I know that Tom's already posted a hugely-comprehensive review on TDB, but I always find it nice when I can read more than one full review on a particular effect that I'm considering...
So here's my perspective
The Effect
Third Degree Burn is the most mysterious, no force, impossible and versatile “blister effect” you've ever done. Imagine flipping-out a spectator when a blister of any card they name appears on your finger and thumb!
It's the ID without the cards — and with more heat!
The Effect: Approach a group of people and ask someone to think of a card, then name it aloud. It can be any card they wish. There is no force. The subject is asked to truly visualize the card in their head; to burn it into their mind. Give them a lighter. After igniting the lighter, they are asked to visualize their card in the dancing flame. You briefly thrust your fingers into the flame, wincing with pain. For the jaw-dropping climax, you slowly turn your fingers around, to reveal the skin on your thumb and finger is now blistered in the shape of their freely-chosen card! You've just given 'em the third degree!
Some key points to remember:
No deck of cards required.
No forcing; works with any card named.
Can be carried with you at all times, fits in your pocket, and is always ready to go.
No reset (again, it is ALWAYS ready to go)!
Harmless—but it does look dangerous!
Comes complete and ready to go with the professional custom gimmick (made to last a lifetime), instructional DVD, detailed manuscript, full routine, and bonus effects (including ideas that DO NOT require the use of fire!).
Cost
£24.50 - £29.50 from various dealers (I got mine from MAGICmagic.co.uk)
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
1-2, tops - some reasonably good presentation skills required to get a really effective spectator-response.
Review
As soon as I recieved this, I could appreciate the justification of the price-tag; the gimmick is so nicely constructed, and - as said previously - should last a lifetime.
Accompanying this, you get a 16-page manual (covering Set-Up, Method, Performance and Bonus effects), a full tutorial DVD and a 10-page Bonus Ideas booklet.
The handling actually takes no more than 15-20 minutes to get down, though I can see it's going to take a good few days to really get up to speed with the system as provided...but that's really no huge deal, considering the impact of the effect
The Manual is hugely comprehensive, and well-illustrated with clear, black & white photo's - it's all you really need to learn everything inside and out.
As if that wasn't enough, the DVD is a real gem; very nicely-produced, and with a great 'over-the-shoulder' view of the working from start-to-finish. Better yet, there are a couple of points where the camera cuts to spectator-view, to fully illustrate some of the more difficult-to-explain teaching-angles. It really has been very thoroughly thought-out, and I really commend Jason Palter for his attention to the minutest detail.
Overall
As magicians, we always seem to throw all our attention at the working of an effect, or the gimmick etc (just look - that's exactly what I've done above

)
All I'll say, in closing - is take a look at the effect this has on the spectators - there's a demo video
here
Besides saying that the teaching material is great and the gimmick is 1st-class, that's seriously ALL you have to consider....look at those open-mouths!!!
10/10 - simple as that!