Review of Devastation by JB Magic and Wayne Dobson

Reviewed by: J C Sum

This is best described as an all-backs routine with a prediction element of a freely named card.

Like all of Wayne’s routines, this is sleight-free although you need to remember the flow of the routine and sequence to handle the cards (ungimmicked).

Personally, I felt the routine was a bit contrived but that may be because of how it was demonstrated on the DVD, just to communicate the effect. Mark Mason, who did the demo, also did not handle the wallet well psychologically but that has no bearing on the actual merits of the routine.

The routine requires that you show and hand out double backed cards in the process of the routine, although all these cards are later magically change to regular cards. I know some purists have a problem with handling or “exposing” gimmicked cards like this. I’m not uncomfortable with this as well in general although I’m ok with effects like “Anniversary Waltz” where the cards end up in a magical state. But, since the cards do change to regular cards and the presentation is that you had a dream, that can technically be explained and justified.

Reasonably priced since you do get a well-made leather Z-fold Wallet.

That alone is worth the cost as you can use the wallet for many other routines.

4 out of 5 stars if you enjoy card routines with a novel plot and without difficult sleights.