​Title: The Gentleman Jack Gimmick (DVD and Online Instructions) by RAR 
Creator: RAR
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 69
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 39 minutes

Type of effect:  Himber wallet

Manufacturer's Write Up: In 2016, Alakazam Magic purchased the rights to a majority of Roy Roth's (RAR MAGIC) back catalogue. 

The first item to really catch their eye from this large product array was the amazing Gentleman Jack Gimmick. 

The basis of the gimmick is a Himber wallet with a switching function, but the wallet is cleverly disguised as a standard-looking hip pocket wallet (this is the first time we have seen a Himber in this style, and we love it!) But not only that -- The Gentleman Jack also works as an Add a Number Pad and makes for the perfect hideout for your cribs! So, if you are performing a book test, you never need to remember the words. With this cunning device, they are always there for you. 

The Gentleman Jack Gimmick has been expertly crafted in leather. It comes complete with a tutorial DVD and our now-famous registration code, which will give you access to any future routines, handlings or tips for the wallet absolutely FREE of charge! 

How accurate is the ad copy? Accurate
 
What's in the box?  Wallet – DVD and a stack of post-it notes

Key points: You'll perform miracles with this!
 
How are the production values: Mostly it’s David Loosely talking to a stationary camera, and some secondary close up shots of the table top. Everything is well mic’d and well shot – Alakazam makes great videos.
 
Is it well made: This amazing wallet is truly a step ahead any other Himber-Style wallet I’ve seen. Thick, stiff and strong single stitch leather.

What tricks are included? You’ll learn….
 
Book page force
Daryls’ Dream Card force
Free card selection / prediction / blank deck
Hidden crib idea
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  It’s just a wallet – packs flat!
 
Does it "play big?" It’s a wonderful classic of magic familiar to most magicians – easily inserted into some of your favorite effects.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Super easy to master
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Only a smidge if you adopt the post-it note idea (see my video for more details)
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) real world ready
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
__X___ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
My thoughts I’ve been looking for a realistic himber wallet for sometime and my search is finally over. You’ll be proud to carry this one.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0NOBGHHnpY

Title: TACTICAL
Creator:  Team at Magicworld 
Publisher: Magicworld 
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 23 minutes

Type of effect:  Transformation

Manufacturer's Write Up: TAC-TIC-AL is your new favorite opener. 

Imagine taking out a small box of mints, giving them a shake and, in the blink of an eye, they become a REAL deck of cards! It's fast, flashy, and incredibly visual. Best bit? The card box can be fully examined while you perform your favorite routine. There's nothing to find. 

The MagicWorld Creative Team has hand-crafted each TAC-TIC-AL gimmick, working it professionally to ensure it's ready when you are. This is Instagram magic for the camera and a real-world worker! 
 
BONUS: Also included is another amazing new gimmick to visually turn a miniature deck into a regular deck of cards. You'll love performing it! 

How accurate is the ad copy? The MagicWorld team kept everything honest and fair, they even go so far as to reveal how they did the “camera tricks” in the commercial.
 
What's in the box?  Two gimmicks, one ready to go and one that needs some prep and some extra material for your construction needs. And the download code

Key points:

• INSTANTLY RESETS
• COMES FULLY CONSTRUCTED
• WITH MULTIPLE HANDLINGS AND FULL VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
• SPARES INCLUDED
• PERFECT FOR CLOSE-UP, CABARET AND CAMERA
• (AND SHHH...) IT'S REALLY EASY TO DO!

 
How are the production values: It’s chiefly two instructors seated on a couch, not mic’d and behind them is noisy traffic. Transitions between takes are abrupt and edited poorly and the camera is stationary.
 
Is it well made: Very well made – however, mine did NOT come made and I did not get the tic-tac effect, so just be aware that there could be packaging issues.

Is it well taught: You will learn the inspiration behind the effect, how to construct the additional gimmick, more handlings and some extra tips and tricks.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  This is loose gimmick that should “slide” into your already owned deck of cards.
 
Does it "play big?" This is a very fun opener, sure to get a lot of attention.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Easy, practically self working.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? You will need to build one of the gimmicks and or repair any gimmicks that break.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This effect lends itself to street magic, table hopping and strolling.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
__X___ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
 My thoughts This was just kind of “eh” for me. I used to own BLINK and I enjoyed it more. Plus, I know you don’t “have” to wear specific clothing to make it work, but it kinds of restricts the effect IMO, plus I wasn’t too keen that my specific gimmick came the way it did, but hopefully it won’t happen to anyone else.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHRWO_u0ijY

​ 
After nearly a decade, magic's most influential and persuasive voice returns to the printed page, in the highly-anticipated Preserving Mystery. This 250-page volume is a collection of 18 thought-provoking essays about the art, craft, and history of magic that is likely to stimulate, inform, excite, entertain, and perhaps occasionally enrage any serious magician. In essays including "Gaffs versus Skill," Jamy examines the costs and benefits of each, and how to choose which method to rely on. In "What Works," Jamy considers the role of venue, audience expectations, and how respect for the audience produces better work. He memorializes legends Michael Skinner, Imam, Al Flosso and more in a special chapter of essays called "Yesterdays," including original sleights and tricks by mentors Michael Skinner and Earl "Presto" Johnson. In "Dichotomies," he offers a clear and useful analysis of the oft-argued distinctions between mentalism and mental magic. And in "Hacked to Death,"-one of several entirely new essays written just for Preserving Mystery-Swiss explores the nature of originality in magic. 

Jamy Ian Swiss is many things to many people: acclaimed performer, esteemed lecturer, outspoken critic, erudite historian, pioneering skeptic. But he is, above all, one of magic's most important voices-a lifelong advocate for the art. As a book reviewer and feature writer for Genii magazine for 18 years, and now a reviewer and blogger in the Lyons Den at magicana.com, Mr. Swiss has long provided readers with a steady fire hose of insight, provocation, and humor, and while his critiques are occasionally scathing, they are invariably earnest. In Preserving Mystery, Swiss turns his focus to the performance of magic, and how to improve and elevate the art and its artists. 

Reading Swiss's work, we find ourselves pushing past the tradition-bound assumptions of our field to new and ever-higher terrain. He carries the finely-honed sensibilities of past masters into present day relevance, and with wit and personality, presents us with a guided path to enlightened performance. 

Preserving Mystery includes an introduction by New Yorker contributor and best-selling author Adam Gopnik, and explores topics including: 

"Making Introductions": A rumination on how we learn, the value of books and videos, and where the magic industry leads magicians astray. 

"Suiting Repertoire": Swiss explores the hidden value in laying a broad, sturdy foundation in your study of close-up magic, and how, precisely, to find the right move or trick for the right occasion. 

"The French Drop": In an unexpected turn, Mr. Swiss thoroughly dissects and describes (including illustrations) the hackneyed French Drop, providing valuable lessons not only for this sleight, but in how to approach every facet of your magic. 

"SSSS: The Swiss Sleight Study System": This, perhaps the most utilitarian essay in Preserving Mystery, is a roadmap on how to learn sleight-of-hand magic with cards and coins. 

"Preserving Mystery": In the most personal essay in this collection, Swiss reflects on his own path to magic, and then zooms out to ponder how all of us might deepen the magical experience. 

270 pages, hardbound with gold foil engraving.

Here is my video review: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qZUqVSPqGo

​ 
Woody Aragón is one of the most important modern card magic creators. His first book, A Book in English, was a bestseller that influenced top magicians. Names such as Penn & Teller, Eric Jones and Pit Hartling choose Woody's tricks for their shows. The reason? Woody's magic is strong, it's clever, it fools... and audiences love it! 

In his new book, MEMORANDUM, Woody reveals his revolutionary work on the memorized deck. He thoroughly explains: 

- His Memorandum stack: A memorized deck that contains all the properties of Tamariz's Mnemonica and Aronson's stack, plus a lot of new concepts that makes it one of the best stacks created. 

- His method to memorize: You will be able to begin memorized deck magic and tricks in this book after 30 minutes! 

- A series of new ideas combining memorized deck and mathematical principles that will allow you to do real miracles. 

- More than 50 tricks and some chapters about tips and new ideas to apply to your memorized deck magic. 

Indulge yourself - with this expert instruction in MEMORANDUM, you'll be on your way to performing with a memorized deck!

Here is my video review: ​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nfh2tKgGrA

Title: Fortuity  
Creator: David Jonathan 
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 38
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 1 hour

Type of effect:  Rainbow deck prediction

Manufacturer's Write Up:

From the creative mind of David Jonathan comes Fortuity. An amazing prediction that looks so clean and fair, it will truly blow your spectators' minds! 

David has taken the Duel Match premise to incredible new heights with a complete change of method. 

By rolling two dice, your spectator generates a random number. You cleanly count to this number from either end of a rainbow deck and remove their chosen back design. 

The deck is now completely spread to show that there really is only one card with this unique back design. The dice are rolled again and once again the cards are counted from either end of the deck to arrive at a random value. The deck is completely spread to show absolutely no duplicates are in play. 

In essence, your spectator has created a random playing card from these two free selections. You now ask him to open an envelope that has been sitting in view from the very beginning -- inside is a perfect duplicate of the card that has been created. 

Your package comes complete with a very special custom deck, two beautiful dice and full video tutorial. Fortuity is so easy to do; even a beginner could do it with only a few minutes of practice. 

How accurate is the ad copy? This is exactly what happens
 
What's in the box?  Gaffed rainbow deck, 2 dice, prediction envelope and card reveal

Key points: 

No Loaded Dice, any numbers can be rolled (or use imaginary Dice) 

All the cards can be shown both front and back 

Absolutely Zero Sleight of Hand

How are the production values: Chiefly it’s David Loosley in studio, he is seated, mic’d and presenting everything with a stationary camera (a few close ups) It’s a well shot, well edited video
 
Is it well made: Alakazam gives you the very best products, however your deck will not look like mine, or the one in the video – each deck and tuck case will be unique. 

Is it well taught: The trick is fairly simple and the deck works itself, David goes over everything you need to know.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  This is a “one hit wonder” so you will need to carry a full deck, envelope and dice for this single effect. 
 
Does it "play big?" Can be played as either mentalism or a card trick or humor, so the sky is the limit for your patter and presentation. 
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  super easy, anyone can do it.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes, this is real world ready.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
__X___ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 

 My thoughts: I liked it a lot and I see why a lot of magician's like it, however, it just wasn't "for me" as I already own a few other effects that accomplish the same plot but with different props. 

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-TlNapP61g

Title: Epic Writer
Creator: Magic World
Publisher: Magic World
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 1 hour 31

Type of effect:  Nail Writer

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
A new thumb writer that allows you to write in Ball-Point Pen with routines included from Marc Elsdon, Atlas Brookings, Luca Volpe, Raven Gairloch and more.


MagicWorld is proud to release the Epic Writer... a revolutionary NEW Thumb writer that allows you to write for the very first time in BALL-POINT PEN! 

Imagine being able to write your predictions in the most popular pen in the world! 

Simply take the nib from a regular pen, and drop it inside Epic Writer, and you are ready to go.  The unique, flat design stabilizes your writing, making it one of the easiest-to-use swami writing devices on the market today. 

Epic Writer is powder coated, engineered to perfection. It is also magnetic, allowing you to ditch and steal the device from anywhere you desire. 

It's not simply a utility, but a COMPLETE COURSE IN THUMB WRITING with nail biting routines by Mark Elsdon, Luca Volpe, Raven Gaerloch, Atlas Brookings  and James Anthony.

How accurate is the ad copy? NO deception.
 
What's in the box?  Epic writer gimmick, two pens, sticky dots/tape and the download code

Key points:
 

• Write in ball-point pen
• Designed for you
• Magnetic
• Flat writing surface
• Over 1.5 hours of video tutorials!

 
How are the production values: Guys from Magic world sitting on a couch, no mic, stationary camera
 
Is it well made: Metal construction / yes / well made – it’s metal so you can ditch or load it with a magnet

Is it well taught: Lots of instruction, set up, tons of help with getting started and loads of ideas for how to use it from some of the top minds in the industry.
 
First 16 minutes is set up and handling and the rest is devoted to routines.
 
You’ll get a trick with ESP symbols
Participants guess your pin number
Potion about HOW to write covertly
Beat the Spread by Atlas Brookings – which is an ACAN
Number prediction – “add a number” from Raven Gairloch
Two take prediction – number and a card prediction
Luca Volpe emoticon prediction
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Packs so flat it’s virtually invisible.
 
Does it "play big?" Remember, this is not a “trick” in and of itself, this is a utility / tool to allow you to better do tricks.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  very easy to do, doesn’t require difficult moves, you will just need to practice writing clearly and on firm surfaces.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Barely any
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This is made to be real world ready.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
___X__ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion

 My thoughts it’s a great idea – to finally have a nail writer / boon writer that allows you to write in ink (which is now most people write today) – the only people still using pencils are golfers and mentalists.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  

​Title: Marksman Deck
Creator: Luke Jerrmay
Publisher: Vanishing Inc.
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 45 minutes

Type of effect:  Open Marking System Deck of Cards

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Magicians have used marked decks for centuries to fool even the most astute audiences. Luke Jermay's Marksman Deck builds on classic marking systems, with additional secret marks that open up a whole range of new tricks and possibilities.

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box? 
 
Includes a specially marked red Bicycle Mandolin deck in Mnemonica stack, 33 page pfd of technical notes and a 45-minute instructional DVD by Luke Jermay.  Your deck has the standard faces, the trademarked Bicycle Ace of Spades, Jokers and the traditional box. The top of the deck DOES say Marksman and ironically the tuck seal covers the “SMAN” and the deck top clearly reads “MARK.”
 
Your two extra cards (typically advertisement cards) have been offered as “key cards” that tell you how to read the cards and what the markings mean.

Key points:
 
This is an “open marking system” / in other words “readers” this is not a marked deck of cards (ie no scratch marks, no binary to memorize or flower petals to count)
 
How are the production values: 
 
A lot of time and care has been put into this project and it’s apparent from the first frame. For the most part, Luke is sitting at a table, facing the camera and he is mic’d. Luke walks you through the “how” of each routine and also includes a studio performance.
 
Vanishing Inc has also included a full live performance video as well, but that is available on line here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic/card-magic/marksman-deck/soon/
 
Together these two videos create a “magical system” that is sure to give you more than just “ideas” but a real working knowledge of this utility.

Is it well made: The deck is made by USPCC and is in the Mandolin back design (809s) Magician Paul Harris directed the development of the 809 Bicycle back with USPCC. Paul worked with three world class artists (including Garrett Thomas) to create a soothing traditional looking back that's instantly trusted as part of the Bicycle family.

Is it well taught? 
 
While the deck can be used for your own marked deck routines, Luke also teaches five of his own semi-automatic tricks: Three Tests of Intuition, Dowsing, Card Peeks Routine
Card Calling, Card Memory
 
What are the markings like?
 
Usable for magicians but built particularly for mentalists, the Marksman Deck is jam-packed with information that allows you to do effects never before possible.  There are five (5) markings available to be read when the deck is flipped either way (10 markings in total).

The marks allow you to:

• Find the current card
• Find the card above (in Mnemonica stack)
• Know the position of the card in the stack
• Know how many cards are above it
• Know how many red (and therefore also black) are above it
• Know the combined total of all the card values above it
• The deck also has a one way back design

Yes, they are visible in plain sight – not hidden at all. For most of us, as magicians, we are trained to see the markings and so right away when you open the package, you will see all of them immediately with no problems. Luke assures you that they will still fly right by your spectators.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Everything you need is residing in this single deck of cards, nothing to add or take away.
 
Does it "play big?" Remember, Luke isn’t giving you one effect – he is giving you an entire system that will start you off with a myriad of effects – this coupled with your own ideas and card strengths will give you several working routines.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  I only say intermediate skill, not because of the ability to do card sleights, but just in your ability at routining, reading markings in performance and being able to false shuffle.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Nothing to do.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Luke assures you that this can be used on stage or in a close up parlor setting.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
__X__ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
My thoughts

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSET39pc7GM

Title: Sven Lopes YIN YANG
Creator: Sven Lee
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
 
What's in the box? 84 pieces! 3 sets of envelopes, a prediction and all of the cards included + the pdf instruction
 
Is it what I thought? Yes, it is a svengali style envelope effect. It’s all pretty straight forward in the write-up.
 
How are the angles? Super clean, no angle issues.
 
Can it be inspected? I would show some of the contents of the other “non-force” envelopes, but I would not let the spectator go through all of the envelopes – that would give away the secret.
 
What is taught on the pdf? Over 22 effects! Almost all the routines for svengali cards and Svengali pads/books can also be performed with Svenlopes - with an added layer of deception. In fact, when a spectator chooses one envelope out of many, she can freely handle the single envelope -- there is nothing apparently gimmicked about it. Not just that, the spectator can freely handle the pack of Svenlopes by giving it multiple complete cuts and then choosing the top envelope anytime. 
 
Is it well made? Typical handmade envelopes and materials.
 
How much practice does it require? If you’re familiar with the svengali™ principle, it’s suepr easy.
 
How much set up and reset is there? The short and long gimmicks are placed into a repeating deck stack. This trick will come pre-set up ready to go out of the box.
 
Positives?  This is a nice “mates” routine that is super beginner friendly.
 
Is it worth my money? This is only $30, well worth it for what you are getting.
 
Who would like this? Beginning mentalists