Under the Oak Tree: Season 2 (1)

Product Information

This manga volume I felt was better than the first volume and I am really starting to get drawn into the story. So Of course they misunderstand each other!! They will probably need long time to restore confidence to communicate normally. Let's talk about why this novel is not a novel. I don't know who made it into a novel from the webtoon, but it didn't work out. Maybe problems with the translation are to blame as well, but the structure alone is just so bad.

My favorite part of the story is the banter and the conversations between the main cast of characters. Nothing seems forced, and their relationships grow naturally at a perfect pace. I’ve just finished book 1 and really am at a loss for words. In the past, every time I was asked “What’s your favourite book?“ I could never give an answer. I changed my mind or could never feel passionate enough to choose something, but in actuality, the answer wasn’t clear until I read THIS! Some people might get annoyed with her at first because she stutters and acts like a scared mouse all the time, so I must point this out very clearly: Maxi has been treated like shit, beaten and belittled every single moment of her life by her own father and that's all she's ever known since forever. This entire last instalment was heavy and upsetting, and I forgot how painful the last few chapters were. The last few paragraphs 😢 This is one of the only books that has ever made me cry. One of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever read, but it was definitely for the best. They are both so broken and so incredibly similar sometimes (without them realising). Their relationship had become incredibly unhealthy and I’m glad Maxi saw that. Also glad she’s making progress to love herself. Riftan, my heart broke for him but he needs to learn certain parts of his behaviour are unacceptable. (Don’t worry, you’ve got this, I believe in you!!)chapters end in the middle of a conversation, and for no reason at all. No suspense, no plot twist. They end just because they HAVE TO end at a point Both, Maxi and Riftan, are two complex characters, each with their own bagagge. I fell for both of them while they fight against obstacles and their own expectations and (OBVIOUSLY for everyone but themselves) devote to one another. I love Riftan- his fierce protectiveness, his deep and boundless devotion to Maxi, his consuming love. Even though it pushes it's way into obsessiveness, it's clear that his life has been tied to Maxi's for longer and more adently then she could ever guess.

What do you call it when someone you hate is suddenly owns a very important piece of your heart? Ange definitely barged her way in. Her and Hebaron felt like siblings always ruffling Riftans feathers. I glowed with pride and love for them. Also the young apprentice knight Yulysion was just so *squeeeeeeal*. I don't even have words. I love him.

Novel info

Although some anticlimatic moments at the start, especially season 2 made me reading through the night and fear for Maxi and Riftan. The novel follows right along with all the chapters of the manhwa but adds so much more information that I’m glad I decided to read both in tandem. I highly recommend reading both the online manhwa as well as the novels so that you can fully understand, and appreciate the story. There are so many things I want to say but my emotions are all over the place, and maybe my words wouldn’t be enough anyway, to praise this masterpiece. The development of Maxi & her discovery of self. Maxi’s character really gained so much depth in this volume and I was so excited reading it and seeing her become more confident in herself and self-worth. It was done well. Like many, I first stumbled on the webtoon and thought the books would be an easy read while recovering from Covid - boy, was I wrong.