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casco1 New user 97 Posts |
I had the pleasure to read Common Cents Prediction and now it is my turn to make a review. The effect is definitely not groundbreaking nor it introduces a new-never-seen-before method, but it utilizes a known principle to create a perfect piece of (almost) propless mentalism.
I think that this sums up the concept of this book. In this period, I see a lot of mentalists, especially my favourite ones who keep publishing new effects with new methods which a lot of times can't really be applied on a live performance. On the other hand, this book (or at least the chapter I have read) show you how modern mentalism can be created and performed mastering existing methods. This is what I really like. Drew managed to create a powerful mentalism effect that will intrigue your audience and will hit hard with 100% accuracy. I reckon this is something the mentalism community really needs now. I will be honest: I will buy this book. I will buy it for the effect I have read (that I will perform for sure) and for Drew's actitud. In a period where new effects are described with a prospective completely unrealistic, Drew had the courage to give me for free a chapter of his book, so that I could evaluate his work. This is remarkable and I think it really shows how much Drew value as a person and as a creator. |
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NeverMind Loyal user Right up there. On the stage. 279 Posts |
Reading the thread thus far, this looks like one solid release. Drew's generous offer also shows his confidence.
It is better to be trusted than liked.
Under promise. Over perform. |
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DrewBstoss Special user SLC, Utah 581 Posts |
I'm quite humbled by the positive response to the chapters that people are receiving.
None of my work is overly "sexy" but it's all built on solid principles and (IMHO) entertaining presentations. I was a little nervous that people would look at the content and think, "Nothing new here... moving on!" but I'm relieved to see that, thus far, the reviews have recognized that I'm trying to share more than methods. That said, I'm CERTAIN that there will be a few blase reviews that just haven't come in yet - AND THAT'S 100% OKAY My offer to send out a chapter is a sincere attempt to help you avoid wasting money on the book if it's just not your thing. Regarding the offer: At this time I have no intention of pulling it - feel free to take me up on the free chapter any time. Best, Drew
"The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before." Neil Gaiman
Please consider subscribing to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmdnUX |
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TheDirectionalist Special user I predict that I will have this many posts when you read this: 930 Posts |
So, I’m going to try and keep this short and sweet. I 100% will be purchasing the whole book. I chose, “Common Cents.” And from reading the foreword and introduction I related SO MUCH that I was drawn in immediately. I know I will love all of the thinking. Common Cents is going straight into my closeup work and will now ALWAYS be with me. I’ve been doing something very similar for stage, but this is perfect for doing a similar effect closeup. I’m sold..
-Dustin |
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travisb Special user Vancouver, BC 546 Posts |
I asked for A Stranger's Call and it's good! The core method is something most people won't use, and part of the method uses a technique I don't personally like (because it's too common, everyone is doing it and I think the public might be starting to catch on). But he gives alternatives for the technique, and the core method could be replaced with some thought. The plot is terrific.
If you did it as written you'd have a miracle that people would talk about for a long time. But he offers multiple options for method, so you can take your pick. The "too perfect" thinking mirrors my own for the most part, and has a couple of interesting points that I haven't seen written anywhere before. It really feels like the writing of a worker, and if this chapter is any indication I suspect that this book will be full of that rarest of rarities: actually viable material. I'm sold. Travis |
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Alex McFly Regular user 105 Posts |
Sounds very promising. I'm waiting for the release date. Thanks for all the great reviews!
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drawfull Veteran user qmagi.com 328 Posts |
Another definite purchase here, having read through Never to be Repeated I loved the presentation given and the writing style.
It looks like it's going to be a fantastic book |
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scalito Regular user 141 Posts |
I also ditto the positive responses to Drew's book. The chapter I read was very well layered and thought out. His approach of letting us sample the book is a refreshing change from the usual hype here on the Café.
Well done Drew!!! |
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Nathan Alexander Inner circle 2021 Posts |
I feel like it's cliche now to say anything good about this. I also feel like others would understandably be skeptical.
No offense to Drew, but I felt nervous for him being willing to give out a free chapter as he has (even as I asked him for one). I thought this would be a poor decision business-wise, but it may just be brilliant (could he have known?). I took him up and got "Commons Cents Prediction" and thoroughly enjoyed his intro and preface before anything else. Sounds completely like a guy I can not only relate to, but would enjoying knowing in real life and could call friend. Ugh... It makes this more painful because I wanted to find something not to like, I admit I was a little predisposed to find something to beat up on if for no other reason than that this place is justifiably hesitant about reviewers posting positive thoughts, especially when you get something for free. So I wanted to have some "cons" to share so my credibility for reviews isn't called into question here, but yeah, I also loved it. Others have gushed (appropriately), so I'll just say I'm using it and will keep the necessary on me as often as I can (which is easy for this piece) as it's brilliant. If there IS a con, it's this: I can't yet be sure of the strength of reaction this can receive after reading it, but I also haven't tried it yet, and I believe he isn't lying about his experience that it serves him well, so I believe it must do the same for me when I eventually try it, and hopefully it plays very(?) well. I like that he isn't claiming revolutionary methods or concepts. His thinking is great though, and I love his conviction for story-telling/scripting. So I liked it, and hope he gets all he deserves and can take pride in seeing his book among the greats. He's obviously a pro performer (even if only a self-admitted part-time pro) and man, I could learn a lot from his book, and almost wish I had a second identity here to request the other trick I desperately wanted to learn. Guess I'll be buying the book. Awesome work, I've added a routine to carry around, and I appreciate the opportunity to take advantage of the offer. |
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Senor Fabuloso Inner circle 1243 Posts |
It's hard to write a review of the chapter I was given. Thank you Drew. Because I was looking for something that I could do on stage and admittedly Drew said it was more appropriate for intamate groups. That's not to say that it couldn't work on stage, I just don't have the chops to pull it off yet. My choice of chapters was PHISHING. Chosen because of the double entendre of how we fish, for information and how hackers phish, for our personal data. I was also intrigued by the list, loving Mental Yarn as I do.
Without divulging much of the work behind this effect, I can say that the linguistics involved remind me of Kenton Kneppers work. There is also peppering of Peter Turner and Jerome Finley mentioned in the text. The list is gimmicked and 3 principals are used to divine the words thought of. One of these principles goes back to an old coin trick that I learned when I was a kid but is so different in this effect it bears no resemblance. Drew suggest keeping this on your phone for the right time and I agree, it's better suited for an almost impromptu performance with friends rather than a paid gig. The concept has my head spinning on how I might blow this up for stage and streamline the discovery process. I'm thinking Reflecta-Thot meets Age Cards. But that's just where my mind is going and has nothing to do with what Drew has done. A tremendous amount of thinking went into this effect and I can only assume that all the work in the tome, would be well worth a read . Once again thank you Mr. Bstoss, I think your book will be well received by the mentalist community.
No matter how many times you say the wrong thing, it will NEVER be right.
If I'm not responding to you? It's because you're a TROLL! |
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BMWGuy Inner circle Texas 2562 Posts |
Hey guys,
Have already gone through the book twice. Will have a review for you soon. Stay tuned. Thanks Alex
PRESET by Alex Alejandro & Dan Harlan now available for a special introductory price!
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DrewBstoss Special user SLC, Utah 581 Posts |
I'd like to express my gratitude for all those who have taken me up on the offer to preview the book. Special thanks as well to those who posted their thoughts.
My intentions behind the free-chapter offer were two-fold: First - I GENUINELY don't want people to feel like I've gone snake oil salesman on them. If you're going to part with your money I want you to be confident in that decision. That's REALLY tough in our world of secrets... so the only solution, as I saw it, was to let you freely peek behind the curtain. Second - I QUITE like the idea of "crowd-sourcing" the reviews on the book before it's available for purchase. That second point brings me to something I'd like to clarify. I have shared the full contents of the book with a close circle of friends (no shocker there) and I reached out to Madison a number of weeks ago asking if he'd look it over and give me his thoughts. I did this because over the years I've come to appreciate his reviews (I've used them on a NUMBER of occasions to help inform my buying decisions) and feel as though he is thorough and fair with his thoughts. A few days ago Alex (BMWGuy) reached out offering to review the book as well. Alex is the other guy on the Café who's commentary I've come to trust and rely on (these are my PERSONAL opinions at least). So, I agreed and sent him the full copy as well. I encouraged both Madison and Alex to be 100% honest in their feedback and not shy away from including the good AND the bad (just as I've done with everyone who has requested a chapter). I like transparency so I just wanted to shed some light on the origin of the reviews and why I made the decision to share the full contents with both Madison and Alex. Best, Drew
"The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before." Neil Gaiman
Please consider subscribing to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmdnUX |
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magicthree Special user 619 Posts |
I asked Drew for the chapter called seven-year ordeal and his take on the any card any number. As a fan of the Crusade, this version is as good or better. The choice of the number and the card are very free and random which really make this trick seem impossible. Also in the middle of the effect when you have to handle the cards, if anything makes it more amazing. This trick alone could have been a $10 download on penguin and would have gotten all five star reviews. This is really good and if this is any indication of what's in the rest of the book all I can say is wow.
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jcroop Special user 771 Posts |
Drew was kind enough to send me What Are the Odds. I started reading thinking that's a nice use for a technique I already use with in a different presentation. But as I continued to read it got really interesting as he layered on more methods to end with a really exciting piece. He put them together in just the right way for multiple revelations. I felt they were just right. Not too many to make it confusing as I have sometimes seen, but just enough to build to a clean, rousing conclusion. As others have said about this and other pieces, Drew has put a lot of thought into his work. He indicates that these are from his personal repertoire and it shows that he has worked on it to make it just right.
I would also comment that the segments of the book that he provided are professionally laid out, are visually pleasing and in a format (font, spacing, etc.) that makes it easy to read. I haven't seen the outside but the text is beautiful. Sounds like a winner. Thank you for sharing this. Jim |
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GazelleR Regular user U.K. 130 Posts |
I will echo Jim's comments regarding the layout which is clean, crisp and inviting. Everything about the sample text I received suggests that this book is one that has had care and love applied to its creation and content.
I selected "Concealed Carry" as my sample chapter. This routine is clearly described and scripted. Drew explains much of the thinking behind the "why" of each step of the performance. The core method itself is used elsewhere in the book and while the mechanics of it are explained here the reader is invited to see the other chapter for the full details. Not having that chapter I can not comment on Drew's thinking behind the core method. "Concealed Carry" is intended as a quick warm up and introduction to the performer and I have no doubt that it would succeed admirably at its intended purpose. If I have a criticism - which obviously I do! - it is in the opening sentence of the description. Quote:
"You play a very fair game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" with three people - one round with each" It carries with it an expectation that, for me, is not matched by the execution. It is not that the actions performed would not appear fair to the participants but rather that no game of RPS would normally be played this way. It is a minor quibble but it did highlight for me an important point that Drew mentions in the "Introduction" of his book that this is not material intended for a casual or social performer, it is geared to professional and formal performances. |
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MadisonH Inner circle 1752 Posts |
Rik, there’s a very simple way to justify the process. Say, “I don’t want all of you to play the same thing against me—that would be too easy. So to be sure you all have a different weapon, let’s do this...”
And continue on with the process. With this justification, I think it can play casually just as easily as formally Madison |
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Recoplon Loyal user 262 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 9, 2018, magicthree wrote: I asked for the same chapter and I agree 100% with the above poster. Really good! |
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GazelleR Regular user U.K. 130 Posts |
I do not think the given presentation requires any further justification than that which Drew provides. As presented I think it would play well. This is, after all, tried and tested material that is being shared.
My only quibble is in the expection raised by the language used in the description, and the only reason I mentioned it is to highlight Drew's intended audience for his material. Could this be played in a casual social setting? Yes of course it could. But I think that casual performers reading that description would have very different expectations of "a very fair game" of RPS than that which is required to play this variant. The routine is good, I like it, it is neatly described and executed, but a standard game of RPS it is not. That is not a criticism of the routine or of Drew, merely of the description and the expectations it may raise for some potential purchasers. |
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DrewBstoss Special user SLC, Utah 581 Posts |
That's a valid and fair point Rik I appreciate that you didn't hold back your "quibble."
It wasn't my intention to sow a false expectation within the description of the routine so I'm glad that you've helped clarify the proceedings! Regarding "Concealed Carry" I say within the chapter: "This isn't a dogma-altering demonstration of mind reading but it is a convincing display of your self-professed abilities. Have fun with it!" I feel that the slightly altered way the game is played flies under the premise of "Let me demonstrate what it's like to play R.P.S. with a Mind Reader." Best, Drew
"The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before." Neil Gaiman
Please consider subscribing to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hmdnUX |
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dyoung Special user 898 Posts |
I just read Concealed Carry, which as I expected was good. A nice propless opening effect. This is the type of material I wish we saw more of, entertaining and fun pieces like this and not all these extremely serious and "emotional" effects
Wish you all the best with the book Drew! And thanks for sharing! All the best, Dan |
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