Part of Orlando Furioso, book 1
First published 1532
Count Orlando returns to France from Cathay with Angelica as his prisoner. Her striking beauty immediately captivates his cousin Rinaldo, who challenges Orlando to a duel for her. As the two knights clash, Angelica seizes her chance and flees on horseback, beginning a frantic escape from both men. Her flight launches a sprawling adventure through a world where magic rings grant supernatural powers, winged horses soar through skies, and dark sorcerers weave dangerous spells. Set during Charlemagne's wars against the Moorish forces, this tale weaves together multiple storylines of knights, lovers, and enchanters. Battles rage across fantastical landscapes filled with barbaric kingdoms and mystical creatures. Romance blooms and withers as characters pursue their desires through enchanted forests and magical castles. At its heart lies the tension between love and duty, freedom and captivity, as Angelica fights to control her own fate while warriors and wizards scheme around her.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Cathay, France
Period: Charlemagne's Reign
832 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics