By: Suji Kim

Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2 collects chapters 77-133 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

Winter is now turning in to spring, and with spring we know we expect new changes. In this case not only for the land , but for out Lady Maximilian herself. Where there was once only sadness and anxiety, hope much like spring, is blooming. Maxi is becoming more confident in her voice and her magic. Her next big project is the castle gardens.

Maxi has had many changes, since being brought to her new home. She knows she’s changing, and she’s surrounded by those who care for her. She finally is feeling like she belongs somewhere, and may even be worth of being loved, and accepting love.

However, as we know, things tend to be more complicated. Just as Maxi starts to feel like she belongs and maybe even be worthy of love, Princess Agnes arrives. The same Princess Agnes who is a famously talented sorceress and was rumored to be close with Sir Riftan during the war.

Volume Two does an excellent job of showing how vulnerable growth both personally and interpersonally can be. Riftian starts seeing Maxi as something more than what he expected, and that’s good. Most of what weve seen with them so far has been sensual or lustful as far as growth and desire. This volume lets Maxi shine in ways that she really needed.

I really wanna just reach through the page and tell Riftian “USE YOUR BIG BOY WORDS” more than id like to admit.

Ruth remains one of my faves, I don’t see that changing, he’s perfect, don’t change. More Ruth please.

The story is progressing well and I can tell that book three is going to hold a whole separate vibe than the first two volumes did, I’m here for it. I want to see Maxi become the absolute badass she can be.

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Inklore for the Digitial ARC.