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.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires

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

[Freya Aguiar]

I finished this book in two days because I simply could not put it down. It hooks you from the start. Read the first chapter and you’ll see! I needed to know more about the hooded heros. Our FMC is so refreshingly blunt so unexpected in the best ways. Brielle really commands your attention. I kept turning to see what she would do next. If you love fantasy that transports you, stories that keep you guessing and adventure on every page, read One Drop of Magic!

[Debra Feller]

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]

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!

[Amy]

I was hooked right away! There are humans, vampires, shifters, and a seer in this book! The chaos/action is fun to read and many of the characters were so fun (especially the brothers). I also enjoyed the romance aspect in this book! It was great! I’ll definitely be checking out any other books this author publishes!

[Christine Heyden]

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]

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.]

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.

[Jessica]

I had the opportunity to meet Amanda Fresquez at a local event in Kalama, and she had me wanting to read this book before I even left. The moment she described it as “The Vampire Diaries meets the PNW,” I was sold. I started reading as soon as I got home and this book was SO hard to put down!

Bri was such a relatable character to me, especially as a fresh high school graduate trying to figure out who she is and where she fits into this new chapter of her life. I found myself relating to so many of her little quirks and personality traits, which made it so easy to get invested in her story.

I absolutely loved the mystery woven throughout the book. From the moment Bri meets Aldrick, their witty banter had me hooked, and all of the secrets surrounding her life had me constantly wondering what was really going on. Watching everything slowly unfold was honestly mind-blowing, and there were definitely moments where I just had to keep reading because I needed to know what happened next!

The PNW setting was also such a fun touch and made the story feel even more unique.

I’m excited to see if there will be a book two because I need more of Bri and Aldrick! I want to see where their relationship goes and what her new life will look like now that she knows the truth.

Definitely a book I’m glad I picked up and getting to meet the author made it even more special! ❤️

[Leia Kay]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that quietly sneak up on your heart. One Drop of Magic was one of those for me.

Amanda Fresquez tells a beautiful story filled with family, hope, and just enough magic to make you wonder what might be possible. The characters felt genuine, and I found myself wanting to spend more time with them long after I turned the final page.

What made this book especially meaningful to me was the setting. I grew up in Washington State, and reading this felt like taking a trip home. The descriptions brought back memories I hadn’t thought about in years, and I found myself feeling wonderfully homesick.

If you enjoy stories that blend emotion, family relationships, and a little magic without ever feeling overdone, I highly recommend picking this one up. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt read that lingers after you’ve finished the last chapter.

Thank you, Amanda, for writing a story that reminded me that sometimes the places we leave behind never really leave us.

[TribesReadingObsession]

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

[Natalie]

Wow. Okay. I loved the writing style, the characters, and the world. It was funny at times, lighthearted, and at times dark and violent.

For parents who want to let their teens read it, it says it's a YA, but it didn't feel like one to me since she's 18 and out of high school. No sexual content at all, but as it says, some language and violence. She fights against men chasing her and kills a few supernatural creatures that are trying to kill her. Overall, still fits within the YA category, and I let my young teen read it.

I like how it was set in the early 2000s, but it was not focused on it at all. Nothing is more annoying than modern-day slang that pulls me right out of the story. I like how Brielle isn't like most of the fmc's nowadays. And yeah, she isn't the secretly all-powerful chosen one. Just a girl trying to survive the chaos. I also like how Aldrick isn't the possessive, controlling character.

[Kimberly Dunham]

One Drop of Magic is a gloriously fun YA fantasy that pulls you in from the start. It has elements that are reminiscent of Twilight, but the story remains fresh and unique in its lore, its plot, and its characters, and its relationships.

Brielle, the protagonist, is impulsive, witty, and feels incredibly human. She doesn't always have the answers, but she's smart and competent. She's never content to sit back and let others fight for her.

Aldrick is the greenest flag vampire love interest I've met in a book, and I love him for it. He respects Brielle completely; I wish that were more common in YA and NA books. Also, the friendship dynamic between Jonathan and Brielle was so sweet and wholesome (and hilariously antagonistic).

Overall, a fun and fantastic read full of vampires, magic, and PNW charm. I can't wait to read more from the author!

As a side note, I would love to read a spin-off prequel about the Demon of Bremen!

[Andrea McNair]

Don’t miss this gem of a book

A return to Forks, only totally different! I loved this unique take on vampires, shifters, magic users (despite the bad guys being crows, which was great!)
This story captured that moment in time when everything is changing, you may feel like a young person but the world has decided it is time to be an adult, whether you are ready or not, all while capturing the dynamic of a large family who loves you but isn’t doing the best job of making you feel seen - for their own reasons, but that’s no help. The love story was sweet with the right amount of tension.
The author did a wonderful job creating an imaginative world different from anything I’ve read, while making you care deeply about the characters and keep you guessing as to what could possibly happen next. Also, the incredible shifting chapter headers were a wonderful addition, in line with the story, even if it took me a chapter or two to catch on.
Loved it! Grab your copy now.

[S.K. Anderson]

This read had me hooked from the start! Very immersive and visual language. The author does a fantastic job of building the world in a natural and believable way, and the FMC has a very relatable emotional ARC and commentary.

It is set in the classic Twilight location of Forks, WA so I went in expecting a copycat, but boy was I wrong! It combines unexpected magical twists, with a slightly different take on the classic vampires, and Aldrick is broody and mysterious without being emotionally indifferent. The twist into throwing the FMC into a survival situation surprised me, genuinely didn’t see it coming!

The audiobook narrator was easy to listen to as well and conveyed the emotions well. All in all, the ending left me with so many unanswered questions and theories, making me very excited for a potential book two!!

[Laura W]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.

[Chells]

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]

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]

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.

[Brittnay Sears]

I couldn’t put this book down and flew through it (sadly, because I didn’t want it to end). It’s fast-paced, has all the secrets and twists, and just kept giving me reasons to read “just one more chapter.”
The vampire/PNW setting immediately brought me back to that nostalgic feeling that I got from another very popular vampire book set in the PNW 😉

I feel so lucky to have crossed paths with this author and am now a forever fan of hers. Can’t wait to read her next book!

[Lizzee Bee]

Confession; this is really the first vampire book I’ve read and it was amazing. Hilarious humor- I was laughing on page 2 and fun references to local PNW locations! Highly recommend giving it a read if you enjoy vampires & local indie authors! I personally can’t wait to read book 2 soon as it’s out.

[Delilah Snyder]

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]

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]

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]

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.]

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]

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.

[AuthorTamanthaMariee]

I absolutely loved One Drop of Magic! It was magical, charming, and so much fun from beginning to end. I adored the whimsical atmosphere and completely fell in love with the world. Such a cozy, enchanting read that had me smiling the whole way through

[Kennedy Hopkins]

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

[Kelli]

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]

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.