This review is for Under the Oak Tree, The Novel, Volume 1, written by Suji Kim. Manta provided a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Under the Oak Tree: The Novel, Volume 2 finally introduces one of my favorite characters in the series: Princess Agnes. Honestly, I’ve long believed Under the Oak Tree might have thrived even more as a Girls’ Love (GL) story with Princess Agnes and Maximillian as the leads—but I digress.
Still, Agnes’s long-awaited introduction is genuinely exciting. Maxi approaches the princess with caution. Agnes is beautiful, confident, and well-liked by the Remdragon Knights, and despite Riftan’s obvious discomfort around her, Maxi can’t help but compare herself to someone so distinguished. She quietly wonders whether Riftan might have been better off with a woman like Agnes. Agnes, for her part, initially tries to befriend Maxi—much to Riftan’s irritation—prompting him to actively keep the two women apart.
Since the previous volume, which we also reviewed, Maxi has made noticeable progress. Her stutter has improved through sheer determination, and she has learned to properly wield magic. She uses those skills to heal injured knights returning from battle, only to push herself too far and suffer mana depletion. When Riftan rushes to her side and cares for her, the moment reveals a more tender, likable side of him than what readers saw in Volume 1. While Riftan remains frustratingly overbearing, he does seem to be trying. And, in his defense—something I never thought I’d say—Maxi often retreats into her own thoughts, which is understandable given the neglect and abuse she endured growing up.
One passage perfectly captures the heart of their relationship:
After more than twenty years of cruel treatment, Maxi could not deny that she took some pleasure in the attention. Being doted on certainly made her happy. Still, she was tired of being treated like an infant.
Having grown up unloved and mistreated by her father, Riftan’s intense devotion feels like a revelation for Maxi. At the same time, she yearns to prove herself as a capable partner—someone worthy of standing beside her husband as an equal rather than being sheltered and infantilized.
Ruth, my second-favorite character, plays a significant role in this volume, which was an absolute delight—though it pains me that my two favorite characters don’t get along. He continues to guide Maxi in her magical studies, using a teaching style that perfectly suits his abrasive personality. While Maxi doesn’t always appreciate his methods, they feel fitting for who he is. Her impatience occasionally grates, but it’s easy to sympathize with her frustration, especially given her habit of comparing herself to others.
One of my favorite scenes appears in Chapter 16, when Riftan discovers that Maxi is on her period. The emotional whiplash packed into just a few pages is incredible—confusion, anger, embarrassment, concern, and sheer panic all collide. Maxi assumes that vaguely hinting at her “condition” will be enough to deter Riftan from insisting on bathing together. Instead, he interprets her reluctance as rejection and spirals into hurt feelings—until she explains that she’s bleeding. Bleeding! His precious wife is bleeding and must be in danger… except she’s not, and she has to patiently explain that this is entirely normal. The scene is hilarious, heartwarming, and grounding, making Riftan and Maxi feel like a real couple learning how to communicate.
Maxi’s desire to accompany Riftan and the remaining Remdragon Knights on their rescue campaign feels understandable—commendable, even. Riftan’s outright refusal, though rooted in concern, is deeply frustrating. If the two could communicate honestly, so much pain could be avoided. Maxi, in particular, struggles to admit that she was never cherished at Croyso Castle. While her hesitation makes sense given her trauma, it’s hard not to feel that Riftan and those around her would support her wholeheartedly—and be horrified by her father’s cruelty.
Despite their ongoing communication issues, Under the Oak Tree: The Novel, Volume 2 shows significant growth from the first book. If not emotionally, then at least physically—which may explain part of the series’ immense popularity (you know who you are). At this pace, they might fully understand each other by Volume 20—or so. Jokes aside, many readers clearly appreciate the slow burn and embrace Riftan and Maxi’s relationship exactly as it is.
Beyond the story itself, the physical book is stunning. The hardcover format, ribbon bookmark, and printed edges give it a premium feel, while the localization, editing, and proofreading are excellent throughout. The reading experience feels polished and immersive, making the $32.00 USD price tag well worth it.
Under the Oak Tree: The Novel, Volume 2 released on November 18, 2025, through Inklore and is available wherever books are sold. Readers eager to continue the story can also follow it digitally via Manta Comics.
