The Dropouts

by Liv Parkinson, Vivian Oparah (Narrator)

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.

Genres: Fiction

Audiobook

Published July 14, 2025

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great piece of storytelling. I haven’t been this inclined to actually write a review in a while. I’m not even sure how to describe it… like a beautifully written acid trip dipped in dark chocolate academia? A punk pub crawl through wonderland? Eh, whatever, it was brilliant and I really hope there’s more to come.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ for this messy trip

[Selina Griffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

narrated very well but...I dunno this just didnt do it for me despite a promising beginning, I just didnt seem to enjoy the story for some reason.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, although the plot twist toward the end felt unbelievable and a bit silly, like it was thrown in just to say it had one. I think the book would have been far better without it.
Still, the writing was good and the plot moved along at a good pace, so I didn't want to stop listening to it. The story really grabs you and doesn't let go.

[Bronte Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another audible freebie. Different to what i normally read but i didnt mind it! The audio was great with different character voices, eery music when needed, suspense pauses where if i read there would be none of that. Gotta love a English accent. Group of uni students are asked to participate in a drug trial that helps with anxiety and depression. Shit gets weird. Catnip. Cats earwax. OD. Hallucinating. Waking up on roofs. Lady Maryam is pictured in my head as professor quirrell.
Good little twist at the end. Not needed at all but good.

[Sami Danley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this listen. Interesting plot with a main character I could root for. In short, troubled youth seek redemption and a last chance to stay in school by taking LSD to tap into their potential. I didn't love the ending, but that's only because it's a cliffhanger and as of right now, there is no sequel.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, Shocking, great storytelling. Riviting. engaging. The narration is perfect, giving credence to the tale. Really worth the read or listen. Drug trials gone wrong

[Trish B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great listen. Something completely different that kept me on edge in a good way.

[Dav Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. The premise is interesting and quite different. Catnip…! A great audiobook if you have an audible subscription.