Andi Gladwin
The Boy Who Cried Magic

The Boy Who Cried Magic is a perfect magic book, written by the best writer in magic. The tricks are world-class performance pieces, and the book itself is stunning. Every magician should own it! — Dynamo
Andi Gladwin book
Boy Who Cried Magic
Card Magic Book
Card magic and spectators

Over the last decade, Andi Gladwin has helped produce more than a hundred magic books. Despite continued promises to one day produce a book of his own, that dream never came true … until now.

That’s right. It’s finally Andi’s turn. And since he hates talking about himself, we’ll do it for him.

The Boy Who Cried Magic is a rare magic book with zero compromises. In all there are sixteen routines and fifteen new sleights. You'll learn Andi's highly sought-after magician foolers, as well as his complete professional card act. Plus, he goes in depth on some of his most enduring moves, including the Master Pushoff and Undo Cut which are in use by some of the world's finest magicians.

Without question The Boy Who Cried Magic is the most gorgeous book we've ever produced. From the photos to the premium glossy paper to the pragmatic layout and stunning slip case, the production values on this project set a sterling new standard in the industry. It exudes a style and quality that is rarely seen in magic.

In addition to everything being explained in precise detail across the more than 250 pages and 240 high-resolution photos within this gorgeous hardcover book, you’ll also receive access to performance videos of every routine.

Add to cart ($50.00)

A Book of Performance Pieces

For the first time ever, Andi offers you an exclusive look at his complete walkaround and stand-up card magic set. Focusing on clear-cut construction and fun presentations, the 16 routines in this book are the result of a lifetime of crafting and perfecting magic through real-world performances in almost every environment imaginable.

Included in The Boy Who Cried Magic is Andi’s “Fireworks” routine, a mind-boggling burst of 12 rapid-fire magic moments, as well as how to make four Jacks vanish and reappear inside a wine glass and a thought-of cards across routine that plays so big it can be used in a theater without any projection.

There’s truly something for everyone from his commercial “Whack Your Phone” effect to his “Perfect Order” Triumph routine in which the audience actually helps you mix the cards. As a lifelong student of card magic, Andi, of course, also includes a ton of material for the sleight of hand specialists including “Ghost”, the cleanest and most direct Sandwich effect we’ve ever published and his wonderfully unique take on the classic Call to the Colors plot known as “Red Black to the Future”.

Combine this with an astonishing 15 new sleight of hand techniques such as his full work on the Master Pushoff, new moves such as the UnDo Cut (which both Joshua Jay and Luke Jermay have said to be the best false cut available), the Undo Shuffle, and his version of the Braue Popup (which is destined to become your new favorite Ambitious Card ending), and you have a book that should be on the shelf of every card magician.

Add to cart ($50.00)

Our Most Beautiful Deluxe Edition Yet

For the most avid collectors, we produced a limited edition Deluxe Version that comes wrapped in an exclusive box with a signed and numbered bookplate and two decks of the stunning The Boy Who Cried Magic cards.

This set was limited to just 300 copies, and sold out within 72 hours. The deluxe set is no longer available.

Andi Gladwin deluxe set
Boy Who Cried Magic deluxe box
Andi Gladwin Deck
Boy Who Cried Magic signed

Add Standard Edition to cart ($50.00)

Boy Who Cried Magic

How we Made The Boy Who Cried Magic

Includes performances of every trick in the book

Words from the Wise

"One of the most beautifully-designed magic books in recent memory. It looks and feels like something you'd find in an art bookstore. As for the magic, Andi Gladwin's Undo Cut is a highly deceptive false cut that is going straight into my act."
—Steve Cohen
"A book filled with crystal clear descriptions and illustrations for powerful, commercial magic, and practical ingenious ideas."
—Paul Wilson
"A stunningly produced book. Chock full of well thought-out and impactful card magic."
—Ben Harris
"The Boy Who Cried Magic is a beautiful book, both inside and out."
—Jim Krenz
"One of those books that you can flip to any page and find something practical, amazing, and polished to perfection."
—Harapan Ong
"The effects are direct, well constructed and very fooling. This collection highlights Andi’s ability to create streamlined compositions without compromising the impact and amazement for the audience. It is a robust, mature and hugely valuable collection of professional performance pieces that I highly recommend."
—Luke Jermay
"From the inside out, this book is beauty squared. Developed over years of meticulous labour, it is packed with a rare potency. Whether you’re reading the trick, method or theory, an extensive pursuit of excellence is revealed on every page."
—Ollie Mealing
 

Community questions about The Boy Who Cried Magic

Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.

  • Dco asks: I did not understand the difference between the regular edition and the deluxe edition? thank you.

    • 1. Chris answers: Regular is just the book, the Deluxe comes with 2 packs of Andi's custom cards and a special case to hold the decks and the book.
    Post an answer to this question

  • Jon asks: "Includes performances of every trick in the book" This statement appears _after_ the collectors edition information. Does it apply only to that edition or is the video available along with the standard edition?

    • 1. Nayos answers: This appears at the end of the regular version "In addition to everything being explained in precise detail across the more than 250 pages and 240 high-resolution photos within this gorgeous hardcover book, you’ll also receive access to performance videos of every routine."
    Post an answer to this question

  • Jim asks: Does the standard edition include a deck of Andi's cards? Is it possible to purchase a deck of Andi's cards? Thank you!

    • 1. Adam answers: No, and not at the moment (maybe never, but might be for sale later).
    Post an answer to this question

  • Louis asks: What level of card magic is this? Should the buyer already have some card sleights already perfected?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Basic to advanced, and everything in between. If you are new to card magic, start with the Card College series. Then read The Boy Who Cried Magic.

  • Ian asks: I'd like to order a deck of the cards along with the regular version of the book, and it doesn't need to include one of Andi's hairs... how? Kindest regards, Ian Kent

    • 1. Adam answers: Not available to purchase separately currently (maybe in future).
    Post an answer to this question

  • Dean asks: Can we see a contents list of what is in the book please?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Here you go: https://www.conjuringarchive.com/list/book/2180

  • George asks: What is the level of difficulty for the material covered in this book?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: All levels are present.

  • Joseph asks: can we buy extra decks of cards with this?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Presently, there are only enough decks for the deluxe edition.

  • Stephen asks: Hi will the video exclusively provide footage of performance or will it also include explanations also? For example, will master push off only have footage of a trick that showcases how the technique is applied in the context of a trick or will there be some supplementary teaching on the actual technique? Always learned better w videos and wanted to see if I would have some supplementary resources should my book-learning ability not quite up to par. Thank you

    • 1. Richard answers: I ordered the book and have access to the videos. There are no explanations. They are demonstrations and performances only.
    • 2. Stephen answers: Thank you!
    Post an answer to this question

  • Ethan asks: Can all tricks in this book be performed with a regular deck of cards? Or are gimmicks required for some

      Post an answer to this question

    • Richard asks: The ad copy says performance videos of every routine is included. My list doesn't include videos for Supersonic, ScriptedBored, or Thought Experiment. Were they supposed to be included?

      • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Those routines will be uploaded in the near future. The remaining moves and effects, however, are already uploaded.

    • Iain asks: Got this as a present and it looks gorgeous! But can't see how to view the performance videos?

      • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Write customer service: Magic@VanishingIncMagic.com

    • David asks: I received the book as a Christmas gift, how do I access the performance videos? Thanks

      • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Write customer service at Magic@VanishingIncMagic.com

    • Tabitha asks: How do I access these demastration videos ??

      • 1. Tony answers: Please find it under your download section if you buy from us.
      Post an answer to this question

    • Richard asks: On p. 49, image 4 is mirrored. Is there a reason for this, or is this an error? A bit confused on the explanation of the Double Reverse Cull and following along the images. Image 3 on p.48 is correct, image 4 is mirrored (look at the numbers on the cards, and ring on the finger), and image 5 is correct. Thank you in advance.

      • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: If you ignore the reversal of the image (sorry about that!), the image does show the correct placement of the cards and fingers. I hope that helps!

    • Conn asks: I have the book but I don’t have access to the videos of the performances.

      • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: Write customer service about this.

    • Peter asks: Where can I find the performance videos for the routines?

      • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds: In your account, assuming you bought it from us. If you bought it elsewhere, please email magic@vanishingincmagic.com and someone will take care of you.

    • George asks: OK this is going to be a strange question. Because it is not exactly about the product but the listing on vanishing inc. website. I have my birthday coming up and a few friends asked if there was anything Magic related that I was looking to buy that they might be able to get me as a gift. I’ve had my eye on this book for a while but due to lost income from pandemic, I have not bought it yet. I am currently creating up a wish list on your site to send to friends and cannot figure out how to add this item. I was able to add the deck of cards when they get back in stock. Hopefully somebody can help me. Thanks in advance. -George

      • 1. Jim answers: Try this link: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/the-boy-who-cried-magic/add-to-wishlist/
      • 2. George answers: Thank you Jim, that worked
      Post an answer to this question
    Ask a question
     
     

    Customer reviews for The Boy Who Cried Magic

    Write a review
    Reviewer

    Rick

     
    Reviewer

    David

    Epic! Andi has really revealed his working repertoire. It has to be?! Magic this good cannot be one off routines that he kind of knows about doing. Not only is this filled with treasures, the production value of this book makes it collector quality.

     
    Reviewer

    Mark

    Great book and video’s. I have only just started my magic journey at the age of 61 and have found some of the tricks and sleights impossible at the moment but this book is very inspiring. Monte Python is reasonably easy to do and is brilliant. I like the essay at the beginning. Well done Andi.

     
    Reviewer

    Grégory

    Very Nice, And interresting. And love the combination book and videos -

     
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    Shalom

     
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    Samuel

    Buying this book should be a no-brainer for the card magician. Andi's writing is clear and the photos are beautiful as well as very helpful. The work includes not only routines (really good routines with great presentation angles), but also some of Andi's own moves which are also explained very well.
    I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with the purchase of this work. Unlike so much of what is put out these days (a trick of the week that one wonders how often it has been done "in the wild") this is a collection of pieces that (it is clear from the descriptions) Andi has performed many, many times. These are not crazy ideas that might work on Tuesday if the light is right and all the spectators close one eye, they are real-world routines that have been tested and refined.
    Like all VI books, it is not only great information, but a beauty to behold. I know that some of you don't care about the printing, the clam-shell case, or the clear type-face, but many do. This will not disappoint either from an aesthetic or a content viewpoint.
    Just get it! Otherwise you run the risk of paying much more on Ebay and kicking yourself for not purchasing it now.

     
    Reviewer

    Matt

    I was a very lucky enough person to get the deluxe edition of this. It is one of the best deluxe sets I have in my library. Gorgeous fabric choices, I love the way it folds out and the book has its own slide in cover INSIDE THE BOX?! Not to mention 2 decks of Andi's cards. The ideas and routines in this book have such a huge punch and strong effect and yet learning them has felt pretty darn easy. It truly feels like Andi spent the time to trim the fat and unnecessary things from each explanation. The added video content for all of the pieces also REALLY help with figuring out all the how to's and monkey moves. Now to continue practicing the Master Push Off some more! :-P

     
    Reviewer

    Jonathan

    The Boy Who Cried Magic is a masterpiece. Expertly written by an extraordinary magician with a clear voice and an obsessive passion for magic, this book contains beautiful routines and astonishing effects. No question, this one is a must have book.

     
    Reviewer

    Jerry

    Many thanks to Andi for generously demonstrating sleights and effects from his excellent "Boy Who Cried Magic," and for going over the fine points in detail... Special kudos for going the extra mile by patiently responding to questions from book purchasers with thorough explanations... A real treat for all... I'm especially pleased because I wasn't able to make the live session, which was supposed to be a one-off, so I'm delighted that it was recorded and archived after all... I'm sure I'll be referring to it again... Much appreciated!...

     
    Reviewer

    Jimmy

    I got the Deluxe Edition from Vanishing INC. Overall, the book is really well made and written by Andi.
    Great card tricks from Andi repertoire. I would say the book is recommended for intermediate level for magicians. However, there is a trick for everyone from beginner to expert level.

    The book is easy to read with a lot of pictures in color if you need images to follow. Also, the product includes videos performances of every trick in the book. You can see the tricks are practical to do in front of an real audiences.

    My favorites tricks are "Ghost" for a quicky trick, "Aura" for magician's fooler and "Fireworks" for his visual aspect. I would highly recommend this book to all card magician and book lover to put it on their magic library.

     
    Reviewer

    Roger

     
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    Edward

     
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    Jonathan

     
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    Matt

    What a beautiful book. From the design to the layout, photography and style,everything is top notch. The contents of course are what really matters and they also will not disappoint. I've already learned and have been using "Fireworks" in my walk around shows to great success. If you love card magic and beautiful books you won't be disappointed in "The Boy Who Cried Magic".

     
    Reviewer

    Matthieu

     
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    Daniel

    Ok so I haven't actually received this book yet but I went I to the downloads section on my account and to my surprise there wasn't just a single video of the tricks being demonstrated but each trick has its own video which is really nice and even a live lecture based on the book done over Zoom last month.

    I am currently watching this Lecture and it's truly amazing and shows how much these guys care about making sure we can learn this stuff well and are really giving back to the magic community.

    Thanks all at V Inc this is amazing!



     
    Reviewer

    Jonathan

     
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    David

    Love the video performances of everything in the book. It really helps me see what the performance is supposed to look like.

     
    Reviewer

    Robert

    The Book exceeded my expectations ! I feel Andi wanted to make sure the book was a great value and he made extra sure by paying attention to detail. So many things like clear pictures, easy to navigate layout, solid material for different types of magicians and on top of it all is that the Book is well made ! I almost forgot to mention the videos that come with the Book to further help with the experience. Thanks Andi !

     
    Reviewer

    Gary

    Great Book! Lots of workers in this one! Great Job Andi!

     
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    Gareth

     
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    Tobias

     
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    Gonzalo

    Andi has definitely put a lot of work into this book, the attention to detail is impressive. The colored pictures are beautiful. I really enjoyed the opening section of the book. The tricks are performance ready, vanishing inc realy did an awesome job with this one. You will not regret getting this book, even if you do not use the tricks in is a beautifull book to have on your shelf.

     
    Reviewer

    Tyson

     
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    Maxwell

     
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    Larry

     
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    Gerardo

     
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    Saurabh

     
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    Jialin

     
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    Nigel

     
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    Neil

    I’ve had this book since release and absolutely love it. There is something for everyone from beginner to sleight of hand ninja!! Andi and the VI team really pulled out all the stops with the design, explanations, photos and performance videos. Highly recommended.

     
    Reviewer

    Brian

    Took me long enough to buy it and then even longer to read it but man I'm glad I did. Definitely worth the price. The book itself is very nice in terms of pictures and layout. The skill levels for the routines will very from easy to advanced so be prepared to work on some of the material. I assume I will be working on the Master Push Off for the next 8-10 years but that's not the teaching, that's my stupid hands. It's kind of the perfect project for someone like me who needs to learn something 12 different ways for things to make sense. Good written explanation (and motivation) pictures and video performances.

     
    Reviewer

    Michael

     
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    Aaron

    When I ordered the book, I watched the videos endlessly. Each trick and sleight was so amazingly well done that in my several years of experience with magic, I could not for the life of me figure out how he was doing it. Then, I cracked open the book (came in pretty quick too), I was MIND BLOWN by the creativity and well thought out psychology behind everything. Do yourself a favor, my friends... Get. This. Book. Today. Don't hesitate.

     
    Reviewer

    Ferdian

    Having a performance recorded alongside reading the more detailed explanations from the book definitely helps a lot, especially to focus on the timing & surroundings instead of the trick itself. Thank you for this!

     
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    Mike

     
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    Nathan

    This is such a great resource for magicians and performers alike. A fine example of skill. A must watch for any one looking to extend their magical toolbox or just widen their understanding fo this topic. You should not be dissapointed with this download at all.

     
    Reviewer

    Mohammad Zubair

    I noticed that no one mentioned this, but the downloadable performance videos are amazing.

    The book quality is great and doesn't appear like a standard edition. Screams of quality from the word go .. the book cover, photographs, paper quality and also the tricks taught in the book. Absolutely no fillers.

    Tricks are explained in an easy to understand fashion with great detailed photographs.

     
    Reviewer

    Cathal

     
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    Chi Chung

     
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    Gary

    I love my magic books and this is one of the best books to be released in my opinion for a long time not surprisingly as it is Andi Gladwin the book it self is exquisite and the tricks are of the highest quality. I love Aura and ghost and his undo shuffle looks completely fair, this is a book that should be in every magicians library I recommend that you purchase this book because you wont be disappointed.

     
    Reviewer

    Nicholas

    This is one of my favourite books. The effects are well explained and the videos help with parts where you may be struggling. This is a book you will grow into. The effects are of varying difficulty but achievable with practice. This is what I like about books, they are a journey you can enjoy wherever and whenever you choose. I recommend this for all magicians with an interest in card magic.

     
    Reviewer

    Simon

    It's such a great idea to have these videos available - I love magic books, but often struggle to picture what the tricks look like in practice and, like Andi says in this video, the timing of them. These videos are a perfect addition!

     
    Reviewer

    minjun

    great this book with the videos

     
    Reviewer

    Yohann

    5/5 on this one.
    A book I'll read and read again over the years. This is exactly the kind of card magic I imagine when if think about creating and presenting my card tricks. A lot of great ideas are contained whithin these pages. Just after one read, I improved three of my long time personal routines and learn two tricks I now perform regularly.
    My book of the year 2021.

     
    Reviewer

    Johannes

    What a great book from Andi Gladwin and worth the hype! The tricks are very usable, well explained and very easy to follow. The master pushoff itself worth the book itself! The video is also very good bonus which I would like to see more added in magic book purchases. Very devious. Wonderful book.

     
    Reviewer

    Michael

     
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    Franz

    Great easy starter trick. Enjoyed doing this one already a few times. Helps get more double lift practice

     
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    Miklos

     
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    Frank

     
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    Jani

     
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    Ferdinand

     
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    Jack

    This book really is amazing, containing really strong effects and written in a very reader friendly way. I love all of Andi's work and this was a no brainer for me, and a lot immediately going into my working repertoire. The quality of the book is another level and actually really like the size of the book despite some people disagreeing. Very pleased that it comes in a case which looks amazing on the shelf! Thank you for releasing an amazing book containing your best work :)

     
    Reviewer

    Jeffrey

     
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    Owen

    Beautiful book. High quality paper. Clear instructions. Perfectly photographed. Well credited. This book will last me for years as I study and reread it for ideas and inspiration.

    I should note that this should NOT be the first book for a beginning magician. References to Erdnase and others will not make much sense to a person who has never read another magic book.

     
    Reviewer

    Greg

    Books are great! And the material is excellent at teaching and inspiring us to create effects. -Greg

     
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    Gabriel

     
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    Edmund

    I bought an early copy at Magi-Fest. This is a great book full of very usable material and some sage advice.

    Great job Andi.

     
    Reviewer

    Stuart

    Just received the Deluxe edition and it’s simply beautiful.
    I can’t wait to read it.

     
    Reviewer

    Jeff

    Purchased the deluxe addition and couldn't be any happier. Quality is above and beyond anything I have purchased before. Thank you Vanishing Inc & especially Andi for the amazing gift before Christmas!

     
    Reviewer

    Mark

    This is a quickie review--I received the book as a Christmas present, and I so have not yet opened it.

    That having been said...I have watched every "play video" segment it comes with, and I feel confident saying this: anyone with an interest in close-up magic would be insane not to buy this book. It's that simple.

    Picking a trick at random--watch "Castle Jacks" and tell me: do you have any idea how it was done? Can you think of a way you could improve it? More importantly--don't you want to perform it?

    In addition to tricks, there are some really great moves. Two finesses I really like are his handlings of the Braue "pop-up" move and the Tilt. His pop-up occurs from an absolutely flat palm--think about that for a moment. As for his "Convincing Tilt": well, it's the most convincing Tilt I've ever seen. It's really beautiful, too.

    I'm going to write a more complete review after I've had some time to work on the material. For now...I said I'd wait until Christmas to open the book. I don't want Santa to get honked off at me--but this is going to be one LONG wait.

     
    Reviewer

    David A

    I got the Deluxe Edition, and WOW!! This is the most gorgeous book edition I have ever seen. Started reading through some of the effects and I cannot wait to work on these. The only problem I have is which effect do I start with first? Thanks Andi, this book is Amazing!! In looks and content.

     
    Reviewer

    Peter

    If I could I would give this an excellent plus rating..beautifully written and the deluxe version comes beautifully presented...that's why I purchased two...this is sure to become a very very sought after magic book in the years to come...to all out there ..get in now, you won't be disappointed...oh by the way the tricks are great as well.

     
    Reviewer

    Arthur Alexander

    This is honestly the nicest magic book of my collection. I just finished reading it the first time through (always read it cover to cover first) and I can't wait to go through these in detail. There are so many great tricks in this book, you won't know where to start. As usual, well done Vanishing Inc. and congrats Andi for finally publishing your own killer magic book!

     
    Reviewer

    Francesco

     
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    Rick

    A must buy. Nuff said.

     
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    Georges

     
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    Zayne

     
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    Victor

     
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    Catherine

     
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    Darren

    Where to begin with this book. The content is some of the best I have ever read. You can really tell that this book has been created by someone with a true passion of the craft. Every bit of material is strong and there is no filler as you sometimes find with books on Magic. The book is so easy to read and get throughout that I have read it cover to cover and then have went back to specific sections again and again to re-read and practice.

    Beyond the content the book itself is stunning. It really stands out of the shelf and is definitely the best looking book I own!

     
    Reviewer

    James

    This book is amazing. The best material isn’t exactly easy, I’ve spent hours and hours for weeks working to perfect moves like the master push off. And I’ve loved every minute of it. The material in this book is well crafted, simple, direct, and powerful magic. 10/10

     
    Reviewer

    Martin

    Great mix of reworking some close up card favorites and new effects destined to become classics. Particularly enjoy Whack Your Phone, Pocket Mule and Thought Experiment. Clear description of the Master Push off – while it will take more practice, it will eventually be worth the effort. Top notch production and photos, clearly written.

     
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    Jim

     
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    Ryan

     
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    Chris

    Often I struggle reading text and translating that to what a trick is supposed to look like. Even though this video doesn't explain the cull shuffle, it really helps me see how it is supposed to look when performed.

     
    Reviewer

    Chris

    A beautiful book that is easy to read. I also love that they included the videos to see what things should look like. I am, however, not a fan of the super glossy pages. I think that there are other nicely produced books with nice paper that handle easier than full gloss paper. Overall I am very happy though.

    The Boy Who Cried Magic by Andi Gladwin
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