Reviews of products by Paul A. Lelekis : page 4
1 ★★★★★ reviews
2 ★★★★★ reviews
Osmosis
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by William Martin (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 24 December, 2016)
Outstanding material, wisdom, and simple, simple, simple effects. So much advice...So affordable! Paul L. is amazing! Really something for everyone. "Simplicity Itself" is so clever, clean, Easy and worth $20 by itself. And the gag section will not disappoint. Thank you Lybrary.com -The Wonderment Conjurer, Billy Jamez.
Powerful Poker Routines
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 30 November, 2016)
Another "deal" from Paul Lelekis. People love gambling schemes. Paul gives you seven of them, plus instructional videos, plus comedy deck cuts to make people laugh. It's a great "deal!" Here is stuff I will use!
Osmosis III
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 01 November, 2016)
Paul has done it again. Osmosis III takes up and continues with delightful magic after Osmosis I & II. The read is almost like sitting at the table with him & having a conversation. Fun magic and inside pointers on misdirection that can only come from a seasoned worker. Great tooth pick puzzles too for at the bar mind benders.
Osmosis III
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 01 November, 2016)
This only deserves praise to its author for providing sound workable ideas with not to much jargon and always credit where credit due to past/present performers like the rest of his work practical usable and importantly beneficial to its readers with rewarding results in there performances. I got this before mentioned in the next roadshow magazine by Rick Carruth (Magic Tips and Tricks: Rick Carruth) as he too loves all Paul's work and will give a much better in depth revue I am too busy with stick man fighting dragons
Osmosis III
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jack Skalon
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 31 October, 2016)
This is Paul’s latest release and the 3rd and final book in his OSMOSIS Trilogy. As usual not only does the book contain real world effects, Paul goes in depth as to the mechanics, theory, and psychology of each effect.
The book starts off explaining the difference between someone just doing tricks and a true magician. In one word. “ENTERTAINMENT”. Paul explains what that means. In magic the trick itself is a small part of performing. ** Next up is ESP, ROUTINES, IDEAS, PATTER. Paul explains how he moves from performing magic to Mentalism. Included is a routine, a cool deck switch and several ways to reveal the chosen card to end the routine. I will be using this! ** Following is a reworking of Paul’s 3 ACE TRICK. Paul is always streamlining, simplifying his effects which benefit the magician and spectator alike. Every move is covered in detail. The kicker at the end is super strong. This trick will well be worth the effort and time needed to master. ** Moving on, Paul covers the PEEK and PEEK FORCE. Invaluable tools. To me knowing what the chosen card always is, makes for an ultimate out when something goes wrong in the trick. This is something I will start using. ** The section on PROFESSIONAL MISDIRECTION III is part 3 of the series started in OSMOSIS I & II. This is a must read! Very in-depth. (Also included is a video clip of the Bluff Pass) ** The Comedy Magic Wand is a prop you can make. I do a fair amount of magic for kids and they love crazy magic wands. This is a winner that will play well for and age show. ** The Reverse Cull Placement Move contains a video clip further explain the move. Can be used for reveal a card or as a force. This is sweet!
Paul includes some interactive STICKMAN Adventures for fun as well as things related to improving your IQ and problem solving skills (THE MONTE HALL MOVE, ELEVEN PUZZLES).
I have several of Paul’s books and in my opinion each one is a gold mine. The instructions, explanations, theory, ins/outs are all very thorough. AND you can’t beat the price. After going through OSMOSIS III, I will definitely be adding OSMOSIS I & II even if just for the PROFESSIONAL MISDIRECTION section alone. My review really doesn’t give this book justice. You really should get OSMOSIS III. You won’t regret it.
Well done Paul!
Showcase Magic
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 25 October, 2016)
Out of this world need i say more my business card is under the glass
Osmosis II
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marc DeSouza
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 19 October, 2016)
This is a very enjoyable and eye-opening book. IT contains a number of really commercial routines for both the working performer and hobbyist. More importantly, it is chock full of very fine advice for magicians at all levels of skill and experience, as well as some fine techniques. The majority of the routines in this book are based in tried and true effects that are in the "lexicon" of current magic, but he has a worthwhile tip, a nice script addition or gag or a change in handling for each of them. It is apparent that Paul is a worker and everything in this book is demonstration of that. There are some old chestnuts that Paul teaches in here that are well worth this second look. Even though you may think they are "old hat", look at what Paul has done with them and consider that he uses this material for "real people". Strong stuff here. There are several bonus videos that come along with this package and, although simply shot, provide more than adequate views of what he intends to illustrate. I especially liked the footage about the three passes he uses. These techniques take work, but use these videos as a good guideline of what they are supposed to look like. All in all, I think Osmosis II is a great value and should be acquired and absorbed by any magician who wants to improve their performance skills and learn some great new effects too.
Osmosis II
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 18 October, 2016)
What Rick Carruth revue says. But importantly the advice within the work is sound as is the authors handling of the effects to amaze and astound spectators and excellent value for money for any card workers especially affordable for the younger magicians better food for the mind better than junk food attacking the body
Osmosis II
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)
OSMOSIS II - Paul A Lelekis' Latest Ebook - A Review
It seems as if I just reviewed the first Osmosis. Honestly, Paul writes 'em faster than I can review them. That said, it certainly doesn't mean Osmosis II is lacking in content. I believe there is MORE content in the second edition than in the first.
As I mentioned in the first review, I really liked it, in part because there was such a wide array of effects, helpful tips and information. I like diversity. I like small doses of magic converged with insightful writing. And I like effects I can understand. Those of you who know me from the Magic Roadshow know how I like to create issues full of a little bit of everything. Osmosis II reminds me of a Roadshow - It doesn't matter your skill level.. there's something for everyone, from the beginner to the pro. Paul has the ability to pick effects from some of the giants of magic, add his personal twists, and make it easily performable.. even for a klutz like myself. The first three effects are all good examples. Michael Skinner's version of Marlo's Poker Deal, Comedy Card Mis-call, and Paul's reworking of a Stewart James classic Ace Cutting routine. Now, when I say Paul makes effects 'easily performable', I wasn't necessarily meaning all his effects are easily performable by everyone. These three are all in the intermediate range and take a little practice.. but that's only fair as we aren't talking 'self-working' here. Divided among the three effects, if you can perform nice double-lifts, a false cut, hold a little finger break, perform double undercuts to the bottom or top, and carry out a false count (after explicit directions from Paul).. you can perform all three like a BOSS.. The Ace Cutting routine is the more difficult of the three, but considering the spectator shuffled the deck prior to the reveal, is well worth the extra effort. Paul includes his personal patter, and even a little 'blue' humor if you're so inclined and in the right company, to each effect, along with handling tips that simplify the working and practicality. 'An Example of Comedy Control' takes advantage of crowd psychology and helps gain control of a small group of spectators through comedy, making them super-receptive to your magic -without- the use of curse words, firearms, ancient cutting weapons, obnoxious animals, and alcohol. Just a matter of saying the right thing, and waiting on them to take the bait... 'Osmosis I' featured a brilliant bit of professional misdirection. 'Osmosis II' doubles down with another extremely useful treatise designed to provide ample cover for all those double undercuts, and other similar sleights, you used in conjunction with the first three effects. Nice... Paul included another of his favorite coin routines in Jumbo Coin Production. Anyone who has experienced the look of amazement on a spectator's face when you produce a big-ass coin knows the value of a good giant coin reveal.. I am not a good one to critique coin manipulation.. remember, I'm a klutz, so I'll have to leave the validity of this effect to those of you who are.. 'Take a Break with some Optical Illusions!'.. One of those sneaky little diversions we renaissance men like to toss amongst our genius.. To quote Paul's Table of Content, the next feature is... ' Hand Stuff - Here is an excerpt from Bill Spooner’s JOURNAL of MAGIC RESEARCH by Bill Wysong giving a list of creams, solids and powders for applying to our dry hands for manipulations… especially with cards!'.. I consider this so vital I ran an article in my last Magic Roadshow about properly preparing your hands for a performance. For years I couldn't figure how certain magicians had fingertip control over a deck of cards, able to perform effortless second deals and false counts.. until I discovered it wasn't ALL natural ability.... Welcome to the REAL underground... Color Changing Knives, Torn and Restored Napkins, Coin Transposition, Money Transportation, An Idea and Routine with an Optical Illusion, Paul Curry's Swindle Switch, Clippo, and a very detailed section on the Faro Shuffle converge in a section Paul calls:
"An eclectic collection of ideas and tricks for you to apply, peruse, and/or integrate into your shows.."
They are just that... a collection of magical thoughts and studies that cover a wide array of props. I think I mentioned in my last review that these can be the most valuable of all. As magicians, we are always looking for a useful tip or trick.. and often judge a book or dvd by how many 'tips' we garnered from it. I have so many 'resources', some very expensive, that resulted in absolutely nothing worthwhile, at least as far as my magic is concerned. Osmosis I and II both provided me with several effects/tips I added to my repertoire.. and that is my highest compliment. The last section of Osmosis II turned from magic to magic history. Knowing the history of cards, or in this case, one particular card, the Jack, gives your magic a dose of authenticity and realism. We all think of the face cards as 'Royalty'.. but that's not completely true... Paul says: "The Jack or Knave was NOT a term used to indicate royalty as many think today. These terms were used to indicate a dishonest male, a male servant or a male of humble position in society. These terms are also used to indicate a deceitful male. Jacks or Knaves are also used to describe a thief, murderer, a villain or even a monster! Many will remember the most famous of serial murderers, Jack the Ripper. No one knew who Jack the Ripper was, but the term “Jack” was used to describe him!"... I can honestly say I didn't know that... The complete history of the JACK is described in a way that makes you want to go out an impress someone right now! Paul says, "Girls who wear glasses still can’t see your passes!".. So, to add a definite professionalism to your performances he included videos of his three most-used passes.…the Classic Pass, the Jiggle Pass (my favorite), and Steve Draun’s Midnight Shift. This was a nice way to finish off Osmosis II, with a tutorial of perhaps the most honored of all magic sleights. So many magicians gave up on the pass long ago, and these three videos may be the motivation you need to reevaluate their essential qualities. Who knows.. maybe this time next year you will have mastered the greatest of the most humble of artistic pursuits... the one skill that, once mastered, goes totally unseen. Bummer... But you better believe that other magicians, unlike other artists, both know and appreciate it's perfection. OSMOSIS II is 35 pages in length and available exclusively through Lybrary.com for $10.00 (Instant download) Available October 15th, 2016.. This is Paul's 37th ebook, and in my opinion, one of his very best...
Rick Carruth - The Magic Roadshow
Osmosis II
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)
Osmosis II by Paul Lelekis is another superb collection of great tricks and tons of useful tips and information to make you a better performer. For starters, Paul teaches some very practical handling of classic effects like the Marlo Poker Deal and the James Ace Cutting/Production routine. As always the moves are economical, clean and direct and designed to avoid all suspicion. An original Comedy Card Quickie, a wonderful Jumbo Coin production idea, and some real world Comedy Control advice round out the main chapters and will help you bring your performances up to a new level. Paul’s books go way beyond just teaching some tricks. This one is no exception. The chapters on Professional Misdirection and on Hand Care (much overlooked but very important!) alone are worth the price of the book. I really enjoyed the additional chapters on fun stuff like some really cool Optical Illusions, the History of the Jacks, and a Collection of neat little Quick Tricks that are perfect ice breakers or attention getters. And if that’s not enough, Paul includes some great work on Passes and the Faro Shuffle. His treatments and Attitude/Philosophy of these useful moves help you take the fear out of performing them. There is a ton of material here. All very clearly laid out and designed to make you a better Performer/Entertainer. I don’t know how Paul keeps coming up with all this great stuff, but I’m sure glad he does. If you have Osmosis I, you’ll know that Osmosis II is a must have!
Osmosis II
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)
Osmosis 1 received its due recognition, and I am glad. That Osmosis 2 is a sequel to that, I am grateful for. When a busily, working, professional-magician tips the mitt on his ‘Workers’ and approach to Audience Management – you respond by running fast. You have not run fast enough, until you have applied at least one piece out of this large collection of tested-and-proven routines.
In this new volume (his 37th eBook), I enjoyed many new pieces of card magic, however I enjoyed the chapters on Comedy Control, Professional Misdirection, Jumbo Coin Production, doing the Passes, and the story behind the Jacks in a deck. Read it, test it out, and Lelekis’s ideas may transfer to you by osmosis –through that thin membrane that separates your trick from your magic.
Osmosis II
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)
"Osmosis II" is a little gem from a man who exclusively makes his living performing & entertaining real people with magic. His work & multiple videos included with the book are wonderful lessons for any student of magic. He has hammered out real magic to play strong in the real world. I especially like & now use his tips on misdirection. Money well spent.
Defective Cups and Balls
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark Dilliway (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 29 September, 2016)
Yet another winner by Mr. Lelekis. Dust off your cups and balls and get ready to perform this classic effect with a difference. The premise and patter for this routine is just second to none, plus the B'Wave Oil & Water bonus is also brilliant. As with everything that Paul produces, you can put them straight into your repertoire to get great reactions, laughter, and to give a truly magical performance. Thanks for sharing this with us Paul.
Thaumatology
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 28 September, 2016)
‘Thaumathurgy’ means ‘works of miracle’, and if THAUMATOLOGY is inspired by that, then these ‘Workers’ can inspire magic, works of marvels, and miracles.
One of my favourite effects is Marlo’s THE COLOUR CHANGING DECK. Ring in only one stranger-card and there is so much return on your investment. And, so is a book of matches in MATCH BURNS TWICE…MAYBE THRICE? The simple but effective reveal of a card in VOODOO ASHES may lead you to review this old effect.
There are several more in this collection of eight effects, yet they promise one thing – designed to inflict maximum impact because they have been raised to a higher realm. One example is Mike Skinner’s treatment on Peter Kane’s ‘Jazz Aces’ in SKINNER’S JAZZ ACES.
I actually started with the last two mentalism effects (‘art mathematical’) involving dice and a writing-pad. The principles are so simple, yet we tend to overlook them. Simplicity and clarity of effect are the trademarks of Paul Lelekis’s creations and choice of saintly effects.
Buy it. Go forth and be a wonder-worker!
My Favorites
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark Dilliway (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 22 September, 2016)
There are lots of kids publishing lots of card effects. But if you want quality effects by a true professional, then look no further than Mr. Lelekis! This man earns his Buckolas' by performing and creating TOP QUALITY material. The sort of material that will leave your audience's jaws all agog! This book is no different, his version of the Dream Card is literally the very best card effect I have ever learned / read. Top notch thinking with a truly amazing climax. This guy knows his onions, there's no silly hype which proves to be hot air. These are effects to get excited about. If you haven't already indulged in any of his works, now is a great time to start, and I guarantee that you won't be disappointed. At the end of the day, if you want to perform truly outstanding effects that WILL please your spectators, then learn from the man that does this day in, day out. Yes, I am a fan, but why wouldn't I be. This is true working material. Two words 'BUY NOW'.
Classic Card Magic IV
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 20 September, 2016)
THE KANNIBAL KARDS is the reason for my purchase of this quality work other accompanying effect are practical too well done to the author.
Osmosis
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 20 September, 2016)
My review will not do this work justice but those who have already contributed their thought's example Rick Carruth from magic road show fame and Magic Tips and Tricks which can be purchased from Amazon in paperback and kindle, Rick knows the quality of this author's work which can quite often be found in issues of the road show so don't let the lemon float by give the work some purchase and reading and practice time you will not be sorry.
Thaumatology
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 20 September, 2016)
I like Jazz Ace routines so a chance to read the authors ideas one of which Michael Skinner - Skinner's Jazz Aces was a reason enough to purchase English born Peter Kane (1938-2004) created many memorable close-up magic effects. He also contributed articles/routines to various magic periodicals. His routine Jazz Aces which is an Ace Assembly card routine done with the aces and only four other cards which was first published in Another Card Session with Peter Kane (1971).
Peter also used to perform this effect with 2 jumbo cards. It's a simplification of Seven Card Assembly by Edward Marlo. And excellent reading /recommended research is Jerry Mentzer jazz combo.
Thaumatology
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 20 September, 2016)
“Thaumatology” by Paul Lelekis is an awesome, fun book. The title definition is perfect: Study of the performing of miracles.
I love the great mix of material in this new book by Paul. Each one of these effects is indeed a little, or a big miracle. The non-card tricks are the kind of effects that are the perfect little trick to perform at a moment’s notice when asked to do a trick for someone. You will likely recognize many of these effects as they have been around for a while. Paul gives them new life in his fun and entertaining approach to each one of them. I particularly enjoyed revisiting “Match Burns Twice”, “Voodoo Ashes”, Marble Matrix” and “Math Magic”. These are terrific, ageless little miracles that are just so much fun to perform for people. Fantastic icebreakers that will get people talking!
The card effects presented here are all killers that stand alone. “Jazz Aces”, “27 Card Trick”, “Color Changing Deck” (Marlo) are classics in their own right.
As always, Paul’s style is very clear, easy to understand and to the point. His teaching is easy to follow as he illustrates the important points and finds just the right techniques to use so all unnecessary moves are eliminated. The emphasis is always on entertainment.
Just reading through these effects really put a smile on my face. I know they will do the same for you.
Thaumatology
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 19 September, 2016)
Paul has done it again. Pure worker material to delight the paying public. Marbles, matches, math, & of course cards. Drop the dime, you will use this material to delight your friends & audiences.
Osmosis
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 04 September, 2016)
With tricks based on the works of Marlo, Skinner, Elmsley, Jennings, Vernon, Fechter, Altman and Lorayne, Lelekis can do no wrong with his choices of ‘star’ material. With his extensive years of performing ‘in the trenches’, Paul has acquired his impeccable skills of sleight of hand, masterful spectator control, application of contemporary and relevant patter – each one a Worker and he passes it on to you in his penetrating style of writing!
This being his 35th book – the body of Lelekis's professional restaurant and close-up magic shows no loss in momentum. Enjoy the transfer of his knowledge to you with a wide range of effects, media and audience. The Bernard Billis Switch and Bro. John Hamman’s Count Switch can be assessed by video download from this ebook. You can appreciate how Paul clearly teaches these sleights in his assuring style.
I like ‘Combo Bill Penetration & Bill Switch Routine’, which explains the Koslowski Switch (with Roger Klause handling), and final ditch/switch. Also, ‘Reaping the Aces’ (where the spectator cuts to four piles), and, interestingly ‘Water-proof Hanky’. The chapter on ‘Professional Misdirection’ should be read first. I also enjoyed the additional ideas on card handling, and revision of properly–executed coin sleights. Enjoy OSMOSIS!
Osmosis
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 01 September, 2016)
Paul’s new ebook “Osmosis” is one of those books that if you wanted to pick up just one book this year, this is the one you want! This ambitious collection of very practical effects has lots to offer for everyone. Cards, Paper Money (I loved the Bill Penetration ideas), Coins, Mental, Funny Gags, Cool Trick Ideas (a book in itself), Science Tricks and even a terrific chapter on useful Professional Misdirection ideas. You can’t go wrong with this book. Paul’s take on some of the very best tricks from some of the greatest minds in magic written in his easy to understand hands on manner. Paul does the work of streamlining these effects for you by elimination many of the difficult moves yet the effects are not diminished in the least. Brilliantly written and all moves very clearly explained, and in many cases illustrated as well. For those new to coin magic, the chapter “Coin Magic Sleights” is worth the price of the book in itself. Throughout the book Paul gives great advice and presentation ideas that will really help bring your magic up to a new level. Focus is always on making the magic look relaxed and real! Do yourself a favor and get this one today!
Osmosis
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roy Eidem
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 29 August, 2016)
Paul is a worker's performer. This is real world, entertaining magic he does to astonish & entertain his clients & customers. Some great variety of magic with color photos & a video included. The streamlined simplicity of his work is the real magic.
Osmosis
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Carruth
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 29 August, 2016)
OSMOSIS.. A Renaissance Ebook from Paul A. Lelekis
It's funny.. Each month I publish one of Paul's many effects in The Magic Roadshow. Each month I put in the footer " Paul now has 31 ebooks on the Lybrary.com site..". Each month Paul emails me to gently inform me that should be '32' instead of '31'... or '24' instead of '23'... I can't keep up! I am constantly changing the footer to include a new ebook, and Paul is constantly writing a new one.
Well, assuming I can publish this review quick enough, THIS is Paul's latest... and definitely one of my favorites. It reminds me of my favorite magic books - those that include a little of this.. and a little of that. I love diversity, and I am not firmly tied to any one particular form of magic. Every audience is different, and every performance differs based on many factors.. not the least of which is my mood. Paul and I both work restaurants, and believe me, you have to perform for as diverse a crowd as imaginable. What works for one table may fall flat at the next. That's why having an arsenal of 'weapons' is so important.. and why I enjoy this ebook so much..
OSMOSIS begins with two very different effects.. both well within reach of the beginner to intermediate performer.
"2002 Simplicity Aces - Aces jump to ANY packet chosen by spectator." and " Combo Bill Penetration and Bill Switch Routine - A hilarious double-revelation routine with a borrowed bill"
Alex Elmsley created a classic Ace effect called '1002 Aces'. Larry Jennings did him one better with '2002 Aces'. Paul introduces us to his version.. '2002 Simplicity Aces', which is definitely the most simple of the three, but with the same killer ending.
The Combo Bill Penetration & Switch combines comedy and magic to provide the spectators with a complete performance piece, utilizing one of magic's most powerful weapons... the thumb tip. The thumb tip isn't the trick.. but a utility device to allow you to perform the effect with lots of laughs and applause.
"Mindreader - A brilliant Marlo double revelation ESP effect!" OK, I'll tell you straight-up, this is not for the beginner. On the other hand, it doesn't contain and knuckle-busting moves either. It DOES contain a number of moves that, fortunately, are in direct proportion to the number of eyes that pop out of sockets. You'll really like this one...
The next two, "Reaping the Aces" and "Easy 4 Ace Cutting" are both 'cutting the Aces' effects. Reaping the Aces may be my favorite effect in the entire ebook. Originally published by Larry Jennings, this effect allows the spectator to cut to all four Aces. I judge every effect in my repertoire based on the effect it has on a lay audience... and cutting the Aces is far and away one of the most impressive sleights in a magician's arsenal. Reaping the Aces looks so cool you can't help but really, really like it. Even a beginning level magician can do this with a little practice. If you can hold a punky break and slip a card onto the bottom of the deck while taking one off the top.. you can easily do this effect. 'Easy 4 Ace Cutting' again allows the spectator to be the one finding the Aces. Based on the Balducci Cut-Deeper force, this is super easy to perform. It requires a small set-up on top of the deck, but you can false shuffle or shuffle around it to make it look totally impromptu.
The next effect is not an effect... it's a technique to improve your magic. Paul describes it as.. "Professional Misdirection - Read this! Learn a little-known secret about misdirection that will revolutionize your card magic!" Once you know the secret, you'll think back to all the times you've seen top pros do this, but had no idea it was a scripted part of their effect. Nuff said...
"Simplicity Itself" uses a classic effect, combined with Paul's comedy patter, to create one of the centerpiece effects of this ebook. To quote Osmosis.. "The performer shuffles a deck of cards which may be borrowed. A card is freely selected and freely returned to the deck. With a “snap!” a card turns face up…however it’s not the selection! After the performer “explains” why, the face-up card is used to count down to another card…this is the selection!" Paul goes to great length to explain his comedy patter, line by line, and then explains why the patter works. You really can't be prompted more than this..!
"Coin Magic Sleights". Next, Paul includes 5 of his favorite, and most critical, coin sleights. Each sleight includes an array of photos to help you get the proper feel. Remember, sleights practiced badly only produce bad sleights. If you want to learn a good matrix routine, or simply want a convincing vanish, these five sleights will serve you well.
"Some Cool Ideas and Routines From Skinner and Others" cover twelve different ideas and effects. Most are either less-detailed effects or well-explained suggestions. Paul's Comedy Card Mis-Call is classic, and includes, like most of his effects, the comedy patter along with the moves. Others are Skinner's Four Ace Reverse, Harry Lorayne's Invisible Pass, Skinner's Double Triumph, Fetchter's Explain Trick, and Dai Vernon's Fortune Telling.. among others. It would take you years to find all this ' magic stuff' on your own..
Now, I'm not sure how to approach this.. but Paul got a Science bug up his... sleeve, and brought Osmosis to my kind of end.. interesting and off-the-wall. I have a soft spot for things I should have learned in school, had I been a good student, and both science and mathematics often find their way into my writings at a time in my life when one wouldn't expect it. Thanks to Big Bang Theory, science is once again cool, and Paul has concluded OSMOSIS with two science effects.. disguised as bar tricks. The first is called Floating Lemon Slice, and shows you how to 'float' a lemon slice, in mid-air, inside an upside down glass. The second is called Water-Proof Hanky.. and gives you a great excuse to scare the dickens out of a perfectly well-behaved young man who is making your table-hopping a pure pleasure.. (right).
I recommend OSMOSIS to anyone familiar with Paul's enormous volume of work on Lybrary.com, 34 total ebooks at the moment, and to anyone totally unfamiliar with Paul's work. Either way, Osmosis is a great outlet for the magician looking for a really good read. You can do this... You will be teaching your buddies at the next meeting some of the effects in this ebook.. And you will be kicking yourself for some of the high dollar purchases you've made, and garnered not a single thing from its righteous pages. I love a good deal.. and at ten bucks, you absolutely can't beat it.. (This ebook included 35 pages, numerous photos, and a video..) Rick Carruth
Triple Play
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Enrico Varella
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 16 August, 2016)
In his 33rd ebook, ‘Triple Play: The Professional Card Magic of Paul A. Lelekis’ is a collection of three effects. His credibility of regularly working in the trenches is well-established, so these ‘Workers’ have been refined for your immediate practice and rehearsal.
‘King Pen’ and ‘Parallel Universe’ are the two main interactive effects in this inexpensive book. His ‘third’ effect is the bonus sleight explanation of his deceptive Bluff Pass, and it is accompanied by a downloadable video. Paul’s handling of this card control warrants your consideration. He has worked out the usual kinks, by conditioning the audience’s mind, with a standard card selection move. With a dozen mirror-practices, you would be able to do it confidently.
Buy it, and perform these CLEAR, SIMPLE and STRONG effects – the ‘Triple’ approaches which are always in play in Paul’s magic creations.