Under the oak tree vol 1 by Suji Kim

Adapted by namu, illustrated by P
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Maxi is the nervous, stuttering, abused daughter of a powerful Duke who married off to a lowly knight, Sir Riftan. The night after they are wed, her new husband goes off to fight a war that lasts for three years where his heroics elevate his standing. Upon his return, Maxi assumes her husband will want an annulment to take up the much more attractive offer from the kingdom's princess, but instead, her husband whisks her away without a goodbye to her father! The two "newlyweds" begin their life figuring out each other, refurbishing a neglected castle, and navigating kingdom politics.

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Maxi clearly needs some healing and a lot of time to deal with her trauma. Her delicate and sympathetic nature makes her a relatable character, but also one that readers will want to reach in and wrap in a hug. This is a great candidate for a New Adult section despite the publisher rating of 16+ because a good amount of the plot is spent on the two sneaking away to continue their marital duties, as Maxi refers to it. The scenes themselves are mostly covered or blocked so there isn't nudity in this volume, but things are pretty heated for most of the story. The illustrations themselves are beautifully colored and full of gorgeous fantasy details -- lovely dresses, elaborate castles, and, of course, handsome knights running around everywhere.

Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Adult

Publisher: Inklore
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
ISBN: 9780593871287 (Hardcover)

​Tags: Rating: 9/10, Suitability: Adult, Manhwa, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, ​Inklore