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The Collected Card Magic of Mark Leveridge
Volume 3
Reviewed by Jay Fortune
This
is the third collection of card magic routines from Mark Leveridge. This compact
soft-backed book runs to 74 pages and is full of commercial card magic. 12
routines are features, many having been previously marketed. A few are still
sold through Mark's online shop, complete with props. Let's crack open the cover
(easy to do with a soft-back) and have a look at the routines.
Aces Under Control; from a shuffled deck, the performer produces the four Aces.
Oh, from the centre of the pack. Based on an Al Smith idea, and a Dai Vernon
move, this is a nice production of the four aces. It looks like tremendous skill
yet requires very little handling. Perfect for giving the impression you're an
expert with the pasteboards!
Co-inic-mental; A do-as-I-do effect but with a lot of the waffling and procedure
removed.
Countdown prediction; this prediction would certainly baffle most magician's I
think. A sneaky method based on a well known shuffle. This'll have the local
magi scratching their heads!
Excalibur; Mark's take on the legendary card-stab using a legendary prop! This
is still in Mark's current catalogue. Although the signed card doesn't end up
stabbed on the miniature sword, the deck is divided perfectly, whilst wrapped,
at the point of the selected card. The full patter provided shows that Mark has
used this extensively in his commercial close-up work. A neat effect that can
play big, with lots of scope for business and interaction.
Spot The Difference; taken from the Master Routine series, this effect is based
on the Find The Lady/Three Card Monte, but with a novel gimmick making the
handling simple and effective. A presentation is provided to work this for
larger shows using the whole audience.
The Department Store; A nice presentation idea for the sandwiched card effect,
with a kicker ending. Great for family restaurants.
Pre-View; A baffling card effect, where a sighted card ends up in an envelope,
placed their before the card was even sighted! The use of a cleverly gimmicked
envelope removes the need for any sleights or illogical moves. Well routined and
very magical.
Signature Piece; A magical way to leave your business card with the spectator.
Also a nice business card to make as it has a Bicycle card back, opening the way
for many other variations.
Hide and Seek; The ambitious card in reverse. Four stages of well routined
magic, perfect to do walk around. Instant re-set and a kicker finish.
No Palm Card to Pocket; Very magical, clean and surprising way to vanish a
signed card from a wrapped deck. Great stand-up piece.
The Right Wrong Prediction; Surprising routine which would work well for a
parlour show. The possibility for presentation and bits of business is good and
the outcome quite magical.
Unavoidable Destiny - Reloaded; Mark's latest version of the Brainwave deck,
using one deck, no rough and smooth and great thinking! The presentation and
build-up is perfect for modern mentalism close-up.
Individually the price for these tricks would far surpass the book. Whilst a few
items would need to be made up, many can be performed with a regular deck and no
advance preparation. Close-up, mentalism and stand-up are all included. This is
great value for money and will give many happy hours of pleasure playing with
the magic, whether beginner, amateur or professional. Highly recommended.
© Jay Fortune, August 2013
Available from www.markleveridgemagic.co.uk