Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 1 by Suji Kim Summary

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 follows Lady Maximilian, a noblewoman with a stutter who is forced into marriage with lowborn knight Sir Riftan. After he leaves the morning after their wedding, Riftan returns three years later as a war hero, still wanting Maxi as his wife despite being offered marriage to Princess Agnes. The story chronicles Maxi's journey of reclaiming her voice, healing from her father's abuse, and discovering her own strength through a slow-burning romance set in a medieval fantasy world.

Suji Kim is the author of Under the Oak Tree, originally published as the #1 webnovel on MANTA before being adapted into an official novel translation. The first volume, released in November 2024 by Inklore, collects chapters 1-76 of Kim's original webnovel. Kim has built a substantial following through the webnovel format, leading to both a novel adaptation and a comic version of Under the Oak Tree.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 is perfect for adult readers who enjoy fantasy romance with psychological depth and character-driven narratives. Those who appreciate slow-burn romances, stories about trauma recovery and female empowerment, or medieval fantasy settings will find this particularly compelling. The book appeals to readers seeking emotionally complex protagonists and relationships that develop gradually rather than following typical fairytale conventions.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 is worth reading for those seeking romance with emotional depth beyond typical fantasy tropes. The 496-page hardcover offers a detailed exploration of trauma recovery, featuring a protagonist whose journey from silence to agency feels authentic and gradual rather than formulaic. Reviewers consistently rate it 4 out of 5 stars, praising its handling of psychological themes and the slow-building relationship between Maxi and Riftan.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 explores psychological trauma and emotional recovery as its central theme, showing how Maxi's father's abuse shaped her belief in her own worthlessness. The novel examines female agency and empowerment, depicting how a silenced woman reclaims her identity in a society designed to suppress her. Additional themes include:

• The lasting impact of emotional abuse
• The non-linear nature of healing
• How love can create safety for someone to begin trusting themselves again

Maximilian, called Maxi, is the protagonist of Under the Oak Tree Vol 1—the daughter of the powerful but cruel Duke Croyso. Her stutter causes her father to keep her hidden and belittle her constantly, creating deep psychological wounds and self-hatred. Throughout the story, Maxi transforms from a terrified, silenced noblewoman into someone discovering her own capabilities, including learning magic and finding her voice despite years of conditioning to believe she is unlovable and worthless.

Riftan and Maxi's relationship in Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 begins with a disastrous forced marriage, where his gruff manner and her communication difficulties sour things before they can truly begin. When Riftan returns three years later as a war hero, their relationship develops as a slow-burn romance, with his tenderness and devotion gradually helping Maxi feel safe enough to begin healing. The dynamic is complicated by Maxi's trauma-driven misinterpretations of his actions and her constant fear of disappointing him.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 portrays trauma recovery as neither linear nor complete within a single volume, showing Maxi's healing through accumulated moments rather than dramatic transformation. Her father's psychological abuse created lasting scars that influence how she interprets Riftan's behavior, often seeing rejection where there is care. The novel depicts recovery through contrasts—Riftan's tenderness against her fear, her magical success beside ongoing speech shame—demonstrating that emotional wounds don't heal quickly but require consistent safety and patience.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 is definitively a slow-burn romance, with the relationship between Maxi and Riftan developing gradually over three years and beyond. Rather than immediate passion, the story focuses on Maxi learning to trust Riftan's devotion while overcoming her traumatic conditioning. The "scorching heat" between them builds alongside emotional intimacy, with physical desire intertwined with Maxi's psychological journey toward believing she deserves love and safety.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 subverts fairytale expectations by starting with the wedding rather than ending with it, showing that marriage is the beginning rather than resolution. The novel prioritizes psychological realism over fantasy conventions, depicting trauma recovery with nuance and refusing quick fixes for Maxi's deep-seated wounds. Additionally, the protagonist's stutter and social anxiety remain present throughout rather than being magically cured, making her journey toward empowerment feel authentic and hard-won.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 incorporates magic within its medieval fantasy setting, including Princess Agnes as a renowned sorceress and Maxi's own developing magical abilities. The story features fantasy action elements like an ogre attack that tests Maxi's vulnerability and Riftan's protectiveness. While romance and character development dominate the narrative, the fantasy worldbuilding provides context for kingdom politics, Riftan's status as a war hero, and the broader magical system Maxi begins learning to navigate.

Under the Oak Tree Vol 1 concludes with Maxi finding "a tentative place of belonging" rather than complete resolution, as she begins imagining a future where she stands equal with Riftan. She is no longer merely a pawn in political games but someone with emerging agency and hope, though her transformation remains ongoing. The ending positions readers for continued growth in subsequent volumes, with Maxi's journey from silenced noblewoman to empowered individual clearly underway but far from finished, reflecting the realistic pace of healing from profound trauma.