Conditioned

De: Amanda Russo

Narrado por: Raven Wildewood, Michael Gallagher

How long does it take for captivity to feel like home?

Tory knew Carl was odd—the meticulous clothes, the creepy smile, the strange coffee orders—but she never imagined how dangerous he truly was until she woke up trapped in an exact replica of The Daily Grind—her own workplace, methodically recreated by the man she always thought of as harmless, if a little strange. Her job hasn't changed: serve Carl coffee, day after horrifying day, following his rigid routine. But this time, any mistake could cost her her life.

As days pass, she sees other abductees in Carl’s carefully crafted world who've already lost the fight, conditioned to accept their captivity without question. Tory isn’t going to be like the others, though. She can’t let Carl break her—but if she can't escape soon, she risks losing herself to his chilling vision of the perfect life.

With each passing moment, escape seems less likely, and compliance seems easier. But giving in means losing herself forever…

Discover why listeners can’t stop talking about Amanda Russo’s chilling psychological thriller—an addictive and unforgettable ride into the dark depths of human psychology.

©2025 Amanda Russo (P)2025 Blue Nose Publishing, Amanda Russo

Psychological Thriller

A psychological thriller that had my mind whirling with different scenarios. This was a new genre for me, so I did not really know what to expect. Told in duet narration by Raven Wildewood and Michael Gallagher, they voiced multiple characters throughout the story and set the tone needed to push the fear-factor.

Pretty quickly, there is this creepy vibe that settles over the storyline, creating the illusion that something is seriously off. Think Norman Bates. The FMC is taken from the coffee shop she works at during a snowstorm only to awaken in an exact replica. Disoriented and clueless to how she escaped her attacker, she soon realized things are not how they seem and that she’s not the only one who’s been abducted. Follow the rules, get conditioned, or suffer the consequences.

Conditioned is a story of survival and heartbreak. It’s a psychological thriller that will have you guessing at every turn. The hair-raising predicaments these characters find themselves in are nerve-wracking, heartbreaking, and intense.

READ THE TW's

Flat White for Creepy Carl!

Conditioned by Amanda Russo is a dark psychological thriller centered on obsession, control, and the dangers of being unseen in plain sight. The story follows a young woman whose quiet life is interrupted by a growing sense of unease that quickly turns into something far more dangerous. Though the overall direction of the plot is easy to anticipate, the story sustains unease by leaning into psychological tension rather than shock.

The narrative alternates between multiple points of view, which adds context and urgency as the situation escalates. Watching events unfold from both inside and outside the captivity creates a sense of helplessness and frustration, particularly as suspicion and misinformation complicate the search. The story explores power dynamics and entitlement in a way that feels unsettling, even when the direction of the plot becomes clear.

The audiobook narration is a major strength. The duet performance by Raven Wildewood and Michael Gallagher enhances the emotional impact and keeps the listener engaged. Raven Wildewood conveys fear and resilience effectively, while Michael Gallagher’s restrained delivery makes his character especially chilling. Although some secondary voices could have been more distinct, the narration overall elevates the experience and makes this a compelling listen despite its predictability.

I wasn't allowed to insult Blaine

I listened to the audio alongside the ebook. Both narrators were new to me but I liked them both they did a very good job. Definitely an interesting concept for the book, predictable but still entertaining. I did repeatedly hear in my head "Carllllll that kills people..." This is a story where I would definitely recommend the audiobook version- as the narrators gave very good performances. Blaine's character deserves to be insulted though, he could have used a few brain cells but he meant well. (However just like real life meaning well isn't a get out of jail free card)

When survival is the only choice

Dark, chilling, and deeply unsettling in the best way. Conditioned pulls you into a psychological nightmare where control, manipulation, and survival are at the forefront—and it does not let go.
The duet narration by Raven Wildewood & Michael Gallagher is absolutely gripping. Their performances elevate the tension, making every moment feel claustrophobic and intense. You can feel the fear, the conditioning, and the slow unraveling of power as the story unfolds.
This is not a light listen—it’s heavy, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged. If you love dark suspense with psychological depth and twists that keep your heart racing, this one will stick with you long after the final chapter.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Perfect for listeners who enjoy:
• Dark psychological suspense
• Power imbalance & mind games
• Chilling atmosphere
• Duet narration that hits hard