Reviews: Read What Others Are Saying: page 11
216 ★★★★★ reviews
150 ★★★★★ reviews
93 ★★★★★ reviews
138 ★★★★★ reviews
Hands Off Book Test
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Ray Jack (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 09 December, 2024)
Got a second-hand paperback copy of Think And Grow Rich by Napolean Hill and prepared my Hands Off Book Test. It took me about 40 mins to prepare and I have a great book test always at hand. Performed this 3 times so far. Loved the response. My humorous opening line is "I confused Think & Grow Rich for Gamble & Grow Rich......". Just like MOABT this one too is completely hands-off and equally impactful with similar effort but at a fraction of the cost. This is a great idea combining a well-known card principle into a book test.
Deckology: Mystic Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 December, 2024)
I don't do much mentalism or occult-themed magic, so I wasn't sure if this short book would be of interest to me, but after reading the other two volumes in this series, I decided to give it a try.
I'm glad I did since I found a lot of usable material. As with the other two books, the author relates elements of a standard card deck to other elements (in this case, primarily spiritually or mystically themed). It provides potential patter ideas for anyone doing card tricks.
Deckology Volume 2: Biologic Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 December, 2024)
I'm reading these three volumes from the Unknown Mentalist in backwards order, which probably influenced my perceptions.
As in volume 3, the author provides explanations for the various card values, Ace through King -- this time in terms related to the human body.
I definitely prefer the material in this volume over volume 3. It should be usable in a variety of performance styles.
Deckology Volume 3: Comic Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 December, 2024)
I wasn't sure if this would match my style, but there is a nice mix of entertaining bits of humor in this collection.
I especially liked the introductions to the various card values in a deck.
(About half of the document is essentially a catalog of products by the author, which is not surprising for a free promotional product.)
Telepathic Memory
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Burmeister (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 December, 2024)
This UNKNOWN MENTALIST has another GREAT EFFECT AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE! I have done a mental telepathy effect where a spectator selects a female celebrity and then I divine it, but I really think the UNKNOWN MENTALIST has a better effect with this because it involves both memory skills and telepathy. The name of the effect says it all. I haven't purchased anything for quite a while but I finally got a chance to buy this. Also in my opinion I think this deserves more than a 5-star rating. Having said that, I think this effect is not for everyone but this will be great for those who don't mind practicing and perfecting this. Also I think that THE UNKNOWN MENTALISTS' KLAIRVOYANCE CALENDER EFFECT WOULD BE THE PERFECT EFFECT TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS! I also think that most people would call you a GENIUS if you are using either of these effects or both together.
A Proven Junior Magician's Curriculum
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 December, 2024)
I **love** this small curriculum. It literally has everything you need you teach an entire introductory class for children.
It is not only focused on the magic but also on building confidence and social skills.
The use of the plastic cups from the "cups and balls" included in virtually every children's magic kit to represent each level of achievement (similar to the use of various colors of belts in martial arts) is genius. As the students earn each cup, they also learn new tricks they can do with one, two, then finally three cups.
Each trick is taught through an accompanying video, and several printable props are also include. I haven't been through all of the videos yet, but they seem well-made. These are clearly intended as examples, and it would be preferable for the teacher to teach the tricks live, when possible.
Five stars is not enough; this is an invaluable resource for anyone who is interested in teaching a beginner course in magic.
Abraca-Poof February 2020
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 December, 2024)
This issue of Abraca-Poof contains articles on marketing and reputation, as well as taking care of magic props. There is nothing startling or new, but it provides good reminders for things that we might be tempted to forget -- things that can separate amateurs from professionals.
Definitely worth a read.
Abraca-Poof August 2020
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 07 December, 2024)
In this issue, Brian provides some tips for pre-/post-show sales of small tricks.
Curiously enough, he also revisits some topics from older issues, including recovering from performance mistake, and backing up information (including patter) for tricks that might not be frequently performed.
The primary tip from the article on patter is: do not underestimate the patter that often comes with purchased tricks, as they are occasionally unexpected gold mines.
Abraca-Poof August 2019
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 07 December, 2024)
My favorite article from this issue is on recovering from mistakes during a performance. It included some good tips and one-liners.
Another good article was on the role of assistants in magic.
Abraca-Poof April 2020
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 07 December, 2024)
My favorite articles in this issue were on:
"Backing up" your magic so that you can revisit how to do tricks you might not have done for a while.
The necessity (and possibilities) of performing magic while working within your physical limitations.
Counts with Jumbo Cards
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 07 December, 2024)
I haven't had a chance to practice these moves yet, but they seem like a practical approach. I want to see how well they work with regular-size cards as well.
I suspect using these methods as a casual display (rather than as a strict count) will be very effective.
The explanations and the illustrations are excellent, and the included video is a nice bonus.
Hands Off Book Test
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mark Millen (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 07 December, 2024)
The method described here works, however, I will never prepare a book in the way described, with the justification given. It’s just silly. I have no doubt Unknown Mentalist has some good material but there seems to be a running theme behind his methods in that they are extremely contrived, convoluted, or lack realistic justification. Will you be able to perform this and reveal the words being read? Yes. Are there countless other book tests that don’t require an open preparation of each page with poor justification for such preparation? Absolutely.
100 Card Trick One-Liner Jokes
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 07 December, 2024)
None of these short jokes are groaners, and a few of them will be usable when I'm performing.
One of Card Magic's Best Kept Secrets
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by martin iraizos
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 06 December, 2024)
I didn’t purchase the PDF, but I emailed the Unnamed Magician asking him if my guess on the method based on watching the trailer was correct. I had my suspicions because I read this method in a book published ages ago. He told me that my guess was correct.
Although it’s been a while since I’ve used this principle, I did perform effects using it quite often back in the day when I first learned it. It’ll require some practice to get the hang of, but nothing too shabby.
It was good to be reminded of the principle after so long. I’ll start incorporating it into my performances again.
One of Card Magic's Best Kept Secrets
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Robert Taxin (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 05 December, 2024)
I've been performing magic for decades, including in the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. I've performed in the corporate world and in hotels and theaters. I've busked and performed all over Europe for 3 years during the 1970s. I've been a long-time supporter and client of lybrary.com and have purchased many products. They all presented possibilities for performance; some required a fair amount of practice.
In most purchased explanations we can see video demonstrations of the effect done in real time. Not so in this one. We get written and videoed explanations of the method and a historical account of other references to it. I believe this effect is undoable under performance conditions. I'm very disappointed.
Non-Verbal Transmission
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Darius Acuna (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 05 December, 2024)
First of all, it's a good method. The first time I saw something like it, or perhaps it was this same method, I had an inkling of what it may be. It's a very good, albeit cumbersome, idea that will absolutely work.
I removed 2 stars because the ad copy skips over a crucial moment, which could have easily been included in its writing and still retain the secret. I spent hours attempting to recreate the system in my head and came up with almost the exact same thing on a whim. Upon reading the material, I do not feel so bad at my lack of ingenuity. It was everything I expected, and as such, is not wholely unsatisfactory.
This was not a waste of munny. For what you get, it's clear and solid system, but I firmly believe this is not the most superior one, as purported. For what you learn, it's a good start for coding, and builds a foundation for the kind of effort required for such a performance, if you so choose to pursue it. Thank you for this release.
Del-Ardo's Private Sealed Envelope Reading Method
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Javier De La Hera (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 04 December, 2024)
Magicians that enjoy classical methods will recognize the two principles used here. It's an excellent methodology for those of us with limited or no sleight of hand abilities. I bought this along with Nelson's Mind Divination and I think they complement each other well. I feel I now have practical ways to handle private readings and Q&A acts. Assuming you can give passably good readings and answers to questions these methods allow us to concentrate on presentation instead of finger acrobatics. I'm mostly an armchair mentalist/magician but sometimes I do perform. I can see myself using these techniques. Good price and good product.
Mind Divination
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Javier De La Hera (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 04 December, 2024)
This is one of the best Nelson booklets available here. The blurb is correct. This method is simplicity itself and very practical. You probably already know the principle involved but it doesn't matter, you'll still like the handling and tips. Nelson gives you a workable Q&A act with no fluff for $8. Very satisfied with this product.
Hints and Tips
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 04 December, 2024)
None of the tips included are earth-shattering, but I suspect that most people will find at least one or two ideas in this short collection. The tips cover a variety of topics, including improvements to specific effects and storage/transport of equipment.
Scripted #4: The 21 Card Trick
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 02 December, 2024)
This is the first of the "Scripted" e-pamphlets I've read. The patter is humorous, and the inventive plot does a great job of disguising the simplicity of this standard trick. I will definitely incorporate some of these ideas in a performance.
I look forward to reading the other issues of "Scripted."
Ancient Rings Mystique
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 02 December, 2024)
This is an interesting philosophical and psychological take on this classic trick. Unfortunately, it is only a teaser for the actual content. It would have been nice to see at least one example handling.
Counting Terminology
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Brad Smithart (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 December, 2024)
This is a very short video, but it explains something that I've never seen clearly explained anywhere else. I'm not sure it's worth the price, but I don't regret my purchase since it answered my questions.
The Card Magic of Peter Duffie
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by raphael czaja
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 December, 2024)
Those tricks used to be sold independently. Obviously, you have to provide your own special cards (blank backs, blank faces and so on). To perform Thunderstruck, you'll have to make the special cards by yourself. Tricks like A Free Choice, Bleached, Ghost Flight, Point-Blank Assembly are classics. They are worth the price of this ebook.
Perfected Sealed Message Reading
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 30 November, 2024)
This is a handling of the Q & A envelopes and cards that is very do-able and that you will enjoy using and learning. It was published by Max Holden in 1950 and revamped for today's use. I have read many methods by Annemann and Baker and many others and find this one to have the simplicity needed to make the whole process seem second nature. I highly recommend it.
Triplesp
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by James Pearson (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 30 November, 2024)
3 great, self-working routines using ESP cards. I especially enjoyed the second trick, "Especial Double Diviniation." It's going into my repertoire!