Another magic review, do you have the will to read on? I hope so, because this is a cracking release from Steve Dela. Will To Read is a really clever development of the ‘Free Will’ principle which adds a great presentational angle and fits in your wallet or pocket so you can have it with you anywhere. So let’s get straight to…
The effect
In essence, a prediction which is a page from a book, is left in full view. The spectator then makes several free choices about where to place 3 objects – and the text of the book is shown to perfectly match their decisions.
That’s a very bare-bones description – and Peter Nardi includes a very clever alternative presentational hook which possibly makes the effect even more convincing.
The page itself has several other features built in which enable you to do a book-test type revelation of a merely thought of word, and another aspect which ties in with another Alakazam release – the BIP test.
What do you get
You get several copies of the printed page from the book – you shouldn’t really need replacements but it is handy to have them. Also some envelopes which can be use in different versions of the effect and a DVD that runs to a little over an hour and explains all the routines and details of the effect. It’s a no frills video, but it clear and easy to follow.
In case you haven’t already picked up on this, I think this is a wonderful effect! Steve has worked out some brilliant subtleties which massively increase the effectiveness of the ‘Free Will’ aspect of the effect. I love the portability of the props and the premises of the presentations.
The base effect is itself very strong – but the extra possibilities are fantastic. The ‘book test’ reveal is incredible (and actually makes me want to buy the book test whose principle it incorporates). If you do own the BIP test then you can you use that to get another extra effect – and you have almost a complete act in one piece of paper!
I’m struggling to think of any negatives to this. I suppose it is English language only – but that wouldn’t be a problem to most of our readers! I’m not 100% sure I would use this in normal strolling – it is the sort of effect (especially if you use a couple of phases) that you might want to use in a setting where you had a little more time.
On the positive side, the props are well printed, take up no space, the effect is strong, there’s no reset – apart from putting the page back in the envelope. It even comes in very nice packaging! We love it – and it will definitely be going into our pocket for performance at the drop of a hat.
Will to Read is highly recommended and available from our friends at the Merchant of Magic for £34.99 (at the time of writing)
Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.
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