Ponderings-ebook
Posted: Jul 23rd, '08, 04:41
"Cardza" was kind enough to post his review (below) in the Mentalist Only section for consideration. I place this here now, as I am offering a 25% off of ebooks on my website which includes the reviewed ebook below. This price will be available until Sunday evening this weekend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This has got a fair bit of attention of a few others forums, but I've not seen any mention of it here - thought it best to rectify that because this is an absolutely fantastic E-Book!
Firstly, the presentation is excellent. It's all very clear and easy on the eyes. Sean has a writing style which manages to pack in all the information, all the subtleties and thinking behind the effects which make them so strong, quite concisely. There were one or two typos but nothing major whatsoever.
It's $30/£15 (or so) and is available from WatersMindWorks.com.
With that said, let's look at the
Effects
Red-Handed
is quite simply the best Psychological card force I have encountered. It combines the suggestive elements of, for instance, Derren Brown's handlings, with the speed and efficiency of the equivoque (which is not employed here). The suggestion is very sneaky and in my experience a lot more sure-fire than other psychological methods out there.
I combine the underlying handling with a Sean Fields' idea as outlined in X-Rated...
It's quick to learn, but you'll want to spend some time working with it, and getting adjusted to the necessaries, before trying it out. Completely impromptu and a real gem.
Washington DeCeived
A memory demonstration followed by a very nice piece of remote-viewing in which you reveal something about their 'bill', which you have never touched or, if you so wish, seen. Again it is entirely impromptu and a very nicely-structured effect.
Unfortunately it is to us Brits as "Perfect Coin Reading" was to our American friends - not too much use (and, much as I enjoy PCR, Washington DeCeived is much stronger IMO). You'll certainly appreciate the ingenious method however, and it's one worth learning for those times you do find yourself State-Side.
HTP
This is a lovely effect culminating in a drawing duplication. It's a blend of classic methodology (the last phase requires a special something) with the real value being in the presentation - it brings what is often lacking in drawing duplications: motivation. Genuine motivation with an emotional hook.
As this is Sean we're talking about real Psychological tools are involved, and Sean goes into great detail in assisting you in this respect.
The PC Principle
A neat, concise explanation of a Psychological means of controlling your Participant's decision - a handy tool in any mentalist's arsenal indeed. It is, I would say, somewhat lacking in possible applications. Not a problem for the more experienced Performer, and it encourages you to think about how you can use it in your own work, but for the relative newcomer may be left wanting a little bit more direction.
Apparently this will be featured in Banachek's PS3 as well.
(K?NT)
Genius. I'm a big fan of the Kenton/Mahood collaboration "K.E.N.T." (which is required to properly understand this handling of it) so to have a completely pure (read: cardless - propless), impromptu approach is great. Furthermore an excellent rationale for the revelation of the card is given... the last word in "K.E.N.T." - it just doesn't get better than this.
Double Malt
To quote Sean:
Quote:
1. This is a magic-y routine.
2. It uses a standard, store-bought gimmick
- which I imagine most people will already possess (perhaps not the die-hard mentalists, but then I guess this isn't really an effect for them either) and, if you do own it, you'll likely find yourself smiling as I did - at last a decent presentation for it! It is a variant on other presentations, but so much more.
Why Try?
An essay, and not much to say as such. It's definitely thought-provoking, and one any mentalist (whether using actual Psychological techniques or pseudo ones) should read, addressing the benefits of employing these techniques!
Avalon
This is the stand-out item for me. It's Sean's take on Kenton's "Kollossal Killer" and is just fantastic. It's not quite as direct but a lot more compact with a beautiful presentation and a very clever twist on the KK methodology.
This effect embodies everything that is so great about this manuscript: Sean's use of Psychology (in this instance, more covertly, to strengthen your audiences' reaction), his dedication to providing excellent patter, and smart thinking with regards to structure and handling.
You will love this.
Overall
It is so refreshing to see genuine Psychological material released from somebody who knows what they're talking about. Whether you're interested in Psychological material (the real deal), or just want strong effects, you'll find something here I'm sure.
I feel that there could have been perhaps a slight variation in the card material - although they produce relatively different effects, and use differing methodology, they are variants around the same theme: a card revelation - but overall I would say there is a nice blend here.
At the very least you'll perhaps be opened up to a whole new set of techniques, and you'll definitely find a lot to think about (can't help thinking I've missed a trick there...)
9/10 - Highly Recommended.
_________________
To avail yourself of the special price on "Ponderings" or "Ode to Ekman" simply paypal the rate of $22.50 US (Ponderings) or $33.75 US to sean(at)watersmagic.com. Please use the "@" symbol when paying. I have placed the text there to eliminate auto-generated spam messages. I email the file as soon as I see the receipt email from paypal. If you have any questions, you can email me at the same address.
Regards,
Sean