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The Dropouts

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The Dropouts

By: Liv Parkinson
Narrated by: Vivian Oparah
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About this listen

For fans of THE SECRET HISTORY, CRUEL INTENTIONS and EUPHORIA, this is an unforgettable dark academia thriller about addiction, trauma and the anxiety epidemic experienced by young people today. Performed by BAFTA nominee and star of RYE LANE, Vivian Oparah.

Kayleigh Morris is just trying to survive her first year at St. Kellum’s University.

Freshers’ Week is a blur of social anxiety, parties, and the weight of trying to fit in. But when Kayleigh’s panic attack becomes the talk of the campus, she retreats into herself, shutting herself away in her room.

Everything changes when she’s selected for a mysterious new module, led by Professor Lady Marian, who introduces her and a group of misfits to a psychedelic drug believed to cure anxiety and promote productivity. At first, the drug works wonders, melting away their insecurities and unlocking new possibilities. But soon, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur. As Kayleigh’s grip on the world around her weakens, she finds herself grappling with her darkest fears, fractured friendships, and the pull of a new, dangerous obsession.

As the experiment spirals out of control, Kayleigh must confront the terrifying truth of what she’s become—and what the drug is really doing to her mind.

©2025 Olivia Parkinson (P)2025 Audible Ltd.
Crime Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Psychological Thriller & Suspense Exciting
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Well told and good pace, this book was dramatic and had a good use of music to set the mood.

Great story with lots of twists

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I came in blind to this book and was really captivated by the storyline. For those who watched “Skins” back in the day, it had a similar vibe but in a university setting. Narration was great!

Fast paced and very descriptive

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A rollercoaster that descends into madness. Mysterious, suspenseful read that is a real page turner

Great book

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I loved the start, but it went down hill pretty fast. Lucky it was an included title. Sound FX are pretty lame. But I’m interested to read this author’s other books and plays.

Tripping quickly becomes tiresome for observers

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I'm not the demographic for this novel, but I still found it enjoyable, well written, good character development, and an interesting story line. An authentic written voice. Likewise the narration, which was well suited for the young adult characters.

Very good young adult novel

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gripping story, never got bored. I really enjoyed this, and never knew where it was going... In a goodbway

loved it

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really well performed and produced. Story was fast moving and enjoyable. Able to get a good feel for how the characters were feeling

engaging

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absolutely loved this audio book. it was very captivating, couldn't stop listening. the twist and turns were unexpected I am hanging for the second one.

Great book!

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I really enjoyed this story, the story was gripping and the performance was outstanding - I could visualise it all so clearly. Can definitely this being a Netflix series.

Loved this! Can see it on Netflix soon.

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If you were asked to be part of a trial where your crippling anxiety and depression could possibly be cured?
Or!
A least, gain a better understanding, and learn coping mechanisms,
Would you sign up?
Kayla
Ruben
Lyle
Sabi,
And Greta
All do.
Great character driven story about five College students struggling with past trauma, a new environment, and the inability to “ fit in”
Who agree to undertake a ( what they believe) is a science based, clinical study into psychedelics that, at the end, will allow them to be more productive, creative, and finally in control of their demons

As they start the process, under the guidance?
Influence?
Of Lady Mary-Anne
A kind if elegant mad professor, It’s not long before they realise all it not what it seems.
Beginning with the frightening blackouts they experience.
Blackout that end up placing them in some rather precarious circumstances, as the “bad trips “ get worse
Leaving them to question everything and wondering
Are things really as they seem?
Or?
Have they been extremely naive throughout the whole process ?
Soon, things will develop into an area of treatment that none saw coming.
One that one of them won’t survive.

This is a very creepy , suspenseful story about a group of dysfunctional College students looking for hope but find a horror story instead

Great ! The Setting and Concept was Intriguing

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