Reviews - Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 1 (Novel)

723 reviews for:

Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 1 (Novel)

Suji Kim

3.56 AVERAGE

a_common_stray's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

finnegansisland's review against another edition

DNF’d at 18%

One of the worst books I’ve started to read in recent times. The writing felt very juvenile and similar to stuff I read on fanfiction sites back in the 00s. I don’t know if that’s just the prose normally is, or not. But it got very grating to read. The characterisation of all the characters was boring and all the male characters so far were just so angry and almost a stereotype of what teenage me would think a broody and dark romantasy lead would be. I will say, I do like Maxi. She’s been fine. It’s just every other character.

The severe lack of communication and misunderstandings between the two characters became so tiring so quickly. The constant “oh you think I’m such a hideous monster and that’s why you won’t look at me” by Riftan really made me so mad. Listen, I’m a sucker for a good misunderstanding trip. But this was exhausting to read. Just talk to each other. Please.

The 3 noncon/dubcon scenes in the FIRST 18% of the book were very mid at best. And I ended up just skipping the last scene because I was tired of reading it.

Honestly, I just really dislike Riftan. He was overbearing, controlling, and kind of creepy with how he was so assertive with wanting to have sex with Maxi, and being unable to control himself. It wasn’t sexy or hot in anyway. Maybe I’m just getting older, and not vibing with these kinds of books anymore. I wanted to give it a chance, but I just couldn’t keep reading.

And as for the plot. What plot. I couldn’t even tell you where the story was going. There was no beginning of a conflict or set up for anything. Maybe I just didn’t read far enough, maybe not. I enjoy a good “plot what plot” every now and then, but usually the spice and characters make up for the lack of plot. And this had none of that.

Content Warnings