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Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart
Life is a game… one that is easily altered.
On the corrupt island of Silvertown, nobility dictates destiny, and as the daughter of a noble family, seventeen-year-old Cornelia Fairfield is destined for a loveless marriage.
True to her rebellious nature, Cornelia has spent her childhood disobeying all the rules and acquiring numerous less-than-ladylike skills, encouraged by her Admiral father. But with her mother determined to secure her a match, Cornelia’s days of freedom are fast running out.
That is… until her father succumbs to the curse of the Oblivion Sea.
Seeing an opportunity for the adventure she craves, Cornelia sets out to rescue him, with the help of a handsome yet frustratingly superstitious pirate named Adrien. But saving her father requires sacrifices she was not anticipating, and when she is forced to strike a dangerous bargain, she not only risks losing her father, but her own freedom as well.
On the corrupt island of Silvertown, nobility dictates destiny, and as the daughter of a noble family, seventeen-year-old Cornelia Fairfield is destined for a loveless marriage.
True to her rebellious nature, Cornelia has spent her childhood disobeying all the rules and acquiring numerous less-than-ladylike skills, encouraged by her Admiral father. But with her mother determined to secure her a match, Cornelia’s days of freedom are fast running out.
That is… until her father succumbs to the curse of the Oblivion Sea.
Seeing an opportunity for the adventure she craves, Cornelia sets out to rescue him, with the help of a handsome yet frustratingly superstitious pirate named Adrien. But saving her father requires sacrifices she was not anticipating, and when she is forced to strike a dangerous bargain, she not only risks losing her father, but her own freedom as well.
400 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Amy Leigh Chandler
1 book3 followersAmy Leigh Chandler is a writer and reviewer whose fascination for British social history, literature, and the arts shines through in both her life and her work. After struggling academically due to dyslexia, Amy defied expectations, earning both a BA in English Literature and History and an MA focusing on museums, galleries, and contemporary culture. Her creative journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, imagination, and the refusal to be defined by limitations.
Follow Amy on TikTok & Instagram @amyleighchandler and visit her website www.amyleighchandler.co.uk for writing updates and reviews.
Follow Amy on TikTok & Instagram @amyleighchandler and visit her website www.amyleighchandler.co.uk for writing updates and reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 10, 2026
Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart by Amy Leigh Chandler, we meet Cornelia 17 impulsive, strong willed , stubborn, (great characteristics) expected to fall in line with her families nobility demands. Her father is cursed. A sea bound adventure with Adrien, tackling all ebcounterd head on. Fast paced, great characters. Great relationship 4* kindle
May 20, 2026
3.5 Stars.
Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart is a super fun, entertaining pirate fantasy that delivers on action and adventure with a dash of romance and plenty of wit.
This book was briskly paced and engaging, and the world felt super vivid and whimsical! The world building was effective, it never felt overwhelming, and I loved that we were travelling overseas and coming across different places, the world felt well developed.
Cornelia was a great FMC, with a high society background but a desire for piracy and a desperation to escape her obligations, she quite literally sets sail on an adventure to flee her betrothed! Adrian, the MMC, is her friend and rival, and his character compliments her beautifully. He has a questionable past, but an arguably better moral code than she has, and his superstitious nature makes him quirky and interesting.
I would have really liked some more backstory on Cornelia and Adrians relationship prior to this book, while we know they have crossed paths before, it would have strengthened the romance for me if we were able to dive into their history a little more! However the romance is a sweet and charming addition to the story, but not the defining plot!
I also loved the way bargaining and luck were worked into the storyline alongside the pirate superstitions, elements of it reminded me a little of ‘The Rose Bargain’, it just made it feel that little bit more fantasy!
If you want ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ vibes, but with a female lead, a regency background and a dose of whimsy, this is a great debut!
A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me this copy in exchange for honest reviews!
Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart is a super fun, entertaining pirate fantasy that delivers on action and adventure with a dash of romance and plenty of wit.
This book was briskly paced and engaging, and the world felt super vivid and whimsical! The world building was effective, it never felt overwhelming, and I loved that we were travelling overseas and coming across different places, the world felt well developed.
Cornelia was a great FMC, with a high society background but a desire for piracy and a desperation to escape her obligations, she quite literally sets sail on an adventure to flee her betrothed! Adrian, the MMC, is her friend and rival, and his character compliments her beautifully. He has a questionable past, but an arguably better moral code than she has, and his superstitious nature makes him quirky and interesting.
I would have really liked some more backstory on Cornelia and Adrians relationship prior to this book, while we know they have crossed paths before, it would have strengthened the romance for me if we were able to dive into their history a little more! However the romance is a sweet and charming addition to the story, but not the defining plot!
I also loved the way bargaining and luck were worked into the storyline alongside the pirate superstitions, elements of it reminded me a little of ‘The Rose Bargain’, it just made it feel that little bit more fantasy!
If you want ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ vibes, but with a female lead, a regency background and a dose of whimsy, this is a great debut!
A huge thank you to the publisher for sending me this copy in exchange for honest reviews!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“I want the freedom to be who I am and do what I want without the fear of scandal or gossip. I want to have a choice, not be a puppet for conventions designed to keep the family name out of ruin.”
Cornelia Fairchild and the Darkened Heart is, at its core, a coming of age story, but it is also so much more. It weaves together pirates, deadly curses, magical bargains, and a romantic subplot to create a rich and adventurous tale.
Cornelia, our fierce and witty FMC, pushes against every societal expectation placed on a young woman of her age and status. With her father’s encouragement, she schemes to escape an arranged marriage she fears will strip her of her freedom. When her father falls victim to the curse of the Oblivion Sea, Cornelia sets out on a daring adventure to save him.
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.
It was an honor to read this author’s debut novel, and I am already looking forward to whatever they write next.
Thank you Cranthorp Millner Publishers, Netgalley and Ms. Amy Leigh Chandler for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Cornelia Fairchild and the Darkened Heart is, at its core, a coming of age story, but it is also so much more. It weaves together pirates, deadly curses, magical bargains, and a romantic subplot to create a rich and adventurous tale.
Cornelia, our fierce and witty FMC, pushes against every societal expectation placed on a young woman of her age and status. With her father’s encouragement, she schemes to escape an arranged marriage she fears will strip her of her freedom. When her father falls victim to the curse of the Oblivion Sea, Cornelia sets out on a daring adventure to save him.
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.
It was an honor to read this author’s debut novel, and I am already looking forward to whatever they write next.
Thank you Cranthorp Millner Publishers, Netgalley and Ms. Amy Leigh Chandler for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart by Amy Leigh Chandler swept me away in the best possible way—like being caught in a storm at sea with no choice but to hold on and see where it takes you. Think Pirates of the Caribbean chaos and charm colliding with the fierce independence and grit of Renegade Nell, all wrapped into a YA fantasy that doesn’t hold back on stakes, emotion, or danger.
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. Her journey doesn’t feel like a straight line toward destiny; it feels messy, uncertain, and constantly shifting, like trying to read a map during a storm at sea.
The world-building is vivid without being overwhelming. Ships, curses, secrets, and shifting loyalties all weave together in a way that keeps the tension high and the pacing relentless. There’s this constant feeling that nothing is safe—not the crew, not the mission, not even Cornelia’s own heart.
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.
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. Her journey doesn’t feel like a straight line toward destiny; it feels messy, uncertain, and constantly shifting, like trying to read a map during a storm at sea.
The world-building is vivid without being overwhelming. Ships, curses, secrets, and shifting loyalties all weave together in a way that keeps the tension high and the pacing relentless. There’s this constant feeling that nothing is safe—not the crew, not the mission, not even Cornelia’s own heart.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you want to combine Bridgerton vibes with Pirates of the Caribbean adventures then this is a book for you. With a high society lady, Cornelia, burdened with societal expectations and feeling suffocated, longing for adventures and escaping into the lower town for gambling and drinking and reminiscing back to her escape on the high seas the summer before to rescue her father. She is torn between duty to her family and her love of the high seas adventure that she's inherited from her father. She seizes the opportunity to run from a forced betrothal when her father becomes sick and she is the only one who can attempt to search for a cure. Oh and throw in a magical bargain and monsters and you've got this rip roaring adventure!
Enter the charming rascal that is Adrien, add some simmering tension as the two skirt around each other in a way that frustrates and tantalises the reader and you will find yourself immersed in this adventure.
The plot is pacey and engaging, the writing descriptive without being overloading and the side characters often adding comic relief.
The FMC was spikey, often angry and frustrated, sarcastic and sharp, but she was fierce, loyal, driven and full of human foibles that shape her into who she needs to be as she finds her feet in this novel.
Enter the charming rascal that is Adrien, add some simmering tension as the two skirt around each other in a way that frustrates and tantalises the reader and you will find yourself immersed in this adventure.
The plot is pacey and engaging, the writing descriptive without being overloading and the side characters often adding comic relief.
The FMC was spikey, often angry and frustrated, sarcastic and sharp, but she was fierce, loyal, driven and full of human foibles that shape her into who she needs to be as she finds her feet in this novel.
April 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the ARC.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-The way this book is marketed is very good because it truly made me want to read it. I was so intrigued at first but the start of it was actually quite slow. There was a lot of setting and it eventually got a bit long, all I wanted was to meet Adrien and go in a pirate adventure. But as a whole it was very entertaining and enjoyable read.
-I have to say that the characters really did frustrate me at time. The romance very much has a central place in the story but it is also quite pushed back because it is such a slow burn and even by the end, nothing really happens, which I always appreciate despite it frustrating me still. But the characters still frustrated me themselves because they often made questionable choices. But they were still fun.
-I did wonder whether this book was a standalone or not, and i seems like we should expect sequels. One main plot point was concluded nicely but there is still so much more to tell and so much more to discover of this world and these characters.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-The way this book is marketed is very good because it truly made me want to read it. I was so intrigued at first but the start of it was actually quite slow. There was a lot of setting and it eventually got a bit long, all I wanted was to meet Adrien and go in a pirate adventure. But as a whole it was very entertaining and enjoyable read.
-I have to say that the characters really did frustrate me at time. The romance very much has a central place in the story but it is also quite pushed back because it is such a slow burn and even by the end, nothing really happens, which I always appreciate despite it frustrating me still. But the characters still frustrated me themselves because they often made questionable choices. But they were still fun.
-I did wonder whether this book was a standalone or not, and i seems like we should expect sequels. One main plot point was concluded nicely but there is still so much more to tell and so much more to discover of this world and these characters.
May 20, 2026
For those looking for a YA, high-stakes swashbuckling adventure, this is that book! The writing is descriptive and sets the stage well for the world in which our noble lady FMC and morally ambiguous pirate-MMC exist.
The overall plot was interesting and well planned out, but I often found it hard to follow as I was reading. The writing, while creative, colourful, and emotive, felt disjointed and often seemed to jump POV at random, and plot points and events were introduced seemingly out of nowhere and/or brushed over and moved on from without explanation or expansion.
I really liked the dynamic between the two romantic leads, but didn’t feel like there was much development ongoing between them through the story. I would have liked to see this fleshed out more, especially as there were allusions made towards a previous adventure they undertook together.
Overall, I liked this story, but I felt it could have benefited from a few more rounds of editing to really bring it up to its full potential.
Thank you, Netgalley and Cranthrope Milner Publishers, for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The overall plot was interesting and well planned out, but I often found it hard to follow as I was reading. The writing, while creative, colourful, and emotive, felt disjointed and often seemed to jump POV at random, and plot points and events were introduced seemingly out of nowhere and/or brushed over and moved on from without explanation or expansion.
I really liked the dynamic between the two romantic leads, but didn’t feel like there was much development ongoing between them through the story. I would have liked to see this fleshed out more, especially as there were allusions made towards a previous adventure they undertook together.
Overall, I liked this story, but I felt it could have benefited from a few more rounds of editing to really bring it up to its full potential.
Thank you, Netgalley and Cranthrope Milner Publishers, for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2026
Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart by Amy Leigh Chandler is a brilliant read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. It has everything I enjoy in a fantasy novel: magic, mystery, plenty of intrigue, and some genuinely unexpected plot twists that kept me guessing.
The cast of characters is fantastic, but Bandit the cheeky pooch absolutely steals every scene he's in and quickly became my favourite crew mate! My standout character, though, was Adrien. I loved that he wasn't the stereotypical male lead; he was thoughtful, complex, and became Cornelia's compass throughout her journey. I found myself wanting to learn so much more about him as the story unfolded.
The world and story have so much potential, and by the final page I was already hoping for a sequel. I can't wait to see where the next instalment takes Cornelia and the crew. Highly recommended for anyone who loves magical adventures filled with heart, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
The cast of characters is fantastic, but Bandit the cheeky pooch absolutely steals every scene he's in and quickly became my favourite crew mate! My standout character, though, was Adrien. I loved that he wasn't the stereotypical male lead; he was thoughtful, complex, and became Cornelia's compass throughout her journey. I found myself wanting to learn so much more about him as the story unfolded.
The world and story have so much potential, and by the final page I was already hoping for a sequel. I can't wait to see where the next instalment takes Cornelia and the crew. Highly recommended for anyone who loves magical adventures filled with heart, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Cranthrope Milner Publishers for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I struggled through this book. The plot points were good and I liked the overall storyline, but the rest was “meh” for me. I generally enjoy YA books and am perpetually on the lookout for books I can share with my adolescent kids; this just didn’t hit the mark for me.
So why did I struggle? The banter was trying to be there but felt forced. There was a lot of repetition, and it felt like the quips were just thrown in without much thought to what might be true to the character. Some leaps between events and decisions made little sense, and I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters. Yearning was attempted to be described, but seemed like just a line or here thrown in.
I finished this story, but it took a lot of will power.
Unfortunately, I struggled through this book. The plot points were good and I liked the overall storyline, but the rest was “meh” for me. I generally enjoy YA books and am perpetually on the lookout for books I can share with my adolescent kids; this just didn’t hit the mark for me.
So why did I struggle? The banter was trying to be there but felt forced. There was a lot of repetition, and it felt like the quips were just thrown in without much thought to what might be true to the character. Some leaps between events and decisions made little sense, and I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters. Yearning was attempted to be described, but seemed like just a line or here thrown in.
I finished this story, but it took a lot of will power.
June 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart. The world-building was incredibly well done - rich, immersive, and full of details that made the story feel so vivid and real. It actually gave me Renegade Nell vibes at times, which I loved, with its blend of adventure, mystery, and strong female lead.
I found myself completely drawn into Cornelia's journey and invested in the mysteries surrounding her. What I enjoyed most was how much depth there was to the world and its characters. By the end, I was left wanting to know so much more.
I'm genuinely intrigued by the possibility of both a prequel and a sequel and would happily dive straight back into this universe. A fantastic read that has definitely left me wanting more!
I really hope there is more from this debut author!
I absolutely loved Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart. The world-building was incredibly well done - rich, immersive, and full of details that made the story feel so vivid and real. It actually gave me Renegade Nell vibes at times, which I loved, with its blend of adventure, mystery, and strong female lead.
I found myself completely drawn into Cornelia's journey and invested in the mysteries surrounding her. What I enjoyed most was how much depth there was to the world and its characters. By the end, I was left wanting to know so much more.
I'm genuinely intrigued by the possibility of both a prequel and a sequel and would happily dive straight back into this universe. A fantastic read that has definitely left me wanting more!
I really hope there is more from this debut author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was... fine. The storyline was interesting and overall, I enjoyed the romance between Cornelia and Adrien. This is YA and the characters definitely feel VERY juvenile. Some things within the story had me scratching my head and wondering where the logic is (I'm sorry, a competition where you shoot a gun after drinking alcohol is the height of idiocy). Cornelia's emotions were all over the place and I found myself getting annoyed with her frequently. The story mostly wraps up at the end, but we are left with the potential for more to come, although I don't think I'll be continuing this series. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Such a fun read!
This YA fantasy story was right up my alley! Actions packed from chapter one with just the right amount of slow burn romance sprinkled in I quickly became infatuated with our badass fmc as she went out searching for her father, the author did an amazing job of reeling me in and keeping me hooked into the vivid story line.
YA books are some of my favourite to read, the adventure is always so much more fun in them and this read was no different, each chapter kept getting better and better and I can say I devoured this within a day!
This YA fantasy story was right up my alley! Actions packed from chapter one with just the right amount of slow burn romance sprinkled in I quickly became infatuated with our badass fmc as she went out searching for her father, the author did an amazing job of reeling me in and keeping me hooked into the vivid story line.
YA books are some of my favourite to read, the adventure is always so much more fun in them and this read was no different, each chapter kept getting better and better and I can say I devoured this within a day!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cornelia Fairfield and the Darkened Heart by Amy Leigh Chandler is a thrilling, high-stakes adventure that had me hooked from the very first page. With Pirates of the Caribbean 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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
I rated this book 4 Stars, the humour in this took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the banter and how these 2 incredibly flawed peple misfits really are on this heroic mission and nobody really cares. The slowburn was enjoyable, and I enjoyed the cliffhanger. Will definitely read the next book.
I rated this book 4 Stars, the humour in this took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the banter and how these 2 incredibly flawed peple misfits really are on this heroic mission and nobody really cares. The slowburn was enjoyable, and I enjoyed the cliffhanger. Will definitely read the next book.
June 21, 2026
I felt that this story was just okay with the plot being packed with action, adventure and mystery from start to finish.
The writing style wasn't quite to my liking and I truly feel this story read as more of a middle grade tale as opposed to a YA one.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for an arc..
The writing style wasn't quite to my liking and I truly feel this story read as more of a middle grade tale as opposed to a YA one.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for an arc..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
September 30, 2026Thank you so much for sailing with Cornelia and Adrien on this high-stakes adventure.
I can now reveal, BOOK 2 is coming soon!! Be prepared for more pirates, court politics, higher stakes and a slow burn romance that heats up!
I can now reveal, BOOK 2 is coming soon!! Be prepared for more pirates, court politics, higher stakes and a slow burn romance that heats up!
Did Not Finish
May 29, 2026dnf at 37%😅
July 9, 2026
2.5
Exciting plot, but the writing lacked detail and the ability to convey how the events were unfolding. I felt like we skipped from plot point to plot point with no journey in between.
Exciting plot, but the writing lacked detail and the ability to convey how the events were unfolding. I felt like we skipped from plot point to plot point with no journey in between.
May 14, 2026
A gripping dark pirate fantasy which took me on a wonderful adventure. I loved the friends to lovers aspects and the worlds twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews