Magic Tricks

I will be honest. I had no idea who Jason Ladanye was until Blackpool Magic Convention 2014, and even then it wasn't for the guy himself. I am, what I like to call myself as, an Ortizian, meaning I have EVERYTHING (and I mean everything) of Darwin Ortiz', and I made it an oath to solely study his work; but then, whilst walking round the dealership, I noticed his name on this book. Of course it was only a foreword so I had a read. I had no idea that Jason Ladanye was one of Darwin's students!
This, obviously, made me spend the £35 that it was then and I sat down in the Gallion bar and read the contents. I was not unimpressed! It was like reading the book of a young Darwin Ortiz. And so, here is my review after studying this book over thirteen times in two years ...

First of all, the quality of the book is outstanding. The dust jacket is shiny and attractive, and even when you take that off the actual cover itself is (how can I put this?), sexy. The instructions are clear, the photographs are large and ... clear. Everything about this book, quality wise, is amazing.

Secondly, the effects in this book are just like Darwin Ortiz' ... strong and memorable. If I was to criticise these it is the fact that there are only eighteen! Having said that, his latest releases, 'Top Shelf Notes' and the upcoming '2016 Lecture Notes' will add another ten superb effects to his pot of supreme magic.
Quick Change Artist is the first effect in the book and was the first effect that I read the night I bought it, laid in bed. This is super effective and super fun to do. If I was to rate this effect it would be a solid 8/10 (compared to the other effects).
Lucky Fifty is a very commercial 'Magician In trouble' plot that is guaranteed to get a surprise. 8/10
Ladanye's Ambitious Card. Yet another Ambitous Card. This one is similar to John Mandoza's (in terms of effect climax) but takes on a world of its own. The presentation is what makes this one! 7/10
Arcane Control. Simple, clear, and consistent with Darwin's effects. 8/10
Thought Transference. If you know Darwin's 'Si Stebbins Set-Up' from At The Card Table then this effect is one you WILL perform. 9/10
The Set-Up. Along the lines of Darwin's 'Rouge Et Noir'. 9/10
Precision Aces & The Gathering. Two effects with the same plot lines, just different effects and patter lines. Two great adaptations of the Collectors Plot. 9/10 for both.
The Player. The ultimate story telling effect. 8/10
The Ultimate Exchange. It is thee ultimate. 9/10
Forging Ahead. Not my favourite in terms of methods, but certainly the audience's. 5/10 for my own performance sake. 10/10 for the audience.
Through and Through. An intriguing solution to one of Darwin's problems in 'Strong Magic'. Amazing. 8/10
It's All In The Hands. If you know a memorised deck, then this will certainly be added to your repertoire. 9/10
The Big Blind. Similar to Darwin's Positively Fifth Street but is in a world of its own. Incredible. 9/10
The Big Stack. Based on Darwin's 'The Cross' but with a surprise kicker. 10/10
Centrepiece. Another memorised deck gem that inspired me to learn a Greek Deal. Difficult but well worth it. The most obscure method for the most simple effect. 10/10
Bringing Down The House. The only Blackjack deal I know. Amazing. 10/10
Best For Last. Definitely the best in the book. A stunning 11/10

If I was to create a list of my top five favourite effects for the book I could easily accomplish it, however I will not because people like different things and so my five favourites may not be your five favourites. All I will say is that there is definitely something in this book for everyone. A lot of the effects require advanced skill; if you have studied someone like Darwin Ortiz in the past then you are skilled enough, however if you haven't then this book will inspire you to learn the more difficult sleights in the realm of sleights.

Also, now he has released a companion DVD that has all of the effects on (and teaches 16 of them). This will be very useful (as is the performance DVD that comes with this book). Pick this up. Read this book. Study this book. Try all of the effects.
I made the mistake of thinking that some of these effects were rubbish and how wrong I was. They are all great. Use all of them at least once.
Buy his two new sets of lecture notes. Now.

Overall 100%