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by **NathanielTapley** » Apr 18th, '13, 00:36

Anthony Black - Resurrection Dreams
Ebook (2012)
£13.50

Difficulty: 4 (There are no technically demanding sleights, but having the nerve and chutzpah to pull off some of the moves is another matter entirely, and to get the most out of the effects, you will need good audience management skills.)

I first discovered Anthony's work through his ACAAN of the mind. His mixture of the bizarre and the bold really appealed to me, and it led me to Resurrection Dreams. I'm grateful it did.

THE SIXTH SCENTS - This is a delightful routine in which an audience member divines which envelope contains a photograph of a murderer, as well as their initials. The methods are almost gleeful in their ingenuity, and it's full of new, surprising elements that had me raring to try them out. Of the framing stories I felt that this was the weakest, and is the one that may require a little rejigging to get maximum impact out of. I'm not sure the story is as strong as the effect is, but if you're happy to play with the story you're telling, there is enough to think about in this effect to keep you going for quite some time.

VIBES - An interesting routine with a spirit lamp that's bound up with the story of Nikolai Tesla. The framing story was much stronger in this effect, I thought, and was a really interesting premise to draw the audience in. The effect itself is fairly straightforward, but high-impact if done well. If you like Til Death Do Us Part you'll probably have a soft spot for this effect, too...

DEATH MASK - This was the highlight of the book, for me, and worth the price of admission on its own. It's a really strong effect, both methodologically and in narrative terms. There's a lot to like here: it's bizarre and bold, it's funny and horrifying, and, in the right hands, truly affecting. This was the effect I couldn't wait to try out.

THE STORY PROJECT - Another great idea from an obviously-very-fertile brain. Not an effect, as such, but a resource, and one that could, in future years, prove very helpful indeed.

In all, it ws all of the high quality I was expecting. There are going to be some who will want more surety in their methods, or less bizarre framing devices, but for those that love things like this, there's a lot to love here.

by **fiftytwo** » Apr 18th, '13, 07:34

I recently purchased this and I agree Death Mask is the one I'm keenest to try.

Where the others are less readily usable they're still great inspirations and have got my brain whirring!

by **mdawg** » Apr 18th, '13, 10:23

what is the effect of death mask?, I thought his ACAAN was cute.

by **Anthony Black** » Apr 19th, '13, 02:07

Thanks for the honest review Nathaniel; it's always great to hear feedback

Glad you enjoyed the routines!

I shall look forward to your input into 'The Story Project'.

mdawg wrote:what is the effect of death mask?, I thought his ACAAN was cute.

Thanks!

It's hard to describe without giving too much away and spoiling the surprise of reading it for the first time; I look at it as someone spoiling the ending of a good book.

Some people have been a little wary of purchasing without knowing more; but all have been happy when they have read it.

Death Mask in particular appears to be quite a few peoples favorite...and I can see why!

I know I have probably lost quite a few sales by doing things this way i.e. not describing the routines in full...but...

For me...it's more important to leave a little mystery surrounding the routines...as it's all part of the fun!

After all, I am a Mystery Performer... :wink:

- Anthony

P.S.

I HATE it myself when I buy something...and the next day etc. it drops in price.
In regards to this, if you are thinking of purchasing Resurrection Dreams...I have one word for you...

Wait...

Check back on my website tomorrow after 6PM UK Time, as like I said, I hate it when things like this happen to me and I don't want it happening to you either.

Look for Whitby... :wink:

Mods, I'll leave this here as Nathaniel did not include it with his review. However feel free to edit it and add it to his original post if needed. Thanks

Link:

http://www.thewrongsideofmidnight.com/

by **soveda** » Apr 25th, '13, 12:59

I am now really looking forward to the last week of May's post!

by **Anthony Black** » Apr 29th, '13, 14:29

soveda wrote:I am now really looking forward to the last week of May's post!

Good news soveda; the Whitby Chronicles have started shipping this week!

by **soveda** » Apr 29th, '13, 17:24

by **soveda** » May 1st, '13, 10:21

I received my copy of the Whitby Chronicles today (number 4) and although I have only read a couple of the back stories so far I have been shivering despite the sunshine.
I am excited to get performing, I do need to get my props up to date though!