Item - Magic Master

This is one of my favorite non-science fiction related CYOA titles. Once again Edward Packard writes a really great entertaining story.

You are a fan of the Great Bonza, also known as the Magic Master, as he has performed all over the world. He moves to your hometown and puts on a show, and you and your friend Jeff decide to go to his home and ask him about the secrets of his magic skills. One path has you spy on Bonza and enter his house without his permission, but I decided against that option and went to see Bonza directly. He is very friendly and cordial.

Unfortunatly, to complicate the story, a local organization called the Concerned Citizens Group is upset at The Magic Master and his tricks. They feel that he is a negative influence on the community's youth. Now, to this I thought, there are many other things that are really harmful to society to be worried about, other than just a family-friendly magician. But that's me!

Anyway, you and Jeff are invited into Bonza's home, and he asks to to explain a trick he performs. If you guess correctly, he makes you his assistant! And you then go on to learn many tricks that Bonza has at his disposal.

I really did enjoy this book. There was only one really negative ending (you drown) but other than that, the story is upbeat. I still can't believe that the C.C.G. actually think that the Great Bonza is a bad influence, but I suppose that the main character needed some kind of villain to be at odds with.

Also, if you are a fan of both the legendary late Harry Houdini and the late Harry Blackstone (who also inspired a gamebook series), this story will be even more enjoyable. I recommend it!

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