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Multi-Book Flashback by Josh Zandman

Created by: Josh Zandman

Multi-Book Flashback is a versatile, Halloween-themed book test series featuring gimmicked versions of 'Frankenstein', 'Dracula', and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. This close-up mentalism trick allows performers to reveal specific words or sentences chosen by spectators from any of the books, regardless of which book is selected. The series supports a range of routines including mind reading from a distance, simultaneous multiple mind readings, and visual spectacles with multiple spectators. The books are designed to be easy to use, requiring minimal memorization, and are 'lightly examinable', appearing ordinary at a glance.

Key features

  • Versatile Halloween-themed book test series

  • Supports one, two, or all three books for various routines

  • Minimal memorization required

  • Lightly examinable books appear ordinary at a glance

  • Allows for mind reading from a distance and multiple simultaneous readings

  • Includes methods like Multi-Book Flashback, Super Flashback, and Pegasus Page

Pros

  • Highly versatile with multiple routines possible

  • Easy to use with minimal memorization

  • Books are lightly examinable, adding to the mystery

  • Supports performances with multiple spectators

  • Includes a variety of methods for different effects

Cons

  • Books cannot be read cover to cover as they contain gimmicks

  • May require additional presentation skills to maximize impact

Effect

The Multi-Book Flashback is a book test routine where a spectator freely selects a page in one book, and the performer instantly knows a specific word or sentence from a different book. The effect appears as pure mind reading, with no apparent connection between the books. The performer can reveal the information in multiple ways, such as writing it down beforehand or describing the word the spectator is thinking of.

Full Details

The Multi-Book Flashback is part of Josh Zandman's Universal Monsters book test series, which includes Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. All three books are gimmicked to work together, allowing the performer to combine them in different ways. The method does not require memorization, as the books provide the necessary information to the performer.

The routine is highly flexible. Spectators can be anywhere in the room, and multiple books can be used simultaneously. The performer can also incorporate ordinary books, such as The Alchemist, to expand the possibilities. The books are lightly examinable, meaning they appear normal at a glance but cannot be read cover to cover.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a versatile book test routine. It works well for stage performers, close-up magicians, and those who perform for large groups. Since it requires minimal memorization, it is suitable for performers who prefer self-working methods.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Multi-Book Flashback is designed for ease of use. The method is self-working, requiring no sleight of hand or advanced memory skills. According to Michael O'Brien, even knowing just five words can enhance the performance. The books do most of the work, making it accessible to beginners while still offering depth for experienced performers.

What Magicians Say

Michael O'Brien praises the Multi-Book Flashback for its versatility and strong impact. He highlights the ability to combine multiple books and methods, stating, "You can have an entire 30-minute mind-reading session with just these books." He also emphasizes the fairness of the method, noting, "It's a completely fair choice—no forcing, no fishing, no guessing."

O'Brien also appreciates the flexibility in presentation, mentioning that performers can reveal words in different ways, such as through imagery or direct mind reading. He calls the system "100% self-working" and recommends the entire series for its range of effects.

The Multi-Book Flashback is a powerful addition to any mentalism or book test routine, offering strong audience reactions with minimal effort.

What people are saying about Multi-Book Flashback

Michael O'Brien says...

The Universal Monsters book test series is designed to be versatile, allowing performers to use one, two, or all three books together for a range of routines. [...] The books are also described as 'lightly examinable,' appearing ordinary upon a quick glance, though they won't make sense if read cover to cover.

Review videos