HACKED

A review by Nathan Stockwell

In a time where every idea is immediately and effortlessly commercially shared, we are perpetually overwhelmed with emails, social media posts, and forum threads promoting the 'latest and greatest'. Consequently, discerning what to pay attention to when something new emerges becomes challenging.

If you are unfamiliar with the name "Kaleb Wade", it's forgivable to overlook his latest contribution to the art—after all, I’d wager most don't know his name. But they should. And if you do know it, then go ahead and see for yourself why 'Hacked' needs to be an immediate addition to your performing repertoire.

I've been a fan of Kaleb since the very beginning, closely following each of his releases. It may sound cliché, but the best endorsement or compliment I can offer him is that he's a true professional—a worker with actual performing experience. Kaleb creates primarily for himself, striving to stay clear of others' footsteps to maintain originality in his work, and his efforts are unequivocally unique. I, like many of you, own more magic than I'll ever perform, so when I've pared down my working effects over the years, two of his consistently make the cut for my limited strolling sets and (soon-to-be) stage performances as I prepare to return to the platform after a few years away. One of those effects, 'Frankenstein', I once hesitantly sold while hoping to save for something big, only to repurchase it immediately, realizing it was one of the best book tests out there. This book test, one of the finest on the market, is a keeper—I won't let it go again. Kaleb's latest work, "Hacked," is yet another monster of a winner. It truly packs small and plays big, allowing the performer's personality and style to shine through while also making the spectators the stars of the show. However, the real value lies in the fact that it passes the lost luggage test. It enables you to leave your electronics and gimmicked pads at home, requiring only a few minutes of preparation, and you can obtain what you need from any office supply or large retail store in no time. And did I mention there are no complicated gimmicks? The peace of mind knowing that the only thing that can go wrong is performer error is tremendously reassuring. Nothing can truly break on you; nothing is hard to find or challenging to construct nor is it something prone to wear and tear over time where you need to find an original if you lose it only to discover they’re no longer made.

'Hacked' is diabolically clever. The bonus routines alone are arguably as good (if not superior) to the main routine. It may sound cliché, but this should be priced higher than it currently is. Trust me, you'll want this.

Even if you are steadfast in your own methods, having this gem in your back pocket is invaluable for all the reasons mentioned above. Once you learn this method, you'll always be prepared to perform a stunning piece of multiple-spectator mind reading in almost any situation. Isn't that the kind of magic that’s worth it? I may be a 'nobody', but that means I'm not beholden to anyone or anything either. As a nobody who has earned a part-time living performing and am soon to do so again,

I give this my highest recommendation. Another triumph by Kaleb Wade.