Part of Orlando Furioso, book 2
First published 1532
Count Orlando returns to France from distant Cathay, bringing with him the beautiful captive Angelica as his prize. Her extraordinary beauty immediately captivates Orlando's cousin Rinaldo, who challenges the count to a duel for her hand. As the two knights clash in combat, Angelica seizes her chance and flees on horseback, beginning a perilous journey toward freedom. Her escape sets in motion a sprawling adventure through a world where magic rings hold mysterious powers, winged horses soar through the skies, and dark sorcerers weave dangerous spells. Set against the backdrop of Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne's fierce conflict with the Moors, this tale weaves together multiple storylines of knights, lovers, and enchanters. The narrative follows characters through battles both martial and romantic, where barbaric splendor meets supernatural wonder, and where love proves as treacherous as any battlefield enchantment.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Cathay, France
Period: Medieval
800 pages · Paperback · Penguin Classics