This was a strong sequel in the Under the Oak Tree series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the first book. The romance element was everything that I was looking for and was hooked from the cover and description. I enjoyed how good the characters were in this universe and that it had that element that I was looking for. Suji Kim was able to continue this storyline perfectly and wanted more.

I just love this series, I can't not love it. Ever since reading the webtoon,I have been enthralled with the novel adaptation mostly because it gives me more details about the characters. I also think it gives the characters more personality with their dialogue and writing. This book picks up from when volume one was left off, and I was very excited to get to see the princess in the novel adaptation. In the comic she seems harmless but here we get more depth and some hints about the princess, In my opinion.

I love Maxi’s character because she has made so much progress. You notice that in volume 1 but in volume 2 we see her get even better. She still has some demons she is fighting in her head but she’s slowly getting to become herself. Very happy she is more mage now. As for the relationship with Riftan and Maxi, they definitely have some lows. It’s clear they are still getting to know each other but slowly falling. Riftan is very overprotective and unfair at times with maxi having to give in. But when they have their moments, they are very cute. I hope they keep learning this relationship of them. And I’m very excited to see where they go next with this campaign coming soon.

Headlines:
Adventures
Learning each other
Give and take

I devoured the second volume novel of this series, it was captivating. I hold complete bias for Maxi and Riftan but Suji Kim keeps everything interesting and fresh with relationship hurdles and a plot full of adventure.

I was most delighted to see Maxi outside of the castle, respected for some of her developing talents and crucially, her belief in herself. Maxi is such an endearing character, her growth over books 1 & 2 is immense and beautiful to see her coming into a sense of worth. She still has anxiety and uncertainty in her relationship, but there was a sense of some firmer footing in those aspects.

Talking of growth, Riftan was forced to see Maxi in a different light outside of the bedroom. There was nothing easy about this but it was so satifying to see him capitulate! I love how their emotional intimacy is developing, the feelings are full x 100 and the longings continue.

Where this volume left off isn't cliff hanger territory but it's a pause before more exciting times, so I cannot wait to read on. Roll on next year for volume 3.

Thank you DelRey UK/Inklore for the eARC

I literally devoured this book in two days. I read volume 1 of this story and enjoyed it, so I was eager to read thus (volume 2). And this certainly did not disappoint.


The story picked up right where we left off in volume 1. I really liked seeing Maxi learn new things and change little by little in her new environment. And while Riftan could still be frustrating at times I did like seeing his relationship with Maxi develop. I also liked that we had time to spend with the knights and the main characters where the plot wasn’t necessarily moving forward, but it felt more like a chance for readers to spend more time getting to know the characters and being in that world.

I am eager for volume 3 after that sort of cliffhanger ending. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Maxi and Riftan's story has completely captured my heart! I need the next volume like I need air.

There were times when I wanted to reach through the pages and strangle Riftan but I love how we get to see the growth of their relationship (the good and the bad). Maxi is one of my favourite heroines of late and her quiet strength is so incredibly endearing.

An easy five stars. Under the Oak Tree is a must read.

Hooray approved for volume 2 and I still loved this one too~ (and that cover and Maxi are so gorgeous)

So I’ve read the manhwa adaptation and loved it, but I’m always happy to come back and read about my favorite codependent couple. Their relationship started off horribly, and it’s still not quite there in terms of being healthy, but I’m still rooting for them to get some place better and on more equal footing. Read the author’s note at the beginning for content warnings, but it includes emotional and physical abuse and there’s also plentiful smut.

This volume covers events from when Princess Agnes, the princess who was almost betrothed to Riftan, comes to visit to near the end of their ship voyage. Not a cliffhanger ending, thank goodness, but I’m excited for the next volume! I loved Maxi’s character development as she develops more self-esteem and confidence from learning and applying magic. It’s not without its consequences, but you can tell she’s growing braver and isn’t afraid to stand up to Riftan’s overbearingness and unreasonable actions. These two’s inferiority complexes just keep feeding off of each other and prevent them from being completely vulnerable or honest, but it also provides the conflict that makes me root for them, even if they are frustrating at times. There’s a lot of sweet relationship moments as Riftan and Maxi grow closer.

This was originally a web novel where chapters were released weekly, so the way it was structured was weird at times. The chapters were long with a lot of scenes stuffed into them, some scene breaks cut off weirdly, and I swear there was a transition scene missing in one part, but those were the only things I noticed that were off.

Still love this series! Can’t wait for the next volume!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Inklore for the eARC in exchange for an honest review (seriously, thank you, I was so excited)!

Reading this made me miss the couple 💜💜. It's been a while since I read the story and most of it is on the manhwa format. The story is easy to read, easy to reconnect and love to see her change and progress 💜💜


Thank you so much💜💜

This sequel continues the touching story of Lady Maximilian, a woman who slowly learns to heal, grow, and open her heart to love. Now spending her first winter in Anatol, her husband’s homeland, she begins to carve out her place in this new world—finding strength not only in herself but also in the people around her, especially the knight who has loved her from the very beginning.
I’ve been devoted to this series ever since reading the webtoon and the original Korean version, and seeing it come to life in English has been such a gift. The writing captures everything I adore about the story: the warmth, the gentle humor, the tender romance, and even the little miscommunications that make the characters feel so human. I connected deeply with the heroine, and there were so many moments where I felt truly seen through her journey.
This series is more than just a romance—it’s about healing, resilience, and learning how to let yourself be loved. It’s a comfort read in the best possible way, and one I know I’ll keep returning to. I absolutely cannot wait for the next installmen

Did a cheeky reread of one of my favourite couples ever and omagosh it actually brought back all the best feels 😫😫 I missed them so much like truly will never get over their soulmatery.

I’m def feeling homesick after my reread 💔

RiftanMaxi are THE toxic but softest couple I’ve ever read and nothing will ever come close or hold a candle to how much they mean to me.

The growth of maxi’s character? I’ve never been prouder. And seeing Riftan squirm when maxi puts him in place is always 🤭🤭 god I love them SFM.

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC! ♥︎

Just, look at the cover! Oh GOODNESS!! It's stunning! Well, when it's published. I've been reading this story and it's basically the only reason I downloaded manta for comic reading. The comics are immaculate too!

It doesn't matter which you start reading first, the story is amazing. If you are new, there is a lot of mainstream monsters and fantastical beasts so it won't be hard to get used to. If you ahve no idea, this book has a glossary of creatures, characters and such in the back.

I think this is even stronger than the first volume--seeing Maxi become more self-assured and confident is a treat. I also found this volume to be better paced than the first, with the introductions of characters and conflicts more logical. I am looking forward to the third volume!

Thank you for this Advanced Readers Copy of Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2. Sadly, this was just not my kind of book. I think there are readers out there who will love it though.

I love this book series more than words can express. I flew through the webtoon and when I found out it was a book series, I very quickly bought the first volume. There is just so much to love here, I have never felt so seen in a protagonist. I also love miscommunication tropes.

The heartwarming story of a lady who finds herself in the unlikeliest romance with a knight who has loved her all along continues in this beautiful sequel that explores healing, growth, and romance. Picking up where the first book off, Lady Maximilian is now spending her first winter in Anatol, the home of her husband, where she begins to find a place and role in the new environment. There she begins to strengthen and build herself up as she grows closer to everyone around her including her husband. I have adored this series since I first began reading the korean version and absolutely love to see it being translated into a published english edition. This story is just so heartwarming for me. It's a story of healing, of finding strength in yourself, and of opening your heart up to people who love you. I can't stress enough how much I adore this series and can't wait to read the next book!

Release Date: Nov 18, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Inklore for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*