Title: Linko
Creator: Ben Williams
Publisher: Murphys Magic
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: All
Download run time: 1 hour 22 min

Type of effect:  linking life saver effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
You show your spectator a couple of regular Lifesaver mints (these can be checked), and the spectator holds onto them. As they hold the mints in their hands, you direct their attention to the mint packet. You show the logo on the packet fairly and then, with a wave of the hand, you create a miracle. You move the ink on the label so that the two Lifesavers on the logo design are now completely LINKED! This is not a sticker or an illusion -- the packet has been changed forever. You can even hand it out to your spectators to keep if you'd like! But it doesn't end there. You remind the spectators that one of them has been holding a couple of mints in their hands since the beginning. They are instructed to open up their hands and they see, impossibly, that the mints in their hands are now also completely linked! These two ordinary items are no longer ordinary. They can be completely examined and also kept by the spectators if you wish. 

This is what magic is all about, giving people experiences they have never seen before that will stay with them forever. This is why Linko was chosen to be performed on TV by the insanely talented and overtly cool Troy. Troy and his team knew that the organic nature and visual of the altered logo was perfect for the hit series on E4. Not only was it perfect for TV, but working magicians from all over the UK have been using Linko as part of their working repertoire. It is frequently used by workers as one of the Top Table tricks to be performed for the Bride and Groom at weddings. It is that good. 

Modern day TV style magic that is easy to perform. 

The online video tutorial teaches many different handlings, from devilishly simple to the full monty, leaving no room for the spectator to even think about handlings. There are handlings where the mints link in the spectator's hands and where the mints on the packet link in their hand, too! All are fairly easy to perform, yet some require more guts for your glory! The angles are extremely good, making this a very workable trick no matter what size crowd you attract. It is one of those high-impact tricks that is within the reach of even the most amateur of performers. 

Perfect for Street Magic 
Perfect for the Top Table 
Perfect for Walkaround 

Points to remember: 

- Super easy to do 
- 10 labels inside each pack 
- Multiple handlings taught for both Linko and the Linking Mints 
- The perfect souvenir for a wedding or anniversary, or potential client 
- Contemporary close-up TV-style magic you can easily perform surrounded 
- Perfect for a show reel 
- Perfect for your mates down the pub 
- Perfect for a close-up gig 

My video review: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95eWNuXhk2Y

Title: Leap
Creator: Agus Tjiu
MSRP: $ 52
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 45 minutes
​
Type of effect:  Coin in Glass

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Leap is a Coin-Through-Glass (or Ring-Through-Glass) effect, greatly improved in its presentation and method versus "the old days."  There have been many great methods available in different formats, such as a pedestal under a shot glass inside of a larger glass, an item resembling a coaster, to utilizing a table.  Some of those items are inconvenient to bring along and use for close-up magic or table hopping. 

Leap, therefore, was developed for this effect - it is much easier to use, more convenient to bring along, and doesn't look suspicious. And it utilizes something that most magicians already carry with them -- a deck of cards! Hence, Leap is born. 

You will amaze your audiences with Leap!

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box?  Great packaging it all comes in an acrylic lazer cut box, I don’t know why I had to peel off the protected paper myself but oh well, You also get the gimmick and two shell tuck cases and a shot glass.

Key points: - A signed coin visually penetrates a solid glass, landing in a shot glass inside the larger glass!  - Or, a marked finger visually penetrates a solid glass, landing in a shot glass inside the larger glass!  - Easy to do  - Looks natural -- accomplished with an innocent-looking gimmick  - No electronics -- everything is in your complete control  - Simple method -- one-hand touch 
 
How are the production values: Poorly made video, mostly a straight on camera with no microphone and broken English subtitles.
 
Is it well made: The gimmick is very well made and comes ready to perform. There is some “talking” issues with it, but noise is covered by the sounds of the coin and glass. Plus working in a restraint the sound would be covered.

Is it well taught: Would have preferred an English tutorial of course, maybe even from someone other than the creator. The signed coin effect is hard to do, I’d recommend just doing the effect and a switch. Otherwise don’t borrow signing it.  The cell phone effect seen in the trailer is also not taught.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  It’s the same size as a deck of cards.
 
Does it "play big?" This is coin to impossible location at it’s best.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Very easy to do.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None comes ready to go
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes, in the right conditions.
 
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 It’s not bad, some people are calling it the trick of the year, and I’m sure it could be if you’re a restaurant worker, or a coin worker. Everything is well made and it’s super impossible looking

+ 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: Dove Worker
Creator: Cy
Publisher: Lukas Crafts
MSRP: $ 80
Skill Level: Must be a current dove worker
DVD Run time: 3.5 hours

Type of effect: Dove Magic Instructional DVD

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Interested in dove magic? Do you want to bring yours to the next level? Introducing a revolutionary DVD to teach you modern stage magic with doves. 

From the basic controls and sequences to advanced presentations that will make your magic look as miraculous and visual as it can get, CY shares some of his most valued knowledge regarding stage magic. Dove Worker also deals with parlor settings for magic using doves, and all the critical details on performing with doves. 

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box?  DVD only

Key points:
 
- Detailed lecture on costumes when performing magic with doves 
- 11 routines and sequences 
- CY's variations on modern dove magic 
- Guidance on making your own props 
- 9 load grips for doves 
- Presentation tips on performing magic with doves for parlor-size stages 

How are the production values: Shot well, no audio teaching, only subtitles. Lots of easy to navigate menus.
 
Is it well made: Yes

Is it well taught: Cy teaches through pantomime and subtitles. Over three hours of material.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Cy will teach you how to pack your doves as flat as possible.
 
Does it "play big?" Dove magic is always a huge hit
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Varies
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? You will need to modify your clothing / costume to become a dove magician.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) stage magic only
 
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

+ 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=6PHU8FPcHi0

Title: Holey Change
Creator: Sans Minds
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Beginner
DVD Run time: 14 minutes

Type of effect:  Color changing card

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
6 years ago, Holely Change dominated the Japanese magic market. Now, 6 years later, we are proud to present this jaw-dropping effect to the English-speaking market. It's a self-contained finale for your card routine that your audience won't forget. 

Place your spectator's signed card between 2 cards having large holes, so their card can be seen at all times. In the blink of an eye, the back of your spectator's signed card changes colors! 

With Holely Change in your arsenal, you will always be ready to draw a crowd! An easy-to-perform color change routine that leaves the spectator with a special memento, and ends 100% clean! Just watch the trailer and check it out for yourself! 

TV rights not included with purchase. Please contact SansMinds for TV rights.

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box? 

• 1 Instructional DVD
• 1 Gimmick Package (Red or Blue option)

Key points: Please note that the gimmick color will need to match your deck. 
 
How are the production values: SansMinds always makes great DVDs
 
Is it well made: USPCC stock

Is it well taught: “Super Dave” teaches you everything you need to know.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Remove the add cards from your deck and slide these gimmicks in and you’re good to go.
 
Does it "play big?" This is a very easy and fun to do effect.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  No difficult sleights.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? ZERO!
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) YES!
 
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 like this one a lot, a real winner from SANSMINDS

+ 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=ZnF0JKhsiRQ

​Title: How to do Coin Magic
Creator: Zee
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 60 minutes

What is it? A DVD of coin magic

​Write up: If playing cards are the poetry of magic, then coins must be the prose. 

As a form of free expression, and performed with objects that virtually everyone carries, the possibilities are nearly endless. 

But with all of the material out there about coins, it can be overwhelming. What if you're just starting to work with coins and don't know what to learn? That's why we made How to do Coin Magic. 

How to Do Coin Magic is a modern video treatise on the art of prestidigitation with coins. Taking you from beginner to expert, the moves, concepts, and routines expertly taught by Zee are a treasure for any performer, whether new or seasoned. 

What you will learn: 

PALMS

• Classic Palm
• Thumb Palm
• Finger Palm
• Back thumb Palm
• Edge Grip
• Nowhere Palm
• JW Grip
• Mutobe Palm
• PALMING SUBTLETIES

SWITCHES

• Switch A
• Switch B
• Shuttle Pass
• Simple Switch

VANISHES

• ROPS Move
• Drop Vanish
• Heel Clip Steal
• JW Grip
• Himber Vanish
• False Transfer

PRODUCTIONS

• Basic Productions
• Sai Production

UTILITY MOVE

• Click Pass

EFFECTS/ROUTINES

• 3 Coin Across
• 2 Coin Transpo A
• 2 Coin Transpo B
• Complete Vanish (Mutobe)
• Complete Vanish (Back Thumb Palm)

PERFORMANCE TIPS

• How to Handle Coins
• Flow of Movement
• Thoughts on Coins Across
• Time Delay on Coin Vanishes
• Thoughts on Hand Wash
• Magic or Manipulation

DON'TS

• Finger Grip
• Forcing Subtleties
• Counting Coins

What's in the Box? 
​
How To Do Coin Magic instructional DVD

Video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fA79UImYvI

Title: Snag
Creator: Ben Howard
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 17:39

Type of effect:  Ring on a string

Manufacturer's Write Up: Ring magic has never been this intimate and powerful! 

A presentation is always more captivating when the audience is involved. Many performers will ask spectators to sign a card, or put their hands together, but this trick will utilize one of the most sentimental pieces of jewelry people tend to wear. A ring! 

SansMinds is proud to introduce Snag. An illusion from the mind of a rising star in the industry, Ben Howard. 

With this trick, you can borrow a ring from any unsuspecting passerby, make it vanish right in front of them, only to have it reappear, linked to your necklace! Making anything vanish and reappear is already a great trick in itself. Doing it with an item as personal as a ring? Amazing! 

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box? 
 
1 Snag Instructional DVD
1 Chain Necklace
1 Gimmick Package

How are the production values: SansMinds makes great DVDs
 
Is it well made: Hard to say, MY COPY came with a defective necklace, but you may get a good one.

Is it well taught: Nothing is left out – you get everything you need to know
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  It is a body load and  it will have to be reset after each performance.
 
Does it "play big?" this is a very impossible looking effect
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Intermediate
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? There is some set up that involves tape, otherwise it’s pretty simple
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This is real world possible, just watch your blocking.
 
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 after not getting a necklace that works, was a little put off from the entire thing.

+ 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=SP3BKRnv5So

Title: Cool Beans
Creator: Paul Brook
Publisher: Paul Brook
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
Dowload Run time: 21:24 / pdf is 33 pages

Type of effect:  Mentalism force cards disguised as loyalty cards for a coffee shop. Similar to other effects I’ve reviewed – he used loyalty cards for grocery stores and business cards.

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Cool Beans is a set of five seemingly real coffee shop stamp cards and a special hidden crib card that will have you performing this effect right out of the box. 

With these cards, you will be able to have a participant select any card and tell the person which card has been selected. This can be done in three different ways, allowing you to repeatedly fool the same person again and again, or to perform the method that you are most comfortable with in any given situation. 

The key to any invisible prop is to make it appear like the genuine article. For this reason, the Cool Beans cards have been printed using different card stock and styles, as you would expect to get from five unconnected coffee establishments.

Alongside these coffee shop props, you will also receive an instructional video and PDF that will: Explain all of the secrets hidden within the props - Show you how to tell which coffee shop card someone is thinking of - Explain how it is possible to force numbers using these cards - Take you through the process of getting two people to have a moment of synchronicity - Share additional bonus material that takes Cool Beans far beyond the scope of what has been mentioned - Explain subtleties and techniques that will see you performing the different aspects of Cool Beans within hours or less

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception.
 
What's in the box?   Gimmicked Cards: Five coffee shop stamp cards and a special hidden crib card that will enable you to perform these amazing effects. 

PDF: A 33-page PDF containing the secret to the effect, scripted routines, along with tried and tested subtleties. 

Instructional Video: A 23-minute video that guides you through all of the aspects of Cool Beans.

Key points: Each card has been hand stamped with a customized stamp for each card, adding to the apparent authenticity of them. 

How are the production values: Paul seated at a table facing a mounted camera. Well mic’d – no annoying background music
 
Is it well made: Yes – and had his previous effects in the past and these are not “britsh” – also the stamps on the cards are hand stamped and not printed on. But I would also “weather” them up and rough them up.

Is it well taught: The video itself only covers some brief ideas in the time allotted, the pdf is where all of the meat is and in that you’ll learn to do effects that involve:
What card they are thinking of - Drawing duplication - Synconcity effect with 2 spectators - Number forces - Psychological outs and Color readings
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  These cards will slip seamlessly into your wallet
 
Does it "play big?" Mentalism is always a crowd stunner
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  the crib sheet takes all the work out of it
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Paul has some tweak suggestions, but they are not necessary.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes of course
 
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 Paul has made some fun cards that look real and that I’m sure you’ll enjoy carrying in your wallet every day.

+ 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=gmKlFRWlO7w