Under the Oak Tree: The Novel, Vol. 1

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher (Inklore) for promotional purposes.

What an enthralling fantasy read!

Prior to reading this book, I read volume 1 of the comic and loved it. Because of that, I was very familiar with the start of the book and the characters. The novel spans way more time than the comic so most of the book was new to me.

Like with the comic, I liked Maxi and Riftan together. I enjoyed their dynamic and look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses in future volumes. There was more of Ruth, the sorcerer, in this, which I was happy to see. I love him; he’s such a fascinating character.

The world building was also well done. The novel goes way more in depth into their world and its show more workings than the comic does.

As for the plot, the second half of the book was not as engaging as the first half. This is likely due to having to set things up for the future, which is fairly common in fantasy series.

The book contains a map as well as a “Seven Kingdoms Handbook” at the end with more information about their world. These were both so helpful and I always love it when fantasy books include extras like these.

Overall, I really enjoyed this romantasy. If you liked the comic version, definitely read the novel! show less

"The first moment I saw you, I knew you would ruin me."

Oh my! I did not realize that the webtoon had a light novel. I love these type of novels because a lot of the webtoons. while great if they don't have a light novel. seem to be missing something or something has changed within it. This is why I am happy when I can find the ones I love the most.

Set during the Medieval Age when the Roemian Empire had fallen, Lady Maxillian is the eldest daughter of the Duke of Croyso and is seen as less than perfect in her father's eyes. Her stammering makes her so disgusting to her father that he often, not only compares her to her younger sister but uses the excuse to verbally and physically abuse her.

Because of this, Maxi's self-esteem is often at show more its low. She has even asked why Riftan agree to her as his wife, rather than her darling sister.

There is a lot of miscommunication between them. For example: when he arrives to take her back to his fortress, he believes that she rather have lived here in the house with her father than go to a home she didn't want. This is far, far from the truth. She had no idea that her duty to her husband would include her going to his home.

Some moments led me to believe that Riftan fell first. At the wedding or sometime during the consummation of their marriage. He dotes on her when they go home, but Maxi's esteem is so low that she believes he was meant to marry the princess.

Again, there is a lack of communication. I am pretty sure that there are probably more but I am going to have to restart reading the manhwa again.

As for their character development, it is slow and I am okay with that. I want to see Maxi grow into her role as Riftan's wife and the lady of the fortress. She has proven herself once in this book. So, I am hoping to see more later. show less

A cozy romantasy read. The beginning and middle had great suspense and potential, but it petered out towards the end. The ending was highly anticlimactic. I will be returning for volume 2 but I hope the action picks up.