|
|
alexhui Inner circle Hong Kong 1956 Posts |
Just finished the book and would write a short review about the book.
First Impression: It's a densely packed book. I mean, when I opened the pages, I found the contents are solidly placed. I mean, you won't find any space to fill the pages! It's text and pictures all over the pages. So what you get is a fully filled 200 pages of magic. I guessed if Harry Lorayne used the nowadays 'standard' layout, he can fill the content into a 300-page book. So don't judge the book as a 'thin' book, it is THICK indeed. Technique requirement: As Harry Lorayne said ''cause I don't use, nor can I do, highly technical, difficult, stuff!.' The book is nowhere out of reach from normal cardmen. If any CARDMAN told me he can't do an item from the book even with minimum practice, I would suggest him to quit and find another hobby. All effects are really easy to do. That said, that doesn't mean the moves are boring in the book. You can find a number of interesting and undermined moves in the book. My favorite is To Catch An Ace #5 which is really a killer per se. Direct and effective. Lorayne Force is taught and used in a couple of effects. Honestly, I am not a big fan of this force (though I've learnt it many years ago). BUT, Mr. Lorayne has taught an subtlety which change my thought. People who didn't use the force may find it very useful with that subtlety and that's really a gem. Effects: There are many types of effect, which means you will find something you like. What is special about the effects is 'they are special'; in other words, you won't find so similar stuffs out there. Most effects are to-the-point and very effective to lay audience (of coz, some are magician fooler). To technique- or new knowledge- oriented card men, you may be disappointed a bit. But that doesn't mean laymen don't like the effects. I am very happy to find a couple of super easy and super effective effects in the book. Some cardmen may not like them because the effects look easy, but audience-oriented magicians will love those idea. Try the effect called "Simply" Effective, it sounds stupid (but IT'S NOT!) to magicians but it is so effective to lay audience. When I read that, I think the idea is 'so stupid' that even many 'clever' magicians didn't think of. I love it. And I am sure I will use it, one way or the other. And there are many more nice touches in the book. Even if you don't use any single routine in the book (I doubt that), you can still learn some very useful ideas for your own effects. The book is really a nice read and I think the effects are solid. As a matter of fact, no one will love all the effects in any book. But I am sure this is a book to inspire, and teach a lot of effects which can save you when you are suddenly given a deck to perform. I have many card books, and I always find Harry Lorayne's books have high ratio of useful effects. So does this book. The price tag may look high, but considering the contents, it is totally fair. Alex Hui
To support 100% honest and unbiased reviews: Donate by PayPal
For BRUTALLY HONEST consultation for your upcoming projects, PM me. YouTube: Alex Magic Review YouTube: Themis Magic World Instagram: @AlexMagicReview Instagram: @ThemisMagic |
motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6127 Posts |
Thanks for the reviw Alex.
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
Zedd Loyal user Germany 270 Posts |
Yes - thank you!!!
Best regards, Zedd |
papawemba Special user 656 Posts |
Thanks a lot !
Can you eventually describe 3 of your favorite effects ? Nicolas |
alexhui Inner circle Hong Kong 1956 Posts |
Nicolas,
It's very hard to describe the routines but I will name a few: To Catch A Royal: A production of 4 Aces with a surprise transformation to a Royal Flush.. Even Better Red/Black Shuffles: Two really nice and convincing red/black shuffle which are useful for many routines. Instant Double Decker: A 2-phrase sandwich routine which is very easy to do. Plus: 3-4-1: A location effect with a lot of fair cutting, and it is a real magician fooler. and more. Alex Hui
To support 100% honest and unbiased reviews: Donate by PayPal
For BRUTALLY HONEST consultation for your upcoming projects, PM me. YouTube: Alex Magic Review YouTube: Themis Magic World Instagram: @AlexMagicReview Instagram: @ThemisMagic |
papawemba Special user 656 Posts |
Thanks you alexhui !
It surely sound very good Thanks again for the review |
Steven Leung Inner circle found the Magic Rainbow after 1614 Posts |
Excellent review Alex, and long time no see. Still in Tokyo? Merry Christmas my friend.
Most memorable moment - with Maestro Juan Tamariz & Consuelo Lorgia in FISM Busan 2018.
"Being fooled by a trick doesn't always mean they are having a good time" - Homer Liwag https://hhpresents.com/ https://www.glitchstudiohk.com/ |
papawemba Special user 656 Posts |
Any other opinion ?
Before spending $84.95... Thank you, Nicolas |
alexhui Inner circle Hong Kong 1956 Posts |
Hi Steven,
I am in HK now. Late Merry X'Mas!! Alex Hui
To support 100% honest and unbiased reviews: Donate by PayPal
For BRUTALLY HONEST consultation for your upcoming projects, PM me. YouTube: Alex Magic Review YouTube: Themis Magic World Instagram: @AlexMagicReview Instagram: @ThemisMagic |
alexhui Inner circle Hong Kong 1956 Posts |
Nicolas: If you are new to HL's materials, I suggest that you should check out his previous materials first. Classic Collection Vol.1 should be a good start. Much more materials at similar price.
Alex Hui
To support 100% honest and unbiased reviews: Donate by PayPal
For BRUTALLY HONEST consultation for your upcoming projects, PM me. YouTube: Alex Magic Review YouTube: Themis Magic World Instagram: @AlexMagicReview Instagram: @ThemisMagic |
RogueMD Regular user 133 Posts |
Hmmm, strange. I thought the book "Special Effects" was a Paul Curry book ( a very old one at that). I need to check my library when I get home....
Michael |
papawemba Special user 656 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-27 23:49, alexhui wrote: I only have Close-Up Card Magic and Deck-Sterity of HL'materiel, and the 4 Apocalypse volumes.... For now I am only interested in impromptu card magic which isn't too hard to do. This book sound like an excellent source!! Unfortunately, it is kind of expensive for me :-/ so I just want to be sure I will really use some trick Nicolas |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Books, Pamphlets & Lecture Notes » » Review: Harry Lorayne’s “Special Effects.” (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.04 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |