Maestro by John Shryock

Unlock decades of professional magic secrets with Maestro by John Shryock

Ready to take your magic to the next level? Maestro is the book every serious magician needs in their library. John Shryock, a veteran performer who has amazed audiences across five continents, reveals the carefully guarded routines and techniques that have made him a favorite at the legendary Magic Castle and Warren & Annabelle's in Maui.

This isn't your typical magic book filled with pipe dreams and impractical moves. Every routine in Maestro has been battle-tested in real-world performances, from intimate close-up shows to packed theaters. Whether you're a working pro or an ambitious hobbyist, you'll find material that packs flat, plays big, and resets instantly.

What makes Maestro special?
Inside these pages, you'll discover 13 powerful routines that combine visual impact with practical methodology. Learn the stunning Coin Currency Connection where a borrowed quarter visibly penetrates a rolled-up dollar bill. Master the jaw-dropping Ambitious Triumphant Color Changing Deck that combines three classic effects into one seamless routine (and leaves you completely clean at the end).

But Maestro goes beyond just teaching tricks. John shares the "why" behind every move, helping you understand the psychology and structure that turns good magic into unforgettable moments. His innovative approach to classics like the Cups and Balls and his original creations like Xirtam (a beautifully natural reverse Matrix) demonstrate true mastery of sleight of hand.

Highlights include:
Ring in Nest of Produce, the reputation-making routine John performed on The Late Show with David Letterman. Watch as a borrowed ring impossibly appears inside a walnut. This one never fails to leave audiences speechless.

The Winning Hand teaches you to produce four Aces in a visual display, then reveal a half dollar under each one. It's the kind of direct, powerful magic that stops people in their tracks.

Cards-R-Us is John's favorite impromptu routine for a reason. Multiple spectators select cards, and you find each one in a different, entertaining way. The audience goes wild every single time.

Perfect for working magicians
What sets this book apart is its focus on practical, professional material. Every routine has been refined through thousands of performances. You'll get detailed explanations with clear illustrations, professional tips that only come from decades of experience, and insights into performance and audience management that you won't find anywhere else.

John's Mini Cups and Balls features groundbreaking moves never seen before. His Copper, Silver, Brass Trio fooled magicians for 15 years as a staple of his professional act. And Spellbound Nation takes a classic plot and elevates it with smooth, visual transformations using a half dollar, Chinese coin, and Mexican 20 Centavo piece.

Learn from a true master
Since 1984, John Shryock has performed in over 100 cities worldwide, from cruise ships to the Magic Castle's three showrooms. His engaging personality and unmistakable sense of fun have made him one of the most sought-after lecturers in magic. Now, all that experience is distilled into one essential book.

Whether you're looking to expand your repertoire with worker routines, deepen your understanding of sleight of hand fundamentals, or simply get inspired by a master's approach to the art, Maestro delivers.