Memoirs of a Lyrical Man: A Sci-Fi Fantasy Through History

by Steven Templar

In 2014, Jay Hagaki's life as a famous actor and musician is filled with fame and fortune. But when a brush with death sends him back to 2007, the world of celebrity fades, replaced by a seemingly average life—until the danger and intrigue begin.

Hunted by shadowy forces, Hagaki is sent on a wild ride, taking him deep into the unknown. Amidst the chaos, he's drawn to a woman who haunts his dreams, her connection to his life a tantalizing mystery.

While the present and the future tango in his brain, memories of an ancient life resurface to join the dance. Do these memories hold the key to a cryptic puzzle that threatens to consume him?

In this electrifying time-traveling, historical thriller / urban fantasy, Jay Hagaki will stop at nothing to escape his relentless pursuers, uncover his past's secrets, and discover a love that transcends time. Dive into Steven Templar's mesmerizing debut novel, "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man," and embark on an epic journey in the Tapestry of Time.

Genres: Time Travel, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2023

About the author

Hey there. I'm Steven Templar! My first novel, "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man," released in 2023 after bouncing around in my head for decades. Since then, I've released its sequel, It's Now or Never, another action packed urban fantasy.

In 2025, I released my first cozy mystery, Killer Deals at Mayview Mall. Fans of whodunnits and pop culture nostalgia- this is the book for you.

When I'm not writing, I enjoy nature, a good coffee, reading, and classic sitcoms.

Some of my fav authors are Robert Ludlum, Anne Rice, Jack Kerley, the Expanse authors, and Jim Butcher.

Reviews

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Memoirs of a Lyrical Man (Tapestry of Time Book 1)
Author: Steven Templar

Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 5/5

Of the 15 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 2 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
12 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“Jay’s an interesting character and fun to root for. I loved the mystery and trying to work out what was going on. The pacing is strong, and the plot is cleverly constructed.” Male reader, aged 54
“A good thriller, the sort where there’s always something happening. You’ll never be bored reading this. It’s a little confusing in parts but possibly it’s the result of the hero being confused and it’s first person (POV). Possibly the author is planning to ‘help’ the reader more in book two. I hope so. But I enjoyed this rollercoaster ride very much, and I will be hunting out the sequel.” Female reader, aged 67
“Loved Hagaki – he’s a FAB protagonist, Also, very impressed by the editing. I didn’t spot any errors. A little let down by the character development of other, secondary characters – I didn’t get to know them at all. Still, as a fast-paced thriller, it’s spot on.” Male reader, aged 44
“A well-written mix of mystery and romance topped off with a hefty dollop of ‘time-travel thriller’. I will be hunting out the next book.” Female reader, aged 39

To Sum It Up:
‘If you enjoy fast-paced, time-travelling thrillers, this is for you. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Gina Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a creative and captivating book! This story follows Hagaki as he gradually recalls his past lives, creating an intriguing sense of suspense that builds with each chapter. With its blend of science fiction, thriller elements, and a hint of romance, the book offers a diverse and exciting reading experience. What sets this book apart is its well-developed characters and intricate storyline. Each character adds depth to the narrative, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The inclusion of time travel adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, making it even more intriguing. The author's writing style is both engaging and accessible. Definitely a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking book. Its creative premise, well-crafted characters, and compelling storyline make it a standout in the genre. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Tim O'Shaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are broadly two types of debut novels. There are those that are rough around the edges as the new author gets to grip with the practice of writing and may be in a rush to get the book out to test reaction to it. There are plenty of established authors who look back wistfully at their first effort and might like to forget about it. At the other end of the spectrum are authors like Steven, who don’t want to rush things, but will take many years (in this case 10 years) to hone a story and make sure they are happy with it before it goes out into the world.
I can certainly believe that the book was tinkered with over a long period. The hero jumps between a number of time zones and this happens without warning, but I guess that time travel would be like that. The book does tap into some people’s experience when under hypnosis of revealing what happened to them in a past life, so it doesn’t feel unrealistic.
As the main character, Hagaki carries the focus of the story well and the cast of other characters can have you asking yourself whether they will turn into baddies at some point.
I spread the reading over a number of days and even with the changing time zones, it was easy to pick up where I was in the story, so it kept me hooked and guessing as to how it might end. Of course, with it being clear that this is book 1 of a series, it has to end at a place where it can be continued. I hope it doesn’t take another 10 years.
It’s tight and well written throughout. I think the author will look back on this book in the future with great pride.

[Simone Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unique in every way, it speaks about past life and reincarnation is a very new way. It follows the protagonist's different lives. One life as a Japanese man who ends up with foreigners in a village, then there is the character's life as a Musician and so on. The time jumps can be startling at first but grows to be a very interesting story line with amazing world-building. The first chapter has a very conversational tone that draws you in, as if the protagonist is talking directly and personally to you, and it continues in the book. The flow is a little hard to follow at first, but gets better as you go along. So stick it out. It is well written, and polished well with minimal to no errors.

So all in all, the great things about the book are its world building, the depth of its characters, and the personal dialogue. The quick paced plot and the good format and grammar.

The only downfall would be perhaps, the jarring jump of the time-travelling, the flow of the beginning chapters of the book that get better. All in all it is a very good book that would be ideal for those who love time travel, reincarnation, past lives and things of that nature

[Kimberly Burnstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Lyrical Man by Steven Templar, had me hooked from the beginning. We follow Hagaki through time as he essentially remembers past lives. These revelations come to him slowly, making it mysterious for the reader. Even more interesting are characters woven in to story that seem to also remember his past. There is much much more to it than that, but I don't want to give too much away.

This book has elements of romance, sci-fi/time travel, and thriller. The characters are well developed and the storyline is incredibly creative. This book had me thinking of The Matrix but with more likable characters and the bit of romance (not over the top) more of a possible love interest, adds a new level of dimension.

I was engrossed throughout the story from start to finish. It kept me guessing for the entire read. I highly recommend this book and hope to read more by this talented author.

[Sasha Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! Page Turner for sure, I loved the story the book kept me hooked and eager to finish. Lyrical masterpiece . No spoilers here

You gotta buy it and read it to believe it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked by the intriguing premise and couldn't put it down. Steven Templar has crafted a story that effortlessly blends science fiction with urban fantasy, taking us on a thrilling ride through time and emotions. Jay Hagaki is relatable and engaging, making you root for him as he navigates a world filled with danger and mystery.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because the author's name was Steven Templar, and that's a pretty cool name. The Memoire of a Lyrical Man itself is hard to pin down, because it has so much going for it, but it is attempting to do something that is incredibly difficult, and I don't think it quite hits. I applaud Templar for attempting it, and think it is worth a read simply because of that.
The first thing that came to mind with the feuding time police was, of course, Star Trek Enterprise. If you remember, the first season was set to the backdrop of the time war, and characters from this conflict would appear throughout its four-season run. But the way Jay travels through the story, very much carried by plot, disjointed by the temporal leaps that occur, is more reminiscent of Cloud Atlas.
Though not merely as profound in philosophy, instead it leans more into action. And while the writing lends itself to the quick fast-paced high tension of action scenes, I feel that when dealing with this genre, leaning into the philosophical elements creates a more interesting experience. I feel like maybe I'm ragging on this book a little too much, and I don't mean to, it's just that at points I felt this novel came so close to stepping into that profound place of legend, but it never quite gets there.
The characters are fine, and in any other novel I'd say they were good, but again because of the genre I feel it holds it back more than it would otherwise. Also, the plot lines are very simplistic, again not a problem for most genres, but dealing with this set of story tropes, the expectation is just set a little higher. And so, I'm caught trying to write a review that is honest, to say that this book is pretty good, but next to the giants in which I believe it to be inspired by, it struggles to measure up.
I feel in some ways it's unfair to place it against such giants as Cloud Atlas, but that is the ballroom in which the author has danced, and I respect him immensely for giving it a shot, but it feels a bit like he's doing the foxtrot, while I'm expecting a Ballet, and a part of me feels that I'm just being unfair here, so I am going to give it four stars, because I respect the efforts and it is a good book, and worth giving a shot.

[François G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those past years, I have been reading more self-help books than fiction books and I have developed this special routine to select my fiction books: I go to the Kindle store, allow myself 10 minutes to browse through it, and pick a book just based on its cover and title, without even reading the blurb.

Since I'm open to reading anything from any genre - from romance to adult and science fiction - this is one of the best ways to be surprised. So you know how I came to read this book. I was attracted by its blue cover, the mysterious man turning his back to us as well as those 2 keywords in the title: Memoirs + Lyrical.

As simple as that!

So what did I find in this one? A ride through time!

The story blends historical intrigue with elements of urban fantasy. Not exactly what I'm used to reading but it was part of my reading experience, right?

I had some moments of excitement and the mystery was present. I took pleasure in going through the prologue, which is narrated by the enigmatic "Hagaki". Globally speaking, the writing style was engaging, pulling me into Hagaki's world of uncertainty and danger.

I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Hagaki's surroundings, from the rain-soaked village in China to the mysterious chamber where he meets the enigmatic figure known as One. These scenes were quite immersive and brought the story to life in a way that kept me turning the pages.

Nice! That's for the good points.

Now, maybe I'm missing the code for this genre, but I had a feeling I was lost in too big a cast of characters and complex parallel timelines. It was just too much information. Also, the transitions between scenes were often abrupt. So I was not sure if it was me struggling with the fast-paced plot, or just the plot being too fast-paced. Maybe a bit of both.

Overall, "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man" can offer you good times if you like that genre and are not afraid of a convoluted plot with sometime abrupt transitions.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does time travel and reincarnation in a way that I haven't ever seen before, and that alone makes it worth reading compared to some of the other self-published science fiction and fantasy out there. However, the book was not without some serious flaws, which I'll get into as well.

The Good:

1. Time travel is done really well in this book. The combination of Cloud Atlas-style reincarnation with a First Fifteen Lives of Harry August sized dose of branching timelines really worked well for me.

2. The action scenes. Templar really knows how to make an action scene flow. Chapters in which Hagaki was fighting or running seemed to pass instantaneously because I was so engrossed in the narrative.

3. Worldbuilding with the feuding time police was cool, if a little confusing

4. Lack of spelling and grammar mistakes. There is one incorrectly used homonym that I've highlighted, but otherwise the text is free from errors!

The Bad

1. This book could have been a good 100-200 pages longer. More explanation and foreshadowing of plot events would have been great.

2. Could have done with more connection between the three timelines in the book.

3. Again related to the length, Templar includes a lot characters who have minimal page time. I could have done with either a). fewer characters or b). a longer book to flesh them out a little more.

The Ugly

The lack of depth of pretty much all the characters was a bit hard to swallow for me. Templar certainly tries to give his characters depth (Hagaki's relationship with music, Olivia trying to make her life more interesting), but these attempts feel flat for me. I think this is because the majority of his characters are atomized and groundless. We don't hear anything about either Hagaki or Olivia's family lives for example, or references to memories that they have from this life. It's as if the clock of their experiences begins when the book begins. I found this jarring.

[Tracey Morait · Rating 4 out of 5]

A supernatural saga focusing on Jay Hagaki’s memories of his time in Ancient China and California makes for an interesting, but sometimes puzzling, time travel novel. I say puzzling because what I feel it lacks is the process of the time travel action itself. How does Hagaki move from one time to the next and back again? What triggers it? On the surface, it appears more as a story of reincarnation than time travel. The transition between the historical events in China, where Hagaki, a Japanese immigrant, becomes part of the community and is betrothed to the beautiful daughter of the village chief, who he has pledged to protect from marauders, and then to California, where we see him move from struggling musician to superstar rapper, appears fragmented as you end a chapter in California, then in the next chapter you’re taken back to China. On top of that, Hagaki also develops a Polish heritage somewhere along the way. Yet this is part one of a series and I’m assuming all will become clearer and connected in later volumes.

All that aside, I found Memoirs of a Lyrical Man an enjoyable debut and I like the interaction between Hagaki and Olivia as well as the mystery of the Bank of England note. It’s a well-written piece of fantasy and not too long, you could finish it in one sitting, and despite the unexpected jumps from one timeline to the next, the book flows with good writing and characterisation.

I get that some reviewers don’t rate these types of books being told in the first person, but the title says it’s a memoir, so it concerns the narrator’s memories and as the book is about his journey it makes more sense for it to be told from his point of view.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicky, Kindle Unlimited purchase. Bookroar
Not my usual genre, thought I would give it a try - glad I did!
First of I want to commend the authors flawless writing. I am usually very good at spotting grammatical errors, and I didn't find any. My only bugbear is the author uses 'I' a lot. For example - I went, I saw, I moved. Yes, it is written in first person point of view and therefore 'I' is necessary, but there is ways of restructuring sentences so that the use of I is limited, and this in turn makes the writing more interesting.
The novel has a nice pace, and I would argue that the author's strength lies in characterisation. The characters are well crafted, and the dialogue between characters kept me engaged. As an English reader, I particularly like it when I can hear an American accent. Melissa, with her 'southern drawl' reminded me of the kind of waitress you see in films, working in an American diner, sweet, reliable and cute. I enjoyed her interactions with Hagaki.
I did find it difficult to decipher when Hagaki was time travelling. I do feel like some explanation as to how and why he time travels would have been useful.
The world building was wonderful, particularly when Hagaki was in ancient China, there is a wonderful fight scene and the author executed it well. I could imagine being there, hearing the clunking of swords, the groans of the injured, and Lijuan in a long floaty Chinese gown, perplexed and worried about her love, Hagaki.
Memoirs of a lyrical man has awakened an interest in me to read more science fiction/fantasy, and I would read more from this author in the future.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Lyrical Man, by Steven Templar, is a fascinating and convoluted tale of a man who is haunted by his past lives. First, he lived as a Japanese man, Hagaki, who flees his country and settles in a small Chinese village. Over time, he manages to be accepted by the community despite being a foreigner. He becomes engaged to the governor’s daughter, and fights alongside the governor’s men when the village is attacked.
Then we jump to Hagaki’s life in USA as a superstar, a rapper and singer. Despite his fame and wealth, he has little freedom; not just because of his celebrity, but due to the restrictive contract he signed early in his career. He is dictated what music he will perform and what products he will endorse, and he has no choice in the matter.
Next, we find Hagaki seven years before, when he was an unknown musical hopeful. But this is not a flashback; Hagaki has traveled back in time, and he soon realized that someone is after him. What follows is fast-paced action that leads to a satisfying conclusion.
The story is written in first person. I found the author’s style engaging. My only complaint is that in the first chapters, there were flashbacks that were not clearly delineated, which was confusing when trying to decipher the plot. Nevertheless, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs of a lyrical man is a unique and interesting story with a supernatural/ time travel/ reincarnation element. It was confusing at first because it is not clear what is going on, but once the story kicks up a gear and changes from ancient China to a more present day, we get a bit more of an understanding of what is happening to Hagaki and what he is experiencing. As the book unfolds we realise that Hagaki is in the middle of something huge, something that most of the world knows nothing about. I really liked the idea behind it, but some of the explanations seemed a little thin, and I think they could have been fleshed out more to give the reader a fuller understanding of who/what Tempus is and how its affiliated sects are connected. There as no clear explanation of how the time travel/reincarnation works which I found frustrating.

The writing has a nice flow and the dialogue is worked into the story very well, and even though first person narrative is not my personal favourite, I found Hagaki to be an engaging character. One thing the author does really well is ending a chapter in just the right place to make you want to turn that page and get to the next chapter. This is what really makes a book for me.

Overall a decent read, but I’m still left without fully understanding the whole plot of the book. I’d give it 3.5 stars. (Rounded up to 4)

[Iain Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things attracted me to this novel: the cover and the premise. I love the cover and the premise is just… chef’s kiss. That said, I nearly passed it by because of the title. Though I’m not marking it down any stars for the title, I’d have preferred something snappy to match the crisp, concise writing.

Steven Templar has written a neat twist on the remembering past lives plot, throwing in a little accidental time travel. The how of the time travel isn’t important. It happens all the time, according to the story, only not usually as far as Hagaki travels. Hagaki used to be the main character’s name in his past life, but now, it’s his preferred name. After getting shot while at the top of his music career, Hagaki travels back seven years and meets the love of the life he never had.

That’s just one of the plot threads in this book. It’s a quick read, but throws a tangled ball of wool at the reader and steps through untangling it. Secret societies, people who know him, but he doesn’t know them, people trying to kill him. In his past life, the village is under attack from a rival warlord to the Chinese emperor, and he must save his adopted home. It’s all a solid staple of sci-fi thrillers and I’m here for it.

Told through the main character’s eyes, the two lives punctuate each other almost told in parallel.

Is there scope for more? Absolutely. We’ve barely begun exploring Hagaki’s universe and his other lives. Bring it on, Steven, bring it on.

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is second book by the author which I have read. It is also his debut novel and the first book in his Tapestry of Time series. Regular followers of mine know I am all about a good time-travel tale.

The story itself starts with an engaging look into the ancient past before bouncing back into a modern period with intrigue and mystery. At the center of it is Hagaki. The reader will find themselves questioning who he is, what is going on, why is the narrative shifting around, etc. With short chapters, the book encourages page-turning consumption.

Hagaki knows how all of this plays out as he's telling the tale. Still, he keeps the reader off-balance and even slips in some parts from another character's viewpoints to fill in the story. It makes for a different kind of narrative structure that fits the whole "alternating timelines" aspect of the book. By the same token, he shows his confusion as events are unfolding, thus only revealing the secrets and twists as he experiences them.

And there are definitely secrets and twists. A lot, in fact. So much so, that even when this first book ends the reader is left with as many questions as answers. Good for an ongoing series. Had this been a standalone tale, it could have benefitted from another fifty or so pages. I am certainly going to give the second book a read to see if keeps my attention.

[Ailsa Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive debut from author, Steven Templar, which takes the reader on an intriguing journey from a traditional village in China to the glamour and grit of California and back again. I was initially drawn to the novel because of the time travel element and it doesn't disappoint. The plot is pleasingly well-paced as the reader follows the protagonist, Jay Hagaki, who (unbeknownst to him) is transported back in time after coming close to death. The story begins in China where Hagaki, who is Japanese, meets resistance after hoping to marry the village chief's daughter. Battles and conflicts ensue and Templar skilfully moves the plot through various twist and turns, all the while evoking atmosphere and suspense.
Hagaki finds himself in other realities in various parts of the novel - first as a struggling but hopeful musician trying to keep his head above water and subsequently as a successful celebrity disillusioned with fame and fortune. Templar manages to weave all these different elements together in an engaging blend of fantasy and history without confusing the reader.
Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, deja-vu or fate, this story still offers a heartfelt, universal message about love. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Templar's debut novel, "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man," is a fascinating blend of time travel, historical thriller, and urban fantasy. The story follows Jay Hagaki, a famous actor and musician in 2014, who is transported back to 2007 after a near-death experience. As he adjusts to his new reality, he becomes the target of unknown forces, leading to a thrilling adventure full of danger and intrigue.
Templar skillfully intertwines the present, future, and ancient memories, creating a captivating puzzle that keeps readers engaged. The heart of the story lies in Hagaki's search for a way back to his own time while unraveling the secrets of his past and discovering a timeless love.
Templar's writing style is captivating, immersing the readers in a world where the boundaries of time blur, and every twist and turn adds more layers to a story that transcends conventional genres. "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man" is a mesmerizing debut that offers an epic journey through the Tapestry of Time, inviting readers to indulge in a thrilling fusion of history, fantasy, and the irresistible pull of love across the ages.

[Reid Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb Schizotemporal Sci-fi

The basic premise in “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man” is that Jay Hadaki is essentially a time-traveller. But like Quantum Leap, Doctor Who regeneration, and others… there tends to be a bit of disorientation from lifetime to lifetime. As the story reveals itself, he starts “remembering” past lives… and future ones. He tries to piece together why and how things are happening to him in an action adventure with martial arts, fast cars, secret societies, and eternal and local love interests.

Some parts felt a bit disjointed. Part of this is him jumping between timelines, and part is reader confusion. This may have been intentional, although I already dislike 1st person writing because I have no autonomy to look around and make my own omniscient choices. So this confusion and not being "grounded" as a reader stuff… I'm not a fan, even if I understand what the author was doing. Some of this confusion may also be a tie-in/foreshadowing to events later in the series as well? Not sure. I found myself a little lost in secret societies, but I suspect that’s because I tend to nod off when it comes to faction politics. My favourite part was where Hadaki travels by bus, gets set up in a new town, meets the love interest, Olivia (and Melissa?) makes friends/contacts (Mort/Hannigan) and gets passed “DaVinci Code” notes and sent on a scavenger hunt.

That said, as far as 1st person POVs go, it was better done than most, and the editing was (as far as this nitpicker is concerned) flawless. Or at least I didn’t catch anything, and I usually will notice even a comma out of place.

I’m not sure I’m the right audience for the book, but I try to objectively rate on a technical level rather than what my personal tastes are, and I rarely give five stars. So, I feel like this is a book worthy of high-accolades, even if it’s not my thing and I got a bit glazed in some parts—that’s just my reaction to heavy sci-fi, not the writing. Overall, it was superbly done, and people into this kind of sci-fi and hunted-by-secret-societies fiction will love it.

[Amanda Root · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it's not just another time travel story! The narrative intricately weaves together elements of history, romance, and mystery, creating a captivating read from start to finish.

The protagonist's journey through time, from ancient China to modern-day America, kept me engaged as I eagerly followed along with each twist and turn. The author's writing style is both simple and engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and their experiences.

One aspect that stood out to me was the way memories from the protagonist's past lives are integrated into the story, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. While some may find the transitions between timelines a bit puzzling at times, I found it to be a unique and creative approach to storytelling.

Overall, "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man" is a well-written and enjoyable debut novel. I'm looking forward to diving into the next book in the series to uncover more about the protagonist's past lives and the mysteries surrounding time travel. If you're a fan of time travel fiction with a twist, I highly recommend giving this book a read!

[Sandeep · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts in a village in northern china. Hagaki, A japanese outsider intending to marry the village head's daughter has to protect himself from people against the marriage and also protect the head from barbarians. After Hagaki is injured during an attack, he is mysteriously time transported to USA. Guess what? Hagaki is trying to be a rapper and actor and then we realise he had been there and done that in the past and this time transition gives him to do it all over again.

This is a novel that goes in circles and mixes time travel, dreams with a bit of mystry. The time transition is simple where the narrator clearly indicates the shift in time as this happens as a way of past recollection.

Writing style is lucid and natural. The author should be commended for telling a fictional tale in memoir style. The china eisodes reminded me of a Samurai movie that strangely jumps to modern California. It's a good creative attempt but the emotional connect between characters isn't established properly.

[Igor Shnayder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel intricately weaves a tapestry of time travel and historical intrigue, where the protagonist, a modern-day poet, unexpectedly finds himself in the midst of pivotal historical events. The narrative masterfully blends rich historical detail with suspenseful twists, creating an engaging atmosphere that captivates with every turn of the page. The author's skill in storytelling is evident as they deftly navigate through complex timelines, offering a compelling blend of fact and fiction.

From a personal perspective, the book was a thrilling ride that not only entertained but also educated. The seamless integration of historical facts with the time-travel thriller elements provided a unique reading experience that kept me hooked. The protagonist's lyrical insights added a poetic touch to the narrative, enriching the storytelling with depth and emotion. This novel not only sparked my imagination but also ignited a newfound appreciation for historical events and their lasting impact on the present.

[Darren Beaming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Story

Memoirs of a Lyrical Man is a fun, fast and entertaining read and features our hero Jay Hagaki, a likeable and engaging musician who has either the ability to move through time or the ability to access prior memories of past lives/reincarnation. 

I am not fully sure which as the story is told in the first person and is a mystery for Jay to unravel. Story fragments from the past and the future play out to give us some clues of Jay's abilities. The mystery elements for me are the strongest parts of the story with phone calls in the night, old English bank notes and two factions hunting him. Jay meets Olivia on his journey and instantly feels a connection, she too has memories of past lives and the author occasionally switches to chapters from Olivia's point of view, too. Overall, it is a highly enjoyable tale with time travelling factions, mystery, and chase scenes to keep the reader engaged. Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

[James Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

soul stirring

I just finished the book “Memoirs of a Lyrical Man” by Stephen Templar, and I must say it made an impression on me. This well written book is a poignant and introspective journey into the life of the author, a lyrical man who has lived a life that is full of passion m, creativity and resilience. His writing weaves together a story of love, loss and self-discovery in a way that is both personal and easy to relate to. His prose conjures up images and emotions that linger even after you finish it. His love of music and poetry is palpable and his stories of how these art forms have shaped him are inspiring. One of the things about his book is the ability to balance light and darkness. While he shares his struggles and hardships he also infuses the book with a sense of hope and optimism that is not only uplifting but contagious. I believe that there are going to be a great many people who will enjoy reading this book

[Athenais · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Memoirs of a Lyrical Man" is a nice mix of time travel, historical thrills, and a bit of romance. This captivating novel unfolds in a northern Chinese village where Jay Hagaki, a Japanese outsider aspiring to marry the village head's daughter, faces opposition from locals against the union and must safeguard the head from barbarian threats. Following an injury sustained during an attack, Hagaki undergoes a mysterious time transport, finding himself in the USA. Surprisingly, he embarks on a new journey as a rapper and actor, only to realize that he had experienced this before, and the time transition grants him the opportunity to relive it all. The narrative weaves in and out of circles, seamlessly blending time travel, dreams, and mystery. The transitions between different temporal settings are clearly articulated, serving as a means of revisiting the past. The writing style is both lucid and natural, showcasing the author's commendable ability to present a fictional narrative in a memoir-like fashion.

[Michail Tsikerdekis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Memoirs of a Lyrical Man: A Time Travel Historical Thriller" captivates with its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, particularly the protagonist whose journey from fame to self-discovery is both compelling and relatable. The author deftly navigates the protagonist's inner turmoil, showcasing his struggles with fame, identity, and the consequences of his choices. Despite his flaws, the protagonist's vulnerability and resilience make him a sympathetic and engaging character, drawing readers into his tumultuous world with each twist and turn.

The secondary characters also shine, each adding depth and complexity to the narrative. From the enigmatic Quinton to the mysterious Olivia, each character brings their own unique perspective and motivations to the story, enriching the tapestry of intrigue and suspense. While some characters may be morally ambiguous, their interactions with the protagonist serve to further explore themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption.

The ending delivers a satisfying conclusion to the protagonist's journey, tying up loose ends while leaving room for speculation and interpretation. Without giving away spoilers, the resolution offers a sense of closure while hinting at the possibility of new beginnings, leaving readers both fulfilled and eager for more.

Finally, the book's cover is striking and visually appealing, capturing the essence of the story with its evocative imagery and design. It sets the tone for the narrative and invites readers to delve into the intriguing world of "Memoirs of a Lyrical Man."

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs of a Lyrical Man is an interesting story about Hagaki, a Japanese man living in ancient China who has been reincarnated into a Polish American rapper. The modern day sections start in 2007, but before long we find out Hagaki is a time traveler who has unwittingly broken some important precepts.

The story is complex, but it is easy to follow as the writing is simple and engaging, and Hagaki's memories come back in dreams or at key moments in the story. The book contains a lot of action, intrigue and some romance.

Memoirs of a Lyrical Man is book 1 in a series, but it wraps up the story well and finishes on a satisfying note. There is a lot left to be explored in the series, particularly in regard to Hagaki's past lives, and the shadowy organisation controlling time travel.

[Peter H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading 'Memoirs of a Lyrical Man' and it was a thrilling ride! The story follows Jay Hadaki, a man who has lived multiple lives across different timelines. The time jumping was a bit jarring at first, and the pacing was slow at the start. It felt like I was reading a backstory, and there weren't any stakes to keep me invested. The action scenes were nice.

But once I passed a certain point of the story, I was hooked! The author did a great job of crafting intense and suspenseful moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed and complex, especially Jay. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series. If you enjoy a thriller with time travel and action-packed adventures, you'll probably enjoy this book.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling rollercoaster ride through time and the human soul. The story follows Jay Hagaki, a famous actor and musician, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he's thrust back to 2007 and forced to confront a world without fame. Templar's narrative is a gripping blend of sci-fi and urban fantasy, weaving together a complex web of danger, intrigue, and romance. As Hagaki battles shadowy forces and unravels the enigmatic connection to a woman from his dreams, readers will find themselves glued to the pages, eagerly turning to discover the truth.

[Pike Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and I must say it was a quite an epic, action packed adventure story, great for those that love time-travel stories. The book follows protagonist Jay Hakagi, a famous actor and musiem who is sent back in time and starts remembering his past lives as well as his future. There is also a woman, his love interest who is entangled in his journey to escape his pursuers and to discover the secrets of his past lives. This story is filled with many science fiction elements and I enjoyed reading about how it fits into the plot well.

This story is told through a first person point of view and the author did a great job of describing scenes and character thoughts as well as the science fiction world the novel is set in. This was a intriguing, entertaining science fiction read for me and I would like to read more novels from this author.