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Mindfreak: Secret Revelations – Magic History and 25 Illusions from the Groundbreaking A&E Television Show
The hottest magician in years takes us behind–the–scenes of his hit A&E show and offers secret tips to 25 illusions you won't see anywhere else.
Criss Angel is poised to take the magic world by storm. He had his first 1–hour special on ABC in '01, headlined Madison Square Garden's annual Halloween special a year later to an audience of 60,000, performed in front of 75,000 people in Times Square, had two subsequent 1–hour specials on the Sci–Fi channel, he's received countless magician awards, and he currently has a groundbreaking show on A&E called CRISS ANGEL MINDFREAK, the first weekly magic show in over 40 years, that consistently wins its timeslot. MINDFREAK – the book – will be an extention of the show, which uses a specific topic each week – like 'Buried Alive', 'Bullet Catch', 'Building Walk', or 'Levitation' – to delve into the history of each subject, and see if Criss can't break new ground by doing something no one has done before. We are also going to try and include secrets in the book – clues to be dissected by readers – that relate back to magic he will perform on the show, where the book will be heavily promoted.
Criss Angel is poised to take the magic world by storm. He had his first 1–hour special on ABC in '01, headlined Madison Square Garden's annual Halloween special a year later to an audience of 60,000, performed in front of 75,000 people in Times Square, had two subsequent 1–hour specials on the Sci–Fi channel, he's received countless magician awards, and he currently has a groundbreaking show on A&E called CRISS ANGEL MINDFREAK, the first weekly magic show in over 40 years, that consistently wins its timeslot. MINDFREAK – the book – will be an extention of the show, which uses a specific topic each week – like 'Buried Alive', 'Bullet Catch', 'Building Walk', or 'Levitation' – to delve into the history of each subject, and see if Criss can't break new ground by doing something no one has done before. We are also going to try and include secrets in the book – clues to be dissected by readers – that relate back to magic he will perform on the show, where the book will be heavily promoted.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
37 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Criss Angel
8 books19 followersChristopher Nicholas Sarantakos, better known by his stage name Criss Angel is an American of Greek descent. He is a magician, illusionist, musician, escapologist, and stunt performer. He is best known for starring in his own television show, Criss Angel Mindfreak.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 17, 2007
Favorite Quotes Include:
"Whenever I need to silence my inner thoughts, I grab my iPod. I immediately found two of my favorite Korn songs, "Right Now" and "Alone I Break," and began to psych myself up."
"I think of myself as a ninja in every area of my life."
and
"My newfound celebrity had its perks too. I recently got pulled over for running a red light (I won't say in what city). It was completely my fault. When I opened the door of my lambo the officers were shocked to see me step out of the car. We chatted for a few minutes, I offered to have the two cops come down for a taping of MINDFREAK, and before I knew it, no ticket. I'm not sure I would have gotten away with that a few years ago!"
This book freaked my mind.
"Whenever I need to silence my inner thoughts, I grab my iPod. I immediately found two of my favorite Korn songs, "Right Now" and "Alone I Break," and began to psych myself up."
"I think of myself as a ninja in every area of my life."
and
"My newfound celebrity had its perks too. I recently got pulled over for running a red light (I won't say in what city). It was completely my fault. When I opened the door of my lambo the officers were shocked to see me step out of the car. We chatted for a few minutes, I offered to have the two cops come down for a taping of MINDFREAK, and before I knew it, no ticket. I'm not sure I would have gotten away with that a few years ago!"
This book freaked my mind.
October 28, 2023
I remember eating this shit up when I was like maybe 14 or 15 and had the biggest crush on him, ugh talk about cringe 😝
June 10, 2009
First, what I really like about Criss is that he actively educates people about the difference between reality and supernatural/paranormal claims, which he maintains are simply false and used to exploit people and get them to part from their money. He does dedicate a few good pages to this end starting in chapter 9 titled "Don't Believe Your Eyes".
As for the rest of the book, the first half is basically a gushing tribute to his family as he traces his trajectory from childhood to his current career while thanking his family profusely for what appears to include the most lenient and understanding parents in the world, who also happen to lavish him with unconditional love and support. whew! This is all entwined with his own account of his tremendous self-confidence wrapped up in an exuberant pep-talk for the rest of us.
The writing style is a bit rambling and repetitive and from a substance standpoint could have probably fit into a pamphlet. I'm not saying it was all bad, there just wasn't a lot there, and many pages are half filled with quotes, mostly from his mother. There are also some pictures including a few colorplates of Criss posing in the desert with his alter-ego circus family.
The final third of the book consists of 40 "mindfreaks" that are intended to inspire the wannabe magician in all of us, but are probably more appropriate for the serious 12-year-old who is also inclined to practice the intense-Criss-stare while performing for his own family!
I admit I kinda got a kick out of reading about how the "tricks" are performed. Many of them involve getting rid of the evidence by either discretely dropping it under the table or shredding it in front of your audience, thereby erasing any potential skepticism. I doubt I could pull it off gracefully given that I'd be left with a lap full of dishes and rolls along with a lot of crumpled paper & styrofoam. heh!
As for the rest of the book, the first half is basically a gushing tribute to his family as he traces his trajectory from childhood to his current career while thanking his family profusely for what appears to include the most lenient and understanding parents in the world, who also happen to lavish him with unconditional love and support. whew! This is all entwined with his own account of his tremendous self-confidence wrapped up in an exuberant pep-talk for the rest of us.
The writing style is a bit rambling and repetitive and from a substance standpoint could have probably fit into a pamphlet. I'm not saying it was all bad, there just wasn't a lot there, and many pages are half filled with quotes, mostly from his mother. There are also some pictures including a few colorplates of Criss posing in the desert with his alter-ego circus family.
The final third of the book consists of 40 "mindfreaks" that are intended to inspire the wannabe magician in all of us, but are probably more appropriate for the serious 12-year-old who is also inclined to practice the intense-Criss-stare while performing for his own family!
I admit I kinda got a kick out of reading about how the "tricks" are performed. Many of them involve getting rid of the evidence by either discretely dropping it under the table or shredding it in front of your audience, thereby erasing any potential skepticism. I doubt I could pull it off gracefully given that I'd be left with a lap full of dishes and rolls along with a lot of crumpled paper & styrofoam. heh!
Read
October 29, 2007Yeah. Yeah. You wanna fight about it? Didn't think so.
*disappears in a floof of ash/reappears on roof*
So, anyways, the magic world needs a fresh hero, now that David Copperfield has, uh, well, whatever the FBI is poking around in his warehouse for.
*walks down side of house*
But, you know, Copperfield made the Great Wall of China disappear, so I wouldn't expect very much, you know, progress on behalf of the investigators.
*holds out arms, rises into air to sub-Korn instrumental...disappears*
On a biographical note, I attempted to learn some magic tricks as a child, some card tricks. Nothing great. I think all boys go through that stage. I eventually moved towards the darker magic, like ventriloquism.
My uncle, according to my uncle, was an apprentice magician to a famous magician in the 1950s. They even appeared on some variety show. In the 50s. Tour of duty in Korea. The entertainment brigade, amazing the troops. Amazing the troops.
I tried to get him to give up some secrets but, apparently, either he's a goddamned liar or that Magician's Guild oath is ironclad, lifelong.
He really, though, should have shown more respect to those car-dealing gypsies. I'll...I'll just leave it at that.
***
Got what jollies I could from it. Took it back to library.
*disappears in a floof of ash/reappears on roof*
So, anyways, the magic world needs a fresh hero, now that David Copperfield has, uh, well, whatever the FBI is poking around in his warehouse for.
*walks down side of house*
But, you know, Copperfield made the Great Wall of China disappear, so I wouldn't expect very much, you know, progress on behalf of the investigators.
*holds out arms, rises into air to sub-Korn instrumental...disappears*
On a biographical note, I attempted to learn some magic tricks as a child, some card tricks. Nothing great. I think all boys go through that stage. I eventually moved towards the darker magic, like ventriloquism.
My uncle, according to my uncle, was an apprentice magician to a famous magician in the 1950s. They even appeared on some variety show. In the 50s. Tour of duty in Korea. The entertainment brigade, amazing the troops. Amazing the troops.
I tried to get him to give up some secrets but, apparently, either he's a goddamned liar or that Magician's Guild oath is ironclad, lifelong.
He really, though, should have shown more respect to those car-dealing gypsies. I'll...I'll just leave it at that.
***
Got what jollies I could from it. Took it back to library.
July 20, 2016
2.5 stars. This book is mostly about Criss's hard work ethic and his attitude of being able to overcome anything. When focused on these topics the book can be repetitive.
There is a big section on his demonstration where he hung from 4 skin hooks from 2 helicopters, otherwise there are only brief mentions of the other demonstrations. This book is more about Criss's general thoughts towards his art than it is about the play-by-play of creating and performing a show.
Things I like: he includes family in his book and life, Criss seems like a very authentic and nice guy in the book (and is also very clear that he doesn't have psychic powers or anything like other mentalists might), and at the end of the book there are 40 magic tricks for readers to try. I think this book would be good for a young Criss Angel fan who is already a fan of his shows, otherwise you can maybe skip it, sorry. I'm counting this as "a book with a one-word title" for #vtReadingChallenge
There is a big section on his demonstration where he hung from 4 skin hooks from 2 helicopters, otherwise there are only brief mentions of the other demonstrations. This book is more about Criss's general thoughts towards his art than it is about the play-by-play of creating and performing a show.
Things I like: he includes family in his book and life, Criss seems like a very authentic and nice guy in the book (and is also very clear that he doesn't have psychic powers or anything like other mentalists might), and at the end of the book there are 40 magic tricks for readers to try. I think this book would be good for a young Criss Angel fan who is already a fan of his shows, otherwise you can maybe skip it, sorry. I'm counting this as "a book with a one-word title" for #vtReadingChallenge
December 19, 2019
Part biography, part magic tutorial, but the main part seems to be promotional for Criss Angel with many quotes about how good he is. Unfortunately it doesn't go much deeper into show business than advicing people to take stuff into their own hands, because others never come through, except when they are amazing - without any clue to who to choose to trust. Some amusing anecdotes and some philosophic content, but there are too many repetitions of the same things and the emotional connection need perhaps already exist for a reader to really like the book.
March 19, 2010
I bought this book thinking it'd be an introduction to the world of magic and illusion. While there are 40 quick and easy magic tricks in the back, with detailed explanations and very good photographs to explain how the slight of hand tricks are done, the bulk of the book is a Criss Angel memoir. As I didn't know much about him, I enjoyed learning more about his growing up and his rise to fame, as well as his personal ideals, goals, and commitment to his art.
January 9, 2013
For me, I could really care less about his magic, what drew me to Criss was his passion for life and the ways he chooses to view things. A beautiful soul, with a heart of passion, and not just for magic.This book is really great for anyone wanting to learn about finding your inner strength.
March 4, 2018
Meh. Some of it is interesting. A lot of it is self-promotion. I enjoy this man's talent as an illusionist. His talent as a writer, not so much.
May 9, 2021
I found this book to be captivating because it gave me insights to the thoughts of a man that definitively behaves different to common people. After watchiing the TV show mindfreak, it became clear to me that Criss is energetic and indefatigable. While many say you are what you eat Criss says you are what you think. He enumerates saying if you experience symptoms from the common cold and let that bring you down, then you will crash hard; rather he would have you beleive that if you relentlessly persist and tirelessly push through those experiences, you will come out on top, which in a sense is true but not entirely true.
Such words are easy for a pure bread second genertaation Greek to speak. One who has obviously grown up in a society of reletively good wealth, food and health, is it so easy to say such things for a person that has grown up on mediochre food and possibly in a form of low grade poverty?
Unlike traditional magicians Criss has the adavantage of television but so do all magicians that perform on television which then means Criss is no more guilty of using edits than they are and of course whether on TV or in real life an illusion is fake regardless of the means used. Criss is clearly skilled and what he does do, does involve danger, he describes in this book that he does not take risks but rather spends months designing what ever it is he is going do, in order to make danger safe.
Criss
I enjoyed reading his explanations on what he feels as he does the stunts. For example, hanging by fish hooks from a helicpter. Such a stunt I believe was real but set up for success. The human body can endure substantial ammounts of pain and if you are healthy, fit and strong then, the pain is much easier to endure.
The book is eloquent which always makes for a great read, the illustrations, photos and fonts are all also brilliant. I think the imagery on the dust jacket is tacky but I can see this book becoming a sought after and memorable book for those interested in the art of illusion. If Criss ever writes a book again, I will certainly hunt for it.
Criss is a relentrless little fellow who has done everything with in his will power to get the success he wants, he makes it very clear with in this book that he will not take no for an answer and will just push and push and push until he gets what he wants.
He spent a good portion in the book warning us about people that claim to have abilities to connect with ether beings, such people that take advantage of peoples emotions in regards to death for their own profit, which I think was a total waste of paper and information. Regardless of whether we believe it or not, there is another race we are not aware of that does connect not with just magicians alone but many people of all kinds for what ever reasons. How is it any worse for charlatan to take adavantage of someones sorow than for a charlatan to take advantage of someones joy? Either way both parties are making money.
It was a good read, to learn that perspectives of Criss's, I found the majority of it to be personally useful.
Such words are easy for a pure bread second genertaation Greek to speak. One who has obviously grown up in a society of reletively good wealth, food and health, is it so easy to say such things for a person that has grown up on mediochre food and possibly in a form of low grade poverty?
Unlike traditional magicians Criss has the adavantage of television but so do all magicians that perform on television which then means Criss is no more guilty of using edits than they are and of course whether on TV or in real life an illusion is fake regardless of the means used. Criss is clearly skilled and what he does do, does involve danger, he describes in this book that he does not take risks but rather spends months designing what ever it is he is going do, in order to make danger safe.
Criss
I enjoyed reading his explanations on what he feels as he does the stunts. For example, hanging by fish hooks from a helicpter. Such a stunt I believe was real but set up for success. The human body can endure substantial ammounts of pain and if you are healthy, fit and strong then, the pain is much easier to endure.
The book is eloquent which always makes for a great read, the illustrations, photos and fonts are all also brilliant. I think the imagery on the dust jacket is tacky but I can see this book becoming a sought after and memorable book for those interested in the art of illusion. If Criss ever writes a book again, I will certainly hunt for it.
Criss is a relentrless little fellow who has done everything with in his will power to get the success he wants, he makes it very clear with in this book that he will not take no for an answer and will just push and push and push until he gets what he wants.
He spent a good portion in the book warning us about people that claim to have abilities to connect with ether beings, such people that take advantage of peoples emotions in regards to death for their own profit, which I think was a total waste of paper and information. Regardless of whether we believe it or not, there is another race we are not aware of that does connect not with just magicians alone but many people of all kinds for what ever reasons. How is it any worse for charlatan to take adavantage of someones sorow than for a charlatan to take advantage of someones joy? Either way both parties are making money.
It was a good read, to learn that perspectives of Criss's, I found the majority of it to be personally useful.
July 23, 2019
Magic is fun, sometimes scary, but always satisfying when done well.
Criss is a master, but only after tortuous years of trial and error. This is what I took away from
his biography, MINDFREAK:Secret Revelations (Hardcover). That as most successful individuals know, especially in the arts, that success much
more often follows years of intense practice, failure, persistence and ultimate victory.
His philosophy about taking the untried path is in step with the current and true viewpoint of how to go about making a very gratifying life for oneself that is fulfilling. It always is the harder road but in the end the road that leads to permanent pride in one's accomplishments.
C. Van Heyden Author of 'The Confessions Trilogy'
Criss is a master, but only after tortuous years of trial and error. This is what I took away from
his biography, MINDFREAK:Secret Revelations (Hardcover). That as most successful individuals know, especially in the arts, that success much
more often follows years of intense practice, failure, persistence and ultimate victory.
His philosophy about taking the untried path is in step with the current and true viewpoint of how to go about making a very gratifying life for oneself that is fulfilling. It always is the harder road but in the end the road that leads to permanent pride in one's accomplishments.
C. Van Heyden Author of 'The Confessions Trilogy'
April 19, 2020
I love my criss Angel
January 9, 2021
Amazing job!!!
March 3, 2014
I am not a huge fan of Chris, but was given this book by someone who knew just enough about me to know I had a passing interest in sleight of hand. I cracked this book, expecting to skim the tricks in the back more than to read his life story. However, the straightforward writing style made me feel like Chris probably actually wrote it himself, and I found myself being pulled in. I read this some years back and what I still remember is Chris announcing as a teen or young man that it was his dream to be either a rock star or a magician. Despite these seemingly crazy and implausible ambitions, Chris's parents backed him fully, even putting their own dough on the line to get him a show in New York. Maybe not a prize winning book, but it's a great story about the power of believing in your own originality, and about the power of parents who gave their kid permission to dream big.
Read
December 7, 2012Criss Angel wrote this because he wanted to inspire the younger generation to achieve there goals of the quest of there journey what that dream in your head.In the book when the author was writing this."Martha felt in need to write this book feeling the wisdom he was telling". "Criss Angel said there was no guideboook i could growing up that could possible have thought me about success".Criss angel said life is about lessons if you eat so much you will gain weight,if you lift 5 times a week you will gain muscle this quoate is signifint to move forward in life
August 30, 2016
The autobiography was kind of lengthy and at some points boring. The little quotes from his brothers and friends were okay at first, but the more quotes there were, the more boring it was. The biography part was worth about 3 stars.
The 'mindfreaks' that Criss taught us were not up to date, most of which you can find on the Internet today. They were not really practical like sticking the post it to the wall then 'reading the spectator's mind' trick. Ehhhh....2 stars
The 'mindfreaks' that Criss taught us were not up to date, most of which you can find on the Internet today. They were not really practical like sticking the post it to the wall then 'reading the spectator's mind' trick. Ehhhh....2 stars
March 30, 2008
I loved this book. After reading it, it gave me so much inspiration to perform magic and get better at it. Criss Angel is my favorite magician and performer. He's able to connect with the audience more than anyone else. For him it's more than just showing people cool tricks.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a Criss Angel fan or is interested in magic.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a Criss Angel fan or is interested in magic.
May 6, 2019
HE'S HOT! I LOVE LOOKING AT HIS PICTURES INSIDE THE BOOK, HE DEDICATED HIS WHOLE GROWING UP LIFE ON HIS MAGIC AND HE'S WELL KNOWN NOW BECAUSE OF HIS DEDICATION FOR HIS PASSION. HE ALSO SHOWS YOU AT THE END OF THE BOOK ON HOW TO DO SOME CLASSIC MAGIC TRICKS YOU CAN DO YOURSELF OR WANT TO KNOW HOW TO DO IT.
September 29, 2016
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, but skipped over the 40 magic tricks that constitute the second half. Criss comes across as both an extraordinary and humble person as he describes his personal history and his obsessive efforts to perfect his "demonstrations" - as he calls his magic events. His fearlessness and drive for excellence are inspiring.
November 5, 2007
I admire his perseverance in pursuing his career and he's an amazing showman - but this was not written well. Repetitive.
Favorite quote - "I think of myself as a ninja in every area of my life."
Favorite quote - "I think of myself as a ninja in every area of my life."
December 2, 2008
I know some people think he's cheesy, and he is a times, but also I think that he is a very neat person! I enjoyed reading his book and find the whole "illusionist/mindfreak" thing very interesting. I love watching his show on tv. I have never seen anything like it. I think he's awesome!
October 21, 2013
I liked this book, I only read one other autobiography. I really liked this book, it was interesting to me. Mainly because I am really into the art of magic. Reading autobiographies are not my thing I usually read fantasy books. I liked reading biographies I'm sure I will read more later on.
November 12, 2007
Interesting
December 25, 2007
How could I not give this book five stars? My daughter works for Criss Angel and I have a huge crush on his oldest brother!
June 18, 2008
If you like magic and Criss Angel, you'll like this book!
October 23, 2008
Se você é fã, vai curtir.
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September 9, 2008yyjyjjyhj
December 7, 2008
He's amazing... one of a kind. This book lets you take a peek into his life, before and now. Even though he's an illusionist, he is also a heck of a writer. MINDFREAKY BOOK!
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December 14, 2008this guy is one of my idols. hes awesome....i am still reading this book but im really enjoying it alotim almost done with it and its like a biography but hes the one that wrote it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews