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Flashback by Michael O'Brien

Created by: Michael O'Brien

Flashback is a powerful mentalism book test where the performer can instantly know the first word on any page a spectator turns to in a book, without any forcing, fishing, or memorization. This close-up or stand-up routine allows for a completely hands-off performance, making it appear as though the magician has genuine psychic abilities. The system includes multiple books with identical methods, divided into close-up (5" x 8") and stand-up (6" x 9") categories, all designed to look like ordinary off-the-shelf volumes to enhance believability.

Key features

  • No memorization required for any methods

  • Includes eight book titles with identical methods for consistency

  • Offers multiple routines like Flashback, Flashforward, Inception, and Any Word on Any Page

  • Allows for hands-off performances with no forcing or fishing

  • Bonus title included with the complete 8-book bundle

Pros

  • Zero memorization makes it easy to learn and perform

  • Versatile with multiple routines to prevent repetition

  • Books look ordinary and are easy for spectators to handle

Cons

  • Requires purchasing multiple books for full versatility

  • May be perceived as complex for beginners due to the variety of methods

Effect

The Flashback trick lets a mentalist know the first word on any page a spectator turns to in a book. The performer does not touch the book or force a specific page. The spectator sees a normal book and can freely choose any page. The mentalist then reveals the first word on that page without any fishing or guessing.

Full details

Flashback is part of the Progressive Book Test system by Michael O'Brien. The system uses eight different book titles. The books look like regular books you would find in a store. They come in different sizes and cover types for close-up or stand-up performances. The method for Flashback is the same in every book. You do not need to memorize anything. The system also includes other routines like Flashforward, Inception, and Any Word on Any Page. These can be used alone or combined into a longer performance. A bonus book is included with the full set, which adds a final method using all eight titles.

Who should consider the trick

Mentalists who want a book test with no memorization should consider Flashback. It works for both close-up and stand-up settings. Performers who like clean methods with no forcing or fishing will find it useful. It is good for those who want multiple routines from one set of props.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Flashback is not difficult to perform. The method requires no memorization. The system is designed to be user-friendly. You can start performing after learning the basic method. The methods are consistent across all books, so you do not need to learn new techniques for each title.

What magicians say

Chris Edwards notes that Flashback has "zero memorization required." He says the methods let you "instantly know the spectator's thought-of word without fishing, forcing a page, or asking leading questions." The system gives you "a variety of clean methods" for different performance situations.

What people are saying about Flashback

ChrisEdwardsMagic says...

There is zero memorization required, a major selling point for performers who struggle with complex codes or stacks. The methods are designed to be intuitive, allowing the performer to instantly know the spectator's thought-of word without fishing, forcing a page, or asking leading questions.

Promotional videos