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Break Me Down
8 hours, 43 minutes
This program features multicast narration.
How far would you go for greatness?
Through immersive scenes, a full cast, sound effects, and more, bestselling author Anna Downes brings listeners into The Studio, an elite Los Angeles acting school whose cult-like leader, Marianna, promises to make students into unstoppable talents—at any cost.
After years of seclusion, the once-celebrated child star Georgia Lane moves to Los Angeles, determined to make a comeback. But as bills pile up and auditions don’t, she realizes that beneath the glitzy facade of LA lies an unforgiving city.
But things start looking up when Georgia meets Henry, an aspiring actor who sweeps her off her feet and offers to help with her career. He connects her with his agent and brings her to audit a class at The Studio, an elite acting group of which he’s a member. There, The Studio’s head teacher, Marianna (narrated by Orange Is the New Black star Yael Stone), takes a special interest in Georgia. As Georgia steps into the intense, ego-driven world of The Studio, she finds herself invigorated by its unconventional methods, which promise to unlock her full potential—while demanding much more in return.
The more she commits to its ways, the more The Studio reveals itself as a battleground of ambition, jealousy, and psychological warfare. As the line blurs between the pursuit of art and the survival of the self, everything Georgia holds dear starts slipping away. Break Me Down is a testament to the power of art to heal, destroy, and ultimately transform.
The audiobook includes a bonus conversation between Anna and some of the main cast members of Break Me Down, discussing the story and their experiences as actors.
This program features multicast narration.
How far would you go for greatness?
Through immersive scenes, a full cast, sound effects, and more, bestselling author Anna Downes brings listeners into The Studio, an elite Los Angeles acting school whose cult-like leader, Marianna, promises to make students into unstoppable talents—at any cost.
After years of seclusion, the once-celebrated child star Georgia Lane moves to Los Angeles, determined to make a comeback. But as bills pile up and auditions don’t, she realizes that beneath the glitzy facade of LA lies an unforgiving city.
But things start looking up when Georgia meets Henry, an aspiring actor who sweeps her off her feet and offers to help with her career. He connects her with his agent and brings her to audit a class at The Studio, an elite acting group of which he’s a member. There, The Studio’s head teacher, Marianna (narrated by Orange Is the New Black star Yael Stone), takes a special interest in Georgia. As Georgia steps into the intense, ego-driven world of The Studio, she finds herself invigorated by its unconventional methods, which promise to unlock her full potential—while demanding much more in return.
The more she commits to its ways, the more The Studio reveals itself as a battleground of ambition, jealousy, and psychological warfare. As the line blurs between the pursuit of art and the survival of the self, everything Georgia holds dear starts slipping away. Break Me Down is a testament to the power of art to heal, destroy, and ultimately transform.
The audiobook includes a bonus conversation between Anna and some of the main cast members of Break Me Down, discussing the story and their experiences as actors.
Audiobook
First published August 19, 2025
6 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Anna Downes
12 books1,108 followersANNA DOWNES was born and raised in Sheffield, UK, but now lives just north of Sydney, Australia with her husband and two children. She worked as an actress before turning her attention to writing. She was shortlisted for the Sydney Writers Room Short Story Prize (2017) and longlisted for the Margaret River Short Story Competition (2018).
The Safe Place was inspired by Anna’s experiences working as a live-in housekeeper on a remote French estate in 2009-10.
The Safe Place was inspired by Anna’s experiences working as a live-in housekeeper on a remote French estate in 2009-10.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
August 11, 2025
2⭐ for the story and 4⭐for the narration = 3⭐ overall
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ August 19, 2025
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Audio length ~ 8 hours 43 minutes
Narrators ~ Aimee Horne, Airlie Dodds, Alan Chu, Angela Tran, Anna Downes, Elisa Colla, Jeremy Waters, Lyanna Kea, Remy Hii, Taylor Owens, Yael Stone
POV ~ multiple 1st
Featuring ~ past trauma, slow burn, short chapters
Our main characters are:
Georgia ~ former child star from Australia who is now an adult trying to get her career going again.
Henry ~ an aspiring actor she meets after arriving in LA and they become an item.
Marianna ~ runs the acting studio in a cult like way.
Since this revolves around acting it's heavy on auditions, acting classes/scenes and trying to make it in Hollywood, which makes sense and can be a snore if you could care less about this world. Since Georgia started her career very young there's references to inappropriate behavior back then. The story does do a good job of showing toxicity and jealousy in the biz.
Overall, this was fine~ish, but it definitely wasn't a thriller, just psychological fiction really. I was not on the edge of my seat at any point and the ending was pretty lackluster. I didn't really like any of the characters either.
There's a very lengthy author's note at the end that I didn't fully listen to because it was close to an hour, but it goes into the author's experience with acting.
Looks like this will only available in audio format.
Narration notes:
I got sent a widget 4 times, so I guess they really wanted me to listen to it 🤣
They had me at sound effects, a fictional podcast, voicemails, news reports, and a cast of 11 different narrators. Some characters did better than others, but overall I really enjoyed the performance.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ August 19, 2025
Publisher ~ Macmillan Audio
Audio length ~ 8 hours 43 minutes
Narrators ~ Aimee Horne, Airlie Dodds, Alan Chu, Angela Tran, Anna Downes, Elisa Colla, Jeremy Waters, Lyanna Kea, Remy Hii, Taylor Owens, Yael Stone
POV ~ multiple 1st
Featuring ~ past trauma, slow burn, short chapters
Our main characters are:
Georgia ~ former child star from Australia who is now an adult trying to get her career going again.
Henry ~ an aspiring actor she meets after arriving in LA and they become an item.
Marianna ~ runs the acting studio in a cult like way.
Since this revolves around acting it's heavy on auditions, acting classes/scenes and trying to make it in Hollywood, which makes sense and can be a snore if you could care less about this world. Since Georgia started her career very young there's references to inappropriate behavior back then. The story does do a good job of showing toxicity and jealousy in the biz.
Overall, this was fine~ish, but it definitely wasn't a thriller, just psychological fiction really. I was not on the edge of my seat at any point and the ending was pretty lackluster. I didn't really like any of the characters either.
There's a very lengthy author's note at the end that I didn't fully listen to because it was close to an hour, but it goes into the author's experience with acting.
Looks like this will only available in audio format.
Narration notes:
I got sent a widget 4 times, so I guess they really wanted me to listen to it 🤣
They had me at sound effects, a fictional podcast, voicemails, news reports, and a cast of 11 different narrators. Some characters did better than others, but overall I really enjoyed the performance.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
August 28, 2025
Unnervingly dark, masterfully manipulative, & disturbingly powerful!
The all-cast audiobook production of Break Me Down by Anna Downes was absolutely fantastic. Cinematic and intense, every actor delivered a sharp, layered performance that heightened the tension and pulled me straight into the story.
This tale was deeply disturbing and, at times, extremely uncomfortable to listen to, with moments so dark they crawled under my skin. The coercive influence was relentless, twisting my emotions alongside the characters until I was fully caught up in it. It grated on me in places, but in a way that felt intentional, unsettling by design. Mission accomplished, and I felt every second of it.
Key Impressions
🎭 Full-cast narration that pulls you into every tense moment.
🌀 Relentless coercive influence that twists both characters and listener.
😖 Deeply disturbing and uncomfortable listening, impossible to turn away.
🤯 A twisty, mind-blowing ending that left me completely rattled.
🎙️ Bonus interview with Anna Downes and the cast added a personal, fascinating touch.
Thank you to Libro.fm for my ALC.
Brace yourself for a story that will twist your mind, unsettle your senses, & haunt you long after the last word.
The all-cast audiobook production of Break Me Down by Anna Downes was absolutely fantastic. Cinematic and intense, every actor delivered a sharp, layered performance that heightened the tension and pulled me straight into the story.
This tale was deeply disturbing and, at times, extremely uncomfortable to listen to, with moments so dark they crawled under my skin. The coercive influence was relentless, twisting my emotions alongside the characters until I was fully caught up in it. It grated on me in places, but in a way that felt intentional, unsettling by design. Mission accomplished, and I felt every second of it.
Key Impressions
🎭 Full-cast narration that pulls you into every tense moment.
🌀 Relentless coercive influence that twists both characters and listener.
😖 Deeply disturbing and uncomfortable listening, impossible to turn away.
🤯 A twisty, mind-blowing ending that left me completely rattled.
🎙️ Bonus interview with Anna Downes and the cast added a personal, fascinating touch.
Thank you to Libro.fm for my ALC.
Brace yourself for a story that will twist your mind, unsettle your senses, & haunt you long after the last word.
June 4, 2025
I am such a big fan of Anna Downes and her books so I thrilled to get an early audio copy of Break Me Down from Macmillan Audio on NetGalley. I couldn’t wait to get started and once I did I couldn’t stop listening. This dark Hollywood story is told through podcasts, phone calls and messages and a brilliant cast of narrators who do a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.
A former child star, Georgia Lane, is ready to get back in acting and finds herself in acting classes with mesmerising coach., Marianna. Georgia is draw in by Marianna’s methods and feels she is finally getting somewhere. How far will a teacher go to get their students to nail the scene? Marianna pushes her students to look deep inside for their past experiences and pain to get the right emotional response. Georgia’s boyfriend Henry feels that it is being taken too far but Georgia is completely under her teachers spell.
This story is an uncomfortable listen at times, with some really dark moments. The actors were amazing they all did such a wonderful job with all the different characters. I really loved the podcast that gave some background to Georgias story.
An added bonus is after the story ends.. and that ending was 🤯🤯🤯, there is an interview with Anna Downes and the actors which was so interesting.
Another fantastic Anna Downes book and perfect for audio. Her own experience in acting really did come through, though I hope she didn’t have these dark issues in her life.
Out on August 19th, you need to listen to this book. Easy 5 stars.
A former child star, Georgia Lane, is ready to get back in acting and finds herself in acting classes with mesmerising coach., Marianna. Georgia is draw in by Marianna’s methods and feels she is finally getting somewhere. How far will a teacher go to get their students to nail the scene? Marianna pushes her students to look deep inside for their past experiences and pain to get the right emotional response. Georgia’s boyfriend Henry feels that it is being taken too far but Georgia is completely under her teachers spell.
This story is an uncomfortable listen at times, with some really dark moments. The actors were amazing they all did such a wonderful job with all the different characters. I really loved the podcast that gave some background to Georgias story.
An added bonus is after the story ends.. and that ending was 🤯🤯🤯, there is an interview with Anna Downes and the actors which was so interesting.
Another fantastic Anna Downes book and perfect for audio. Her own experience in acting really did come through, though I hope she didn’t have these dark issues in her life.
Out on August 19th, you need to listen to this book. Easy 5 stars.
July 22, 2025
Once-celebrated child star Georgia Lane moves to Los Angeles determined to make a comeback. She meets Henry, an aspiring actor, who connects her with his agent and invites her to audit a class at The Studio, the elite acting studio he attends where Marianna, the head teacher, takes a special interest in Georgia. With each step forward she feels the grip of her past tightening, Henry’s love turning on her, and Marianna’s mentorship becoming all-consuming.
With a cast of at least 11 narrators, sound effects, a fictional podcast, voicemails and newscasts, this is like no other audiobook I've listened to. It made me think of what "old tyme" radio soap operas must've been like except that I doubt they would've used such language in those days. It was very impressive at any rate. Every time Marianna spoke I pictured Nicole Kidman in her role in Nine Perfect Strangers.
As for the story itself, I was less impressed. It was good but not great. I think I was expecting more of a creepy cult vibe and I thought the ending was a little flat. I was actually surprised that it was over. Also, to be honest, I got a little tired of hearing Georgia's message on her answering machine every time someone called her. The audiobook is followed by a conversation between the author and some of the voice actors which was interesting.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, via Netgalley, for approving my request to listen to an early edition of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: August 19, 2025
With a cast of at least 11 narrators, sound effects, a fictional podcast, voicemails and newscasts, this is like no other audiobook I've listened to. It made me think of what "old tyme" radio soap operas must've been like except that I doubt they would've used such language in those days. It was very impressive at any rate. Every time Marianna spoke I pictured Nicole Kidman in her role in Nine Perfect Strangers.
As for the story itself, I was less impressed. It was good but not great. I think I was expecting more of a creepy cult vibe and I thought the ending was a little flat. I was actually surprised that it was over. Also, to be honest, I got a little tired of hearing Georgia's message on her answering machine every time someone called her. The audiobook is followed by a conversation between the author and some of the voice actors which was interesting.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, via Netgalley, for approving my request to listen to an early edition of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: August 19, 2025
September 29, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up **
Break Me Down is a Macmillan Audio Original from popular Thriller author, Anna Downes. This is told via an exceptional full cast and features mixed media elements that work very well in the audio format.
The story follows a former child star, Georgia Lane, after she moves to L.A., determined to make a career comeback.
Georgia quickly learns, however, that behind the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles life lies a cutthroat entertainment industry not for the faint of heart, and her past success doesn't promise anything in the now.
She meets a man named Henry, also an aspiring actor, who ends up inviting her to audit a class at the elite acting school he attends. The school's head teacher soon takes a special interest in Georgia, and offers her a spot at The Studio.
Marianne's teaching methods are very unconventional, but Georgia sees it as a potential path to unlocking her true potential. The deeper Georgia and Henry go with their involvement in The Studio, the further it pushes them apart.
Are Marianne's bizarre teaching tactics actually helping her students, or is it actually her own perverse form of psychological warfare against them?
The content of Break Me Down was good, it was solid, though it didn't contain anything Earth-shattering. Long-term, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to recall of the story.
I do feel like watching Georgia fall deeper and deeper into The Studio was compelling, but yeah, not particularly mysterious, suspenseful, or thrilling. It was more interesting because it was so much of a train-wreck.
I also wasn't crazy about Georgia and Henry's relationship, so wasn't connected with that aspect. It never felt like he had the right intentions to me. He was hard to read.
My enjoyment of the story itself is closer to a 3, or 3.5-star, however, I'm rounding up simply because the audio production was so good. The full cast, the various sound effects, it was really, really well done.
If you're an audiobook fan, and enjoy things that have sort of a docuseries feel, such as Daisy Jones and the Six, this is absolutely worth the listen. Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for providing me for a copy to read and review!
Break Me Down is a Macmillan Audio Original from popular Thriller author, Anna Downes. This is told via an exceptional full cast and features mixed media elements that work very well in the audio format.
The story follows a former child star, Georgia Lane, after she moves to L.A., determined to make a career comeback.
Georgia quickly learns, however, that behind the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles life lies a cutthroat entertainment industry not for the faint of heart, and her past success doesn't promise anything in the now.
She meets a man named Henry, also an aspiring actor, who ends up inviting her to audit a class at the elite acting school he attends. The school's head teacher soon takes a special interest in Georgia, and offers her a spot at The Studio.
Marianne's teaching methods are very unconventional, but Georgia sees it as a potential path to unlocking her true potential. The deeper Georgia and Henry go with their involvement in The Studio, the further it pushes them apart.
Are Marianne's bizarre teaching tactics actually helping her students, or is it actually her own perverse form of psychological warfare against them?
The content of Break Me Down was good, it was solid, though it didn't contain anything Earth-shattering. Long-term, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to recall of the story.
I do feel like watching Georgia fall deeper and deeper into The Studio was compelling, but yeah, not particularly mysterious, suspenseful, or thrilling. It was more interesting because it was so much of a train-wreck.
I also wasn't crazy about Georgia and Henry's relationship, so wasn't connected with that aspect. It never felt like he had the right intentions to me. He was hard to read.
My enjoyment of the story itself is closer to a 3, or 3.5-star, however, I'm rounding up simply because the audio production was so good. The full cast, the various sound effects, it was really, really well done.
If you're an audiobook fan, and enjoy things that have sort of a docuseries feel, such as Daisy Jones and the Six, this is absolutely worth the listen. Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for providing me for a copy to read and review!
Read
June 14, 2025Holy plot twists, Batman!
August 23, 2025
A book only done as an audiobook is a fascinating concept. I really loved the production of this one, the narrators did an amazing job and I love that that the author participated and really do agree with the podcasts and other pieces only worked because it was an audiobook. The story itself wasn’t as amazing to me. It dragged on and the thriller part didn’t show up in full until the end. I saw the way it was going, but it just wasn’t what I was hoping for. There was a lot of “dig deeper” with the acting piece and not a lot of thriller or interesting pieces. This book does accurately describe some psychological abuse and in that lens could even be difficult to read. Books with unreliable narrators and twisty psychological abuse/gas lighting stories aren’t my favorite and that was heavy in this one so I may be a bit biased in my review and rating. If this ever comes out as a kindle/physical book don’t do it, listen to the audiobook. It was all of the best bits.
December 16, 2025
This audio thriller was compelling. The actors’ masterful narration added intensity and emotion to this tumultuous story of struggling actors striving for fame. The performances made me feel like I was part of their journey. It was original and entertaining with a shocking conclusion. I recommend listening to the conversation between the author and the actors after the story is finished. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook.
June 26, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Anna Downes, and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Looking for something new, I turned to this thriller by Anna Downes. After making a splash, a child movie star disappears into oblivion. Years later, Georgia Lane re-emerges in LA and hopes to make a comeback, but soon learns that the bright lights are much more difficult when the responsibilities shift. After meeting a caring man, they try to make a difference in their acting careers, but there are new wedges to pull Georgia away from others. This is the story of her struggles and how Georgia seeks to redefine herself in an ever-increasing tense industry. Anna Downes presents an interesting piece that is sure to impress some readers.
Georgia Lane was once a superstar as a child actor. Her cute face and standout Australian accent made her the most wanted child on the screen. Her fans loved her and there was never a moment a camera remained too far away. However, as she aged, things turned dark and Georgia no longer wanted to be the plaything of the tabloids. She disappeared from the limelight, entering a world of complete privacy. Years later, when Georgia makes the move to LA, she hopes to change the past and get into the fast-paced world of acting. However, now that she's got responsibilities all her own, the work is much more difficult and the spotlight is not as kind. LA is a city fueled by success and yet failure is just as prevalent.
Georgia meets Henry and they click immediately. She is eager to get to know him better and agrees to audit an elite acting class he is taking. There, Georgia meets Marianna, the head teacher at the acting school. Marianna takes a special interest in Georgia, taking the child-star under her wing and honing her skills while others have to take a backseat. Henry is one who voices resentment, which creates animosity and yet could damage the careers of those who speak out.
As Marianna puts forth some unconventional ideas, others begin to worry, but Georgia laps it all up. She is dedicated to the craft, no matter what others might say. Marianna's bond with Georgia grows and others find themselves on the outside, worried about the entire situation. Marianna has drawn the line and those who cross it are vilified. Georgia can do no wrong and has become aware that she is a star, with others surely full of jealousy. It is this tension that creates the wedge between Georgia and Henry, hurting their foundation as well as the world around them. How will Henry help Georgia out of this abyss, or has she decided that fame is a drug too addictive to give up? Anna Downes delivers something that readers can enjoy.
I enjoy authors who are new to me, as they provide a unique experience that adds to my reading journey. However, not all authors are for me, even if their dust jacket blurb sounds appealing. Anna Downes does well with her writing, creating a narrative that the reader can follow with ease. The story develops and keeps the reader in the middle of it all, gaining momentum in ways the reader can envision. The characters are varied, keeping the reader alert to find one to whom they can relate. Downes' use of a variety of those who grace the pages keeps the story edgy. The plot points are important to the story, adding some depth and angles to the larger narrative. The reader might be able to see where things are going, but they cannot predict each event. While the premise worked well for me, I did not feel a proper connection to the piece, sensing it did not check all the boxes that I needed to be impressed. Surely others will love this, but Downes did not captivate me as much as I would have hoped.
Kudos, Madam Downes, for a unique reading experience.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Looking for something new, I turned to this thriller by Anna Downes. After making a splash, a child movie star disappears into oblivion. Years later, Georgia Lane re-emerges in LA and hopes to make a comeback, but soon learns that the bright lights are much more difficult when the responsibilities shift. After meeting a caring man, they try to make a difference in their acting careers, but there are new wedges to pull Georgia away from others. This is the story of her struggles and how Georgia seeks to redefine herself in an ever-increasing tense industry. Anna Downes presents an interesting piece that is sure to impress some readers.
Georgia Lane was once a superstar as a child actor. Her cute face and standout Australian accent made her the most wanted child on the screen. Her fans loved her and there was never a moment a camera remained too far away. However, as she aged, things turned dark and Georgia no longer wanted to be the plaything of the tabloids. She disappeared from the limelight, entering a world of complete privacy. Years later, when Georgia makes the move to LA, she hopes to change the past and get into the fast-paced world of acting. However, now that she's got responsibilities all her own, the work is much more difficult and the spotlight is not as kind. LA is a city fueled by success and yet failure is just as prevalent.
Georgia meets Henry and they click immediately. She is eager to get to know him better and agrees to audit an elite acting class he is taking. There, Georgia meets Marianna, the head teacher at the acting school. Marianna takes a special interest in Georgia, taking the child-star under her wing and honing her skills while others have to take a backseat. Henry is one who voices resentment, which creates animosity and yet could damage the careers of those who speak out.
As Marianna puts forth some unconventional ideas, others begin to worry, but Georgia laps it all up. She is dedicated to the craft, no matter what others might say. Marianna's bond with Georgia grows and others find themselves on the outside, worried about the entire situation. Marianna has drawn the line and those who cross it are vilified. Georgia can do no wrong and has become aware that she is a star, with others surely full of jealousy. It is this tension that creates the wedge between Georgia and Henry, hurting their foundation as well as the world around them. How will Henry help Georgia out of this abyss, or has she decided that fame is a drug too addictive to give up? Anna Downes delivers something that readers can enjoy.
I enjoy authors who are new to me, as they provide a unique experience that adds to my reading journey. However, not all authors are for me, even if their dust jacket blurb sounds appealing. Anna Downes does well with her writing, creating a narrative that the reader can follow with ease. The story develops and keeps the reader in the middle of it all, gaining momentum in ways the reader can envision. The characters are varied, keeping the reader alert to find one to whom they can relate. Downes' use of a variety of those who grace the pages keeps the story edgy. The plot points are important to the story, adding some depth and angles to the larger narrative. The reader might be able to see where things are going, but they cannot predict each event. While the premise worked well for me, I did not feel a proper connection to the piece, sensing it did not check all the boxes that I needed to be impressed. Surely others will love this, but Downes did not captivate me as much as I would have hoped.
Kudos, Madam Downes, for a unique reading experience.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 24, 2025
the audio production of this is amazing. the narration and the Foley absolutely top notch. however the story itself does not live up to the production value and calling it a thriller is a reach few Olympians are capable of achieving.
This is a book about an acting cult. Anytime you encounter a group with "a super secret elite level that lives high in the mountains and doesn't communicate with the rest of us" you have a cult. But even the cult aspect of this was weak because people came and went. This is a story about actors trying to deal with trauma (and really just one actor in particular) and doing so very poorly. I will say that the identity reveal toward the end made a ton of sense and closed the loop on motives. The story has entertainment value because of the production quality, but it left me feeling disappointed.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Anna Downes, and Macmillan audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
This is a book about an acting cult. Anytime you encounter a group with "a super secret elite level that lives high in the mountains and doesn't communicate with the rest of us" you have a cult. But even the cult aspect of this was weak because people came and went. This is a story about actors trying to deal with trauma (and really just one actor in particular) and doing so very poorly. I will say that the identity reveal toward the end made a ton of sense and closed the loop on motives. The story has entertainment value because of the production quality, but it left me feeling disappointed.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Anna Downes, and Macmillan audio for my ARC of this audiobook.
June 26, 2025
This audiobook...wow! Probably one of the best performances I've listened to in a long time. It was like watching a movie in spots. It brought the story to life!
The story itself was focused on a former Australian child star trying to get back into acting while setting up a new life in California. She meets a young man who is taking acting classes with an elite coach. As the two grow closer and she becomes immersed in the elite acting school, her boundaries and sense of self start to break down, ultimately leading to tragedy.
This was a slower paced plot. One that took a while to get into and never fully brought me into its prose. The MC's were difficult to relate to, and their relationship never felt authentic to me.
I found the psychological aspects involving the acting coach and pupils interesting and would've been more drawn in had the plot build-up been better carved out. I also thought the information about childstars was fascinating and wish there had been more. As the plot progressed, I kept waiting for something explosive or shocking to happen, but it fell short for me.
The audio kept me going, and I would highly recommend it if considering this book. Thank you Netgalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself was focused on a former Australian child star trying to get back into acting while setting up a new life in California. She meets a young man who is taking acting classes with an elite coach. As the two grow closer and she becomes immersed in the elite acting school, her boundaries and sense of self start to break down, ultimately leading to tragedy.
This was a slower paced plot. One that took a while to get into and never fully brought me into its prose. The MC's were difficult to relate to, and their relationship never felt authentic to me.
I found the psychological aspects involving the acting coach and pupils interesting and would've been more drawn in had the plot build-up been better carved out. I also thought the information about childstars was fascinating and wish there had been more. As the plot progressed, I kept waiting for something explosive or shocking to happen, but it fell short for me.
The audio kept me going, and I would highly recommend it if considering this book. Thank you Netgalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
3.5 STARS - OUT NOW
Drop a full-ensemble audio cast in my lap and I am instantly on cloud nine. This crew absolutely nails the mood, the tension, and every bit of that sparkly LA energy.
Georgia is hanging on to hope with one hand and clutching Hollywood grit with the other.
Marianna, the ultimate creative ringleader, has got that irresistible "Trust me, I know what’s best for you" vibe down to an art.
I tore through “Red River Road” and came in ready for another emotional rollercoaster. But this time, the spark never caught. I started, stopped, circled back, then wondered if I wasn’t in the mood. The magic just didn’t show up for me.
The audio production totally stole the show for me. If you love a cast that pulls you in, a dash of artsy psychological drama, and ambition that flirts with obsession, this might just be your jam.
I’m landing at 3.5 stars, mostly for the narrators who had me hooked way more than the plot. Give it a listen and see if it clicks. It might just be your next obsession.
Big thanks to the author and MacMillan Audio for providing this early audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are mine.
#BreakMeDown #AnnaDownes #MacmillanAudio #NetGalley #CapCut
Drop a full-ensemble audio cast in my lap and I am instantly on cloud nine. This crew absolutely nails the mood, the tension, and every bit of that sparkly LA energy.
Georgia is hanging on to hope with one hand and clutching Hollywood grit with the other.
Marianna, the ultimate creative ringleader, has got that irresistible "Trust me, I know what’s best for you" vibe down to an art.
I tore through “Red River Road” and came in ready for another emotional rollercoaster. But this time, the spark never caught. I started, stopped, circled back, then wondered if I wasn’t in the mood. The magic just didn’t show up for me.
The audio production totally stole the show for me. If you love a cast that pulls you in, a dash of artsy psychological drama, and ambition that flirts with obsession, this might just be your jam.
I’m landing at 3.5 stars, mostly for the narrators who had me hooked way more than the plot. Give it a listen and see if it clicks. It might just be your next obsession.
Big thanks to the author and MacMillan Audio for providing this early audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are mine.
#BreakMeDown #AnnaDownes #MacmillanAudio #NetGalley #CapCut
August 19, 2025
Break Me Down (audio) 2⭐️
I loved listening to Red Road River last year and was excited when Macmillan Audio reached out with Anna Downes’s new audio thriller.
The full audio production was wonderfully done! There were several voice actors, sound effects, 1st person narration, clips from fictional podcasts and news outlets, and dialogue caught “on camera”. All the actors recorded separately, not as a group or in pairs, which makes it all the more impressive to me. (This tidbit was shared in the bonus interview with the author and actors at the end.)
I could HEAR the emotion, but couldn’t FEEL it. I didn’t connect with the characters or the story. It didn’t feel cultish to me. The build up felt like it solely focused on the struggling actor aspect. The deeper themes did not shine through as intended. Maybe this will hit differently for those in the Hollywood world and I’m just too out of the loop.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Aug 19 2025
I loved listening to Red Road River last year and was excited when Macmillan Audio reached out with Anna Downes’s new audio thriller.
The full audio production was wonderfully done! There were several voice actors, sound effects, 1st person narration, clips from fictional podcasts and news outlets, and dialogue caught “on camera”. All the actors recorded separately, not as a group or in pairs, which makes it all the more impressive to me. (This tidbit was shared in the bonus interview with the author and actors at the end.)
I could HEAR the emotion, but couldn’t FEEL it. I didn’t connect with the characters or the story. It didn’t feel cultish to me. The build up felt like it solely focused on the struggling actor aspect. The deeper themes did not shine through as intended. Maybe this will hit differently for those in the Hollywood world and I’m just too out of the loop.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Aug 19 2025
August 17, 2025
The setup here is fantastic: Georgia Lane, a former child star, heads to LA for a comeback and gets sucked into The Studio, an acting group that promises to unlock her potential but starts feeling more like a trap. Ambition, manipulation, and blurred lines between art and identity—it’s all here.
The story pulls you in quickly. Georgia is easy to root for, and her relationships with Henry and Marianna set up some great tension. But as the plot unfolds, you can kind of see where it’s going. The “acting cult” progression is fun, but the twists aren’t exactly jaw-dropping—you’ll probably spot them before they land. It’s still engaging, just not the kind of thriller that keeps you up at night thinking, Wait, what just happened?
Where it hits hardest is in the themes: how far would you go for a dream, and at what cost? Even when the plot feels familiar, those questions stick.
The real reason to pick this one up, though, is the audio. The full cast—Aimee Horne, Airlie Dodds, Alan Chu, Angela Tran, Anna Downes, Elisa Colla, Jeremy Waters, Lyanna Kea, Remy Hii, Taylor Owens, and Yael Stone—absolutely elevates the story. Each voice brings something different, and it makes the whole thing feel like a performance rather than just a reading. It’s immersive to the point that you feel like you’re eavesdropping on private conversations.
Bottom line: Break Me Down is an entertaining listen. The story doesn’t reinvent the genre, but the atmosphere and themes are strong, and the audio production is worth the price of admission.
The story pulls you in quickly. Georgia is easy to root for, and her relationships with Henry and Marianna set up some great tension. But as the plot unfolds, you can kind of see where it’s going. The “acting cult” progression is fun, but the twists aren’t exactly jaw-dropping—you’ll probably spot them before they land. It’s still engaging, just not the kind of thriller that keeps you up at night thinking, Wait, what just happened?
Where it hits hardest is in the themes: how far would you go for a dream, and at what cost? Even when the plot feels familiar, those questions stick.
The real reason to pick this one up, though, is the audio. The full cast—Aimee Horne, Airlie Dodds, Alan Chu, Angela Tran, Anna Downes, Elisa Colla, Jeremy Waters, Lyanna Kea, Remy Hii, Taylor Owens, and Yael Stone—absolutely elevates the story. Each voice brings something different, and it makes the whole thing feel like a performance rather than just a reading. It’s immersive to the point that you feel like you’re eavesdropping on private conversations.
Bottom line: Break Me Down is an entertaining listen. The story doesn’t reinvent the genre, but the atmosphere and themes are strong, and the audio production is worth the price of admission.
January 2, 2026
the setup…
Georgia Lane is a former child star from Australia who stepped away from the public view after she reached adolescence and adoration turned sour. After years out of the business, she moves to Los Angeles, ready to prove herself as an actress. Georgia expected to quickly be swept into a swirl of auditions and roles but money gets tight when both fail to materialize. It’s when she meets a charismatic young actor named Henry in a coffee shop that her circumstances change. He folds her into his world, including his exclusive acting class, The Studio, run by a woman named Marianna who uses a unique approach that is often emotionally brutal. But Georgia finds it exhilarating, especially when Marianna singles her out for special treatment, even though it begins to drive a wedge between her and Henry.
the heart of the story…
The Studio soon becomes the heartbeat of not only Georgia’s professional life but consumes her every thought. Marianna’s “voice” is the yardstick she uses to measure everything…her past, her relationships as well as her aspirations. If it sounds cultish I can assure you it felt that way, the sessions psychologically invasive and irresponsible. The story transitions between scenes from Georgia’s past, a podcast and the present, often feeling like it was all blended.
the narration…
It’s a multicast narration, complete with sound effects, making me feel as if I was right there in every scene. It is expertly delivered, so much so that it felt real.
the bottom line…
It initially felt like The Studio was a microcosm of the cutthroat Hollywood arena but with much sharper knives, leaving people raw and exposed. But it moves into a dangerous zone where Marianna directed Georgia’s reality. Even I felt manipulated at times. This was highly unsettling but a cautionary tale. The author’s afterword with members of the cast is a must listen.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Georgia Lane is a former child star from Australia who stepped away from the public view after she reached adolescence and adoration turned sour. After years out of the business, she moves to Los Angeles, ready to prove herself as an actress. Georgia expected to quickly be swept into a swirl of auditions and roles but money gets tight when both fail to materialize. It’s when she meets a charismatic young actor named Henry in a coffee shop that her circumstances change. He folds her into his world, including his exclusive acting class, The Studio, run by a woman named Marianna who uses a unique approach that is often emotionally brutal. But Georgia finds it exhilarating, especially when Marianna singles her out for special treatment, even though it begins to drive a wedge between her and Henry.
the heart of the story…
The Studio soon becomes the heartbeat of not only Georgia’s professional life but consumes her every thought. Marianna’s “voice” is the yardstick she uses to measure everything…her past, her relationships as well as her aspirations. If it sounds cultish I can assure you it felt that way, the sessions psychologically invasive and irresponsible. The story transitions between scenes from Georgia’s past, a podcast and the present, often feeling like it was all blended.
the narration…
It’s a multicast narration, complete with sound effects, making me feel as if I was right there in every scene. It is expertly delivered, so much so that it felt real.
the bottom line…
It initially felt like The Studio was a microcosm of the cutthroat Hollywood arena but with much sharper knives, leaving people raw and exposed. But it moves into a dangerous zone where Marianna directed Georgia’s reality. Even I felt manipulated at times. This was highly unsettling but a cautionary tale. The author’s afterword with members of the cast is a must listen.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 23, 2025
A psychological drama set in the spotlight of the theater world, "Break Me Down" is as much about the art of public performances as it is about the darker manipulations that unfold off stage.
For the right reader, this is a beautiful homage to acting and the human ability to create convincing illusion. For me personally, though, the story unfortunately never quite drew me in. The character development didn't hit fast enough nor go deep enough to overcome my lack of natural interest in the acting world. By a quarter of the way through, I had only a vague grasp of who the characters were and little sense of where the story was heading. I also tend to struggle with full-cast audio productions — and this fault is all on me, as I knew that was a weak skill for me going in — so while the narration is impecabbly delivered and includes some interesting behind-the-scenes notes from the narrators, I found the extra voices and sound effects more distracting than immersive.
Still, for readers and listeners who are drawn to stories of performance, identity, and psychological control — and who enjoy richly produced audio and slow-burn dramas — "Break Me Down" could be a rewarding experience. Your mileage may vary!
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Ann Downes for an advance copy for honest review. 3.5 stars rounded down.
For the right reader, this is a beautiful homage to acting and the human ability to create convincing illusion. For me personally, though, the story unfortunately never quite drew me in. The character development didn't hit fast enough nor go deep enough to overcome my lack of natural interest in the acting world. By a quarter of the way through, I had only a vague grasp of who the characters were and little sense of where the story was heading. I also tend to struggle with full-cast audio productions — and this fault is all on me, as I knew that was a weak skill for me going in — so while the narration is impecabbly delivered and includes some interesting behind-the-scenes notes from the narrators, I found the extra voices and sound effects more distracting than immersive.
Still, for readers and listeners who are drawn to stories of performance, identity, and psychological control — and who enjoy richly produced audio and slow-burn dramas — "Break Me Down" could be a rewarding experience. Your mileage may vary!
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Ann Downes for an advance copy for honest review. 3.5 stars rounded down.
June 4, 2025
2.5/5
Genuinely, I do not know the point of this book.
I also did not like one of the narrators, I found her voice whiney (she was doing it on purpose, I could tell) and it drove me nuts, I got to the point where I started skipping chunks of her chapters. Sorry.
This story didn't really have a plot or a story, but it kind of did. It was so confusing.
If I had to give you a description of this book, all I could say would be "child stars and podcasts." But what was the actual story? What happened over the course of the book? I could not tell you.
I can kind of see what they were trying to do with this book, but it majorly missed the mark, making it quite boring and confusing. If your story is so slow and ambiguous that the reader doesn't even know what is going on or what they are supposed to be paying attention to, there's a problem.
And as a film girlie (film school), this was extra disappointing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Genuinely, I do not know the point of this book.
I also did not like one of the narrators, I found her voice whiney (she was doing it on purpose, I could tell) and it drove me nuts, I got to the point where I started skipping chunks of her chapters. Sorry.
This story didn't really have a plot or a story, but it kind of did. It was so confusing.
If I had to give you a description of this book, all I could say would be "child stars and podcasts." But what was the actual story? What happened over the course of the book? I could not tell you.
I can kind of see what they were trying to do with this book, but it majorly missed the mark, making it quite boring and confusing. If your story is so slow and ambiguous that the reader doesn't even know what is going on or what they are supposed to be paying attention to, there's a problem.
And as a film girlie (film school), this was extra disappointing.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
July 6, 2025
This one was not for me.
All the pieces were there, but didn't quite work together?
Psychological thriller, a cult, full cast dramatization, I'm baffled that this didn't come together better.
🤷🤷🤷
Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ARC.
All the pieces were there, but didn't quite work together?
Psychological thriller, a cult, full cast dramatization, I'm baffled that this didn't come together better.
🤷🤷🤷
Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ARC.
July 23, 2025
The audio production is wonderful. But it didn't make up for the lackluster plot and story.
It's about an acting cult with no depth. I really would've liked a little more intensity. More stakes. SOMETHING.
It's about an acting cult with no depth. I really would've liked a little more intensity. More stakes. SOMETHING.
June 7, 2025
Georgia Lane is a former child star determined to restart her career in Los Angeles. When she is invited to take classes at The Studio, an elite acting school, Georgia is quickly drawn into Mariana's unconventional teaching methods. The way Mariana pushes her students could be what Georgia needs to make it big in Hollywood. But as Georgia delves deeper into Mariana's classes, Georgia's financial and social life starts to spiral. How much is Georgia willing to sacrifice to fulfill her dream?
An Audio Thriller was a new experience for me. The cast and overall production were amazing. I loved the concept of different audio sources, such as podcasts, voicemails, and recordings, being brought together to tell Georgia's story. Although slow to begin, this thriller quickly picks up as Mariana's methods become more extreme and Georgia delves deeper into this cult-like group. Break Me Down explores the darker side of Hollywood and the extremes actors are willing to go to make it into the industry.
Break Me Down is out August 19th.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review Break Me Down. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An Audio Thriller was a new experience for me. The cast and overall production were amazing. I loved the concept of different audio sources, such as podcasts, voicemails, and recordings, being brought together to tell Georgia's story. Although slow to begin, this thriller quickly picks up as Mariana's methods become more extreme and Georgia delves deeper into this cult-like group. Break Me Down explores the darker side of Hollywood and the extremes actors are willing to go to make it into the industry.
Break Me Down is out August 19th.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review Break Me Down. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2025
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
There was something very different about this audiobook, as I started listening to it, I felt like I was at a play reading and was thinking that this would be a difficult book to read because so much would be missed with sound effects and the narrator's voices. I did not know that the author, Anna Downes, went to drama school to become an actor. It was obvious to me from the beginning, as I believe the author intended, to show how actors are exploited by some teachers and coaches and that this practice is somewhat normal for the industry. I also believe the author is showing how predators indoctrinate their students into a cult like following. If reading about an individual spiraling downwards and a 'play-like' tragedy is something you would enjoy, I definitely suggest listening to this story. Aug 2025 Pub Date.
There was something very different about this audiobook, as I started listening to it, I felt like I was at a play reading and was thinking that this would be a difficult book to read because so much would be missed with sound effects and the narrator's voices. I did not know that the author, Anna Downes, went to drama school to become an actor. It was obvious to me from the beginning, as I believe the author intended, to show how actors are exploited by some teachers and coaches and that this practice is somewhat normal for the industry. I also believe the author is showing how predators indoctrinate their students into a cult like following. If reading about an individual spiraling downwards and a 'play-like' tragedy is something you would enjoy, I definitely suggest listening to this story. Aug 2025 Pub Date.
August 1, 2025
Audiobook experience alone is worth the listen honestly. The story itself is a tad underwhelming. At first I was really intrigued but as time went on I lost interest quite a bit, maybe because I was only listening rather than having a physical copy to fall back on, maybe not. The interview with the audio cast and author at the end was cool. I’m not sure who to recommend the audiobook to, but maybe if you like stories about actors, or acting and you’re looking for something culty and psychological?? Through first-person narration, sound effects, a fictional podcast, urgent voicemails, news reports, and a full cast, we are sucked into the world of The Studio, an elite acting school in Los Angeles whose cult-like leader, Marianna promises to make you into an unstoppable talent...at any cost. How far would you go for greatness?
June 23, 2025
I was excited to listen to the audiobook Break Me Down by Anna Downes when I saw it had a full cast. It follows an actress, Georgia, who moves to LA to pursue her acting career and then meets Henry and starts taking classes at “the studio”. This psychological drama quickly escalates as Georgia becomes obsessed with her studio work. All the narrators (there’s 11!) did a fine job. I’d say overall it felt quite over the top and dramatic but maybe that’s just the nature of this actor storyline and the audiobook production was good but sometimes the narrator’s performances took me out of the story especially the acting coach Marianna. The bonus conversation at the end with the author and some of the narrators was interesting.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for my ALC!
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for my ALC!
June 25, 2025
I love the idea of audio thrillers that incorporate sounds and different voices. I thought the audio was really well done on this one through the first 2/3rd. After that it dropped out a little with the variety of different soundscapes. The problem I had with this audiobook was the actual story. It was very boring and didn't feel like a thriller at all. The acting scenes were soooo long. And the message on Georgia's answering machine must got very old.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.
July 11, 2025
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the set up of this story with many different narrators and effects that make it feel like a movie! I felt my attention drifting at times but it picked up at certain points towards the end. I enjoyed the concept though. All about what people will do for fame and at what costs. I would recommend if you like mysteries and thrillers but I did prefer her other books personally.
I really liked the set up of this story with many different narrators and effects that make it feel like a movie! I felt my attention drifting at times but it picked up at certain points towards the end. I enjoyed the concept though. All about what people will do for fame and at what costs. I would recommend if you like mysteries and thrillers but I did prefer her other books personally.
November 30, 2025
Wanted to like this more than I did. It’s a really well-produced audiobook, and the story builds tension so effectively through its structure in particular. But, without spoilers, it just didn’t go…anywhere really for me.
June 7, 2025
Not sure what I just listened to…that bad
August 19, 2025
Wow, I was blown away by this exclusive original from Macmillan audio. For now, Break Me Down is only available via audio. This was an incredible multi-cast narration that had sound effects and a podcast woven into the story. I listened at 1.75x.
What I enjoyed:
Psychological thriller
Sound effects
Fabulous narration
Riveting
Break Me Down was an intense psychological thriller that had my heart racing. I could not stop listening! The story felt so realistic…like experiencing all the emotions the characters felt.
According to author Downes, the story is based on a real case, which she discloses during a 50-minute post-show conversation included in the recording. Which might explain why the story felt real. I highly recommend this audiobook. It will be a favorite for me this year!
Thank you to @macmillian.audio for the gifted audiobook and the opportunity to preview this book. All opinions are my own.
July 13, 2025
This novel was a struggle for me. The idea of giving myself up to faith and allowing control of myself to someone else is truly baffling. Letting someone to tear you to shreds in the name of growth, for any reason, makes no sense and seems highly unhealthy. Huh, I guess that's why I never became an actor.
As well, the audiobook production was very off-putting for me. I enjoyed the highly talented cast of characters, with each character having a separate actor/narrator reading. However the random and occasional background noises -- rifling pages, door slam, footsteps, a strange whistle -- did not enhance the experience. Rather the "are they trying to make it sound more like a play?" effort was clunky and removed me completely from the story each time.
I think if you're an actor, or trying to be, you might find this seeking validation and becoming ensnared in a coaching-workshopping cult story interesting and perhaps even intriguing. For the rest of us, it's too much. Like "are you okay?" too much. I could not sympathize or relate, not at all.
As well, the audiobook production was very off-putting for me. I enjoyed the highly talented cast of characters, with each character having a separate actor/narrator reading. However the random and occasional background noises -- rifling pages, door slam, footsteps, a strange whistle -- did not enhance the experience. Rather the "are they trying to make it sound more like a play?" effort was clunky and removed me completely from the story each time.
I think if you're an actor, or trying to be, you might find this seeking validation and becoming ensnared in a coaching-workshopping cult story interesting and perhaps even intriguing. For the rest of us, it's too much. Like "are you okay?" too much. I could not sympathize or relate, not at all.
June 17, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3!
Meh. Overall I think advertising this as a thriller is an extreme disservice to this book and will likely result in a lot of missed expectations. The podcast elements of this were very well done and immersive and I enjoyed the full cast of narrators, but the story itself just fell pretty flat for me. If you enjoy romance stories and plots about child stars as adults, you may enjoy this one.
Meh. Overall I think advertising this as a thriller is an extreme disservice to this book and will likely result in a lot of missed expectations. The podcast elements of this were very well done and immersive and I enjoyed the full cast of narrators, but the story itself just fell pretty flat for me. If you enjoy romance stories and plots about child stars as adults, you may enjoy this one.
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