CORNELIA FAIRFIELD AND THE DARKENED HEART 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. 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 sets sail soon!
Available in paperback from Waterstones and independent bookshops and digital (exclusive bonus chapter only on Kindle) on 19 May 2026.
Reviews
“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!” – 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 set to be published on 19 May 2026! Available in paperback here: WATERSTONES, AMAZON (ebook here), FOYLES,HATCHARDS. For more content read Amy’s book reviews, short stories and updates on Amy’s writing journey posts.
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