talkmagic.co.uk

Hello,

I know there are plenty of either...or... posts but I haven't found any specifically on my question.

I have read reviews for both Skullduggery and Building Blocks but still don't know which one to get.

For the longest time I had my heart set on buying Koral Fang or 7 Deceptions. I searched online for reviews and read that Building blocks was a much better start than both Koral Fang and 7 Deceptions.

I began to save up for Building Blocks I have now enough to buy Building Blocks and was about to purchase it and read that Skullduggery may contain more practical effects then Building Blocks...So, now I am again conflicted as to which one of the two to get.

If it holds any relevance, I am not new to Mentalism; mentailsm has been my main area of focus for the past 1 1/2 to 2 years. I am completely new to the use of suggestion but am eager to include it.


Thanks!

-Ian

The first part of Building Blocks describes the structure of suggestion. I don't think I'll be tipping too much by saying it covers areas such as progression, the use of silence, convincers, and "definition = creation". Many of these ideas come with sample scripts. The second portion deals with effects and yes, didn't find myself using any of them. However, my reason for not using his described methods is not due to the effectiveness of the suggestions, but rather the fact that the physical methods did not appeal to me. That said, you can take apart the routines and still find interesting suggestions to play with.

Skulduggery does have effects I've used in the past, and it has the added bonus of being able to see the effects in action. Luke describes his style of suggestion in a lecture format, and simply seeing him work gives a basic idea of what it is.

Personally, I would have been fine without BB, and am happy with Skulduggery, but if you wish to have scripts to read, you may want to get the book. All that said, the routines that I like from Skulduggery are ones that are in 7 Deceptions...

I'd agree with pretty much all of that. Skullduggery is good because it is many of the effects from 7 Deceptions but you can see them played out. I don't want to throw a spanner in the works but do you know he also has a lecture dvd out from International Magic? It was shot after Skullduggery so he is less baby faced & has made a bit of a name for himself by then.

Russ

I have both, and i'd say if you just want to replicate his effects then Skullduggery is the place to go. Some of the effects are good, and Luke gives you some great little nuances in the explanations to really make the effects work.

However........Building Blocks is invaluable. Like sleightlycrazy there, i don't use any of the effects from Building Blocks but the stuff Luke talks about is gold. His convincers, the old witch doctor, the power of silence and you even get an essay by Kenton thrown in for good measure.

In truth, Skullduggery isn't very high quality and Luke feels like only half the performer he is now throughout it. That's not a knock at the effects because as mentioned they are good.

So really, if you want to make your own effects and pack them with real power, Building Blocks is the way ahead. I go back to it time and time again.

ah, I'm going to say the opposite...ha!

seven deceptions is worth buying (the book) as you get kenton's bits of business thrown in too - and i felt the skulduggery explanations a little "lite" to a certain degree....

building blocks is very good i thought - i remember reading it, and trying out the heat suggestion the next day and laughing inside cos it worked so well...

So if I'm getting this right:

Skullduggery=Fantastic effects with the luxury of seeing them performed...while

Building Blocks=A book that builds performance rather then just give a bunch of tricks.

I think I'm going to go with Building Blocks then because at the moment I'm not looking for more tricks at the moment but his essays sound more of what I'm after at the moment.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Just ordered it and I can't wait!

Received it today! I'm very excited and have only read the introductions but am thoroughly excited to read further!