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32 ★★★★★ reviews
1 ★★★★ reviews
Displaying 1 to 33 (of 33 reviews)


Diception

Overall customer rating: ★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 25 January, 2023)

DiceptionDiception is a really great trick and a fooler for sure! The setup on the video takes a couple of viewings for sure and takes a little time to get it right. Once you get it all together, you're good to go. The basic presentation is very good as it is and you do get a couple more ideas to enhance the presentation, but again, the basic presentation is excellent as is. A terrific trick that lets you concentrate on the presentation since there are no real slights and it's basically self-working. I would have given it 5 stars but again, the setup part of the video was a little hard to follow after a viewing or two you'll get it with no problem. It is a one-trick deck that can't be examined but it is a good one to have if you do table hopping. Resets instantly with a different outcome each performance which is always a plus! Let's say this trick gets 4.5 stars. 5 for the trick and 4 for instructions. Awesome price for what you're getting!


Professional Impromptu

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 18 December, 2022)

Professional ImpromptuPaul 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)

UnseenPaul 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!


It's a Biddle Thing

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 25 June, 2022)

It's a Biddle Thing[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.


The Drawing Room

Overall customer rating: ★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 31 July, 2021)

The Drawing Room[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!


Paradoxes

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 27 September, 2020)

Paradoxes[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 Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 20 July, 2020)

Quantum Reality[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.


Mirage

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 01 May, 2020)

Mirage“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 Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 19 April, 2020)

Fillers"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 Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 04 January, 2020)

McDonald's Aces and Freak OutTwo 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.


Even More Of My Favorites

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 31 December, 2018)

Even More Of My FavoritesEven 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 Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 22 October, 2018)

Pasteboard RevelationsPasteboard 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!


Janus: The Magic of Kevin Casaretto

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 24 August, 2018)

Janus: The Magic of Kevin CasarettoJANUS: The Magic of Kevin Casaretto compiled and written by Paul A. Lelekis is a very welcome addition to the card magicians’ library. All the effects require the use of gimmicked cards that I’m sure most card magicians already have or can easily acquire. These brilliant effects are well written and have really no very complicated moves. They are streamlined and straightforward and they will have maximum impact on your spectators. I really enjoyed working through these effects. They proved to me that with the use of just a few gimmicked cards it can really kick up the overall effect to a whole new level of Wow Factor for your audience. Well worth the effort of having just a few extra cards on hand! I learned some fun new handlings along the way particularly in the effects JANUS, Magazine Mental Test, Turn Over Cards and Card to Wallet. The 2-Card Monte move is awesome; you’ll be fooling yourself in no time. Overall, these are real workers effects that again are not complicated or confusing. The book includes two videos by Paul Lelekis to help you learn two of the moves. Kevin Casaretto has offered effects that are fun to perform and amazing to your audience. I think you’ll find JANUS to be refreshing and well worth finding a few of those cool little gimmick cards. You’ll be happy you did!


That's Impossible!

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 24 May, 2018)

That's Impossible!That’s Impossible!! By Paul Lelekis is another time-tested collection of awesome card tricks that you’ll find both a pleasure to learn and entertaining to your audience. These are old classics that Paul has reworked and updated for the modern audience. Read Pauls’ intro and you’ll learn why it’s so important to know and honor the great magicians and their wonderful effects from the past. It’s like the musician who’s new to jazz. He must learn all about Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louie Armstrong and the great tunes they made famous. I loved working on “That’s Impossible” in particular. So cool that you’re set up for a card to pocket trick at the end…very clever! An awesome working of “Oil and Water” a neat transposition effect and an ingenious sandwich effect all together is one handy e-book. The workings are all streamlined and written up in Pauls’ clear, easy to grasp style. Includes three video clips to help you along the way learning some beautiful controls. So what are you waiting for? Get this book, grab a deck of cards and start having fun!


The Magic of Derek Dingle

Overall customer rating: ★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 17 March, 2018)

The Magic of Derek DingleThe Magic of Derek Dingle by Paul Lelekis Here is another outstanding contribution to card magic from Paul Lelekis. Written in Paul's pleasant and easy to grasp style he pays tribute to the great Derek Dingle. For those who are new to the magic of Derek Dingle, this book is an excellent introduction and highlights some of his best and most entertaining material. Paul starts each explanation by giving some easy to understand and very practical advice that will help you to improve your magic overall. As always his advice and performance suggestions are very solid "down to earth" based on real-life experience from a person who has as we say in the education field, clearly learned by doing! I particularly enjoyed the Fabulous Jumping Card Trick, Too Many Cards and Paul’s own version of a terrific three card routine called Hypnotic Quick 3-Way. The coin material Slot Machine and Silver Quick are both very strong and very entertaining coin routines. The routines are all very approachable by the average magician and as with much of Paul's routines, the impact on the audience far exceeds the technical effort the magician has to put into them. These routines work great and they are comfortable to perform with most of your concentration on the presentation. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn some outstanding fun material and a little about one of card magic’s all-time great performers. Here is another solid winner from Paul Lelekis for all of us to benefit from and enjoy!


The Magic of Michael Skinner

Overall customer rating: ★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 26 November, 2017)

The Magic of Michael SkinnerThe Magic of Michael Skinner by Paul Lelekis is a wealth of great advice and techniques from a true Master of our Times. This is Pauls' finest eBook of the year for sure! Handlings that are straight forward and convincing along with some exceptional presentational tips throughout. The foreword by John Carney and Introduction by Paul are easily worth the price of the book. Here you'll be presented with Michael Skinners philosophy on practice, discipline, creativity, ingenuity and naturalness of performance. This is a fantastic way for you to get acquainted with the presentational style and wonderful magic of Michael Skinner. The nine effects are all time tested routines that you will enjoy learning and performing. There’s a little something for everyone here. They are all geared to emphasize entertainment, presentation and the art of engaging your audience. Straight forward clean, non-complicated and direct routines. I particularly liked the opening effect "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (one of my all-time favorite movies), the best patter/presentation, and interpretation for this classic effect I've ever seen. A solid winner for sure! The "Mona Lisa Card Trick" another favorite of mine is a perfect example of a short routine that has a great kick to it and you'll be having some fun with it in no time. Besides the card effects you’ll get a cool Giant Coin routine and a beautiful, clean, smooth handling of a Torn & Restored Paper routine that goes a step or two further than similar effects. All this plus an ingenious prediction Bonus effect from Stewart James makes Pauls' "The Magic of Michael Skinner" destined to be a top seller.


A Close Up Show

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 30 October, 2017)

A Close Up ShowThis new EBook,” A Close Up Show!” from Paul Lelekis is a really cool idea! Three wonderful routines that flow together perfectly or they could be easily performed independently. What a great idea! The opening routine “Pastboard Prison” is a killer! Here you’ll learn a fantastic control of three selections that you’ll use in many other routines, plus Pauls’ rendition of this classic effect is by far the smoothest and most direct handling you’ll find. As usual, Paul streamlines the moves so your concentration can and should be on presentation! “Triple Threat Coin” is a fun and interactive routine that features a marvelous vanish/transposition that is well supported by some great audience control, fun patter and timely misdirection. Again, this is a fun and entertaining routine to perform and you’ll find many uses for the coin steal slight presented here. The Closer of the three routines offered here is “Cheek to Cheek”. Another classic that Paul has taken to a whole new level by adding a signed card to the effect! Not to mention a deck switch that really works itself and some very practical refinements that make the effect more engaging for your spectators. I love the Bonus! “Selection Produced from a Fan of Cards” is one of those great little moves that you’ll do over and over again in front of a mirror and you’ll laugh every time because it looks so cool! I love to fool myself! Thanks Paul, you did it again!


Killerz!

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 29 September, 2017)

Killerz!Killerz! by Paul Lelekis is a terrific collection of effects that you’ll enjoy performing and they will entertain your audience. As with all of Paul’s publications, don’t overlook the Introduction. Here is a wealth of information on performance and magic etiquette that alone is worth the price of the book. Paul explores topics such as the importance of practice, patter, presentation and putting it all together. He reminds us that how you make the spectator feel is of primary importance. Throughout this book Paul has streamlined moves to enable you to concentrate on presentation and interaction with your audience. The moves are all very clearly explained and Killerz! Includes three video attachments to help with learning some of the moves that you might not be so familiar with. I particularly enjoyed working through “Another Point of Departure”, “The Phantom Card”, and “The Queens Have Risen”. I’m sure you’ll enjoy these as well as the other effects in this collection too. The Bonus Coin effect is a terrific study in the importance of great story telling patter. You’ll love it. Thanks Paul for another winner!


Openers and Closers 3

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 24 July, 2017)

Openers and Closers 3Openers & Closers 3 is another wonderful contribution to the magic community from Paul Lelekis. As with the other books in his Openers & Closers series (highly recommended) the advice and "tricks of the trade" in the Introduction are worth the price of the book. Open without a trick! Yes, there are other options and here Paul explores the idea of “breaking the ice” with a timely or appropriate joke. Magicians, Entertainers, and Public Speakers have all found themselves in an awkward situation when introduced and here Paul gives some very useful first hand advice on turning the situation into something that is very comfortable for Everyone! The effects within are all time tested engaging routines that demonstrate a number of useful moves that you can easily apply to not only these effects but to many other effects in you repertoire. Clear explanations with photos and videos included. The “21 Card ESP Trick” is a real gem, so don’t pass that one up! I enjoyed working through “Above & Beyond”, a great example of an effect that lets you totally concentrate on presentation and the funny patter since the moves are streamlined and not complicated at all. Some cool ideas and advice for using “Invisible Thread”, a great effect with an Invisible deck and a terrific “See-Through Change Bag” Construction Tutorial round out this quality book that you’ll be happy to own. As with all of Pauls’ books, you will without a doubt fine something here that you will use!


Openers and Closers 2

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 26 June, 2017)

Openers and Closers 2Openers & Closers 2 by Paul Lelekis is another terrific collection of effects that really work and you will use for sure. As with all of Paul's publications the tips and advice in the Introduction are worth the price of the book alone. Don't overlook these valuable recommendations. Here Paul shares words of wisdom on First Impressions, Final Impressions, Audience Control, Relieving Tension (for both your audience and yourself), and Confidence Building. You will see how Paul's suggestions in the Introduction fit perfectly into the effects that follow. The effects all work great as openers and or closers. These effects are straight forward, and easy for your audience to follow. Paul has done the work for you by searching through dozens of books and hundreds of tricks to find the very best effects with maximum impact for you to make use of. The perfect way to "open the door" to the rest of your performance material. The Vanishing Card Box is just one example of a perfect opener. It's easy to make up and you'll find it's as good if not better than many similar commercially available gimmicks. Again, it's an effect that smoothly and naturally leads onto your next effect. Check out Paul's two clever renditions of the Martin Gardner 4 Ace Trick (great as an opener or closer), and the Nick Trost 8-Card Brainwave which utilizes Daryl's addition that takes the heat off the cards for final display. These are two ready to go, easy to do effects that are marvelous ice breakers. Paul's Invisible Deck will have you rethinking possibilities of the Invisible Deck for sure! Some really cool ideas here. You'll love all these effects and Paul’s little improvements and nuances make them all the better. Pick it up; you'll be very happy you did.


Openers and Closers

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 15 May, 2017)

Openers and ClosersOpeners & Closers by Paul Lelekis is just what you are looking for to find a super strong knockout routine to put your close-up performance over the top. Here there are seven top notch effects plus to great articles packed with useful information and advice on presenting your opening and closing effect. Paul’s brilliant take on these time honored effects brings new live to some classics of magic. As always Paul gives you the real scoop on performance and entertainment that you can apply to all of your magical performances. Paul’s clear and precise writing makes these routines a pleasure to learn with cards or coins right in your hands. He always finds a way to make more difficult moves easier and more economical while at the same time strengthens the overall effect! These are all winners for sure. I particularly enjoyed his work on the coin routines, "Matrix" and the "New Copper/Silver/Brass". The ESP card effect "Shock" is a killer that you will really use! Openers & Closers is a fantastic bargain that you should not pass up. Take advantage of the opportunity and pick it up today!


Magic Medley

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 18 March, 2017)

Magic MedleyMagic Medley by Paul Lelekis has something great for everyone. Here is a wide variety of well thought out effects, any one of which will enhance your close up performance. Cards, Coins, Silks, Rings and even a little ESP. As with all of Paul’s books, there is plenty of great advice and professional tips given with each effect throughout the book. Two chapters, “Taking Control” and “In Conclusion” are dedicated exclusively to sound professional advice learned from years of experience as a professional entertainer. The effects and methods presented here are all very practical and entertaining. Check out “Comedy Vanishing Silk” for sure if you want a good laugh! Some outstanding utility moves presented throughout like some very useful coin production and vanishes, and I particularly enjoyed the advice and methods on the “Tilt” move in both “Miracle Sandwich” and “Jackwich”. A perfect example of learning a new move or a nuance that will enhance and likely make stronger effects that you already perform! Paul has a fantastic way of finding just the right way of simplifying difficult moves without having anything taken away from the effect. In most cases, the effect has even more of an impact on your audience and is stronger overall! Even if you are using a different method for a similar effect you will likely find yourself substituting some of Paul’s moves into your effect to make it easier with a better flow to it. For example, I’m now sold on using Paul’s method presented in “Miracle Sandwich”. I have been performing a Collectors (Sandwich) effect that had many more moves including some palming and in “Miracle Sandwich” I discovered a method that has less moves and has eliminated the palming and leaves the effect as strong as ever! Sold! Magic Medley shows you ways you can take control, improve your presentation and performance, and have loads of fun at the same time!


Magic Variety Pack 2: Curtain Call Encore

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 22 January, 2017)

Magic Variety Pack 2: Curtain Call EncorePaul's latest book Magic Variety Pack 2 is another fantastic bargain offered to the magic community. As with all of Paul's publications you not only get some terrific effects and new slights/techniques, you'll uncover some fabulous tricks of the trade as well. Paul is the real deal when it comes to a seasoned professional with the skill, knowledge and experience to offer you some of the best magic tips and advice around. The opening chapter (Introduction) with great advice on Shuffles, Cuts and Misdirection is well worth the price of the book alone. The effects are all fun to work up and no doubt you'll learn a few new techniques and touches along the way that will improve your magic overall and become more entertaining for your audience. In particular I really loved "Imagine!" This is the perfect way to enhance an effect with multiple climaxes that bring it to a whole new level of entertainment. As great as the card effects are I have to admit that the first thing I played with was the Balloon Sword Swallowing. I'm betting you will too! You'll love it along with the rest of this outstanding book.


Magic Variety Pack

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 26 December, 2016)

Magic Variety PackThe new ebook "Magic Variety Pack" is another fantastic bargain offered to the magic community by Paul Lelekis. This ebook IS packed with lots of great magic, innovative ideas, real world performance tips and a treasure trove of useful professional advice. Written in Paul's relaxed easy to follow style, this book is conducive to reading while having the cards, coins or other props right in your hands. To me, this is not only fun to do but the best way to learn. A quick look at the Table of Contents will tell you that there is something here for everybody. All time tested effects that work great in a number of performance situations. As with all of Paul's publications he gives very clear explanations and finds ways to simplify difficult moves without taking anything away from the all-important effect. Excellent patter and tips are always included right in the text as you read along. The card effects are all very clean and direct, easy for the spectators to follow and understand. Nothing complicated here, just terrific magic! I particularly like Paul’s professional advice on entertainment and involving the spectators that is present in every effect presented here. I had lots of fun with two of the non-card effects, the Two Coins routine and the Close Up Color Change Silks. The Quickies are like an added bonus! Great advice and tips on the Top Change, Switches, Double and Triple Turnovers, Snap-Over Change and Other Revelations. As if the whole book isn't a bargain, the Quickies are like getting another whole book for free! You'll love it!


Osmosis II

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)

Osmosis IIOsmosis 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!


Thaumatology

Overall customer rating: ★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 20 September, 2016)

Thaumatology“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.


Osmosis

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 01 September, 2016)

OsmosisPaul’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!


Triple Play

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 03 August, 2016)

Triple PlayIt is as always great to see new items from Paul Lelekis. The Triple Play does not disappoint! You'll learn something new about card conjuring and ways to improve your presentation as well. These three effects are fun to learn and as with all of Paul's card magic they are clearly explained and are very direct and straight forward. The slights Paul teaches are all very economical. No unnecessary moves so there can be more concentration on the provided patter, presentation material and the overall flow of the effect. My personal favorite is "Parallel Universe". This is a cool paradox effect that lends itself to inspire you to come up with some fun presentation ideas of your own. Have some fun with it! Paul's work on "The Bluff Pass" is outstanding and alone worth the price of this ebook. Finally a clear explanation that in addition teaches several great nuances that will eliminate any fears you have of performing this great utility move and enable you to perform it with 100% confidence. Triple Play hits a Home Run!


Let's Take A Breather

Overall customer rating: ★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 12 July, 2016)

Let's Take A BreatherHere is another outstanding contribution to card magic from Paul Lelekis. Written in Paul's pleasant and easy to grasp style he explores some practical uses for the Breather Crimp. For those new to the Breather Crimp, Paul fully explains this secret device used as a tool to locate cards and aid in the execution of some amazing card magic. The making of the crimp is clearly illustrated and very easy to construct. Paul starts by giving some easy to understand and very practical advice that will help you incorporate the Breather Crimp into your own routines and generally improve your magic overall. As always his advice and performance suggestions are very solid "down to earth" based on real life experience from a person who has as we say in the education field, clearly learned by doing! The routines are all very approachable by the average magician and as with much of Paul's material the impact on the audience far exceeds the technical effort the magician has to put into them. These routines work great and they are comfortable to perform with most of your concentration on the presentation. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn all about this amazing card utility. Here is another solid winner from Paul Lelekis for all of us to benefit from and enjoy!


Classic Card Magic II

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 27 March, 2016)

Classic Card Magic IIPaul's new book "Classic Card Magic II" is an excellent source of inspiration for magicians. All of the effects in this book are gems that card magicians are sure to enjoy and perform! Paul has a unique way of making difficult moves much simpler and never sacrificing anything from the effect. In most cases he makes the effect even better! For example, I remember struggling with the original "Jazz Jacks" (since I love jazz I really wanted to learn it) and never really felt comfortable enough to perform it. Paul utilizes moves that for me are far more comfortable so I can now feel the flow of the effect and relax with it. This has been the case with all of Paul's effects. Well worked out and designed to keep the focus on the presentation not on difficult moves. Try all these classics. If you haven't performed them before, here is your chance to learn and enjoy some great card magic. Thanks Paul, you did it again!!


Close-Up Utopia

Overall customer rating: ★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 27 June, 2015)

Close-Up UtopiaThe new eBook Close-Up Utopia by Paul Lelekis offers seven solid non-card routines that are perfect for close-up and walk around performing situations. As with other publications from Paul, the Introduction alone is a wealth of information and well worth the price of the eBook. Here Paul offers great advice on Spectator Management and the Successful Execution of Slights. This is very well thought out and practical advice on these extremely important and often neglected issues. Paul validates the importance of getting the true “feel and flow” of performing by giving many examples from his own performing experiences as well as other Master Magicians like Michael Ammar, Joe LaMonica and Eddie Fechter. Paul is all about helping to make you become a better performer/entertainer, and through his writing and teaching, he does just that! The seven routines are all written up in Pauls’ clear understandable style that always proves to be a comfortable read. All of the routines are well within the capabilities of the average magician and they are notable for Entertainment Value. Pauls’ well organized, concise teaching style clearly explains slights that really do help you develop the flow that makes for an exceptional, relaxed performance. I particularly enjoyed the copper/silver routine Presto-Chango Againo, the changes really are startling and it’s fun to perform! You’ll love the Impromptu Mental Epic, it’s all about presentation! No tricky moves or large props, just pure entertainment. The tips on the Hot Rod and the slights Paul teaches are all clean and casual. Perfect for Hot Rod, Color Changing Knives or and Paddle Move effect.


Six Easy-To-Do Card Miracles

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 28 April, 2015)

Six Easy-To-Do Card MiraclesAnother book of winners! Thank you Paul for another wonderful contribution to the magic fraternity. The effects in Six Easy-To-Do Card Miracles are fun and easy to perform. Let's you focus on presentation which is what it's all about. The "Tips for Maximizing your performance" in the Introduction alone is are worth the price of the book! Something here for everyone and again, lots of great presentational possibilities. Enjoy Pauls' clean, clear relaxed writing style that is so easy to follow. The one thing I've noticed about Paul's effects can be summed up in two words..."They Work!" I'm sure you will agree...Enjoy!


Obscure Marlo

Overall customer rating: ★★★★★

reviewed by Christopher Weber (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 30 March, 2015)

Obscure MarloAnother terrific e-book from Paul Lelekis. The effects in Obscure Marlo are all very direct and easily mastered by the average (that's me) magician. As with all of Paul's publications his explanations are excellent and easy to follow. His teaching style is very comfortable and the slights he teaches are presented and explained perfectly. I'm really enjoying working through "Obscure Marlo". The effects are all "workers" and the bonus presentational material will open the door to your own creative thinking and routines. Thanks Paul!

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