Reviews of products by Paul A. Lelekis
1 ★★★★★ reviews
2 ★★★★★ reviews
Professional Impromptu
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 18 December, 2022)
Paul Lelekis has graciously given me a copy of his new ebook "Professional Impromptu" for me to share my opinion. I have had an interest in magic for over 50 years and I enjoy close-up magic as my primary interest. I am not a professional performer by any means. I consider myself an amateur/hobbyist with a solid overall knowledge of close-up magic and magicians. Most of the performing that I have done has been for fun social events for friends and family and I frequently did little performances for my music students throughout my career as a public school music teacher. This is an excellent collection of no setup or very little setup card tricks to perform at any time, even with a borrowed deck of cards. The routines use subtle moves and principles rather than difficult sleight of hand to produce entertaining card effects that can be performed at a moment’s notice. All are impromptu and designed to pack the maximum amount of magical punch with the least amount of sleight-of-hand skill on your part. Poker, Mental discoveries, Spelling effects, Amazing Coincidences. Some of my favorites include Rainbow Match, Four Way Coincidence, A Principal Principle which is a wonderful adaption of a classic principle of self-working impromptu card magic, and if you are into algebra and interesting explanations and analyzing the general theory of a trick, you will enjoy Paul’s The Trick That Can’t Be Explained- or Can It? I highly recommend you give these wonderful effects a try. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of this collection as I have.
Unseen
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 04 October, 2022)
Paul Lelekis has given me a copy of his new ebook "Unseen" for me to share my opinion. I have had an interest in magic for over 50 years and I enjoy close-up magic as my primary interest. I am not a professional performer by any means. I consider myself an amateur/hobbyist with a solid overall knowledge of close-up magic and magicians. Most of the performing that I have done has been for fun social events for friends and family and I frequently did little performances for my music students throughout my career as a public school music teacher.
Unseen by Paul Lelekis is a terrific collection of four ESP card tricks that you will be delighted to perform. These effects are designed to be used as ESP effects, or if you prefer, they work just as well as regular card tricks. Paul enhances this exceptional collection of ESP card effects with many practical ideas and nuances plus some presentational tips that will be sure to enhance your performances. His advice on ESP tricks in general taking a “less is more” type approach and focusing on making the spectator feel that they have the “special” power is well worth the price of this e-book. The effects and slights within are all clearly presented, uncluttered, and easy to follow. I particularly enjoyed “Unseen” where you will learn Paul’s Full Deck False Shuffle (video included), and “The Woman of Power” where the very cool “Veeser Move” is taught. These slights not only work beautifully with the effects presented here; they can of course be incorporated into many other effects of your own liking. If you are looking for some great ESP card effects that will help you hone your presentation skills, look no further, here they are!
Unseen
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 28 September, 2022)
First.. I am a reviewer and editor who's frequently asked to review the work of others. My standard policy is... I review what I like, and I will not review items I don't like. I know... folks like to read a hatchet job sometimes, but I don't like to write 'em. Paul asked me to give his latest ebook a read.. I did.. and I'm glad to review it.
I am a big fan of mentalism and mental magic. Actually, it is probably my favorite form of magic. Mental magic with cards is not easy, as the lines between mental magic and card magic are often blurred. Much is dependent on the presentation, as the way you approach the reveal and the patter up to that point is, in my opinion, the key.
UNSEEN is a collection of four effects with cards. The first effect, and my favorite, uses a partial stack to help you know the identity of a selected card without looking through the cards. This is idea mental magic with cards. Paul provides a video of his false shuffle to make the handling more convincing. This is Paul's description.. and an accurate description.. "A card is noted by the spectator in a completely fair manner from a shuffled deck that has been displayed as ordinary. The packet is shuffled and the performer reads the mind of the spectator and names her thought-of card…the mentalist having never once even looked at any of the cards.."
The LADY FINDS IT! is the second effect, and is the test of a woman's ESP power. Paul describes it like this... EFFECT: "The cards are shuffled and a Peek is performed and the spectator memorizes it. The deck is then shuffled. A male spectator makes a guess of 5 to 25 to locate her selection – but, naturally, he fails. However after the female concentrates on the selection, she then takes the deck and counts the same bank of cards out for herself - and the last card she has counted is her selection.." I might be more inclined to describe this one as a card effect, but it can go either way. Easy to perform, using only a Peek and an undercut, the average guy can perform this one with a minimum of preparation..
The third effect is THE POWER OF WOMAN. Paul likes to select women to assist with his effects.. and he offers his reasoning throughout the PDF.. EFFECT: "A card is peeked and remembered. Deck is shuffled and a male spectator cuts the deck into two piles. The performer displays the top four cards of the bottom half, but none are the selection. These four cards are placed into the deck, face-up, and the other half of the deck is placed on top. The female “wills” her selection to move to the middle of the face-up packet…and when she spreads the deck, the selection has teleported there!" This effect uses one of simplest principles in all card magic. But, like many effects, the simplicity can be a total fooler with the right handling and patter. Paul stresses the mental factor throughout and makes it work. Beginners can perform this, although there are a number of ways to perform it, depending on your skill level. Make it as complicated or a simple as you want..
REPEATER is the last effect in the PDF.. and definitely the most bold. Paul says he used to make up decks to use in this effect when he demo'd in magic shops. You will have to set up a deck using a bank of cards, but it's not a complicated setup. From there, Paul describes the effect as: EFFECT: A deck of cards is shuffled, and then the performer deals out cards, face-up, at a fairly rapid pace, until the spectator says “Stop!” The very next card is given to the spectator, still face-down, and the performer then uses his ESP to announce the name of that card!" After reading the instructions, you might realize you could perform this effect with a deck set up in Si Stebbens, or something similar. But, if your hope is to fool other magicians, as is often the case, use Paul's method. I like the boldness of this effect..
Overall, I think the average magician will enjoy performing the effects in UNSEEN. There's nothing that's a stretch for the average performer, and you will likely learn a new move or two going forward. I appreciate that Paul never overcharges for his work. Everything is priced to be affordable and magicians appreciate it ! If you want to stick your foot in the mental magic pool, without having to spend hundreds for specialized props and equipment, this is the ideal place to start.
Unseen
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 27 September, 2022)
I was gifted a copy of this book "Unseen" without having to review it, and I have no financial interest in this book. I enjoy sharing my book reviews as a semi-professional performer, and I am a fan of Paul Lelekis's work over several years, as I have been reading (studying) his regular column in "The Linking Ring" magazine.
I adore mentalism, however, most books on this topic can be over-priced and complex in methods, and seldom deliver as promised. For this book, I enjoyed the simplicity of the four mental effects, and they are not difficult to do. I suggest that you have your cards in hand as you read each effect through. You just need intermediate levels of card skills, for there is a video on the author's False Shuffle that accompanies this book. He will teach you his easy Peek, and how he controls cards in real-world performing conditions. "Unseen" has gone into my repertoire of close-up mentalism effects.
I like the first effect "Unseen' as it sums up the author's approach and methodology.
Key points: 1) I enjoy Lelekis's approach to performance, which is to allow the spectator to do most of the work. in effect, let the miracle happen in their hands and let them enjoy their "magical moment".
2) Unseen here also means "looking away from the audience during the procedure". A hands-off, eyes-off (turning your head away), approach can disarm your audience.
3) Be respectfully in control, be bold, and have fun performing for your esteemed audience.
Unseen, yet in control.
It's a Biddle Thing
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 25 July, 2022)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
The cover of Lelekis's latest book reflects its intention: It rocks! I was pleasantly pleased that this prolific author continues to write books on card magic and, more importantly, recognises the creators of sleights. This book is a tribute to Elmer Biddle. One of my favourite tricks by Alex Helmsley is "Fiddle With The Biddle In The Middle", and it is my workhorse routine due to the use of Biddle's sleight. Author Lelekis frames his extensive restaurant performing experience with two main sleights - Biddle Switch and Biddle Steal - into each of his routines. My favourites are "B-Fly" and "E-Z Cards Across", and they rock.
It's a Biddle Thing
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 25 June, 2022)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
It’s a Biddle Thing by Paul Lelekis is a fantastic collection of card tricks that you will be sure to start using right away and that are a delight to learn and perform. First off, it’s nice to discover and learn a little something about Elmer Biddle who was the originator of these terrific card slights. The Biddle sleights taught are all very effective utility slights that you will no doubt find useful not only for the effects taught here but for many other effects as well. They are not complicated or overly difficult yet their impact is quite impressive. The videos included providing clear and easy-to-follow explanations of all the Biddle slights used in this collection. I really love the effects presented in this collection. Several of the effects in this collection are truly some of my favorite effects of all time to perform. All of the effects in this collection are very straightforward, clean, and conducive to a comfortable relaxed performance where the emphasis is on presentation and effect, not complicated sleights. Paul enhances this exceptional collection of card effects with many practical ideas and nuances plus some presentational tips that will be sure to elevate your performances.
It's a Biddle Thing
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 25 June, 2022)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
This is a great addition to the history and use of the biddle switch and the biddle steal. B-Fly and 21st Century 21 Card Trick are both effects you'll have to add to your routine. They are true foolers. E Z Cards Across is ideal for multiple spectators, particularly women, and aside from all the moves, Paul includes his personal patter. The Invisible Card is a Paul Cumming's effect, revised by the author. It is probably my favorite effect.. but that may depend on the day of the week. A chosen card is seen in one small packet.. vanishes.. and appears in another packed.. with a minimum amount of moves. A Develish Miracle II has a lot in common with The Invisible Card. It uses more sleights..(taught) and will become the favorite of many readers. The only reason I like the Invisible Card more is... I have two left hands... Paul also includes videos of all the essential moves, and carefully walks the reader through each step. This is the first ebook Paul has written in a little while, and I think he's been holding out on us. This is of great value and contains more useful effects than most books with ten times the pages. As the editor of the Magic Roadshow Journal of Magic.. I'll be recommending 'It's A Biddle Thing' to all my readers.
The Business of Table Hopping
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Lee Eyler (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 29 April, 2022)
As someone who has made an income through table-hopping, I find this publication very informative. Wish I had this information when I got started. With a rating system of one to ten, I give this publication a ten! It gives a good base knowledge on all the various subjects one faces when doing table hopping. Anything else will be learned by going out and doing it for yourself and this is important to understand, as each regional area is different and times change as well.
Magic Tools of the Trade
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Simon Beck (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 11 March, 2022)
Not my best buy. I bought this when I was trying to master the Elias multiple shift. I can do the Elias multiple shift, but with little help from here. The videos are rushed, unclear and unhelpfully explained, adding little to the terse text.
The Drawing Room
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 04 August, 2021)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
Get this book by Paul Lelekis! Learn these card routines, and head confidently into your nearest drawing room for entertaining deceptions. He draws on his deep knowledge and performing experiences, and returns with six strong effects. They are not hard to do, and you get to practise a cache of sleights, and review a few principles in magic. In one sitting, with my cards in hand and curtains drawn in my living-room, I learnt all six routines and I had fun doing so. 'Leave Those Jacks Alone' is, probably, the most demanding by way of sleights used - yet it is worth it. Video-instruction accompany these sleights, so you are all covered. Most of these card effects will go into my performing repertoire because of the cleverness of construction, clarity of effect, and simplicity of delivery. Plus, there is enough audience interaction you can infuse into these effects. Draw your audience a little closer!
The Drawing Room
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 August, 2021)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
Paul Lelekis has finally published another ebook. This pandemic thing has slowed us all down, and I have patiently waited on Paul to write another of his highly entertaining card magic works. It's obvious he put a great deal of thought into THE DRAWING ROOM, as it contains six highly original effects designed to stretch your repertoire. The first effect, Leave Those Jacks Alone!, probably rivals anything I've seen Paul publish in the past ten years. It's a complex and very telling card concert that rivals anything I've read in a very long time. He also includes four videos to help you fully understand the moves, although many of Paul's fans will already know these fine points. Strike Three? is less complex, but again entertains for several minutes. The 7/8 Coincidence & An Even Lazier Lazy Man both use a partially stacked deck to achieve a result not possible with a regular deck. Cutting Deep is based on an effect originated by Bro. John Hamman that uses a Balducci Force to produce four Aces in a very surprising manner. And No Way... Way is a nice mentalism type effect that lets the magic happen under the spectator's control. This is ALL strong magic for the card aficionado. Good stuff!!
The Drawing Room
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 31 July, 2021)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
The Drawing Room by Paul Lelekis conjures up a vision of a beautiful room and filled with the best of fine art, furniture, textiles, and upholstery. The drawing-room was for receiving visitors, entertainment, and the service of tea and coffee following a meal. Who doesn’t love going to a dinner party and being surprised by the entertainment ideas of the host? Choosing something surprising for the entertainment will make the evening all the more memorable, interactive, and fun for your guests. The six effects here will do just that and are perfect for this scenario. Entertain in a delightful manner in a beautiful setting. The moves are all very clearly explained and the book includes video attachments to help with learning some of the moves that you might not be so familiar with. One of Paul’s trademarks is to design moves that are streamlined and that will enhance the effect and make for stress-free performance. This is evident here in all of the effects. I enjoyed working through “Strike Three?”, “An Even Lazier Lazy Man” and “No Way…Way” in particular. All of the effects have great patter possibilities and plenty of audience participation and interaction. Learn some great moves and effects, get world-class professional tips and advice, delight and entertain your audience. That’s hard to beat!
The Drawing Room
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 31 July, 2021)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
Paul is a card man's card man. He has studied under and studied the masters for decades. He has dozens of offerings which exemplify practical, streamlined handlings. Many a "one trick pony" on the market cost more. Tutorial videos are also a bonus included for moves one can use in so many other routines. Try one, I think you'll come back for more.
Showcase Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Sarin Suriyakoon (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 03 June, 2021)
I have been performing card magic in a casual situation and stage mentalism for a few years and I decided to take time to expand my card magic skill and knowledge. I was curious about Paul's work so I picked this one up to get a feel of his style. It turns out they are good and solid tricks.
But don't expect his material to be easy to do and easy to perform right away. You will have to take a while to go through all the details and explanations and research some basic moves (you don't have to in most cases but still if you are new like me).
Not only the trick but his method, move and patter are useful and versatile as well.
Paradoxes
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 07 October, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
This book is slightly different from most of Paul's books. Then again, it is not. There is a paradox. Firstly, this book is punctuated with many funny and brain-shifting visuals that showcase optical illusions. These reinforce the idea of the book's title. Secondly, the three effects demonstrate the notion of how an object can 'seemingly' be in two places at one time. Thirdly, as familiar as some of these plots appear to be, they have a slight 'twist' to them - twisted, perhaps. And, a twisted perception of reality can be magical for your audience. Enjoy these 'paradoxes'!
Paradoxes
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 04 October, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
If you’re not familiar with Paul’s work, now is a good time to jump in. He is a true, in the trenches, full-time performer who knows what sells & entertains in the real world. For highly commercial pleasing, magic I highly recommend you check out his other works too.
Paradoxes
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 30 September, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
Paradoxes, by Paul A. Lelekis, is another great example of what a great magician with magical writing abilities can accomplish. Paradoxes features three effects with varying levels of skill. Although none are true knuckle-busters, they are something the intermediate card guy will appreciate. The advanced beginner can watch the included videos and perform these effects after a little practice. Unlike the typical pick-a-card effects, Paul uses his included videos to teach you how to confound your spectator by making them see something they don't actually see... they only think they see you perform moves you don't actually do. Cards are there.. and then they aren't. Cards are in a packet.. and then they are back in the deck. Cards are in the deck.. and then they're face down on the table. Not your typical stuff. Paradoxes is something a little different from Paul. And if you're ready for something different.. Paradoxes is IT...
Paradoxes
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 27 September, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
What better time than now to learn some great new card magic? Paradoxes by Paul Lelekis fits the bill for sure! This e-book opens with a short definition of what a paradox is and some very cool and some very funny and clever examples to whet your appetite for what’s to come. This includes a drawing by one of my favorite artists, E. C. Escher. Paul is known for his clear and concise instructions with numerous tips and subtleties to help enhance your performance. This book is no exception. Within the three card effects contained here, you’ll find many bits of sound advice to help you not only “sell” the effect but to make these and all of your magic more entertaining. Four demonstration videos plus a link to others are included to aid you with some of the more advanced sleights. Paul is a master at finding sleights that streamline effects and are easier to perform and yet take nothing away from the effect. In many cases, his choice of sleights actually makes the effects better by letting you keep your mind on your audience and the fun and entertainment that these effects will bring to them and to you! These three card effects are all beautifully constructed gems and have a very logical flow to them. The storylines lend themselves to plenty of great patter possibilities in addition to Paul’s recommendations. I would recommend doing what I did for example with Revenge of the Knerds and A “Dill”-Y of A Paradox and that is read through the entire effect, then go back with deck in hand and work through slowly, a segment at a time. You’ll find that in no time the fluidity will come alive and you’ll be settling in with these little masterpieces of magic! Enjoy the ride!!
Quantum Reality
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 03 August, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and received this ebook free of charge.]
If you are new to the work of Paul Lelekis, I assure you that you will invest in a spectrum of routines tried-and-tested and relevant for your audiences. Quantum Reality, follows on the enthusiastic wavelength of Lelekis's previous written library of over-50 books (which is enormously impressive and prolific even for a magic author). Admittedly, I read his book in 'packets': I started with his Introduction Essay, the table of contents, and then the 8 Brain-Fryers (I got a good buzz) at the conclusion. Thereafter, I read and played with the effects present in random order. Like the concepts in quantum mechanics, Lelekis made the mechanics of card sleight-of-hand and magic principles within achievable reach (his instructional videos are illuminatingly clear), and by presenting any of his energetic pieces of strange - you may make a quantum leap in your audience impact and interaction!
Quantum Reality
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 20 July, 2020)
[I have received a review copy of Paul's ebook. Here is my review.]
Quantum Reality is Paul A. Lelekis' latest ebook. Paul has taken full advantage of this Covid mess and utilized his time well. Most of Paul's ebooks are in the twenty to thirty page length .. but THIS one is over sixty pages and includes 14 effects and a couple of valuable 'lessons'.
Paul is a simmering pool of magic knowledge, having spent many years as a professional performer. He has worked tables for thousands upon thousands of customers and righly deserves a platform to talk about what's inportant .. and what to avoid.. at the table. Not everything is strictly close-up or walk around magic. Some can be performed for small crowds in a parlour setting, depending on your situation.
I'll tell you straight up.. I consider this ebook to be for the advanced beginner to intermediate performer. It's not for the beginner. Although Paul is well known for writing effects for every level of performer, he has put considerable thought into QUANTUM REALITY and created a treatise of considerable worth. ( 'Treatise' is one of my favorite words, and is described as "..a written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject." QR is exactly that...)
** I'm not going to call QR a 'formal' work.. as Paul has a very easy and relaxed way of explaining an effect, but it IS a total work, since he goes into great detail to explain some of the finer points.. and includes three videos to better explain the most difficult or lesser known moves.
This is a full list of the effects Paul teaches in detail:
- QUANTUM OPTICAL TRIUMPH - - SHE HAS QUANTUM POWER - - QUANTUM NUMBERS - - QUANTUM JUICE TO SILK - - QUANTUM GREATNESS – - QUANTUM MARKED CARD – - QUANTUM MENTALISM - - QUANTUM QUICKIE, QUICKIE - QUANTUM QUARKS AND QUIRKS - QUANTUM COINS ACROSS - - QUANTUM CARD-(H)ISTRY – - QUANTUM MATCH GAME - - QUANTUM ULTIMATE PROHESY - - QUANTUM OUT-TO-LUNCH PHENOMENA - - QUANTUM PRETZEL LOGIC -
Aside from the detailed Introduction.. Paul also included 8 brain-busters at the end of the ebook to either make you feel superior to the rest of us.. or a little inferior! Either way, they're a nice bonus.
I particularly liked Quantum Qptical Triumph, which ends with all the cards face down.. except the four Aces.. which are still face up in the deck. Quantum Numbers finds a spectator's selection using two 'random' cards. Quantum Juice To Silk is a good change of pace from the card work and very visually produces a red silk from a red liquid. Perfect for young and old. Quantum Greatness is a gambler's bet.. except the gambler is bested by the spectator although both have four excellent cards. Quantum Marked Card is a nice transformation effect where a spectator's card changes from a red back to a blue back in a quick and visual way. Quantum Mentalism uses an Invisible Deck to pull off a simplistic, but effective, stunner. Quantum Coins Across is Paul's version of Coins Across for those of you coin guys who feel 'sleighted' by all the card effects. Quantum Card-(H)istry is definitely one of the most complex effects in this ebook, but well worth the extra effort. It's based on a 'History of playing cards' premise with a side of Tarot cards for good measure..
I think these descriptions give you a good idea of the cross section of magic in Quantum Reality. There's something for everyone. For those of you still recovering from social isolation and anxious to 'get to it'.. this is a wonderful way to expand your repertoire and open your mind to new ideas. It has my full recommendation.. for sure.
Rick Carruth - The Magic Roadshow
Quantum Reality
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 20 July, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
Quantum Reality by Paul Lelekis is the bargain of summer 2020! Packed with great material that’s enjoyable to perform and sure to please your audience as well. The book features 14 terrific effects plus some very cool little brain-busters that are perfect little attention getters. As with all of Paul’s books, Quantum Reality starts with an introduction that is well worth the price of the book! Here you’ll find some solid tips and advice on using a humble approach to your presentations as a way to keep your spectators relaxed and entertained. Straight-forward suggestions from an experienced professional. The routines within are really terrific and there is lots of variety here too. Demo videos are included to assist with learning the moves and principles. Cards, coins, silk, plus a very nice routine using a common utility device and a routine using a classic mentalism principle. I particularly enjoyed working through Quantum Coins Across and Quantum Ultimate Prophesy. All of the routines are presented in an uncomplicated manner with clean handlings to ensure a smooth presentation for your spectators. Within these effects, you’ll learn no less than 10 very useful moves, principles, controls, forces, shifts, coin vanish, and passes. All of which can of course be utilized into many other effects. It’s so nice to have all these great moves available in one book. A fabulous reference and a great collection of time-tested routines that you will return to many times.
Quantum Reality
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 19 July, 2020)
[I am a colleague of Paul and have received this ebook free of charge.]
This is one of Paul’s best books ever packed full of practical magic & includes training videos. The introduction alone is worth the price & should change psychologically the way you connect & interact with your spectators. It makes them care & connect with you. Follow his experienced, knowledgeable guidance & you will be a better magician & entertainer.
Mirage
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 01 May, 2020)
“Mirage” by Paul Lelekis is a collection of three awesome effects that will astonish your audience. Reversal of Thought is a twisting effect with some clever slights and some cool surprises and a shout out or two to Michael Skinner and Eddie Fechter. Pencil Thru Rubber Band is a very visual penetration that will astonish both young and old! Very clean looking and the accompanying video proves to be beneficial in learning the move. Mirage is a wonderful paradox problem effect that totally kills! You’ll love the surprise ending where you end clean as a whistle. It looks absolutely fantastic, you’ll fool yourself! Paul’s clear, easy-to-follow ebook of step-by-step directions, is packed with useful information and tips throughout. Paul combines friendly, concise text and videos that teach the slights and show the subtleties to help you make the best of your performance. As with all of Paul’s books, many difficult moves are streamlined and are actually better than ever and more effective. Great insight and tips on performing are utilized into all of these effects. You can’t go wrong with this collection of three exceptional effects!
Fillers
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 27 April, 2020)
Paul Lelekis is a prolific writer of real-world performance magic. If we compile his more than 50 e-books, he may have just as much material as Phil Goldstein. This new book 'fills the gap' between his previous books 'Openers & Closers 1,2 & 3'. These three 'fillers' effects are the muscles that attach to the skeleton (structure) of openers and closers. They function to move the audience to varied and wild places of imagination. I applied SENSE OF SMELL firstly, as it is a clever and simple retake of 'Out of This World'. ELEVATOR gives you room to glide rapidly around, with your own strength of patter, and flexibility to move four cards about. 2-WAY MIRACLE is a smart way of allowing the spectator to 'touch their toes' by selecting a four-of-a-kind; you ACAAN do it, I assure you. Have fun with Paul's creations, and lift your performance with these close-up card magic 'heavyweights'.
Mirage
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 27 April, 2020)
Paul Lelekis' MIRAGE is a miracle in a spectator's hand. The effect itself seems totally impossible, yet with a bit of instructions and a clear video, you make the impossible happen. Two red cards, clipped together, are clearly shown. The spectator selects and signs a card from a blue backed deck. After removing one of the clipped red cards and showing it as a Joker.. the other red card is removed and shown to be the SPECTATOR'S signed card! I'm not going to give too much away.. but I'm going to encourage you to purchase MIRAGE, learn it, and fool the heck out of your magic buddies, not to mention your audience. There are two other effects included; a rubber band through pencil effect that is so simple it's criminal.. and another card effect that has the spectator selecting a card, using a wonderful forcing technique that allows the magi to perform a true head-scratcher. This, of over 57 other ebooks by Paul, is easily one of my very favorite. I recommend it to all my friends and Magic Roadshow readers.
Mirage
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 25 April, 2020)
Paul Lelekis is offering here a hidden workers dream. All three effects are practical worker users. However, the Mirage effect is a closer & has so many spin off applications. Their signed card is on the table before the effect starts & it’s back changes color. No wallets, no difficult crafting, easy pocket management. A paperclip in your pocket becomes a magical stunner. Videos included.
Fillers
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 20 April, 2020)
Paul is a true pro, full time, real world worker. What he shares here with both text & companion tutorial videos are his tested, entertaining card routines, & the psychology of how & why to present them for maximum spectator involvement & enjoyment. Great price for tested, worker card magic.
Fillers
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 19 April, 2020)
"Fillers", a new ebook by Paul Lelekis. Three solid effects to be used in conjunction with a great opener and closer. As with all of Paul's ebooks, the Introduction alone is worth the price of the book. Here you get Paul's excellent insight and thought-provoking perspective on many things including advice on audience involvement and control. All good solid truthful real-world recommendations that can be used in multiple performance situations. The great thing about this book is that it doesn’t just teach you moves, but how to actually use these moves in tricks. So, you’ll receive training on the different shuffles, cuts, controls, and a very cool no-lap card switch, plus how to use them which can be applied to many different tricks. You also get instructional videos and links to other instructional videos with this ebook which is another plus. One of the big problems people have with magic trick books is that sometimes the text instructions just don’t cut it. It can be really hard to visualize what is meant to be going on, but that is solved with the addition of the videos and links with this book. Plenty of fun patter suggestions throughout these three effects. "2-Way Miracle" alone could end up opening up lots of fun audience interplay and laughs. You can't go wrong with this ebook, good solid teaching and three entertaining effects that you will use!
McDonald's Aces and Freak Out
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 05 January, 2020)
Paul is a gifted magic writer. Here is a venerable Classic of magic that is worthy of study & performance. The tutorial videos alone include sleights which alone are worth the price. If you want to learn a magic classic & potentially new sleights & not a u-tube one trick pony, this is easily money well spent.
McDonald's Aces and Freak Out
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 04 January, 2020)
Two awesome effects for one low price! It’s the bargain of the year and it’s only January! Paul’s clear and clean handling of the classic McDonald’s Aces is sensational. This beautiful presentation is well worth studying and absorbing so you’ll always have a blockbuster effect ready to go. The effect flows along brilliantly and makes perfect sense. A concise history of McDonald’s Aces is included as well as a very interesting short essay on the History of the Jacks that could provide some great patter and presentation material for you. You’ll learn a number of effective moves along the way that you can utilize with countless other card illusions in your repertoire. Don’t skip the Preface and Introductions! Here as with all of Paul’s books he gives a ton of real-world advice on presentation, entertainment, audience management, and humor. Well worth the price of the book right there! You’ll be reminded of the power of entertainment in all art forms!
Freak Out! is a Knockout ESP experiment that you will have a lot of fun performing. Easy set-up and a very puzzling effect with a very strong amazement factor! There are lots of excellent presentational ideas and patter here as well as a few more nice moves that can be used with other effects. Here’s some stuff you’ll use for sure.
Amazing Magic Volume I
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 26 February, 2019)
These seven gems in this new book is certainly worth your while. Well within the average skills of the magician, these, time-tested, effects you and will use, almost immediately - with some rehearsal, of course. I used the Apparition Coin, straight away, in one of my coin routines. The videos accompanying this book should easily facilitate your learning of Direct Collectors. This went straight into my bank of anytime-anywhere card effects. I sought a brown-bag after reading Paper Bag Blindfold, for I intend to do Sight-less, mind-reading, routine - simple, and devious. Packs flat, should play big! SLCTETC spells well when you want a variation of 'Spectator Picks 4-Of-A-Kind'. Enjoy this book!
Amazing Magic Volume I
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 25 February, 2019)
One of the highlights of my week is when Paul publishes a new ebook. Always very affordable and always full of good 'stuff'... an eclectic mix of effects for any skill level by a true worker. Amazing Magic 1 includes a nice array of card magic effects, sleights.. including videos, and a mental effect, a coin effect, and an ESP effect. The Best Buy for your money anywhere..
Amazing Magic Volume I
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 25 February, 2019)
Paul Lelekis is a full-time close-up worker who knows magic what entertains & dazzles his audiences. For 10 bucks you get commercial routines, performance subtitles, & videos from a real pro.
Amazing Magic Volume I
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christoher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 24 February, 2019)
It’s still winter here in the Northeast. I could use some “Amazing Magic” to warm things up. Here it is! Amazing Magic Vol.1 by Paul Lelekis. A wonderful collection of 7 effects that are all very solid straight-forward and performance tested for maximum audience impact. “Direct Collectors” features two great moves (video included) that are killer. A strong effect that as its title says is very direct. It rocks, and this one is worth the price of the book right here! “Triple Miracle” is an appealing prediction effect where Paul has brilliantly solved several of the little problems that are inherent with similar effects. A very cool coin move is taught in “Apparition Coin”. This move is entertaining to do and once you get the knack, it becomes one of those moves you’ll love to do just to fool yourself! What fun! Slctetc” is a very smooth four Ace production where each ace is produced in a different way; including a terrific method and patter for a well know force where the spectator cuts to the final ace. “Paper Bag Blindfold” is a riot! You’ll be making one for yourself as soon as you finish reading the method. It really works…check it out! “You Must Be Psychic” gives you the bare bones of an awesome effect that teaches a great stack that you might not be familiar with and has lots of room for you to add your own ESP patter. Finally, there is “Sympathetic Card Miracle” a modernized version of a fabulous Roy E. Smith routine. Very streamlined and backed up with some nice videos of the moves. A strong effect that you’ll find can be helpful in practicing a move you may have shied away from. Paul includes a convincing added subtlety that is a real kicker. Treat yourself to some Amazing Magic right now!
Janus: The Magic of Kevin Casaretto
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brian Smedley
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 01 February, 2019)
Great content!! Check out my video review of Kevin Casaretto book on my YouTube channel Magic, Ventriloquism and more.
Brian Smedley/Myriad Creative Entertainment.
Even More Of My Favorites
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 03 January, 2019)
Like many of Paul's ebooks, this one contains a great cross section of effects. There is something for everyone. All effects are explained in great detail, as Paul walks you through the methods and performances with understanding and thoughtfulness. The Muscle Pass video alone is worth the cost. When Paul says you can learn it in seconds, he's on the up and up. I will be recommending 'Even More of My Favorites' to all my friends and readers. Good stuff...
Even More Of My Favorites
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 31 December, 2018)
Even More of My Favorites by Paul Lelekis opened a new door for me. I had given up on the Muscle Pass, then Paul's version came along and the next thing you know, I was doing a Muscle Pass!! Hooray!" You'll love this Bonus effect. Worth the price of the book right there! The book contains some nice well thought out routines that really work well. I particularly enjoyed the non-card effects like Doubble Bubble Trubble and the Torn & Restored Boo-Boo. Two cool torn and restored effects that are perfect for a kiddy shows or just fun to perform anywhere for anyone. Lots of opportunity for some great laughs and audience interaction. Another non-card I totally enjoyed is the Impromptu Pellet ESP. A Mental Epic routine that's just perfect for informal situations. Little or no real preparation and it will play really big! Another one that's great for table hopping and can easily open the door to some fun audience interaction and presentational ideas. Paul's advice and performance tips on Impromptu ESP are a welcome addition to this book. Solid advice on gathering information that will aid you in making for a smooth ESP effect performance that will keep it casual and relaxed. World Class recommendations here, a wonderful reference!
Pasteboard Revelations
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 23 October, 2018)
'Six card Workers for immediate maximum entertainment pleasure.'
Once again, the generous and prolific full-time professional magician Paul Lelekis presents a collection of charming card compositions from his engaging hoard of close-up magic. I enjoyed these effects and most of them went into my repertoire. These are plots, ploys and purposeful presentations that we can use. What is most valuable is the fact that the author reminds us of clever principles, seldom-used sleights, and a bit of historical referencing. We should remember the originators of sleights and principles in our quaint art, and pay homage by integrating them into our pieces of devilish demonstrations. He explains it with simplicity in a casual, reassuring, voice. Read it, with cards in hands, and anticipate what each piece of pasteboard plot, reveals. The accompanying video instructions will enhance clarity and learning process.
To conclude with the title of the first piece: WOW!
Pasteboard Revelations
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 22 October, 2018)
PASTEBOARD REVELATIONS is like the big brother of the past several ebooks by Paul Lelekis. Certain books strike me certain ways, and Pasteboard Revelations strikes me as one of my very favorite of Paul's many great ebooks. There is definitely something for everyone. The ebook begins with an effect that, when performed properly, will stand out in the minds of both lay people and magicians alike. Videos are provided to cover a couple of false shuffles and cement the visual aspects. Another two effects use a killer cyclical stack that has fallen from popular grace simply because another cyclical stack 'seems' a tad easier.. although it's not. Mathedology and Nuclear Fusion both use different methods to reveal cards selected by two different spectators. These are ideal for couples. Cardbox Magic uses a simple technique I've used for many years.. and I can attest to its power when performed for lay folks. It's ideal for walk-around and restaurant work, as a table is not needed. Marlo Poker Deal is different. A table IS needed.. but you'll certainly get a ton of bang for your buck.. Paul has simplified this deal from the original to both make it easier and, in my opinion, more visual.
I recommend Pasteboard Revelations to anyone who wants several professional effects for near nothing..
Pasteboard Revelations
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 22 October, 2018)
Paul is a full-time pro. Besides fun card magic, several false shuffles, false cuts, & a non-memorization card stack are taught. A simplified Anniversary Waltz, a direct Marlo poker demonstration & more. The tutorial videos alone are worth the price.
Pasteboard Revelations
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 22 October, 2018)
Pasteboard Revelations by Paul A. Lelekis is another terrific contribution of card effects presented to the magic community. If you’ve read any of Pauls’ effects before you know he has a very easy going straightforward style and places lots of emphasis on the presentation and effect. This new e-book is no exception. Seven solid effects that are well within the grasp of the average card magician. The moves taught here are smooth, natural, and economical. Included are video demos to help you learn some of the Passes, Moves, and Shuffles taught throughout the book. Each effect is supplemented with extra tips that will help you with misdirection and avoiding awkward moments and moves. Some highlights for me were learning the “Riverboat Stack” and the two great tricks that use it and then builds to a very cool climax incorporating a well-known card principle. “Nuclear Fusion” a classic couples trick integrating some excellent DB and DF moves that can be used in other effects. “Card Box Magic” quick and easy designed to take the fear out of performing a card box effect. “Marlo Poker Deal” has an easy set-up, is great for a small group, and has a killer finish. A poker deal you’ll really do! Any one of these effects is worth the price of the e-book. Do yourself a favor and pick it up today and start having some fun learning a great new trick or two! It’s meant to be enjoyed, and I’m sure you will!