actual rating: 4.25. wait!!! don’t throw tomatoes yet!! please just listen to me first!! the Manta comic has had a chokehold on me for years. i am tuned in for every update. it is a guilty pleasure of mine, okay?? we all have vices. when reading this, i was surprised to find that the comic follows the novel very closely! maybe it’s because i am used to bad book-to-show adaptations, but the comics follow the novel word for word. this just proves that Maxi and Riftan remain on top 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ Ruth can go kick rocks though

I was really excited to start this because I loved the graphic novel but as an actual novel this was unfortunately not for me. I struggled a lot reading this book. I did enjoy the story but there was a lot of miscommunication which is not my favorite trope. Others may like this though!

⋆¾ — this was okay, kind of? think i may have requested this thinking it was the manhwa version and not the novelization (my inability to read the blurb before requesting things will be my downfall). it's unfortunate, because i actually read the first six episodes of the webtoon, and it's much more compelling in that format.

the blurb is very misleading, so i think it's actually good i went in with no expectations. "this is not a fairytale." it is, complete with stock characters with stock backgrounds in a very stock romance. riftan is the cold duke of the north archetype ml, despised by high nobility because of his lowly background, and is always away from home because he has to fight monsters. maxi is the abused daughter of high nobility, neglected in favor of her half-sister. there's even ruth, the cold, sarcastic sorcerer character. the other characters are interchangeable with each other, with how much they dislike maxi being their only distinguishable traits. while this describes 80% of all european historical romance fantasy manhwas, most successful ones do have a little individual flair to separate themselves from the rest. under the oak tree does not. (or maybe there's just no beautiful gowns in the light novel to distract me. who knows.)

"maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless." nope! she never finds herself. her confidence "vanishes" or "evaporates" every other page when she's trying to accomplish something and then she regains it minutes later (is it really regaining anything if it is this shaky?) not because of her own capabilities but because she remembers that riftan likes her. she uses the memory of him smiling at her once as fuel throughout this entire story. that's not really "finding herself" to me.

95% of the plot is the romance, and considering the book is 500 pages long, one would think that there would be at least some development in maxi's and riftan's relationship. one would be wrong. there is no communication between the two of them. riftan starts out by literally sexually assaulting her. there's no apology or conversation about this after. nothing. and maxi truly does like him and is open to his advances, but he just starts pawing her two minutes after they first meet without verbalizing anything. she's an isolated virgin who has no friends, hasn't left her house in five years, doesn't even know what sex is. of course, she's terrified of him. he's continously pushy about sex and strips her anywhere, in front of anyone, with no care for her feelings, so it appears strange and icky even when she does reciprocate. because whether or not she reciprocates his desire is never his concern. there's a sex scene almost in every paragraph, which is questionable because not only does it add nothing to the romance, it heavily detracts. maxi and riftan have exactly three nonsexual scenes together (where they're alone and not surrounded by servants or knights). this is in a 500 page book, mind you. it gets to the point where maxi herself is surprised he wants to spend time with her outside the bedroom the first time he takes her out. and this first scene they have together? it's at 60% of the book. as in 300 pages. ??? is this even a romance at this point??? the only person to have authentic conversations with maxi, show caring towards her person, and try to help her regain her courage is ruth. riftan cares about nothing but his own ego, to the point where he starts screaming at her when she tries to learn magic and better herself. he's consistently condescending towards maxi and you get the sense he loves—fetishizes even—her weak nature so he can get an ego boost about providing for the supposedly rich ducal heir. i know maxi is shy and scared and won't talk about her home life, but what's insane is that riftan never even asks. that one horse riding scene at 60% is the first and last time he shows any concern about her likes and dislikes.

and side note: ron, roy, and laura are not fairy names. they're somebody's boomer grandparents from oklahoma. this is probably the least dislikable thing about this book, but the ridiculous names in european setting manhwas always make me cackle. like that one emperor named ebenezer? in tears.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.

I was expecting this to be a cute novelization of the WEBTOON, but half way through all I got was 90% sex scenes and 10% plot - and the 10% plot was not enough to keep me hooked

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Unfortunately, this was not a book I enjoyed. The main characters are not likable, there is barely a plot, and the story is much too long for nothing of importance to happen. There was nothing of interest that happened in this first volume that would make me need to pick up second.

Additionally, the love story is not well-written. Maxi and Riftan are forced to marry and he basically SAs her on their wedding night and it is brushed off because they "needed to consummate the marriage." Later on, she continually tells him to stop or requests to not be overly affectionate in public, and he constantly ignores her. Riftan is made out to be insatiable in the bedroom and his entire personality is basically that he is the toughest man alive but also constantly horny for Maxi.

I am not saying others would not like this book, but I don't think I can recommend it to my friends

First, a big thank you to NetGalley and Inklore for the ARC of Suji Kim’s novel “Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1" – “Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA.”

I had previously seen this advertised to me as the webtoon but never ending up checking it out even though this story is right up my alley. So, I was very excited to see this on NetGalley and wanted to check out the now translated novels. Keep in mind this is the first volume of several.

The world is pretty straight forward, not much we haven’t seen before in terms of a fantasy world. We follow Maximillian ("Maxi" for short), a young woman with a pronounced stutter. She's the daughter of the richest noble in the land, Duke Croyso, who has abused and hidden away Maxi for most of her life. He marries her off to a lowborn knight, Riftan Calypse, who, after marrying Maxi, is sent on a seemingly impossible campaign for three years. Riftan defies the odds and emerges a hero, so much so that even the King wants Riftan to marry his daughter.

I do love my share of romance novels set in the medieval period. With that said, “Under the Oak Tree” has a dynamic that is not usually seen in these types of books. Books today really feature the sassy, headstrong, beautiful female leads that swagger through the book and their bad boy, disgustingly handsome, rich, popular counterpart with a tragic backstory. But “Under the Oak Tree” gives us two very insecure individuals doing their best.

Maxi has lived a life of being abused and told not to speak. She's been compared to a younger sister who is supposedly an even better version of her but without any of Maxi’s differences. Riftan has spent his youth trying to prove himself as a worthy knight. Their insecurities really play off each other in unique ways. Riftan believes Maxi does not see him as worthy and lavishes riches and constantly questions if she is unhappy away from the wealth of the Croyso castle. Maxi believes that if she lowers her walls for a moment, Riftan will abandon her and see her for the charlatan she believes herself to be.

It is clearer that Riftan is shown to be quite agitated. The beginning of their sexual relationship is hard to read, with Riftan treating Maxi as his object. They do find their way eventually but keep this in mind while reading. They have a weird and kinda messy relationship, but I really liked seeing it evolve and develop.

One issue that I do have is that the pacing of the novel felt a little awkward at times. Timelines don’t make sense, for example Maxi has three years at the castle and in that time, she never makes it her own. It takes a very long time for Maxi to get to Anatol, and then Maxi has the castle decorated and remodeled in 8 days. And in that time, Riftan goes to the Capitol, attends a celebration, and returns to Anatol. It feels as though there is a lot of time spent just hanging around, which really slows down the pacing.

This is a romantic fantasy that has some elements you just never see. A female lead with a disability! A relationship that's a sort of reverse slow burn, but then is...a slow burn? It's drawn out for sure, but there is something just really addicting about the characters and story.

I totally recommend this story for those who love a good little spicy romance mixed with magic and old knight tales. I am definitely going to be purchasing the physical copy of this book when it comes out on November 5th!

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gosh I am so happy to be done with this book. I got this as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Fist to note this is was a Web comic that got turned into an actual comic book. that’s now being turned into a novel.
This book is so infuriating because I honestly don’t know if we’re supposed to like the main male character. I’m uncomfortable with him and I don’t know if I’m supposed to be or not which made reading this very difficult. Also, the main character hid so many things from all the other characters and that just annoys me because there was no reason. I understand her probably not trusting because she doesn’t want to seem weak because of everything that happened with her father, but it was still so annoying that we went the whole book with her not telling our main character some pretty important things. This definitely kind of was a read hate but not really. I just felt uncomfortable like I said with the main male character and so I didn’t want to continue with the story but I wanted to see if maybe he got some redemption but I’m not sure if he did honestly. I definitely won’t be picking up the next book. Also this book had so much smut and it was dubious consent most of the time.

I did struggle with this one a bit, but that was on me. I did enjoy the story though and the authors writing.

I requested this thinking it was the graphic novel version, but that was my bad. This is the novelized adaptation of the web comic story. I am not alone in feeling like this book was quite long and dragged for what it was, and worked better as a comic. I don't mind dubious consent/non consent so that wasn't my issue. This just wasn't what I wanted.

***I received a copy of this as an ARC via Netgalley for my honest review ***

- Arranged marriage - Steamy - Can't keep his hands of her - Knight/damsel - single POV -

Maxi is a young sheltered woman with speech impediment who was married off to a knight, Riftan, the day before he was sent off by orders of the king. Now, three years later, he has returned a hero to take her home with him. Riftan is completely infatuated with Maxi, but she is struggling to believe his affection towards her because her entire life she had been made to feel like a shame upon the family by her father because of her stutter.

In Under The Oak Tree Volume 1, we see Maxi's signs to feel worthy of being Riftan's affection, all while finding her place as the Lady of Calypse castle. This was a relaxing read with the just right amount of spice. I appreciated the representation of the FMCs' struggle with her speech impediment and how she is striving to be better despite her past experiences with others ridiculing her. It also seems to follow the same storyline of the MANTA series of which it originated. I have already pre-ordered Volume 2 to see how Lady Maxi and Sit Riftan's story continues!

This is a tough one for me. On the one hand, I can see how this book could be engaging. It leans very hard on the specific Cinderella/Griselda fairy tale of a kind young woman, horribly abused by her caregivers (in this case, her father), who is still kind, dutiful, and generous, and ends up with a husband who loves and appreciates her. Maxi is basically a doormat who ends up getting everything she deserves. So, I see the appeal. I note that it is a webnovel that came directly to novelization without editing. It does still feel like a serial novel, with a short arc for each chapter rather than a long story arc for the full novel. (This also explains the explicit sex scenes present in every chapter.)

I would almost recommend this for a young reader of romance except that the sex scenes almost all include dubious consent: Maxi says "no" and "wait," pushes her husband away, and he continues anyway. I understand that this is not because she really wants to say no, but rather because she doesn't understand what he is asking of her; but it's also not a great example (IMO) for a young reader.

Please note that I stopped reading around 50% of the way through, but since each chapter felt like a serial, I think I am able to review based on that reading.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

I was so excited for the chance to read this! I've seen ads for the web-comic and often wished the whole thing was free to read online. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the novelization of Under the Oak Tree. I really struggled with the abuse suffered by the heroine at the hands of her father, and the explicit disregard (putting it mildly) she was shown by her "husband" was hardly better. She was coerced into the marriage, threatened into submitting to her husband's sexual expectations, ignored and overridden when she tries to communicate, and pigeon-holed into the role the men around her wanted her to fill. Now, again, I didn't finish the story, I barely got a few chapters in. I hope this story is setting her up to overcome the horrible circumstance she finds herself in, but I doubt it. The heroine felt far too passive and accepting of her treatment, which is how many individuals cope with a lifetime of abuse and trauma. The crux of why I couldn't continue reading the story was because it really felt like her relationship with her husband was being romanticized, that maybe it's problematic in the beginning but they'll love each other and make it okay, and maybe it will be, but I couldn't stomach their dynamics in the meantime. Alternatively, maybe this is someone's kink and what people want in a romance, but it wasn't for me.

DNF in the first few pages on due to graphic rape of the FMC by the MMC/love interest. so sorry but I seriously can't read a book that romanticizes rape. idk where this is going but honestly, i just cant accept her falling in love with her rapist...

Just an FYI—this book deals with heavier topics like abuse, and the author really puts Maxi through a lot. It’s also a historical fantasy, and there are scenes involving ‘marital duties’ where Maxi feels like she can’t refuse.

This might be the book that uses the ‘miscommunication’ trope the most, and it’s honestly frustrating at times.

As for the writing/translation/editing—it’s fine! I can’t even imagine the amount of work that goes into translating a historical fantasy, especially figuring out how to translate empire or kingdom names into English… talk about a labor of love. So, no real issues there—it was pretty solid.

What I’ve noticed with a lot of Korean webnovels is that the writing tends to be more curt and to the point—there’s definitely more telling than showing. Again, this is a translated webnovel, not a traditionally published novel. It’s more like reading an original story on Wattpad (I think?).

So, if you’re expecting an epic historical fantasy, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re looking for an easy read with a lot of hurt/comfort and watching Maxi slowly gain confidence after years of abuse, this could be exactly what you’re after.

I think a lot can be forgiven when it’s presented in the form of a beautifully colored manhwa, but unfortunately, those flaws become painfully obvious when you’re reading the book. The visual appeal in the manhwa can mask some of the weaker plot points or character issues, but without that distraction, they stand out more in the novel.

Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me. However, on the bright side, Inklore recently announced new licenses for a few books/manhwas that I love, and I’ll be 100% all over them as soon as they’re released!

I personally did not enjoy it. I see that is was translated. I didn't know this going into reading this. I found this story to be uninteresting and seemed to sound like something I had read before.

I first encountered Under the Oak Tree through the manhua adaptation on Manta, where timid Maxi and towering Riftan became instant favorites, and so reading the light novel (the vaunted *source material*) was an exciting return to the series. Maxi so sincerely wants to belong in her new home, and I love to root for her growing confidence and the different connections she makes with the people in Anatol, where she has just moved to her husband’s castle. Of course, I also have a soft spot for the rambunctious but well-meaning knights who are always bustling about, and the cranky mage lurking in the library.

This first volume feels more focused on the characters than the plot. There’s murmurs of political intrigue, and a few monster fights, but it’s mostly about Maxi adapting to her new circumstances. Definitely be prepared for the first installment of a serial story, rather than a fully developed arc.

If I hadn’t read the webcomic, I don’t think I’d have been as immersed. Perhaps its something to do with the fact of translation, but there’s a subtlety that’s lost and everything is described very on-the-nose in a way that’s very different from how the webcomic beautifully communicates emotions and tension. A crook of the brow, a gentle fall of light - it's these little things that bring a scene to life beyond the skeleton of dialogue.

Still, the hardcover is a beautiful edition, and I’m looking forward to this story reaching a whole new audience.

Note - The lead characters frequently engage in, to use Maxi’s words, marital relations. This is described on page, in contrast to the comic adaptation which remains non-explicit, to the dismay of many an online comment section.

I, like many others who experienced this story already online, am overjoyed that this is getting traditionally published. As someone who read this a few years ago when it started as a webnovel and the webtoon and was completely engrossed in it, also enjoyed this first volume. I feel like this will not be loved by all and there will be someone who won’t read past the first few chapters.
While I loved this, I get why some people would not. As always, do your research and check trigger warnings before you read a book if you are sensitive with specific topics. There is some SA/non consensual marital rape situations / verbal abuse, in the beginning and throughout this first book. It’s also based in a fantasy world that has kings, queens, dukes, knights, dragons, mythical creatures and where Dukes and Kings are marrying their daughters off in trade of services from others. Maxi was abused by her father and has a stutter that now drastically affects her adult life so throw in some childhood trauma too.
Maxi and Riftan have a huge communication issue and a lot of sex scenes. We see a lot of character growth in Maxi but she still has so much self doubt and there’s still a lot more to learn about these characters.
I did take a star away because I feel like it’s left unfinished when it ends. It just ends in a weird part, where it’s not really a cliff hanger but you know there’s more to come. I look forward to the next volume though and this made me want to go re read the rest.

Whew, this one was difficult for me. I never read the Manhwa version, but knew it was very popular. That, in addition to the gorgeous cover, led me to reading this book. The book starts off with arranged marriage between Maxi (a shy, timid girl with a speech impediment) and Riften (a skilled knight). The night of their wedding, he proceeds to consummate their marriage. This scene was very unpleasant for me, Maxi knew literally nothing about sex, and was even confused as to why her clothes had to come off. Starting the book off with rape from a child-like POV wasn’t my cup of tea, but within the context of the story the consummation was expected, so I gave it another chance. It kept happening, even as Maxi protested. I can’t get behind a male love interest who ignores consent, and continuously berates her without letting her speak. I DNF’d the book at 39% after many uncomfortable scenes, irritating communication issues between the two main characters, and virtually no character development that I sensed.

This book wasn’t for me, and that okay! The Manhwa is well-loved, so if you’re a fan of that I would check this out! If you like any of the following tropes, you also might enjoy this novel:
• Arranged Marriage
• Marriage of convenience
• Angst caused by misunderstanding
• Fantasy/Medieval setting
• Dubious consent (at best)
• Traditional gender roles
• Protective/possessive MMC
• Disability awareness and visibility
• Smut

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC, this review is given freely and is of my own opinion. :)

This was really cute and whimsical. I’m
Looking forward to seeing what else comes of this one. Definitely recommend if you enjoy fairytales and manga type stories.

I discovered Under The Oak Tree years ago and am very excited to see it is getting traditionally published in English! For those unfamiliar with the story, Maximilian, the daughter of Duke Croyso, spent her life hidden away and abused by her father due to her stutter. Her father forces her to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight, who then leaves for three years on a war campaign the day after their wedding. Riftan returns a war hero, and despite rumors that he is offered a marriage proposal to a beautiful princess, he returns to Maxi. She is stunned when Riftan says that he still wants her as his wife and will honor that vow, taking her with him to his home, and leading Maxi to a new life and adventure.
Although I am a fan, I struggled with Riftan initially and his treatment of Maxi. The sexual relationship between them seems very forced upon Maxi who struggles with the intimacy a lot. There is also miscommunication between the two that is frustrating, with Riftan unaware of Maxi’s trauma and past and misinterpreting her quite a bit.
As this is only Volume One, there is still a lot of story and character development to look forward to!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin House Publishing Group - Ballantine l Inklore for this ARC!