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Hello,

Thank you for your input! The Destiny Effect can only be done with one of the 52 names in your deck. However, I detail the specifics of how to set up your deck so you will be able to perform this for someone in almost any group you may perform for. It's not exposure at all to say so... if you come across a situation where their name isn't in the Destiny Deck, obviously do not do the effect. I always keep the deck on me and if my spectator has a name in my deck (which is very common), then I will do it, typically as a closer because it's honestly one of the strongest effects in my repertoire and it's a great, memorable way to end on a high note.

I've recently been approached by a few people who are interested in marketing this. I am still undecided... I've spent more time with this effect than any of my other creations combined. It's now got 4-5 other different handlings, tons of subtleties, and I've even taken the liberty of making up a rather nice and thorough manuscript with full crediting, details, thoughts on the effect, and of course a very detailed description of the effect itself along with it's numerous handlings. I've found the more I learn magic-wise, the better work I find myself creating. I studied like a madman this past year, and I really feel like my magic and attitude towards it has improved immensely since I last posted here on TM.

You just may see this sometime next year.

Michael sent this to me early on when it was first being written, and it was a pretty decent effect. I recently got my hands on the newest edition, and it (a little bit like Michael on TM perhaps?) has come a long way.

A 14 page manuscript is what you get. It starts off with description, background, method and then as he mentioned at least 4 or 5 different handlings including a lazy man's handling and a magician fooler version.

This is different to the Phil deck, as well as a similar one I saw on Mark Elsdon's 'Before I forget' in that it is their very own name that is fairly written on the back of the card.

The setup is pretty thorough, but obviously it's a one time thing. It shouldn't take too long and once you've done it you are ready to hit people on a pretty personal level because what is more personal than their name? Built up with proper presentation I can imagine this having a very good impact and as Michael says it can be a pretty decent closer.

All in all I'd say its a very good effect and it's obvious he has put a lot of work into it. As far as marketing it goes, I say go for it. This would be a purchase people wouldn't regret making if they are looking for a trick with a personal 'pull' to it.

Wow, thank you for the awesome review!!! I'm so glad you like the effect. It's been my favourite effect to perform ever since I started using it on the public.

Well now, what have we here?

http://www.emagicsupply.com/the-destiny ... d04d0a9790

Michael Kras wrote:Well now, what have we here?

http://www.emagicsupply.com/the-destiny ... d04d0a9790

Does this now warrant a move back to the review section ???

Does this now warrant a move back to the review section ???

Indeed it does so it can be discussed in an apropriate manner, like any other effects released by TM members. Whooooosh here it is!!

Mandrake wrote:

Does this now warrant a move back to the review section ???

Indeed it does so it can be discussed in an apropriate manner, like any other effects released by TM members. Whooooosh here it is!!

Sorry, this thread sort of implied that a review needed to be started again. Please feel free to C&P it in.

If I do it the post won't be under your name so if you can do it I'd appreciate it - ta!

The Effect

At any time during your performance you ask someone to name any playing card. They simply name a card, it's a completely free choice. The card they named is removed from the deck and tossed openly to the table.

You begin to explain that the previous evening you had a strange experience in which you felt compelled to mark the cards, actually inscribing each one with a name. As you say this you begin turning over the cards one by one revealing a different name on the back of each card.

The names are all different, and appear to be random. Just like the card they named, selected purely at random. But if you are a believer in destiny, then you know nothing is truly random. And as proof that the meeting was in fact destiny, the lone card on the table is turned over and written across the back in bold marker is the actual name of the person who selected it!

Cost

$7.99 (about 4 quid)

http://www.emagicsupply.com/the-destiny-effect-p-38.html

Difficulty

2

(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)

Review

I love this type of effect which is why it's the first single trick I've ever bought. As a PDF, it's obviously a simple process and you can get straight on with it learning it.

Before continuing, I'm going to mention that I've not yet tried the effect on anyone, but given my experience with other tricks of the same nature, I'm pretty sure I can predict that it will have a significant reaction, much like Gobsmacked or Dream Card. I can't comment on how it compares the the Oracle effect (*cough* review copy please *cough*) but I will if and when I get a copy of that too.

The setup is simple and clean. The method is simple and pretty easy.

What it gains in versatility over Gobsmacked it loses in examination. I would have liked to be able to give the card away, but in reality, that's a pretty tall order for a trick so simple and versatile.

This is the sort of trick you can pull out mid way through a routine with someone.

The unfortunate thing about the PDF is some of the wording, completeness of method for different cases and lack of important method pointers. An experiences magician will be able to "expand" this method to work well, but the newbie is going to make some mistakes or get a little confused.

I would have really liked a performance video on youtube at least.

Not being a one to buy single effects, I'd have liked to have seen some other ideas illustrated. Compare to Gobsmacked which is only twice the price, comes with DVD, extras and loads of ideas.

Overall

Potential: 8.5/10
Presently: 7/10
Value: 6/10

Thank you for an honest, thorough review. I'm glad you did not find it to be a bad purchase... it's something I've worked extremely hard on, from performance, to handling, to streamlining, etc and I'm happy to share it with everyone. Thank you for pointing out the occasional lack in clarity in the manuscript... I didn't consider that someone with minimal experience may have trouble following what I had given.

Why the comparison to Gobsmacked? Can Gobsmacked be used in a similar manner to The Destiny Effect?

EDIT: I looked up Gobsmacked again and saw that yes, a similar effect can be achieved with a different method and overall routine.

Twice the price you say? Everywhere I look it's between $30-$40.

Costs ten quid over here. Call it three times the price. It's good value.

I'd say that they are companion effects and I will certainly be using Destiny, but maybe not with names.

There were a couple of points I'd be happy to discuss in PM, so as not to give the method away. Drop me one and I'll go through it tomorrow.

Gobsmacked does sound great, I may have to check it out!

I'd love to hear more of your thoughts... I will PM you soon.