Under the Oak Tree (novel)
Original story: Suji Kim
Illustration of cover: Yuumei
Localization: Gyuyoung Jo, Sydney Thompson
Editor: Inhwa Park (Manta); Logan Balestrino (Penguin Random House)
Platform: Manta (digital); Inklore, imprint of Penguin Random House (physical)
Publication Date: November 5, 2024 (physical)
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Most people know about Under the Oak Tree because of the webcomic, but what they might not know is that this was based on a webnovel written by Suji Kim, and that it won the Romance Webnovel Award from RIDI, South Korea’s ebook platform, in 2020 and 2023. Manta released the webnovel in English digitally, but the print version was recently published by Inklore.
Under the Oak Tree collects Chapter 1 to 76 of the original webnovel and follows Maxi and Riftan’s relationship from the first (brutal) consummation of their marriage to Maxi living with Riftan at Calypse Castle, their relationship as they learn more about each other, and her journey to learning magic. Suji Kim writes a trigger warning before the first chapter, noting that there might be certain scenes that “may be disturbing and triggering for some readers” and “contains sexual content that may not be suitable for all audiences.” She encourages readers to “approach this content with care and seek support if needed,” which is rare to see and I appreciate it.
Yuumei‘s cover is breathtaking. I loved the silver detailing on the cover for the leaves and how Maxi literally looks like a flame with her red hair and dress. Coupled with the solemn and steady look in her eyes, she seems very self-assured and brave, and even though Maxi might not be in that place right now, the cover seems to imply that that strength has always lay within herself and she only needs to find it.
On some level, when I was reading the webcomic, I knew that Riftan was absolutely head-over-heels in love with Maxi, but the webcomic doesn’t do justice to how horny this guy is. The moment he lays eyes on Maxi, he’s kissing her, nuzzling her, and stripping her in the span of three seconds. Whatever Maxi is doing, even if it’s as simple as looking pretty in the sunlight, is a huge turn-on for him. I can probably count the number of times he isn’t making love with her on one hand. And yes, it’s very spicy, but I was too distracted by the fact that this is pretty much the bulk of their relationship for 80 percent of the book. When they aren’t making love, he’s scaring her half to death. There are some sweet moments, but they’re rare in comparison and later in the book.
I’ve mentioned this before in my webcomic review, but Maxi and Riftan’s relationship can be summarized as Miscommunication 101–or rather No Communication 101. The two are just really bad at talking to each other and are really good at making assumptions about the other: Maxi is petrified that Riftan may leave her if he ever discovers the truth that she isn’t a noblewoman and Riftan is paranoid that she might leave him if he doesn’t provide her with the lavish lifestyle that he thinks she had back at her father’s home. And while it’s understandable from a character point of view and development, it’s so aggravating to read about and does drag the story unnecessarily.
Given that the webcomic is an adaptation of the webnovel, the webnovel provides more world-building and character interactions that were, understandably, cut out of the webcomic, such as those between Maxi and the servants and knights, as well as the different knights’ personalities, which was a bit of a shame. Some parts of the world-building got a little information dump-y, which was the most apparent when Ruth was trying to teach Maxi about currency and when she was trying to decide between glass pieces.
As of Volume 1, Maxi and Ruth have more chemistry than her and Riftan by virtue of the fact that the two of them actually talk. Ruth is snarky, rude, and blunt, but he doesn’t infantilize Maxi. He saw potential in her and gave her a chance to be independent and to have autonomy which is something that she’s never had in her life; it was never in the realm of possibility for her.
Maxi’s character growth became more evident in the novel as she tried to find her footing as the Lady of Anatol, although, in the beginning, she was terrified that Riftan would divorce her if he ever found out that she wasn’t who he thought she was. She grows more comfortable in her new home and Riftan’s constant outpouring of love and affection anchors her and quells her anxiety, which allows her to find her voice.
I also really liked how Under the Oak Tree handled Maxi’s disability. Much of Maxi’s lack of confidence and anxiety stems from the physical and emotional abuse she suffered from her father for her stutter. But almost all of the characters don’t seem to mind her stutter. When Maxi sought for a solution to get rid of her disability, Ruth made it clear that this wasn’t something magic could make disappear, but he offered her a solution that would allow her to slowly regain her confidence and to have some semblance of control over her disability.
I’ve read numerous English-translated books and oftentimes, the content reads a little stilted and a little awkward, but the localization and editing done by both the Manta and Penguin Random House teams made it quite easy to read.
Despite some of my frustrations with the relationship between Maxi and Riftan, the Under the Oak Tree novel definitely lives up to its romantasy elements. Fans who fell in love with the webcomic will most certainly love the novel.
Thank you to Manta Comics for sending me a review copy!
