“UK-born, Australia-domiciled Downes’ latest is (for now) available only on audio, impressively produced with a full cast enhanced with a complementary, convincing soundtrack and soundscapes.”—Booklist (starred review)

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.

“Break Me Down isn’t your average audiobook—it’s dark, dazzling, and absolutely addictive. Anna Downes drags you backstage into a world of ambition, manipulation, and theatrical mind games…. I binged it in a day and loved every twisted minute.”—Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of Darling Girls

“A whip-smart, razor-sharp look behind the glossy veneer of Hollywood, Break Me Down is the definition of bingeworthy: ingeniously plotted, wholly propulsive, and deliciously addictive. I was sucked in from the word go and couldn’t tear myself away! Juicy, dramatic, bold, and utterly original, Downes has crafted another masterpiece.”—May Cobb, bestselling author of The Hunting Wives

“Immersive and chilling, Break Me Down blends the novel with the radio play to delicious effect—an absolute must for audio addicts everywhere.”—Candice Fox, award-winning author of Crimson Lake, Redemption Point, Gone By Midnight, and Gathering Dark

An audio original from Macmillan Audio.