Read What Others Are Saying: page 34
151 ★★★★★ reviews
104 ★★★★★ reviews
67 ★★★★★ reviews
105 ★★★★★ reviews
Kolossal Kicker
reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 24 October, 2016)
All Magic effect's new and old will never ever be suitable to meet every ones taste and skill in the magic/mentalism field of entertainment. What they do which is guaranteed is to stimulate any one’s mind to read practice and adapt to their own style of presentation and most of all. All effects can and do is to stimulate Old and young minds to produce new thoughts and ideas for any performer to bring old and most importantly new effects to entertain and amaze the public and spectators.
We as entertainers and writers can never please every one.
But what we can is to stimulate the readers open minds
I like the writer's work and adapt to my own style ironing out anything that I think does not suit my style or performance all of his works so fare are in my working library
Including this one.
Kolossal Kisser
reviewed by Balasubramanian Chandran (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 23 October, 2016)
The core method here is a brilliant advancement over the Kolossal Killer idea of Kenton Knepper. If you like Kolossal Killer method, you will like this too. If you do not like Killer, then you will definitely like this a lot. I believe, it is conventional thinking like this that truly pushes our art to new heights.
The ouija board presentation coupled with the business card version will be the one I will be performing. In my opinion is is a very powerful combo. The biggest take away for me, unlike in Kenton's Killer, you do not need a wallet - just a single mini envelope in your pocket is all you carry.
Further, applying this unique principle to year of birth theme given in the bonus routine is simply fantastic. The pseudo climax where you apparently miss followed by the actual climax creates a stunning impact. For me this was an extraordinary buy. No wonder this is topping the hotlist right now.
Kolossal Kicker
reviewed by Loki Jedi (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 23 October, 2016)
I never got to performing Kenton's Killer much - as it needed a complete wallet to be fully 'occupied'. Now this new principle is amazing. Wonderful method to predict one out of about 80 variables with just one prediction in an ungimmicked envelope. It is so clean, fair and extremely clever. The drama of missing closely and then rising like a phoenix to a fantastic climax is very gripping.
None of the 80 or so words/places/emotions are repeated and the clever variations render the routines as true workers. I will be doing words, places and emotions - mythical places is really not my cup of tea. The hard work for all these routines is already done and I just have print out a paper and go to business. A very nice package of great ideas. Good that I caught this at the intro price.
Foam Kangaroo Abs
reviewed by Christian Fisanick (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 21 October, 2016)
The weirdly titled Foam Kangaroo Abs is an ebook mostly devoted to progressive and branching anagrams. It has tons of material from discerning one of the 12 apostles, a pop song, a food from a grocery list, and part of a stick man to the classic spectator's sign of the Zodiac. If you like PAs/BAs, then this book will be incredibly useful. If you don't have any experience with them, I'd suggest The Prodigal by Atlas Brookings first to get attuned to performance details. The way Brookings performs PAs/BAs is outstanding; he makes it look like real mind reading. The trouble is, of all the areas of mentalism, this is one of the most difficult routines to pull off. Badly done, a PA/BA looks like a half-baked guessing game or a poor man's Wheel of Fortune. This stuff takes a lot of memory work and practice to do smoothly and effectively.
In addition to the PA/BA routines, there are some bonus effects, as listed in the ebook description, such as a multi-stage Rock-Paper-Scissors routine and yet another nearly half-dozen approaches to Max Maven's classic Positive/Negative. For me, these things were like finding extra presents under the Christmas tree. Nice indeed.
Pricey ebook? Yes. Worth it? Very much so. While I don't think this is for everyone, and you certainly won't perform everything here (that would be sheer memory madness), my mind was boggled just skimming through it. There is some really creative food for thought in Foam Kangaroo Abs, and I recommend it. I know that I am going to spend a lot of time studying it in the near future.
Kolossal Kicker
reviewed by Vito Gattullo (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 21 October, 2016)
Very poor method, based on Kolossal Killer by Kenton Knepper. I don't recommend it, as I'm very, very upset about the method and the description, which is not true (the prediction MAY BE correct, otherwise it will be VERY CLOSE to the choice made by the spectator...)
Aqua-Coin Flight
reviewed by Ronald M LevyRating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 20 October, 2016)
By cleverly dovetailing illusions of coins in water, and using the meanings of sounds heard by the participants, Devin Knight is able to build an effect that can fill a stage, and that can seem like real magic to an audience. Each step in this illusion and each sound, is so cleverly thought out, that the audience will be taken step-by-step to the conclusion of the trick before they realize their amazement at this effect's surprising finish.
Osmosis II
reviewed by Marc DeSouzaRating: ★★★★★ (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.
Karma Kosmic Kalender
reviewed by Balasubramanian Chandran (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 19 October, 2016)
I like this. Already prepared my diary - took about 45 mins. Packs multiple punches. What I like most is flexibility - great for both stage n close up. For stage a multi phase act with about 7-8 audience members is given. Builds up nicely to a big climax. And close up also can be done for 2 or 3 persons. Best part is there is only one diary and that too fully examinable (not that anyone would want to examine). Although knowing any stack can be an advantage from presentation angle, an easy method included even if you don't know any stack. In fact, after a first read, a found that a stack is not needed at all and any random sequence of cards can be used.
Any type of diary/date book can be used. The combo of methods is clean and self working, well almost.
Importantly, the presentation and theme given is interesting, clever and novel - blends well for the routine and methods. Like my earlier purchases of this author, happy with this one too.
Osmosis II
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
The Box Goes-In-Da Box
reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 18 October, 2016)
In regards to the article Triple Gozinta Boxes I think you have a vision to bring the box up-to modern times and materials and I admire you for you taking on a challenge that although problems at first a day will come and Gozinta boxes will be in use again not lost Lubor Fiedler creative mind gave the magic world a wonderful prop. Card board ones are selling on ebay for £149.50.
So "The Box Goes-In-Da Box" by Peter Prevos was an excellent addition to my library marine ply or balsa wood or perspex may be a choice for me. I hope to see your perseverance with this project.
Osmosis II
reviewed by Rick CarruthRating: ★★★★★ (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
Modern Mentalism
reviewed by Christian Fisanick (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)
I was just recently asking myself the question, why isn't there a book of fundamental mentalism concepts, a la an updated version of Corinda, to take into account modern topics such as which hand, propless mentalism, electronics, dual reality, cell phone effects, etc.? Sure, there are some wonderful fundamental DVDs, such as Richard Osterlind's own 13 Steps or Dan Harlan's stuff out of Tarbell, but for those of us who like to read in addition to watch, a new book would be great. And then this import, purporting to be just that, arrived. Modern Mentalism, a translation of an original Italian edition, promises itself as a primer on all things mentalism--multiple outs, Svengali Deck, Invisible Deck, hypnosis, psi touches, nail writer, predictions, the Berglas Effect..a veritable encyclopedia of technique. But does it succeed? No. While these and other topics are discussed, they are glossed over and treated in almost cursory fashion. If you have absolutely no knowledge of any mentalism effects, then this book may have some value to you, just to get an overview of the subject matter. But if you have any experience at all, this way overpriced work will leave you cold. It's just so disappointing, from the trivialization of important topics (no real discussion of peeks, center tears, or billets that I could see) to the meager explanations (You need to force a card. Here, this is exactly one card force method. There you go.). And the translation has lots of mistakes. (It's "treatise," guys, not "treaty." Oh wait, you actually did get that correct once at the end of the book.)
In the end, you have a poor value for your money with this ebook. For half the price, Corinda still reigns supreme as the timeless fundamentals book. Maybe someday someone will update it. Heck, someone could just annotate it in the margins with some modern methods and notations of things that are archaic. Heck, maybe I'll do that myself one day after I retire. But until then, read Corinda and treasure it. It's the one primer that you need, not Modern Mentalism.
Osmosis II
reviewed by Christopher WeberRating: ★★★★★ (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
reviewed by Enrico VarellaRating: ★★★★★ (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
reviewed by Roy EidemRating: ★★★★★ (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.
Thoughtless ACAAN
reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 16 October, 2016)
Ryan Shaw got my attention with his first of many to come magical works "Thoughtless ACAAN'".
As most magicians if not all, should if not already learned at least one card at any number effect that will suit there own style of presentation
this young man from Massachusetts should me admired for his first work and encouraged to use his love and enthusiasm of magic effects that pack a punch with any audience
also for his words of young wisdom within the work which I will not divulge hear you should already know and implement in your own show If not purchase This Young Gentleman of magic first work shared hear on the Library site maybe this effect will be in your own repertoire soon
Magic Digest
reviewed by Michael LythRating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 12 October, 2016)
This George Anderson knew his magic.
He also knew what was enjoyed by audiences I recommend this purchase for the serious interested in magic plus history side. I have a printed original copy in my working library, for a new unused copy you could pay up to £140.00 +£2.80 prices vary from international sellers so $15.00 a wise investment no pages to get drink spilt on or chewed by cat/dog /children and easy on the eyes excellent foundation building block for any new magician or memory jog for the old ones like me
If that is not enough there are two really entertaining bonus sections. One reprints the bizarre tricks of the ancients and the other a runs a cross-section of honestly amazing advertisements for tricks sold by dealers in magic equipment. Most of these items were 'the latest' when the book came out in the early 1960s, but almost all of them are either white hot collectable now or displayed as museum pieces.
Karma Kosmic Kalender
reviewed by Chris Cross (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 12 October, 2016)
For many many years now (after performing it over a 100 times), I had always held Bob Cassidy's chronologue as a benchmark in diary effects - and for good reason.
But now for me Karma Kosmic Kalendar will be the new benchmark in diary effects. That's saying a lot. Because it is that good. This will now replace Chronologue both in my jacket pocket and in my act - both stage n close up. Need I say anything more? That pretty much sums up my review, I guess.
Massive Fire Bowl Production
reviewed by Ronald M LevyRating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 10 October, 2016)
Devin Knight has made available to us a captivating collection of three effects which share aspects of their methods. There is "U.F. Grant's Massive Fire Bowl Production," which is absolutely spectacular. It is presented with a version of this Trick that produces "A Goblet of Fire," which is themed from "Harry Potter," and also a delightful trick for the Halloween "Trick or Treats" which first produces a candy container, and then offers the child a treat. This is entertaining, charming, and mysterious magic with fire that will surely grab the attention of your audiences.
Phantom Mindreader
reviewed by Dr. Munawar Pasha (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 10 October, 2016)
Well, I must say the idea is not new. But materials are really hard to find to make this gimmick. Also describtion is a little misleading. I did not learn anything new as I was already using this on a book test. Also another product so kind of disappointed. So I get nothing new. Also building the gimmick is much of a pain.
Karma Kosmic Kalender
reviewed by Michael Lyth (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 09 October, 2016)
Yet again food for thought and stimulation of ones own mind. Presenting through use of Diary in a mentalist capacity.make it a date in your own diary to purchase and gain results
Zodiak Gods
reviewed by David Burmeister (confirmed purchase)Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 04 October, 2016)
The UNKNOWN MENTALIST and LYBRARY.COM has done it again.
First of all this effect is one at the top of my list from the UNKNOWN MENTALIST.
This is an excellent way to get information about the spectators ZODIAC SIGN, ZODIAC GODS, and any other information you care to give regarding their sign.
The amount of information you give will depend on the amount of information you want to memorize...Lucky Numbers, Colors, etc.
You can also give some cold reading info with the spectators sign AND/OR information that you look up on line regarding the spectators sign.
In my opinion I give this a 20+ rating and I PREDICT that this effect will be used for a very long time.
I also want to give Chris credit for this at Lybrary.COM. The cards mailed to you are excellent quality and I will probably buy more on rare occasions even after this effect goes up in price. The cards will last a long time.
Again, Well done UNKNOWN MENTALIST
Defective Cups and Balls
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
reviewed by Enrico VarellaRating: ★★★★★ (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!
UF Grant's Lost Card Secrets
reviewed by Ronald M LevyRating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 27 September, 2016)
The amount of careful research and scholarship Devin Knight has applied to this excellent group of surprising card spelling effects, together with a stunning card transposition, presents the legendary magic of UF Grant so that there are valuable secrets here that are of use by the magician of today. Grant speaks to us once again through the dedication of Devin Knight.