“A modern suburban fantasy . . . There are quests and complications, conflicts and charms. . . . Card’s back in top form, doing as well as or better than any of his fantasy work so far.”—The San Diego Union-Tribune In a prosperous African American neighborhood in Los Angeles, infant Mack Street is found abandoned in an overgrown park and taken in by a blunt-speaking single woman. Growing up, Mack senses that he is different from most, and knows that he has strange powers. Yet he cannot possibly understand how unusual he is until the day he discovers, beyond a mysterious narrow house no one else can see, an entryway into a magical world. Passing through, Mack is plunged into a realm where time and reality are skewed, a place where his actions seem to have disturbing effects in the “real world.” Whether he likes it or not, Mack has become a player in an epic drama. His reward, if he can survive the trip, is discovering not only who he really is . . . but why he exists. Praise for Magic Street “A great read . . . Card’s take on his characters [is] as sure as ever, his narrative rock solid, his dialogue crackling and authentic.”—Los Angeles Times Book Review “[Card] is a master at creating a sense of urgency that keeps you turning pages.”—The Charlotte Observer “Mind-bending . . . Card’s clever tale comes with sharp writing and crisp dialogue.”—The Tampa Tribune “Compelling . . . By the time the ultimate conflict comes into focus, the novel is propelling the reader forward like a bullet.”—Deseret Morning News “A suspenseful fantasy thriller that, during the race to the last page, has one mulling over myth, morals, salvation, and will.”—Booklist

One of the largest manhunts in L.A. history! A beast of many faces and costumes, he's stalking City of Angels streets, seeking candidates for his next sculpture tableau. Welcome to Magic Street Theater, but don't approach too close, lest its demented artistic director casts you in one of his nether world roles. Young mystery writer Ryan Wood considers Lillian Lander-a retired Pulitzer-winning photographer-his modern day Auntie Mame. When he arrives for an extended visit at Lily's eagle's nest apartment with its stunning view of of the city and borrows her super telephoto, Ryan hardly expects to be caught up in a body-snatching sculptor's reign of terror.

Whether you are a budding magician wanting to discover the basics of modern magic or an experienced hobbyist wanting to develop further, this book will enable you to quickly and easily master extraordinary magic tricks and skills that will astound and enthrall your audience. Using everyday objects to perform mind-boggling illusions, you will be able to become a confident and competent magician. NOT GOT MUCH TIME? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. AUTHOR INSIGHTS Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the authors' many years of experience. TEST YOURSELF Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of magic tricks. FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. TRY THIS Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

The promise of magic has always commanded the human imagination, but the story of industrial modernity is usually seen as a process of disenchantment. Drawing on the writings and performances of the so-called 'Golden Age Magicians' from the turn of the twentieth century, Chris Goto-Jones unveils the ways in which European and North American encounters with (and representations of) Asia - the fabled Mystic East - worked to re-enchant experiences of the modern world. Beginning with a reconceptualization of the meaning of 'modern magic' itself - moving beyond conventional categories of 'real' and 'fake' magic - Goto-Jones' acclaimed book guides us on a magical mystery tour around India, China, and Japan, showing us levitations and decapitations, magic duels and bullet catches, goldfish bowls and paper butterflies. In the end, this mesmerizing book reveals Orientalism as a kind of magic in itself, casting a spell over Western culture that leaves it transformed, even today.

Meditation can help you to discover your inner sanctuary of peace and serenity.Yoga is based in Hinduism and is used by large numbers of people worldwide. Magic tricks aim to astonish and bewilder people. There are illusions that aim to entertain a large number of people or just a single person. They can be done in close proximity or with the aid of a large stage at a certain distance from its audience. However once the trick is done, the successful magician is one who can leave audiences with a sense of wonder at the spectacle.