Title: A Thought Well Stolen
Creator: Ben Harris
Publisher: Wowbound
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: All
Book length: 31 pages

Type of effect:  A Thought Well Stolen combines two of magic's great card effects - Any Card At Any Number, and Paul Curry's Out Of This World - into a wicked hybrid; morphing them into a mind-blowing frenzy

Manufacturer's Write Up:  As in Any Card At Any Number, the performer reveals the identity of a freely thought-of card - and its position in a deck - without asking a single question. Seriously, this is solid and gripping mentalism; there is no force, the card is a free MENTAL SELECTION and NO questions are asked. Having read his spectator's mind, discerning his card and its position in the deck, the performer follows with a visual display rivaling the wonderful separation of colors in Out Of This World. Your audience is left reeling by:

1. Your amazing ability to read minds.
2. Your insane skill with a deck of cards.

The combination of effects is mind-boggling and capable of closing any show - be it one-on-one, at a party, on T.V., or in a theatre of hundreds. U.K. card expert Michael Vincent has chosen to perform A Thought Well Stolen during his "Champions Of Magic" season at the Jersey Opera House. That's how strong A Thought Well Stolen is. Here's what Michael has to say:

"As someone who has built a reputation on hard core sleight of hand, I am always ready to welcome an effect into my program at the opposite end of the technical spectrum. A Thought Well Stolen is that sort of effect, it fits perfectly into my modus operandi of mixing up my methods - an effect like this can steal your show.",

In the book's introduction, the author sets out his goal clearly:

"A quest of mine - lasting decades - has been the search for a perfectly rendered illusion of mind-reading with a deck of cards. As a close-up performer - who loves cards and mentalism - this effect would be something where the performer identifies a freely thought-of card without any questions; without the spectator uttering a single word. Achieving this, or even getting close to it, creates a profound effect on the spectator. It's also one that ripples through your entire audience, no matter what its size.

"A Thought Well Stolen is 100% pure as regards its intention: the identification of any freely thought-of card without any questions; without any prodding, probing, dual reality or ambiguity. And, without any limiting procedures. None at all. The result is a selection process about as fair as it can get:

'Do you have a favorite playing card?' the performer asks.
'Yes, yes I do,' the spectator replies.
'Okay, that's great,' the performer confirms. 'Don't tell me. Keep the identity of your card secret, okay?'"

Is there an approach any more fair? I don't think so.

The author fully explores the effect(s) in a detailed and friendly manner. Even a beginner can master A Thought Well Stolen because it requires nothing more than "basic card skills." Advanced versions are discussed in the various appendices, but if you can do a single False Cut, or a False Shuffle, then you are in business; ready to astound audiences of any size.

How accurate is the ad copy? There are only 31 pages, not 40 and the trick makes it sound more mental, or astonishing than it is. You don’t ask the spectator questions? Hmm….  It's not like you say (out loud) "You're card is the Queen of Hearts and it's at the 31st position." You still have to count down to their card with them in unison.
 
What's in the box?  31 page softback booklet

Key points:  A Thought Well Stolen requires the use of no gaffs or gimmicks of any kind, just regular playing cards. The book runs 40 pages of detailed text covering the simple and beautiful series of almost self-working procedures that bring about the amazing results.
 
How are the production values: Ben Harris uses a great printer, glossy cover, nice pages and clear crisp black and white photographs.

Is it well taught: Remember it is a single effect, so in 31 pages he has plenty of time to cover the routine and give you all that you need to know.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  You do have to carry 2 decks with you for this – both in a deck order.
 
Does it "play big?" Very powerful magic trick – best used as an opener, but then it will be a tough trick to follow.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Easy, but best of you know some convincing false shuffles.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? You will need all of your own cards.
 
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.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
___X__ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
 My thoughts I was sucked in by the ad copy and I was really hoping for something MORE than it was – especially for $30. I’ve got way more for my money in the past – especially when there are so many self-working DVDs now on the market. Do I think the effect is good? Sure, it’s strong – but value wise – you can get material just as strong but with way more content for the same price tag.

+ 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=s9f9vMuZr5E

​Title: Mind Invasion
Creator: Morgan Strebler
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 20
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 13 minutes

Type of effect: 

Manufacturer's Write Up: From the mind of Mentalist Morgan Strebler, this is a creation he has developed for himself and, after over a decade, is now ready to share with the world! This is Mind Invasion! 

Have someone write or draw anything they want on a piece of paper, whether a symbol or a word. With Mind Invasion, you apparently read their minds by revealing what was written down! A peeking technique like no other! Learn all the techniques necessary and freak out even the toughest, most skeptical audiences! 

Some say peeking is the mother of Mentalism. While many peeking techniques have restrictions tied to them, this one has been refined to allow for the most versatile performances possible! 

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box?  1 Mind Invasion Instructional DVD 

Key points: No restrictions to Lighting, Positioning, or Tearing! 
 
How are the production values: Chiefly it’s 2 or 3 live performances on the street and then it’s Morgan back in the studio, dressed in black against a black backdrop. He’s well mic’d and there are two torso camera and one close up for when you need to see the peek close up.

Is it well taught: Morgan gives you the basic moves and a few extra final thoughts.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  All you need is a business card and a sharpie marker
 
Does it "play big?" Can be combined with any standard mind reading routine or any time you need to glance a piece of written information.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  This is fairly simple with some practice.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? You need to be able to fold a business card into fourths.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes, it can be done. It relies on a sort of “dodge” but should fly right by most.
 
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 it’s ok. I’ve seen a few peeks and I’d say this is probably the easiest one I have seen and would be great for beginners and those just starting out. This is a perfect “first peek” to learn.

+ 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=pIm7E0Lnuag

Title: Chinese Tweezers        
Creator: Mario Lopez
Publisher: Tango Magic
MSRP: $ 50
Skill Level: intermediate to advanced
DVD Run time: 12 minutes

Type of effect:  Classic Chinese tweezers routine

Manufacturer's Write Up: Mario Lopez is one of the recent big surprises of the world of magic. He won the second prize in Micro Magic at the most recent FISM -- his magic is original, simple, different, and fresh. 

Imagine poking a pair of tweezers down through the small hole in the center of a Chinese coin, and upon pulling the tweezers back up through the hole, a large Eisenhower Dollar appears on the tip of the tweezers. Amazingly visual!! The effect can be repeated numerous times with the same audience, becoming more magical each time! This looks incredible! There are other ways to make the dollar appear - your imagination is the limit! 

Now you can perform this beautiful and incredible magical routine. See what all the excitement is about!

How accurate is the ad copy? No deception.
 
What's in the box?  The set includes all the necessities: coins, tweezers, and a link with video instructions in both English and Spanish. The link also gives you access to 50 more coin effects

Key points: Chinese Tweezers is one of his creations, the kind of magic that can only come from a brilliant mind. 
 
How are the production values: The entire video is shot very dimly lit. Everything blends together and there are no close up shots, which I would have liked for a coin routine.
 
Is it well made: Everything is 100% real, but I would have appreciated better quality tweezers at this price point.

Is it well taught: I didn’t think the video was long enough and Mario has a heavy accent.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  It all packs in your pocket.
 
Does it "play big?" It’s a beautiful routine if you can perform it like this FISM winner
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  This is sleight-heavy and palming heavy
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) This is best as a table hopping routine.
 
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
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
__X___ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 

 My thoughts: I was really hoping for gimmicks at this price point. I’m not a coin magician, so I don’t think I have the time or skill to sit and learn this routine.

+ 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=gz5HVJZqt50

​Title: Bare
Creator:  The Other Brothers
Publisher:
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 35 minutes

Type of effect: 

Manufacturer's Write Up: In what is destined to become the go-to trick for professionals around the globe, Bare generates screams, gasps, and reactions like no other trick we know. This special, hand-altered Sharpie marker allows you to cause ANY card, initials, number, or simple shape to appear ON A SPECTATOR'S HAND. 

They hold out a hand, palm down, and you gently sprinkle salt, pepper, coffee grinds, or sand on their hand. By rubbing their hand gently, their thought-of shape APPEARS on their own hand. 

The Bare Sharpie allows you to invisibly write or draw anything on YOUR hand, which you easily and imperceptibly transfer onto their hand. The best part? It has no scent or stickiness, and can be easily wiped away after the performance. This is a hygienic, "neat" version of the "Ashes on Arm" trick -- it doesn't endanger a spectator's clothing or look "dirty."

How accurate is the ad copy? Wonderfully accurate, they really tell you what this effect is – very clearly.
 
What's in the box?  Gimmick pen and download code

Key points:  The pen lasts for hundreds of performances, and is disguised inside a real Sharpie marker. Includes download link for full video performance and explanation. Easy to perform.
 
How are the production values: It’s chiefly the other brothers sitting in a living room on a couch talking to a stationary camera.
 
Is it well made: This is made to look like a real sharpie marker.

Is it well taught: the other brothers are fun teachers and I think they always try to give you as much as you can.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  This effect packs the same as a standard sharpie and your “set up” is mostly pre-show work.
 
Does it "play big?" The ash effect always plays well if done well
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Super easy – no sleights or difficult moves. You will need to practice a bit with different substances for the reveal.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? You need to be able to write backwards (in mirror image)
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes, this is great for strolling and street magic.
 
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 this definitely moves the ashes effect into the 20th century.

+ 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=BVcncrjnDaM

​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