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Reviews

Magus: Master of Martial Magic, Book I, The Magician’s Primer
By Thomas Chilton Meseroll

Eugene Burger, On MAGIC magazine’s list for being one of the most influential magicians of the twentieth century
"A fabulous tale incorporating Magic, Martial arts and Eastern Philosophy. I loved it! Tom Meseroll has managed to meld the many forms and philosophies of magic into a marvelous tale of good and evil. I can't wait for the sequel!!"

 

Max Howard,  Emmy award winning actor/Magician/Motivational Speaker
I have read Magus and I, too, was interested throughout. Some wonderful ideas and intriguing notions. Loved the quotes. Impressed by your knowledge of the flora and fauna of that part of the world. Very exciting to have you dramatize the science behind all of it. Making the abstract accessible to us who are not so well informed is not easy.

As always, the bad guy is so interesting. Burton Carrier is the part I'd want to play!

Your obvious love and respect for all three disciplines of magic, science and martial arts and your profound interest in their interrelationship is so evident and earnestly expressed. You make it real and intriguing!

Throughout I kept thinking how much the book read like one of the exciting serials I used to see as a kid going to movies. Made me want more!

I found "Magus, Master of Martial Magic" to be inspirational, fun and (one more time) "thought provoking".....a great read!

Matt (The Magnificent) Savin, Magician
“I have been reading and enjoying SAM Compeer Tom Meseroll's new novel, Magus: Master of Martial Magic, The Magician's Primer. It is a very interesting blend of Magic, Martial Arts, and Quantum Physics. That in itself makes for a must unusual concept, and Tom, being involved with and quite knowledgeable about all three topics, pulls them together in a very entertaining manner. This book can be read on more than one level that it does make for an action adventure is but a part of its true content. With many references to Magic, such as The Castle, and actual practitioners like Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride, and others, and then delving into some rather esoteric theories of Physics, this book is much more than a simple novel.

I have found the quotes that Tom uses at the start of every chapter to be both appropriate to the content, and to also spur further thought. Additionally, they kind of present a Magical prelude to what is about to unfold in each chapter, in that I realize that they WILL have some bearing upon what will appear, but it usually isn't obvious at first HOW they will relate

I understand that a Screenplay is already in the works, which allows me to visualize how an Artistic Director may view this material, too.

In short, this is a book that can be read not just for pleasure, but also for THOUGHT.

It can stir one's imagination in diverse ways, which in itself may be sort of a Magical accomplishment. While the books title: Magus, Master of Martial Magic, Book 1, The Magician's Primer implies that other volumes will appear in this series, I understand that may not be the case. Tom devoted over a dozen years to completing this first work, and depending upon how successfully received it is, may or may not continue this saga. I for one am hoping to see more volumes, and do recommend that fellow members of the S.A.M. consider reading this book. It has the potential to be thought provoking rather than just entertaining, and the science behind it may be more realistic than one realizes --- while some of it does at first appear to be quite fantastical, actually it is mostly grounded in real theory. Truly, a very unusual book, unlike any that you are likely to have ever seen before. Tom is offering to sell you a signed and numbered limited edition copy via his web page,   http://www.martialmagician.com

Bob Fitch, Magician, Actor and Teacher of the Magical Arts
“Tom Meseroll’s novel is thought provoking. It’s also a blending of his three interests, i.e. science, magic and martial arts. Point being, he uses his experience, interests and skills to weave a very interesting story with complex, thought provoking (Matt's words) ideas. His image of such a magician creates the character in our minds; perhaps one we'd imagine ourselves to be...certainly the superhero aspect of him. I mean, who hasn't fantasized being Superman, or someone with superpowers saving the world. Perhaps even becoming a magician is part of that wondrous fantasy of ours. At any rate we are literally pulled into the story, wondering what will come next and what will happen...hungry for answers.”

I found "Magus, Master of Martial Magic" to be inspirational, fun and (one more time) "thought provoking".....a great read!”

Milt Larsen, Founder of the World Famous Magic Castle
"It's great to see that the Magic Castle still provides an inspiration to 21st Century novelists. Enjoy the magical experience of Magus: Master of Martial Magic."


Ed Thomas, Past National President of the Society of American Magicians
“Surprising synergies between the art of magic, martial arts, and quantum physics are explored in this novel by Thomas Chilton Meseroll.

An unusual encounter at the Magic Castle propels Magus into a fantastical contest between an ancient sect of Eastern mystics and a force intent on conquering the Earth.

At a secret government installation a renegade scientist established communication with beings from another time and perhaps dimension. As he prepares to unleash their destructive power to satisfy his megalomaniacal ambitions, Magus treks to Asia’s Karakorum Mountains on a quest that enlists a monastery novice and a geologist to repel the forces of evil.

The leisurely opening chapters accelerate to cliff-hanging chapter endings toward the exciting climax of this archetypal adventure tale. Great fun! “

Telemus, Seattle Magician
"The Magicians Primer, Combine martial arts with magic, in an action packed thriller. Are you kidding me? I ate it up, loved it. I couldn't put it down."

Steve McCarthy, Vice President and Founder of Systems Engineering Associates Inc.
“A great accomplishment! I really enjoyed it. A very skillful combination and intertwining of all your varied interests. On the face of it, entanglement, martial arts, magic, exotic locales, etc. don’t mix, but you’ve managed to do it. When will the sequel come out?”

Rick E. Purcell, Taiho-Jutsu Training Director, Chief Pilot North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Division—Sky Warrior
" OUTSTANDING !!!!!!!!. Two days and I had read it all (for me, that’s unheard of). The story flowed so well, that it held me all the way through. I could see Nick on the beach, in the water, on the mountain, on the stage.

Thank-you so much for telling this story.

Over the last several years, I have been bouncing ideas around in my head about Martial Arts, teaching, and the whole “warrior” concept. You have touched many of the same nerves and energy. I know nothing about quantum physics, but there are similarities from my psychological/physiological perspective.
Once again, thank-you for writing this wonderful and great book !!!!”

Joycee Beck, The Duchess of Deception
Okay!! You're in trouble now sir! I can't put the book down and I've lost two nights of additional sleep when I had very little to begin with before I picked up your book.

I came in two nights ago totally beat up--with only a few hours of sleep before the rat race was to start again, when I decided to peek at your book. Well, sir you are to blame if I fail to be productive in the next couple of days--as I know I will be reading your book every free moment--of which there are very few these days! I should be planning lessons for my tax students! I'm on Chapter ten or thereabouts. I love it.

PS I just read Jeff McBride's review in the NZ Newsletter! Way to go. I love being "in the in" as I read about people and places I've heard of and been to as well. *heeheehee* It is fascinating and I love the build-up to the mystery. Oh, the green shirt dialog just had me in stitches! The book is well written by an educated man. It reads as such. Congrats!

Larry Darbonne, Deputy Military Space Systems, LinQuest Corporation (amateur magician)
Tom Meseroll, has just release his first novel entitled Magus: Master of Martial Magic, Book I, The Magician’s Primer. The center character is Nicholas Thompson who, like Tom himself, is a person involved in magic, martial arts and quantum physics. Nicholas searches for the limits of what we think is reality, and what could be achieved with real magic. Nicholas leaves his job as a professor in astrophysics for the mountains of Northern Pakistan to train in self awareness and controlling reality with Magi, and then uses those powers to combat evil forces of another time and place intent on taking control of the world.

The story weaves in magicians Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride and others that Tom knows personally and received their permission. He also describes the Magic Castle (with insights and permissions from Milt Larson and Carol Marie, the Magic Castle Historian).

Tom is a Directory of Systems Engineering in the Aerospace Industry, has practiced martial arts for 25 years and is an expert in Okinawan weaponry. He has been a long time member of S.A.M., I.B.M., M.C.A, A.M.A (The Magic Castle), and the Magic Circle in London. He has won the 2007 Close-Up Magician of the year for the Southern California Assembly of S.A.M (previously won by Dai Vernon and Al Goshman), and a trophy for Best Innovation and Creativity in Magical Performance at the Jeff McBride Master Class.

This book is a real exciting tome – and will invite you to explore your limits as a magician.

Sensei, Penny Ringwood, (5th Dan Traditional Shotokan Karate)
I just wanted to let you know how much I truly enjoyed reading your book. Tremendously engaging and thought provoking. Wonderful interplay of science, philosophy and the martial way.

 

 Jon Ochiai, IMDB movie critic
Nicholas Thompson, destined to become a Magi, listens to mentor Ahura, who reminds, “Your focus determines your perception, which in turn determines your reality.” Nicholas Thompson is the handsome, tall, Renaissance hero of first time author Tom Meseroll’s “Magus: Master of Martial Magic” which is an eclectic textured context of quantum physics, martial arts, and of course magic. Like the discipline of the martial arts, “Magus” is about surrender to the Path or the Way in one’s own life. Heisenberg loosely said that we can never be certain. In Information Theory, the occurrence of a sure event like the sun rising tomorrow reveals literally no information or value. Conversely, the nearly impossible or surprise unveils virtually infinite value. Tom’s “Magus” embraces the wonder and surprise that is life through the transformational journey of his Nicholas Thompson. “The Magus: Master of Martial Magic” is all about reclaiming and discovering one's greatness. That I would presume is the genesis of all true magic-- discovering one's own power and place in the universe.

Nicholas Thompson is the modern day Renaissance Man. Nicholas is an associate professor of Astrophysics, master magician, and accomplished martial artist. By day he teaches physics classes at the University, and by night he performs his craft at The Magic Castle. During his spare time he trains his beautiful younger sister Jen in the way of the marital arts. Jen gifted in her own right—not just her brother magician’s assistant, she is a mathematics PhD candidate. Nicholas is Jen’s only family. We discover that their parents along with Nicholas’s wife died in a tragic accident shrouded in mystery. Silently suffering from the loss of the great love of his life, Nicholas is searching for something in life, though he is uncertain what that may be. One day the mysterious Ahura comes to watch Nicholas’s magic act. Ahura elicits Nicholas attention with an apparent display of “true” magic. He tells Nicholas of the Magi, the source of all Magic, and his possible training in the Way of the Magi. Soon Nicholas and Ahura make the arduous trek to the Karakorum Mountains in remote Pakistan—the home of the Magi.

Meanwhile in a seemingly displaced setting, renowned scientist Dr. Burton Carrier conducts secret time travel experiments at a covert government facility. Carrier achieves a breakthrough: apparently contacting an advanced powerful race from the very distant past.

Nicholas immerses in his training with the Magi: a rigorous, consuming, and perplexing journey. His guide is the enigmatic Magi Leader, Tenzin. Tenzin instructs the somewhat smart ass Nicholas to discover the power from within. In the great martial arts tradition, mastery starts first with copping to that really you don’t know anything. And whatever you do know has no value. Is Nicholas destined to become humanity’s avatar? At a critical narrative juncture, Tenzin acknowledges to Nicholas, “You are our hope… who will bring Magic to humanity.” Thus, the stage is set for the miraculous and wondrous to begin.

Tom Meseroll brilliantly narrates and collapses the worlds of physics, magic, and the martial arts. No small feat. His story is spirited and enrolling. Tom’s diverse exposition crisply describes the intricacies of the Department of Defense Satellite Communications System to the exacting details of the classic cups and balls magic trick. He also displays a refreshing comic book-like exuberance for action as Nicholas dispatches villains a spinning back kick. “Magus” has something for everyone.

Ultimately, Tom’s “Magus” is an allegory of mastery in life. Perhaps, true magic is about discovering one’s own power, and enrolling others in their own inherent greatness. The power of the universe begins with being at one with it. The “Magus” explores these possibilities in an engaging, and entertaining tale of wonder and adventure.