Janis Tomma is a magician who has gained a significant reputation in the world of magic. He is known for his incredible illusions and mind-boggling tricks that leave his audience in awe. Tomma's performances are not just limited to the stage; he has taken his magic to the streets, performing close-up magic and captivating passersby. What sets Janis Tomma apart from other magicians is his ability to think outside the box and create unique illusions that have never been seen before. His creativity knows no bounds, and he continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of magic. Whether he is making objects levitate, reading minds, or making people disappear and reappear in the blink of an eye, Janis Tomma is always sure to surprise and impress his audience.
Available again after almost thirty years.
When I saw the animated Hobbit, Gandalf was this cryptic wizard who could just come and go at will, summon eagles, bring fire, and he always seemed to know more than he let on. One of the greatest fantasy novels from the 1980s I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction, and one of the greatest regrets I have is that I never found more than three books written by Lyndon Hardy, an author I still consider an automatic buy.
Whether he is making objects levitate, reading minds, or making people disappear and reappear in the blink of an eye, Janis Tomma is always sure to surprise and impress his audience. One of Tomma's most famous tricks is his levitation act. He is able to make himself float in mid-air, seemingly defying the laws of gravity.
Master of the Five Magics
This novel by Lyndon Hardy was copyrighted in 1980 and is a Del Rey book published by Ballantine Books. It was also my first real foray into the world of fantasy. Okay, that isn’t entirely true, as I had watched many cartoons as a kid, but this was the first time I had read a full novel on my own just for fun. It is, to me, a true classic and every couple of years I pull it out of its alcove and read it again.
In the story, Alodar is looking to win the hand of the Queen to restore his family’s name. Along his journey, everything that could go wrong essentially does and this unfortunate traveler winds up delving into all five of the known Magics of the Realm. Normally, a person only experiences one form of magic, or rarely two, so to become knowledgeable in all five forms of magic is an unreal feat.
What always gets me in the tale is the logic tied to each form of magic. All five magics are bound by laws and they do not overlap. The Thaumaturge must adhere to the Principles of Sympathy and Contagion; the Alchemist is bound by the Doctrine of Signatures, and so on. That logic always fascinated me because I had never seen that before in fantasy — and to this day, it is still seemingly rare.
When I saw the animated Hobbit, Gandalf was this cryptic wizard who could just come and go at will, summon eagles, bring fire, and he always seemed to know more than he let on. There weren’t any real limits or restrictions to what he could do. Perhaps he was unfamiliar with moon letters, but in terms of magic, it was implied that his skills were widely varied and that that was normal.
In Alodar’s world, the magic was succinct. The Sorcerer could see across distances or entrance the mind. The Magician could enchant objects through complicated rituals, and the Wizard could summon demons through fire with the sheer force of his will. They were distinct from each other.
This has always influenced me. It drew me to science, for there I could learn the logic behind “magical” things in our world. Most stories I write need a logical connection in terms of magic. Without that logic, then why couldn’t my characters just summon a horde of beasts on whim? Well, they really can’t, can they?
And I have Lyndon Hardy and his world to thank for that. Ever will I esteem his work. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a copy, give it a read. It may not resonate with you the same way that it does with me, but it’s at the core of my writer side. If you can’t find the book itself, you can read about it in more detail on Wikipedia.
And no… I will not loan you my copy. That stays with me. Always.
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New second edition includes an Author’s Afterward about how the book came to be, and a Glossary of terms and their Wikipedia URL links.
Spectators are left in awe as they witness this seemingly impossible feat. Another one of his signature tricks involves mind reading. Tomma is able to accurately guess the thoughts and words of his audience members, leaving them astounded and questioning whether magic truly exists. In addition to his stage performances, Janis Tomma is also known for his street magic. He takes his magic to the streets, performing close-up tricks that often involve cards or everyday objects. Passersby are left amazed as Tomma makes cards disappear and reappear or performs mind-boggling card manipulations right before their eyes. Janis Tomma's magic is not just about tricking his audience; it is about creating a sense of wonder and disbelief. He aims to transport his audience to a world where anything is possible, where the boundaries of reality are blurred, and where magic exists. Through his performances, Tomma seeks to create an unforgettable experience for his audience, one that will leave them questioning and mesmerized long after the show is over. Janis Tomma's magic is a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. His ability to create unique illusions and captivate audiences is what has made him one of the most renowned magicians of his time. Through his performances, he reminds us of the power of magic and its ability to not only entertain but also inspire and amaze..
Reviews for "Janis Tkmma: A Modern Magician with an Old-School Charm"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Janis tkmma magic". I found the plot to be confusing and disjointed, with no clear direction or conclusion. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them or care about their journey. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and failed to captivate my attention. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
2. Michael - 2/5 stars - While "Janis tkmma magic" had some interesting ideas, I couldn't help but feel let down by the execution. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it felt like the story dragged on without any significant developments. I also found the world-building to be lacking, as there were many elements introduced without proper explanation, leaving me confused. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, further pulling me out of the story. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2.5/5 stars - For me, "Janis tkmma magic" was just an average read. The characters were somewhat interesting, but their actions and motivations often seemed inconsistent throughout the book. The plot had potential, but it failed to deliver on the promised magic and excitement. I did appreciate the author's attempt to explore complex themes, but the execution fell flat. Overall, it was an underwhelming reading experience that left me wanting more.