Magic Simplified Patricia Magic Simplified Patricia is a renowned book that aims to provide a simplified understanding of the complex world of magic. Authored by an expert magician named Patricia, this book serves as a comprehensive guide that caters to individuals with little to no prior knowledge or experience in magic. The book begins with an insightful introduction that highlights the history and origins of magic, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations. This sets the foundation for readers to develop a contextual understanding of the art form, laying the groundwork for the subsequent chapters. The first few chapters of Magic Simplified Patricia focus on the fundamental principles and techniques of magic. Patricia breaks down each trick into step-by-step instructions, accompanied by detailed illustrations, making it easy for readers to follow along and practice the tricks themselves.
It's possible Wrede has fixed some of this lackadaisical plotting in the revision. But there's still the matter of the Lithmern themselves being rather faceless villains. (That sentence is a pun, but I couldn't really get around it, so live with it.) We really don't know what motivates them, other than routine evil evilness. They seem to have no reason to invade Alkyra other than that they're stock fantasy bad guys who invade countries where the good guys live, because. what else would they do? Form an economy? A culture? The few Lithmern we meet are so arch you could use them to hold up a Roman aqueduct. The leader of the band who kidnaps Alethia does things like throwing his head back when he laughs. Presumably his arms are akimbo at the time, though Wrede isn't specific. He taunts Alethia with "So, you have spirit! I like that." But then he blows it by forgetting to call her "my proud beauty." I tell you, being an arch-villain is all about style points. It ain't for amateurs.
In another scene, we discover that the Shadow-Born, who can influence minds at a great distance, have enthralled one of the Shee high ministers himself. It should be noted straight away that Wrede gave Shadow Magic a thorough clean-up and revision for its inclusion in the 1997 omnibus edition Shadows over Lyra.
Patricia breaks down each trick into step-by-step instructions, accompanied by detailed illustrations, making it easy for readers to follow along and practice the tricks themselves. From basic card tricks to mind-reading illusions, Patricia covers a wide range of magic tricks, ensuring there is something for everyone. She emphasizes the importance of practice and encourages readers to experiment with different techniques to find their own unique style.
Magic simplified Patricia
Book cover artist not credited.
Review © 2009 by Thomas M. Wagner.
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Pat Wrede (pronounced "reedy") set her debut novel in the world of Lyra, which would go on to figure in four more books, all of which are stand-alone stories linked by their world and its history. There is a lot about Shadow Magic that fans of romantic, heroic quest fantasy will find appealing, though the book is very rough around the edges, with characters too arch and a plot that rarely steps outside the path of formula. That's typical for a first novel, it's true, though I'll happily admit the book has a naive charm. It should be noted straight away that Wrede gave Shadow Magic a thorough clean-up and revision for its inclusion in the 1997 omnibus edition Shadows over Lyra. So perhaps that version deserves to have the rating notched upwards. This review applies to the 1982 Ace original.
Short version: Alethia is the eldest daughter of Lord Bracor, who governs the fortress and trading town of Brenn on the western edge of the nation of Alkyra. Alkyra is threatened by an imminent invasion by the baddies in Lithra to the northwest, whose wizards have awakened the Shadow-Born, who, as you might have guessed by their name, belong to the epic fantasy character class "Evil Badasses You Don't Mess With". When agents of the Lithmern infiltrate Brenn and kidnap Alethia, the act of rescuing her ends up involving three magical races long thought to be mythical: the forest-dwelling Wyrds; powerful magic-wielders the Shee, who live in the frozen north; and the aquatic Neira, of whom we see way too little.
Quickly rescued by the Wyrds, Alethia and her human companions are taken north and given refuge among the Shee. There, Alethia begins training in her natural magic powers, which are clearly of great potential. Meanwhile, the Lithmern invasion of Alkyra is coming closer. Can the armies of Brenn and their few allies head the invasion off at the pass? (Literally, gang — there's a mountain pass.) Can Brenn persuade the other squabbling and opportunistic Alkyran council members of the threat to the nation? Will Alethia come into her full magic powers in time to be of any help?
This isn't a bad little adventure, and I really liked Alethia, though she has her own character class ("Gutsy Independent-Minded Young Heroine") that she fits agreeably. But there are holes in the plot that only magic could patch over. So many ideas are established, then never taken to their logical ends. If the Lithmern went to all the trouble to try abducting Alethia before their invasion, then that obviously means they knew, somehow, of Alethia's heritage and latent magical might and the threat it poses even before she or anyone else did. Our heroes discuss this, but never actually pursue the issue of how they knew. And if the Lithmern knew this incredibly important fact about our heroine, what else might they know that the good guys don't? That's a potentially explosive plot wrinkle that could have taken the whole story up a notch. But Wrede just doesn't follow through. In another scene, we discover that the Shadow-Born, who can influence minds at a great distance, have enthralled one of the Shee high ministers himself. The fellow is exposed and hauled off to the dungeons. and then everyone goes about their business, without it occurring to our heroes to see if anyone else among the Shee has been similarly compromised.
It's possible Wrede has fixed some of this lackadaisical plotting in the revision. But there's still the matter of the Lithmern themselves being rather faceless villains. (That sentence is a pun, but I couldn't really get around it, so live with it.) We really don't know what motivates them, other than routine evil evilness. They seem to have no reason to invade Alkyra other than that they're stock fantasy bad guys who invade countries where the good guys live, because. what else would they do? Form an economy? A culture? The few Lithmern we meet are so arch you could use them to hold up a Roman aqueduct. The leader of the band who kidnaps Alethia does things like throwing his head back when he laughs. Presumably his arms are akimbo at the time, though Wrede isn't specific. He taunts Alethia with "So, you have spirit! I like that." But then he blows it by forgetting to call her "my proud beauty." I tell you, being an arch-villain is all about style points. It ain't for amateurs.
Am I snarking on this material too much? Suffice it to say that some of Shadow Magic's cheesier elements — isn't it handy how centuries-lost magic items always have a convenient habit of turning up in caves? — add to its quaint and simple appeal. But this debut novel is far from Wrede's best, which I imagine she'd be the first to tell you. As it is, it survives as a curio for fans of her later work, who might like to see how she started on the long road towards earning her fantasy crown.
Followed by Daughter of Witches.
In addition to teaching the tricks themselves, Magic Simplified Patricia also delves into the psychology behind magic. Patricia explains how magicians use misdirection and sleight of hand to create illusions, harnessing the power of perception to captivate audiences. By understanding these psychological principles, readers can enhance their performances and truly master the art of magic. The book also includes a section on performance tips and suggestions for building confidence on stage. Patricia shares her own experiences as a professional magician, offering invaluable advice to aspiring performers. She stresses the importance of connecting with the audience, maintaining eye contact, and projecting a charismatic presence. Magic Simplified Patricia concludes with a summary of key learnings and a final note of encouragement. Patricia instills a sense of wonder and fascination throughout the book, reminding readers that magic is not just about tricks but about creating a sense of awe and enchantment. Overall, Magic Simplified Patricia serves as a comprehensive and accessible resource for those interested in delving into the world of magic. With its simplified explanations, practical advice, and engaging writing style, the book stands out as a must-read for anyone looking to unlock the secrets of magic. Whether reading for personal enjoyment or aspiring to become a professional magician, this book provides a solid foundation for individuals to explore and master the art of magic..
Reviews for "Unleash Your Potential with Patricia's Magic Simplified Techniques"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic simplified Patricia". The book promised to make magic easy to understand, but it failed to deliver. The explanations were vague and confusing, and the examples provided were not practical at all. I was hoping for a more hands-on approach, but the author seemed more focused on showcasing their knowledge rather than teaching the readers. I wouldn't recommend this book to beginners or anyone looking for a practical guide to magic.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Magic simplified Patricia" was a complete waste of my time and money. The author claims to simplify magic, but I found the book to be incredibly complicated and difficult to follow. The instructions were convoluted and unclear, making it nearly impossible for a beginner like myself to understand and apply. Additionally, the lack of proper illustrations or visual aids added to the confusion. Overall, I found this book to be frustrating and unhelpful, and I regret purchasing it.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I expected "Magic simplified Patricia" to provide a straightforward and accessible introduction to magic, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The language used in the book was unnecessarily complex, making it difficult for me to comprehend the concepts and techniques. Moreover, there were no clear step-by-step instructions, making it hard to replicate the magic tricks described. I believe the author could have done a better job simplifying the content and catering to the needs of beginners.
4. Emily - 1 star - As someone who had no prior knowledge of magic, I found "Magic simplified Patricia" to be overwhelming and confusing. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their expertise than actually making magic simplified. The explanations were convoluted, and the examples provided were not practical enough for beginners to grasp. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a beginner-friendly introduction to magic.