I could not put the book down, it’s so refreshing and original, and a classic case of advice to new authors - write about what you know. And Michael did just that! Fantastic, I really hope we will revisit The Empire at some time in the future, as I’m not ready to leave this wonderful and eminently likeable cast behind. I so hope that the characters will rise like a Phoenix, along with The Empire theatre, from the ashes. Highly recommended. but its has to be myriad of characters associated with the empire that draws you in and its a story that you lose yourself in The Empire came up on NetGalley’s list, and I liked the sound of it. With other celebrity authors, though, I’ve had trouble getting rid of their voice. Would Michael Ball be different? The only way to find out is to read it. I’m definitely keen to follow up more into this series though and hope there will be more to come! Now I know the characters it might make reading the next one a little easier!

The Empire by Michael Ball | Goodreads The Empire by Michael Ball | Goodreads

I am not sure if I read a story or watched a play. As I was reading through, I could imagine all the scenes (and acts) in my head. The glitz, the glamour, gossip and rumor, villains (well, every story must have one, right?) and a dash of romance, this book is an absolute masterpiece. It's very well written and you feel as though you are experiencing the theatrical era in which it is set and the characters are three dimensional and interesting. Having enjoyed Michael Ball’s singing and presenting skills for many years, I was excited to hear he had written his first novel and I was eager to read it. The story has a bit of everything in it, so it is a romance, a mystery, it has loss and regret and hope for the future. Set between the wars in the 1920s this has the glamour and glitz of the music hall and variety shows. This is where the author really did work his magic so well. There were several times when I got goosebumps reading this book. Whether it be the cast getting a scene right, someone singing and dancing at an unexpected moment or when the cue for the show is called. The emotions and feelings that this book oozed were spo0t on for me. There's an ailing theatre, villains and the dash of fairy dust that you'd expect if you've ever listed to Michael Ball!Whilst I don't think it being written by such a well loved and respected all round entertainer {and reputedly one of the nicest people you could wish to meet} as Ball can do any harm, I genuinely thought The Empire a pleasant read. OK, so the writing isn't what I'd describe as the most accomplished, the story is something of a slow burner and there are a lot of characters {referenced to at the front of the book} introduced in a short space of time which can be problematic if you aren't on the ball {no pun intended} as whilst they may initially appear insignificant, some have a larger part to play overall, however ... Zaffre, the commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is to publish the debut novel from musical theatre star Michael Ball this autumn. Sarah Bauer, editorial director of Zaffre and Kate Parkin, managing director of Adult Trade Publishing, acquired world all language rights in a two-book deal from Gordon Wise and Alastair Lindsey-Renton at Curtis Brown.

The Empire by Michael Ball - Jemima Pett Book Review | The Empire by Michael Ball - Jemima Pett

The Empire by Michael Ball is a charming, captivating, majestic, electrifying, exciting and dazzling masterpiece. I know I used a lot of adjectives here but this wonderful piece of work deserves all the praises in the whole wide world. Michael Ball's brings all his theatrical experience to his debut novel as we are introduced to 'The Empire', a wonderful theatre whose future is in jeopardy. I have been a Michael Ball fan for over thirty years, seen him in many shows and concerts, so when I saw he had written a book I had to read it. But I wanted to read it as if it was by someone I’ve never heard of. Not easy, but just decided I would read it on its own merits I would either like it hate it or live it. So which was it. This is a fabulous story and one that I really adored. It has the razzmatazz and the glamour, it also has the shady and the undesirable, but all the way through this story the feeling of "the show must go on" is one that resonated with me. No matter what the pitfalls there is always something to work toward, whether it is in the belief of others around you or accepting that you are capable of being successful, there is always a glimmer of the possible.I have liked watching and listening to Michael Ball for years, now I can truthfully say I like reading his work as well! Although I found this to be a well written and informative novel about the world of theatre it sadly left me feeling unmoved, failing to hold my interest and I will not be reading the sequel. Don’t let me put you off reading this though, as if you are a fan of Michael Ball and the world of theatre, it will probably appeal to you.