Magic reviews by Fritz with a Z

So you’re thinking on buying something magical with $20?
Maybe a DVD where you penetrate a window or even a dozen of those smooth looking decks?
Why not consider getting Movers & Shakers? This 42 pages booklet contains 10 card moves/sleights from the minds of Tyler Wilson and Andi Gladwin. There are two color changes (Mr. Wilson’s The Shocker has to be seen to be believed), and a few ace productions (Road Trip by Andi and Fluffer by Tyler).
My favorite sleight from the booklet was Mr. Gladwin’s Déjà Vu Count, which I’ve played a lot with and came up with some interesting effects. Also, the writing is very entertaining and credit is properly given. The moves are a bit eccentric and take time to perform them properly. However, if you’re looking for some moves that open up your creative can or add a few moves to your repetoire, Movers & Shakers is a good buy.

If you take a glance at the backcover of the book, you see the number of excellent card magicians contributed some of their material. That glance alone is worth to get the book. Contributions are made by David Acer, Allan Ackerman, Paul Cummins, Joshua Jay, Jon Racherbaumer, and many more. Jack Parker is presenting us a collection of card tricks written by Andi Gladwin.

What I really like was the concept of pouring a magic book into a cooking theme. And I really thought that the “4 sleights or less” concept was quite interesting. “Creators were asked to limit themselves to four or less ingredients”. That way the routines are not technical demanding and can be performed with some practice. My favorite efect was Cooking with Conn & Daley by Doug Conn. Basically, it’s the classic Daley trick with a kicker.
Also, the writing is very entertaining and credit is properly given. Furthermore, “proceeds from the book will be donated to The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust to help assist there ongoing leukaemia research.” So if you buy this book (which you should), not only do you do yourself a good favor but you also contribute to a good cause.
To conclude, you will learn many good sleights and card tricks with The Magician’s LTD Cookbook for a good price.

There are a couple of reasons why I really like 52 Memories: new sleights are introduced, the book provokes to take a closer look at your own stucture in card magic and there are clever twists on classic plots. Do you like packet tricks? It’s got ‘em! Or do you prefer magic with a full deck? That’s is also included! You want to fool your friends at the magic club? Yes, these are also provided!

The described routines are all structured very well, entertaining, and most importantly it is superbly written. Furthermore, I feel that some of Mr. Parker’s sleights need to be further explored. Although most of the material are cards, there is a chapter that utilizes coins in conjuncting with cards as well.

A couple of routine that I really enjoyed are ‘I Know Kung Fu’ (a sandwich effect), ‘U.D.S.I’ (a weird transposition), ‘All that Jazz’ (an assembly routine), ‘Remix’ (another assembly), ‘On, In & Under’ (an interesting effect utilizing just seven cards), and ‘Visualisation’ (a variation of the previous effect).

One might be hesitant to buy the book, due to the price, but there is so much stuff in there you will be quite busy reading, practicing, and performing the routines.

Seriously, why are you still reading this review? Buy it before it gets out of print!

Tyler Wilson is the adoptive child of Mark and Gregory Wilson. He is also a tall guy and he looks very much as Heroes’ Sylar. But enough about Tyler, let’s talk about his book.

Dominatricks is filled with interesting moves and clever variations on classics. The busting chops section has a couple of very nice moves (Tyler’s handing of the classic ‘Tent Vanish’ and ‘Rub-a-dub-dub’) and funky handlings of ‘Triumph’, ‘Open Travellers’, and ‘Card Warp’. ‘Scarred Warp’ and ‘Dirty Stinkin’ Ape in the Middle’ are routines that I really enjoyed. Furthermore, the writing is hilarious and makes it fun to read the book.

Included in Dominatricks are effects using cards, coins, post-it notes, etc with awesome presentations. If one should consider adding one or more tricks to its repetoire, bear in mind it does take practice. Also included is a CD-ROM with videos, PDF-files and even a left handed version of the book. How sweet of Mr. Wilson!

I definitely got inspired by Dominatricks and I think you will too. All in all, your money will be well spent and you will laughing and learning at the same time! Doesn’t every magician want that?