Sleightful logoSleightful

Firebrand by Christoph Borer

Created by: Christoph Borer

Firebrand is a visually striking parlor magic trick where a page in an old book is chosen, an antique coin is wrapped in old tissue paper and placed on top of the book. When ignited, the tissue paper erupts in a flash of fire, and the coin is shown to have melted through the top of the book to the selected page. This trick is part of Christoph Borer's 'Forged by Fire' collection, which spans various magic styles including close-up, parlor, stage, mentalism, and magical storytelling. The book is a 268-page linen hardback with over 100 illustrations, expertly translated from German by Maxwell Pritchard.

Key features

  • Part of a collection of 40+ professional routines

  • Transforms a classic card trick into a larger parlor piece

  • Involves a book, a coin, tissue paper, and a dramatic burst of flame

  • Suitable for magicians interested in mentalism and parlor magic

  • Includes professional-caliber routines with meticulous attention to detail

Pros

  • Unique and creative twist on classic magic effects

  • High production quality with beautiful illustrations

  • Expert translation making it accessible to English-speaking magicians

  • Wide range of magic styles covered in the book

Cons

  • May not be suitable for every performer's style

  • Requires additional props like a book, coin, and tissue paper

Effect

The Firebrand trick is a visually striking parlor magic routine. A spectator selects a page from an old book. The magician wraps an antique coin in tissue paper and places it on top of the book. When the tissue paper is ignited, it bursts into flames. After the fire subsides, the coin is revealed to have melted through the book, landing directly on the chosen page. The effect combines mystery, drama, and a surprising physical transformation.

Full Details

Firebrand is part of Christoph Borer's book Forged by Fire, which contains 40 professional routines. The trick reimagines a classic card effect into a larger-scale performance using a book, a coin, tissue paper, and fire. The book itself is a 268-page hardcover with over 100 illustrations, translated from German by Maxwell Pritchard.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who perform parlor or stage magic and want a visually impactful routine. It is ideal for those comfortable with fire-based effects and looking for a dramatic, storytelling-driven piece. Since it involves fire, performers should ensure proper safety measures.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level is not explicitly stated, but the trick involves handling fire and precise timing. Magicians familiar with sleight of hand and misdirection will find it easier to execute. The book provides detailed instructions, making it accessible to intermediate and advanced performers.

What Magicians Say

MurphysMagicSupplies describes Firebrand as a "reimagining of a classic card trick into a larger parlor piece," praising its dramatic burst of flame and unexpected transformation. VanishingIncMagic highlights the trick's unpredictability, stating that Borer's routines are "absolutely nothing alike," showcasing his creative approach. Both reviewers emphasize that Forged by Fire is a masterclass in magic creativity, with Firebrand being a standout routine.

The book is recommended for magicians who appreciate inventive twists on classic effects and want professional-grade material. As VanishingIncMagic notes, "you're not going to use every single effect in this book, but there is something for absolutely everyone."

What people are saying about Firebrand

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

In Firebrand, a page in an old book is chosen then an antique coin is wrapped in an old tissue paper and placed on top of the book when ignited the tissue paper erupts in a flash of fire and the coin is shown to have melted through the top of the book to the selected page.

VanishingIncMagic says...

The genius of Kristoff borer you're not going to use every single effect in this book but there is something for absolutely everyone in forged by fire as with the best books it's not just about the tricks this book is a master class on the creative process.

Review videos

Promotional videos