Amy Leigh Chandler's debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is published today (19 May 2026) it's filled with high stakes adventure, slow burn romance between a superstitious pirate and a rebellious noble, a deadly curse and a dangerous bargain. Available in paperback and ebook with an exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle. Waterstones, Bookshop.org, Amazon and independent bookshops.

It’s Publication Day – Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart

It’s finally here! Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart is out in the world (19 May) and hopefully finding its way on to your bookshelves! After three years you can finally set sail on a high stakes adventure with Cornelia Fairfield and her crew.

It’s still hard to believe that I can hold the physical copy in my hands, and even more baffling that you are reading the words and story that have lived inside my head. For so long I carried these characters with me and nobody knew who and what they would become – not even I did. I’m so grateful for everyone who has read, reviewed and recommended Cornelia Fairfield and continues to fall in love with the story as much as I do. This book is now yours, the reader, as much as it is mine. I hope you find escapism between the pages and have a good ol’ time doing so.

The story follows rebellious noble Cornelia Fairfield who is destined for a loveless marriage. She seizes her last chance of freedom when she strikes a dangerous bargain to save her father from the Curse of the Oblivion Sea and becomes swept into a centuries old power struggle and a life of piracy. It has the perfect blend of the high seas adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean with the elegance of Bridgerton and the fierce heroine energy of Renegade Nell. Features a slow burn romance between Cornelia and superstitious pirate Adrien, secrecy and lots of adventure – your next summer adventure is here!

The only thing left to say is: I hope to see you on our next adventure, wherever destiny may take us.

Amy Leigh Chandler's debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is published today (19 May 2026) it's filled with high stakes adventure, slow burn romance between a superstitious pirate and a rebellious noble, a deadly curse and a dangerous bargain. Available in paperback and ebook with an exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle. Waterstones, Bookshop.org, Amazon and independent bookshops.

Praise for Cornelia Fairfield

“The language is descriptive, gripping (plus HIGH STAKES), which make the book go down easily. Great debut, which means things can go only upwards from here! Will definitely keeping an eye out for Ms Chandler, see what they have in store for us next!” – NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“From the very first pages, I felt completely anchored to Cornelia. She’s not a polished hero – she’s sharp-edged, impulsive, and deeply human in the way she makes mistakes that actually matter. What really stayed with me was the emotional undertow of the story. Beneath all the adventure and danger, there’s something much quieter and heavier running through it – grief, loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of becoming the person you’re forced to be. By the end, I didn’t just feel like I had read a book – I felt like I’d survived a voyage. A bold, high-stakes YA fantasy that absolutely delivers on adventure and heart.” – Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book delivers a delightful blend of Pirates of the Caribbean adventure and Bridgerton elegance, mixing high sea peril with the refined world Cornelia is expected to inhabit. The writing is vivid and immersive, and the pacing is brisk and engaging. The world building is well crafted, and the character development shines throughout. I especially loved Cornelia as a rebellious heroine in a world determined to silence its women. She does not go down without a fight.” – NetGalley Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book was a thrilling, high stakes adventure that had me hooked from the very first page. With pirates of the caribean vibes and a bold, renegade nell style heroine, it’s packed with action, magic and heart. Cornelia is fierce, clever and impossible not to root for, and the story races along with twists and excitement at every turn. An absolute page turner I loved every second!”– NetGalley Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stay updated

Amy is a writer and reviewer and her action-packed debut novel, CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART is available in paperback and digital (exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle). WATERSTONESAMAZON (ebook here),  FOYLES,HATCHARDS, BOOKSHOP.ORG and independent bookshops. For more content read Amy’s book reviews, short stories and updates on Amy’s writing journey.

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