Reviews: Read What Ray Haddad Is Saying

Shuddershadow Mansion

reviewed by Ray Haddad (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 01 April, 2010)

This is an exceptional book by Mr Piazza as far as routine development goes but lacks in the method descriptions. In half of the effects presented, the method is described as the means found in another effect in another book. I do understand the need to credit originators with their creations but if the effect was included in the book, it should be fully described with the permission of the originator.

I cannot in good conscience recommend this book for a novice magician no matter how his/her thoughts may run to the bizarre or supernatural. There is just too much missing which only a seasoned professional could possibly fill in without extensive additional material. The magician with encyclopedic knowledge will find this book to be crammed with great stuff.

There are even a few effects that describe methods from sources that are long out of print and probably not available. I would advise Mr Piazza to rewrite this otherwise worthy book and make it more complete.

These flaws are the reason for an otherwise 5 star book to receive only 3 stars from me.