One Drop of Magic

by Amanda Fresquez

(Upper) YA Contemporary Fantasy

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DISCOVERED THAT EVERYTHING YOU’VE EVER BEEN TOLD ABOUT YOURSELF WAS A LIE?

Brielle Draper just wants to experience life outside her sheltered bubble. The only trouble is her overprotective family, hellbent on keeping her safe in a world where vampires have come out of hiding—and declared war on mankind.

Now, days after her high school graduation, she travels with them to the pristine Olympic Peninsula, a designated safe zone untouched by the conflict. However, after an unlikely twist of fate puts her on a collision course with Aldrick—a deadly creature of the night—she must make a choice: forget about him and let her one chance at independence fade into memory or seek him out and explore her growing feelings for him.

Stalked by unseen forces while questioning her allegiance to humanity, she pulls at the loose threads in the tapestry of lies that surround her seemingly picturesque life. Aldrick struggles to keep her safe when things spiral out of control, and a long-held family secret unravels. Drawn into a bloody game of life and death, her world begins to crumble beneath her feet.

Armed with martial arts training, the violent influence of media, and her bad habit of letting the intrusive thoughts win, her choices will determine whether she takes hold of the life she always wanted…or loses everything she’s ever loved.


ONE DROP OF MAGIC is an Upper Young Adult, clean romance, with violence and language.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2025

About the author

Amanda Fresquez resides deep within the heart of the primeval woodlands of the Olympic Peninsula with her steadfast consort and their four spirited young apprentices. When she isn’t teaching them to master the arcane arts or leading them on daring adventures, she can be found reading, writing, and playing either her Lore-Master or Hunter in The Lord of the Rings Online.

Reviews

[Debra Feller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading 'One Drop of Magic', it kept me on the edge of my seat. It was extremely hard to put this book down. The storyline was well written with Twists and turns, family secrets , vampires and other creatures. I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride. Besides Brielle and Aldrick, Johnathan found a place in my heart 💜 I think I'll read it again 🥰

[Christy Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fresh, interesting take on a vampire romance. Unlike a lot of the vampire romances I've read, Brielle, our female main character, was no damsel in distress. She held her own when she needed to and told people off while she was doing it, which I loved to see. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, and Jonathan ended up being a stand out for me by the end, he was so well written. The author also has a knack for writing scenery; coming from someone who grew up in the PNW, she nailed it. I can't wait to see if there's more coming for these characters and will be waiting impatiently for the next installment, if there's going to be one. Highly recommend!

[Christine Heyden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from booksprout. Hooked from the start... I really enjoyed this book, loved the detail put into the characters and the city shapes. The ending left me wanting more so that's why the 4 🌟 had there been 1 more chapter with a bit more leading into another book it would have easily been 5🌟 if you love vampires action, love and a little mystery, this is for you!

[Jay Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this directly from the author at a Twilight Festival in Forks, Washington. I'm honored to have a signed copy of this book. It was excellent and I give this 4.5 stars. I just finished it today. I really enjoyed her world concept that she created, I enjoyed the characters of this story. I would often share the frustration of the female lead character. She's a new burgeoning adult, recently out of high school. She is looking to get her independence in a world that has been separated into territories secondary to the presence of vampires and other supernaturals. So it does not make it easy for you to be able to cross into other territories of the United States. She also has a overbearing and secretive family which she has grown tired of feeling that feeling like the outcast. While on a post-graduation trip with her family, she comes into contact with a vampire, and while she knows she should be afraid of him, she is not. And the story just moves forward at a nice pace and build relationships amongst the characters as well as the characters themselves. I did at times to find the female lead to be a bit too spontaneous especially given the present threats especially at a time where she was having growth but then she would regress and make poor decisions but then she would recognize that she wasn't making the greatest decisions, so that made me feel a little bit better and would remind me while she is a newly minutes adult she is still a teenager. I highly recommend it.

[Draculise A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Drop of Magic is not merely a novel; it is a relentless, consuming phylactery of paranormal fate. The narrative maintains a taut, driving pulse, rarely easing its pressure, and the plot twists detonate with the impact of destiny fulfilled. The action is immediate and visceral, yet it never eclipses the charnel emotional core of the characters.

Brielle emerges as a formidable heroine, marked by fate, fierce yet tragically vulnerable—a necessary flaw that makes her intensely compelling. Aldrick is a study in darkness, a repository of beautiful ruin, a palimpsest of scars and internal, centuries-old battles, refusing the role of a mere romantic foil. Their relationship is a slow burn, fueled by prohibited attraction and emotional stakes that ascend far beyond a typical love story.

Tone-wise, the prose walks an intoxicating, razor-sharp gradient between crushing intensity and vital introspection. It is serious, often devastatingly dark, but balanced by Brielle’s sharp, rebellious wit and unbowed inner monologue. This is an addictive blend of paranormal romance, harrowing mystery, and action, all driven by a heroine as relentless as the tide. It is not just another tale of girl-meets-vampire; it is a profound interrogation of choice, legacy, and the exquisite, tragic cost of self-discovery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TribesReadingObsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Absolutely loved this book, the writing style, all the characters were perfect, the plot beginning middle and end were amazing.
I couldn’t put it down I just wanted to read it and know what happens.
It’s YA and I’d definitely see kids I know reading it and enjoying it as well as adults.
The different supernatural elements and abilities made it unique to other vampire/ human romance books that are out there. There was a decent amount of ooohh and ahh moments, big scenes with key parts that were decent lengths without being rushed or overdone. I find many either rush those moments or overdo it to a point where I’m like really. This isn’t like that and I can’t fault this book.
I can see myself rereading it again for sure
For YA it’s a 5 star fun filled read
If the blurb interests you, then READ it 😊

This is a ARC review via Booksprout and I am leaving a review voluntarily

[Laura W · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5

I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this book. This book drew me in immediately and was filled with an engaging storyline. I was getting Twilight vibes without the sparkle. This was a YA read, and I really appreciated that it didn’t have any added spice. It made it easy to get fully into the storyline. Although I found the FMC Brielle frustrating at times with her impulsive actions throughout the story, Aldrick the MMC certainly made up for her character defects. He was patient and always treated her with compassion and understanding. The story moved quickly which I appreciated and left me wanting more. If you like vampires, shifers and mages, then this is a must-read. You will not regret picking it up.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m honestly mad at myself for not reading this sooner. I loved almost every second of it—the world, the tension, the secrets, and the slow unraveling of Brielle’s life as she knows it. I was a little frustrated by her insistence on going back home once she was safe, but it fit her sheltered upbringing and need to reclaim control. What I really appreciated was how the story avoided predictable tropes and kept me guessing. The magic, the danger, and the emotional growth all worked so well together. I’d absolutely love to read more stories set in this world and follow other characters’ adventures.

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Brielle, a normal, slightly naïeve girl, changes dramatically the moment she mets Aldrick, a creature of the night.

A beautiful romance grown between them but can Aldrick protect Brielle from all the dangers?

I was literally on the top of my couch with this book. The story is so nicely written, the characters so patiently brought to life, intrigues and secrets surprisingly turn this book into a true page turner!. 😍

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book and a real page turner. I really enjoyed reading this book. This was one of those books that I found that you didn't want to put down because you just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I love how this book has a mixture of grabbing your attention right from the beginning, romance, rebellious, heroic, magic. If you like a great book that grabs your attention, romance, action, magic, and vampires then this book is definitely for you. The book has a fantastic storyline. I most definitely recommend this book.

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a wonderful clean vampire romance and I absolutely loved it the characters were written so beautifully and the plot was amazing
It was really a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shania Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely an amazing read would 110% recommend. The way the author writes is out of this world. While reading I definitely felt immersed into the universe and can definitely see myself rereading in the future.

[Becky Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

This is a book I couldn't put down. I had to read another chapter ended up reading four chapters and losing sleep over. It grabbed me from the very beginning. It's a very well written book with twists and turns. some twists and turns you don't expect. I recommend this book.

[Enjoli Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is fantastic! Well paced with interesting characters and world building. I was fully invested from beginning to end! I admire the fresh takes on familiar folklore and even the twists on common story tropes. Bravo! I can’t wait for a sequel!

[Judith C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, wasn't sure if I would like a vampire romance, but was pleasantly surprised. The characters really drew me, and I couldn't stop reading. Happy to see Brielle's relationships grow and leave room for more "potential" adventures.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic quick debut novel. I love me some vampires, and this definitely hit the spot, even without having spice. Will look forward to more from Amanda Fresquez.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kennedy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book love the storyline and characters thanks for writing it can't wait for the next book.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fantasy book! What a crazy adventure through a magical world. Who knew such creatures exist?! I love the descriptions of the characters and how I couldn't put it down. Hoping for a book two to see what happens next for brave girl Brielle!

[Day by Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need me some spice when I read vampire books, and although this book didn't have it, I still enjoyed it. It has action, adventure, vampires, and some mystery/ family secrets.

[Catalina Gilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a sweet book, a bit cliche. I'm hoping for a second book where we find out about the depth of her power

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Brielle has a complicated family and she isn't sure she likes them. Typical for an 18-year-old who just graduated high school! She always feels a little of an outsider, even though they took in her brothers' (they are triplets) best friend as another kid.

She lives in a dangerous world were vampires and shifters and other supernatural beings exist and have recently been discovered by the general public. Some are nice, some are not so nice. She's vacationing in a safe zone and pushes her parents to get a little alone time. Which ends in almost tragedy and pushes into the main plot.

The love relationship is very clean. Some kissing but not even fade-to-black. Great for older teens or anyone who is prefers that. There is a little bit of trafficking mentioned and some violent scenes. But if your kid can handle Hunger Games, they could totally read this book. It's not graphic but just a heads up it is there.

I liked that this explored Brielle's relationship with her family, her potential family, and her larger community. It will really speak to those who feel just different and don't know why. Spoiler: It was also SO NICE to not have Brielle be the chosen one who's not like all the other girls. She's a pretty average teen.

Finally, I liked that the book wrapped up to a satisfying ending but left room for more stories in this world.