Surprisingly good! I really loved it
The story was good and I loved the closeness of the theatre folk, and the strong female characters.
I have liked watching and listening to Michael Ball for years, now I can truthfully say I like reading his work as well!
Thank you netgalley and thank you Michael for taking the chance on this book.

The Empire is the gorgeous debut novel by musical theatre superstar Michael Ball. As someone who has been a huge fan of Michael’s for many years, I jumped at the chance to read and review an advanced copy of his debut novel. But I must admit I did feel a little bit of trepidation going in as I was more than aware that just because Michael is an amazing entertainer and all round nice guy, it didn’t mean he would be able to put pen to paper and write a novel I would want to read. But thankfully I needn’t have worried as The Empire is everything I hoped it would be and more, the story mesmerising as Michael brings the glitz, glamour and romance of the theatre vividly to life.

Michael Ball has written an enchanting story that had me enthralled from beginning to end. The perfect book to lose yourself in at the end of a long day, The Empire has everything you could possibly need from an historical romance. With a large and varied cast of memorable characters you can’t help but fall in love with, The Empire is a moving and uplifting read that once started you do not want to put down. Michael’s writing is delightful as he instantly transports you to post World War 1 England and the glitz and glamour of a world he obviously knows so much about.

A must read for any lover of musical theatre, The Empire is a fantastic read with twists, turns, well drawn characters and sharp, witty dialogue that flows easily on the page. Theatre, romance, glitz and glamour, The Empire has it all! But it also has a more serious side, with gentle, poignant moments that will make your heart ache as the story propels you forward, the author’s trademark warmth, wit and charisma coming through with every word. I adored this enchanting debut novel and look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

Michael Ball’s debut novel is a magical, gorgeously written historical novel that I would highly recommend. I loved it!

Oh, my, the trepidation I felt starting this book. It’s one thing to have high hopes for an unknown author or even a sequel, but when there is a (one-sided) love affair with the author (Lol), it’s a whole new ‘BALL’ game! (Get it? Lol)
Anyway, it was completely unfounded. The book was magnificent. I loved it.

Michael beautifully takes you on a magical journey through the glitz and glamour of The Empire and into the lives of its many delightful and intriguing characters. And boy, are they intriguing. I thought Jack would be my favourite, but there was a gorgeous surprise. This one character is devious and seemingly ruthless, but it’s … well, I’m not saying anymore. You will have to read it for yourself.

The book is packed to the rafters with romance, scandal, humour and drama.
And surprises that left me gasping in shock. (In a good way). Amazing. Simply amazing.

Honestly, I could say so much more, but I don’t want to spoil this for you. If you love war heroes, theatre, romance and drama, read The Empire.
Or, if you love Michael Ball, buy the audio because the author is also the narrator.
Buy yourself a ticket (aka book) and watch (read) the drama unfold before your very eyes.

Thank you, NetGalley & Bonnier Books UK, for the eArc in return for an honest review. I’m deeply sorry for being late with writing my review.

If you enjoy theatrical mysteries you will be drawn to this novel. It’s the 1920s, and men are returning from the great war including Jack Treadwell who applies for a job as a doorman at the theatre, despite knowing little about theatre generally. Sir Barnabas Lassiter has died and the patriarch's second wife, a former actress has left The Empire in the hands of Edmund Lassiter along with all the other family businesses. It took me a while to get into the story as there are rather a lot of characters to be introduced but I got there and was mesmerised. There are plenty of secrets to be revealed. Michael Ball writes with an assurance that shows he knows his subject and the plotting was good. The life of an old theatre struggling to rekindle its glory days is beautifully portrayed all with an omnipresent undercurrent of danger. A masterfully crafted tale bringing the reader to an unexpected finish.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Bonnier, Zaffre via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Michael Ball must be the most delightful, sincere, kind, good natured person in the public eye and his personality shines through in his debut novel The Empire. This is a gift of a book, an easy, heartwarming read with well delienated characters and a detailed background. A beautiful story of theatreland in the 1920s, I just hope there is a follow up book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story, more than I expected. I am not normally a fan of historical fiction however this was written in a way that was empathetic to the era yet with a modern readability to it.

Razzle dazzle! Loved this read!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

First of all, I liked the way this book was structured. The various sections are named as if they were parts of a play from the overture and beginners call, through the various acts to the interval, finale and the curtain calls.

There is a large cast of characters who I admit were at first difficult to keep in my head. There is a cast list at the beginning which would be very helpful with a physical copy but not as easy with kindle. However, I soon got to know the main players, notably Jack the stage door manager who works his way up to company manager, Grace the assistant to the theatre manager Alexander Mangrave, theatre owner Lady Lillian Lassiter, Billy Barlow a music hall performer, Usher Barton the director and so many more.

There is a lot going all in this book and we get to see all aspects of theatre life from backstage, to performers, to front of house to patrons. We get to see how a theatre production arrives at the smooth show we see on stage. It’s not all plain sailing backstage with drama, danger, secrets, tantrums and under-handedness. But there’s friendship, loyalty, determination, dedication and love too. With the book taking place post WW1, we see the continuing effects of the war on people both physically and mentally. In some of the most damaged characters we see courage and willingness to speak up for what is right.

Michael Ball has packed a lot into his story and it’s written with the good-natured and cheerful humour I associate with him. His own insight into the theatre business has been used to good effect in the book. His love for the theatre industry is clear. With glitz and glamour, twists and turns I think this would make a terrific Sunday evening period drama if it was adapted for tv. As a book, I found it a really warm and entertaining read. I hope the curtain rises again at The Empire and we get to find out what happens next for Jack and Grace and the whole cast.

I wasn’t sure if this debut novel would be successful but it skilfully drew me in. I quickly became into with the varied cast of characters which include all levels of society. There is a sense of glamour but also time and place. I really enjoyed it and have no hesitation in recommending it.

What a lovely story this is. They say you should write about what you know and so here we have Michael Ball setting his first novel in the theatre. I felt it was great to get a glimpse at the happenings behind the curtain, all the people it takes to put on a show. The cast of characters here is great, from the theatre owner to the doorman we meet them all. This book is like Sunday evening television - warm and cosy. While the story itself is predictable enough I think it has the capacity to appeal a wide audience, and deservedly so. For me this is a four ⭐️ book. Many thanks to #NetGalley for my advanced copy of this.

Lots of fun, this historic crime novel has a cast of entertaining characters who you will enjoy meeting.

Set in 1922., Jack Treadwell returns from Europe. His parents are dead, and he's looking for a job. He ends ou as doorman at The Empire. It looks like a fun and lively place to work, but there are troubles ahead with a rival theatre owner trying to close it down.
There are scandals, cover ups, dodgy dalings - Jack and assistant manager Grace have to deal with it all, and even put on their own show.
Secrets are uncovered, and with every book set in theatreland, despite all the wrangling, the show must, and does go on.
A fun read.

A banner day for musical theatre fans, as National Treasure and star performer Michael Ball throws his creative energies into his debut novel. He’s obviously listened to the first rule of novel writing by writing what he knows and bringing us The Empire, an historical novel set in the golden age of music hall and musical theatre.

The fact that this is historical fiction really appeals to me – I love that inter-war period, as the gloom of WW1 moves aside and the effects of the Depression have not yet been felt, and Michael Ball beautifully evokes the glitz and glamour of this period.

You can really tell that the author is involved in the theatre as there is so much detail about the workings of the eponymous theatre and there is the sense of reverence that can only come from someone who knows how lucky they are to work in such an environment.

I really loved the ‘Let’s Put on a Show!’ atmosphere of this book, the sense of community and ‘mucking in’ as The Empire’s family try to save the theatre from the clutches of a rival entrepreneur who has his eyes on buying the theatre out from under its present owners.

BUT! Just when things are on the up, interference from within threatens everything – perhaps even the theatre itself…

I felt that there was just an overlying charm and nostalgia about this book. I don’t know if this is what’s happening, but I could hear Michael Ball’s voice so clearly in this – I wonder if he’s doing the audiobook??

I read this as a Michael Ball fan and thoroughly enjoyed this theatrical romp. Great characters in Jack and Grace. A twist I didn't see coming. Rivalry, thuggery, comedy, romance - a bit of everything. A great read and always good to see good and bad receive what they deserve. Well done to Mr Ball on an excellent debut. #netgalley #TheEmpire #MichaelBallBook

i wasn''t sure what to expect from this. i was pleasantly surprised how much it drew me in.
The Empire is a theatre that was given to Lady Lassiter by her husband Barnaby. Barnaby has recently died and his baronet title has passed to his nephew, Edmund. Edmund is not the nicest of people and doesn't treat people well.
Jack Treadwell has arrived in town after a delayed return home from the Great War. His mother had told him to look up Lady Lassiter as she used to work with her.
He ends up at the theatre looking for a job, which he gets. He is drawn into the world of the theatre and particularly the manager's assistant, Grace.
When another theatre owner causes problems, they step up and something fantastic happens.
A lovely read for a debut.

What a stunning book! Lovely characters and a real sense of the thrill of the theatre from an author who really knows. I loved the passion of the characters for their craft and the old theatre they were trying to save. Yes it was all a bit romanticised, but you don't read a book like this for gritty realism. A lovely warm book.

Anyone who enjoys theatre or theatrical mysteries will be drawn to this book. It’s the 1920s, and men are returning from the great war, scarred and mutilated, whether you can see the damage or not. With nothing better to do, Jack tries for a job as a doorman at the theatre, knowing little about the theatre, and nothing about the power struggles going on in local business behind the scenes. Will the Lassiters comes to terms with the old lord’s death, will the new one take over the reins, or will he bodge his responsibilities like Jack knew he did in the war? There are plenty of secrets to be revealed!

Michael Ball writes with an assurance that shows he knows his plotting, his characters, and he loves them all. We love them all, even the baddies. The Empire is beautifully portrayed, with the life of an old theatre struggling to rekindle its glory days, and the many characters within it all hoping to hang on to their dreams. I found it amusing that in creating the musical that the cast hope will put them back on their feet, he describes a plot that has so many twists it is almost a parody of the book itself. Does it reflect the book’s plot, no. But it revisits old flames, uncovers hidden pasts, and reunites loves that went astray by accident or misadventure. And all with an undercurrent of dangerous business afoot.

By modern standards, I think it is a slightly over-the-top cosy mystery. But it reeks of the 1920s, when excess was what everyone wanted, to escape from the horrors of the previous decade. So it becomes–very fittingly–a period piece, masterfully crafted. It’s a roller-coaster ride that keeps you on your toes, and brings you to an unexpected finish. Well… and the expected conclusion. And above all it’s great fun!

The book is set in the 1920s and revolves around the Empire, a theatre whose future is in jeopardy.
Jack Treadwell has come back to England after an extended stay in France, being presumed dead in the Great War. His parents have died but left a message for him to contact Lady Lassiter who his mother used to work with many years ago.
Jack arrives at the Empire in the middle of a rehearsal and is mesmerised and knows he wants to now work there.
The book was quite slow to start but keep with it as it suddenly speeds up and carries the reader with the different plot lines. I would imagine this will be a popular book with Michael Ball fans and will be the first is a series about the Empire.

1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters - both on stage and behind the scenes. There's stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there's cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on. When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire's future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings.
I love the author so when I saw it was available on NetGalley I grabbed it but with some trepidation as very often celebrity books fall short. However I loved this book, the author conveyed his deep love & enthusiasm of the theatre. The characters have depth but there are a lot of them – there is a list at the beginning to help, I found I had to reread the first couple of chapters to sort everyone. I loved the mix of mystery & romance & found the pages flew by. A very good debut novel & I look forward to more
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Such a lovely story. It was easy to find yourself engrossed into the story, the love and passion for all thing theatre really shines through the pages.
A great mix of romance and mystery, it kept me enthralled throughout.
A really enjoyable read

Thank you so much for this ARC. I’m a big fan of Michael Ball, so couldn’t wait to read his book. It took a few chapters to get into the book, but once the show was being put together, the characters coming to life it was a delight to read.