struggled through it. I had seen the art for the webcomic off and on which is stunning. That and the premise of the story made me really want to pick this book up. Strangely and VERY unfortunately, this book opens with a rape scene (at the very best it's on the line between noncon and dubcon) and I had no idea that would be the case. I am not someone who believes that's something that can be redeemed later in the story if those are the characters that are meant to be happy and in love by the end. Even if that was the case, the MMC is nothing but rude and assuming throughout the entire book and never thinks his wife who doesn't know him and is a virgin and 1/3 of his size might be scared??? Or have some trauma from her terrible family. He doesn't try to get to know her at all and it made this book SUCH a hard read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story, at the end of volume one I felt like we are complete, but that there is still something unfinished so I can’t wait to get to Volume 2…

I’ve read the web comic of this so I was aware of the the events that went on in the book, but this gave so much more substance to what I was missing, and it made it so much better, I loved it!!!!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I went into this one blind, however I don’t think this story was for me. I didn’t realize it’s based off manga and I felt disconnected to the FMC and her motivations. Perhaps if I had a background with the comic I would have had more of a connection to the story.

This is a great story however the FMC is exceptionally naive and terrified of all men at the start of the story. This gives a great sexual awakening perspective but it also has a rough start. The explicit scenes are explicit and that includes the first scene that feels extremely grapey.

# Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 1
# 1/5/2025 ~ 1/7/2025
# 4.0 / 5.0

I received an advanced reader copy of this book quite a while ago and just got around to reading it). I can confidently say that I am definitely NOT the target audience for this book. I had heard of the manga before but manga generally is not something I am interested in either, though there seemed to be a large fan base for this one so I went in hoping to find perhaps a new genre I’d like, but unfortunately, did not.

The main reason I did not like this book was because I just did not resonate with the main character at all. She was extremely unlikable and very much “manic pixie dream girl” but without the quirky and eccentric personality traits that are often redeeming qualities so she did not even have that going for her. While I understand that a lot of her issues stem from her abusive childhood/father, it’s like she didn’t want to get better because losing her naive and innocent front would leave her with as much personality as a cardboard box.

Her husband was also just very middle of the road as we mostly saw him ravishing her any chance he got and only learned about his life and past from other characters sharing anecdotes.

I hope the fans of the original manga/webtoon enjoy this, but I do not think I will be containing with the rest of the volumes when they are released.

This book completely captivated me from start to finish. Under the Oak Tree is an emotional, slow-burn romance with rich world-building, complex characters, and just the right amount of angst. Maxi’s journey from an isolated, insecure noblewoman to someone learning to stand on her own is incredibly compelling. Her struggles, fears, and moments of quiet strength make her such a relatable protagonist.

And then there’s Riftan—intense, brooding, and utterly devoted. The tension between them is delicious, filled with misunderstandings, yearning, and some seriously swoon-worthy moments. (And yes, the smut? Absolutely top-tier.)

Beyond the romance, the novel offers a well-developed medieval fantasy setting with magic, politics, and monster-hunting. Some info-dumping occurs, but it never felt overwhelming. The story is immersive, and I was completely invested in Maxi and Riftan’s relationship, their growth, and the obstacles they face.

This is a must-read for fans of romantasy with deep emotional beats, passionate romance, and a heroine finding her own strength. I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next volume!

I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about it. Please, be aware of the content warnings if anything may trigger you. I enjoyed the ease of the writing and was surprised by how quickly I got through it. The most disappointing thing about this is that it ended. I want to find out what happens next. I had many tears throughout and it left me thinking at the end.

Non-Spoiler Review of Under The Oak Tree – The novel- volume One

Full disclosure, I read through the web comic on Manta before reading this novel. I was already madly in love with this story. I heard rumors the actual web novel was even better however I never got to reading it. When I saw, this was coming to a physical copy, my heart was so excited.
Under the oak tree is a Korean romantasy novel about Maximilian and Riftan.
Be ready for Riftan to become your new book boyfriend.
Maximillian is the daughter of a powerful duke in the kingdom. Her father is always sceaming for more control and more power than what he has. Maxi struggles with her speech and is shy and mild mannered. She is not what her father deems as a noble lady.
Riftan is a peasant born knight. He has a gruff exterior and is intimidating on the battle field.
Maxis father offers her up to the night in an arranged marriage for one of his latest schemes. They are married and the next day he goes off to fight in another war. Maxi does not see her husband for three years. Rumors went around the kingdom that marriage was talked about between Riftian and a beautiful sorceress, who is also a princess. To her surprise he returns to the kingdom to claim her as his wife.
The story really starts here where Riftan takes Maxi away from her family home to her new home with her husband she knows very little about.
Maxi meets new challenges along the way, ones she never thought she would be able to handle. She starts to find herself as well as grow in the most amazing ways.
What will become of the stuttering dukes daughter and the rugged monster fighting knight ? Ill leave you to find out.
Be aware that this is an adult novel and not suitable for children.

- Additional Note: The physical book is absolutely stunning! The art is worthy to hang on your walls and showcase, the sprayed edges are beautiful!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for this copy read and give my honest review.

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley for the ability to read this book.

I entered into reading this with no prior knowledge of the storyline or web comic. Maybe more information would have helped? Unfortunately, I could not get past the less than stellar writing, abusive father and husband, and starting out the entire story with SA was heavily jarring. Others, I know, love this story, so I know this is a "me" issue and not an overwhelming issue with the book as a whole.

sooooooo beautifully made. The webcomic was one of my faves, and seeing it here was just as enjoyable. Lady Maximilian is just so pretty, so wonderful. Honestly just this whole comic is. i hate how much i love this romance. and i want the second volume out already. I know I can go read the webcomic----and i probs will--but holding it in person is so much better sometimes.
THANK YOUUUU for this!!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the free copy for review.

I've been getting into my romantasy era and this for me started off way too violent. I don't read this genre to read about women being violently attacked by her own husband. I know the story is based on accurate medieval marriages, but it definitely wanted to make me DNF within the first 5% of the book.

While I enjoyed the sort of meandering pace of the story once she's at the castle, the miscommunication between the two main characters was starting to just become annoying. Their only conversations are usually just Riftan getting upset and agitated and Maxi crouching in fear. This is supposed to be a couple you root for? Who cannot even have an honest conversation?

I appreciated the disability representation though.

The writing was okay. I did find it mildly juvenile but I enjoyed the imagery of the landscape and the castle.

I will say for a story called Under the Oak Tree, you are only around an Oak tree I think twice in the entire book.

Will not be continuing on in the series, which is a shame because the cover is so pretty.

I received this as an arc from NetGalley but didn’t end up reading it until after publication!

I love this story and I can’t wait to continue reading the novel versions of the series.

It was exactly what I expected from it, a near direct copy of the graphic novel. As a result, there were a few moments that fell flat without the emphasis of the illustrations but I still enjoyed everything.

This book was a enjoyable read read much like the webtoon but with more details. I would definitely buy this book to have on my shelf the cover is stunning and would recommend for others to read if they were looking for something like it

While the romance felt formulaic (broody vs sunshine/innocent), which I can enjoy and often do, the darker scenes did pull me out of the story at times. There was also a repetitive, simplistic feeling from the writing. Still, it was a breeze to get through and I enjoyed my time. Thank you to the author and publisher.

First- trigger warnings! The SA is so tragic, emotional and gut wrenching. Very descriptive and the amount of tears I shed could have filled a bath tub

Well written story of historical romance. He wants to love, and protect her and she wants to be useful. He fights monsters and eventually she becomes a mage to assist. Spicy and hot story as you cheer these two on throughout their ups and downs.