The Empire

The Empire is a romp of a read. Often historical fiction books can be long and drawn out but not this one.

The large cast of characters keep you interested throughout without you getting lost in a who's who for each segment you read. The audiobook is read by Michael himself who, ever the performer, does a fantastic job of bringing you in to each scene and character in a way that can be hard with such a large number of characters.

This book is sad, happy, funny and romantic all rolled into one. It is set in 1920s Highgate and I can't tell you how nice it was to hear a story set in Northern England with Northern accents.

This really was a pleasure to listen to.

Loved this book and no idea its was THAT Michael ball until I started listening. I'm so grateful to be given this book because it was such a wonderful story and brought to life so brilliant by his narration. I listened to this from start to finish because I just had to know what woukd happen.

I was excited to listen to this audiobook read by Michael Ball! It is a well written novel, with punchy dialogue that rings true, and the descriptive writing brings the scenes to life.
A book that stands out from the crowd. The characters and the setting are written exceptionally well.

First of all, I'll just say that this was the audiobook that was narrated by Michael Ball and I must say that it was a pleasure to listen to him for 11 hours.

When I first heard that he was releasing a book based around the theatre I knew I had to read it. As a massive theatre and Historical Fiction fan it made me excited. The Empire didn't disappoint. Apparently with the print version there's a list of characters which I could have done with. There's so many and a lot to keep up with. Its a bit slow at first but it really makes up for it in the second half. You're drawn into life at the theatre, the putting together of a show, the drama the romance. The Empire has it all. Can't wait for the next visit to The Empire.

If someone had asked me what kind of book Michael Ball would write, I think I would have described this novel. Romantic with tons of show biz sparkle but very clean cut. Just like the writer himself. In this novel, our hero is Jack Treadwell. He's back home after several years away, firstly due to WW1 and then trying to find his place in the world after those horrors. Both of his parents died just before his return, and it's fair to say he's drifting. But fate leads him to the Empire, a dazzling theatre. He's quickly enthralled by the glamour of the setting and its residents, not least of all the cool headed Grace Hawkins who works diligently behind the scenes. But local rivalries threaten the very existence of the theatre. Can Jack save the theatre he's fallen in love with?

It's a great novel, not too taxing and very enjoyable. Imagine Downton Abbeyesque drama but set in a theatre. Michael Ball narrates the audiobook and does a very fine job. It's easy to forget when he rolls up every Christmas that he's a very good actor, too, and this comes across in his characters' voices superbly. His enthusiasm is infectious, so even the most cynical (like me) can't help but be swept up by the glamour.

This was a treat to listen to on audio. It sounded as though Michael poured all his emotion and personality into this narration - his character voices were fantastic and some really made me smile - especially his female ones.
He is writing about what he knows - the stage and performing - and this really shows. Plenty of detail in the workings of the theatre and in the characters of the lovies.
I missed out on being on the blog tour for this one so really pleased I got the chance to listen top this one on Netgalley.
Really hope that he writes another book.

lovee literature if there was ever such a genre, based around the 1920's theatre world. Set in 1920's the story is set in a depressive dark time however the theatre world is alive and vibrant. Nice read and some lovable characters telling the story of saving the theatre and restoring to its former glory. The plot is well thought out and characters explained as you move through the book it all develops nicely into a well structured novel. Surprising little book. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

I’m so glad I requested this as an audiobook as Michael Ball narrates it himself and he does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, plus as the author he reads the story as it was written which can sometimes be a bit off with a separate narrator.

If you love theatre and historical fiction then this is for you, it takes you right into that word and is completely immersive. It was a pleasure to listen to. The only issue I had was there were a lot of chats there introduced early on and it was difficult to keep track of who was who. That does become easier as the book goes on but like someone else said, the character list included with the print edition would have made that a lot easier.

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. 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 read the ebook of this lovely novel but couldn’t resist listening to the audiobook, narrated by the author himself. Was I disappointed? – no. Did he bring it to life? Absolutely. The book starts slowly but there were quite a few characters to introduce, the pace increases & the climax is riveting. The book is full of warmth & Michael’s rich honeyed tones make it often spellbinding – I could listen to him all day. Not a short listen at nearly twelve hours but worth every minute
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily listened to

One thing to know about me is that I absolutely love the 20s. I find that decade absolutely fascinating and love to read anything and everything that's set in the period of time. Needless to say that when I saw this audiobook on NetGalley, I just had to request it! And wow this book did not disappoint!

It narrates the story of Jack Treadwell, coming back to the UK after years trying spent in France to recover from the atrocities of the first world war. Coming back into his hometown, he decides to honor his mother's dying wish and gets a job working at a magnificent theater. In no time, he becomes everyone's friends and keeps getting promoted!
This was a fun story about a nobody who just randomly gets a job, discovers a passion for theater and just runs with it. A historical fiction, with of course a dash of romance, sprinkles of drama, just how we like it, and just a spoonful of mystery.
The characters were fun, but still intriguing and very much endearing. You couldn't help but root for them all. The plot was a bit slow at first, but once you get into it, you can't stop reading, you just get more and more invested in the story.

And the audiobook, wow, what an experience! I admit, I did not know who Michael Ball was when I first started reading, but boy am I glad he decided to narrate his own book. This is one of book I'll definitely say is more appreciated if you listen to it. Ball is a narration master, from the different voices he was able to take, the tempo and the emotions he made me feel, it was just magnificent. I usually get bored if there's only one narrator, but in this case, I was hooked from beginning to end.

All in all, a great and entertaining historical fiction that I only recommend you listening to if you have the chance!

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier UK audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.