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MentalistCreationLab Inner circle 1528 Posts |
Just curious how many of you have seen the new work by Tom Phoenix called The Book of Light?
Its currently available from http://www.wanderingmagic.com/books which is Tom's new site. I been following Tom's work for a while since Alex Borton turned me on to his stuff last year and I got to say there is some brilliant thinking in this new work. Here is just a couple of the items in the new work. The Angel’s Gift - You describe a dream where an angel presents you with a flower. You ask the participant to imagine the situation as in your dream, and they imagine an angel giving them the same type of flower. You do not tell them beforehand what kind of flower the angel gave you. A Time to Remember - Two participants (whom you have never met before) are each given an object that once belonged to someone close to you. One participant is able to tell who the previous owner was, and their occupation. The other is able to feel when that person’s wife was born, based on the card that called to them in a deck. Both participants are able to feel the exact time the person was born. There is a prediction on one of the cards in the deck (written 1 year previous) that says you will meet the two participants (including their names) on this date. If you like some of my more esoteric works the items in this book have that sort of flair without going over the edge. Some of the stuff contained in is real worker kinda of stuff we have all been looking for. |
Gorgeous New user 77 Posts |
Here's a partial review of "The Book of Light":
I'm about halfway through Tom's "The Book of Light" and want to share some of my thoughts on this updated release. I will preface by saying that although I was given a complimentary copy, my review is in no way influenced by Tom's generosity. If I feel something is crap, I will say it. Tom is a nice guy but I will be swayed by it. If you're looking for new and innovative methods, this book is probably not for you. Rather, this book is for those well-versed in classic mentalism principles and are looking for ways to create impactful performances for their spectators. He mentions Peter Turner as an inspiration, and it is evident in the effects found in this book. From the very first effect, one can tell what away that Tom's main goal with his mentalism is to connect with the spectator on a deep and meaningful level and leave the spectator feeling better than he or she was before the effect. In Tom's own words, he creates a "emotionally mystical experience" that leave a profound effect on the spectator long after you leave. In fact, Tom suggests in the first effect that the meditative technique outlined could be just as magical on its own without all the props and apparent divination, which I believe speaks volume to the type of performer Tom is. It's been made known to me that for the next few hours, The Book of Light is on sale at an introductory price of $27 which is a hell of a deal. Here's a link to Tom's profile if you're interested: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/bb_pr......er=56027 |
Quatermass New user 36 Posts |
The profile doesn't tell much. Does he have a webpage?
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Medifro Inner circle Miami 1258 Posts |
Greetings,
I've been offered a review copy after I posted a thread requesting a review when the ebook was being sold at Kenton Knepper's old website. I'm not a familiar with Tom and our exchange only started ( and is limited ) to the matter of reviewing the book. While I did recieve the copy free of charge and he is a nice guy, I will not hesitate to point out any negatives in the work especially concerning how the ad copy matches with the actual text. I'm currently in the process of writing my review though what made me hasten to provide a feedback here is this: For the introductory offer of 27$ its an extremely good deal for what you're getting. Knowledge of classic techniques is assumed and a good knowledge in suggestive scripts ( ala Wonder WordsLuke Jermay's Building Blocks ) is very helpful but isn't necessary. While I did find the gimmick that is involved in the majority of the tricks interesting there is nothing earth shattering about the methods, combining those methods ( as well as the added ideas offered by Tom ) with the presentations is what really sells this. If you like Kenton's Anti-Tada or Genuine Amazement, then this book receives my highest recommendation. It should be noted that book is very different from the other magic videos offered in the website. I wouldn't have guessed the author is the same. - Feras |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 5, 2015, Quatermass wrote: Quatermass, thank you for your interest, the full description can be found here: http://www.wanderingmagic.com/books The book is on sale for another 2 hours. |
Ben_cardall New user 89 Posts |
Really great book full of lots of interesting ideas and routines!
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takeachance Inner circle 3764 Posts |
What is the outcome in angels gift
Do you have the name of the flower written down Do you give them the flower ? ???? |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Quote:
On Aug 8, 2015, takeachance wrote: takeachance, in the basic, bare-bones version of the routine, you give them the flower. The routine is based off of this quote by Coleridge: "If a man could pass through Paradise in a dream, and have a flower presented to him as a pledge that his soul had really been there, and if he found that flower in his hand when he awoke — Aye! And what then?” I also teach offshoots, variations, different reveals, and creative touches to really spice up your performance. "The Angel's Gift" is more of a premise and a routine is taught to go with it, as well as things you can include or take out, to make it your own. It becomes a story illustrated with magic, and you can mix and match methods from all the routines to create an incredible experience, not merely a good show. For example, take the method from "The Forest", and incorporate it into "The Angel's Gift", then use the name prediction technique from "Inspire" to divine the name of the angel they imagine... Make sense? Best, Tom Phoenix |
Medifro Inner circle Miami 1258 Posts |
I'm a big fan of Jeff Stone's reviews style of comparing the actual ebook with the ad-copy. I'll mention my opinion on the effects presented but as liking an effect or prefering an effect over another is entirely subjective, I'll focus more on ad-copy integrity. Available here: http://www.wanderingmagic.com/books
Disclaimer: I'm NOT a acquaintance of Tom Phoenix and my exchange with him have been minimal. I have however received the book free of charged as he got in touch with me as he noticed my interest in another thread. Turns out the book is a bit expensive and as the author isn't really a household name, I thought only a detailed review will do this justice. Most of the effects utilize a very interesting gimmick that you make yourself from a sharpie. I'm not up to date on my sharpie knowledge but I haven't seen this gimmick before. Since no crediting is offered I guess its an original creation. It does make the effects very practical to perform with minimal amount of setup besides having the props ( mostly envelops, cards or small objects ) & resupplying the materials you'll be giving away as souvenirs. Souviners is yet another theme that is shared in all items in the ebook. I understand an earlier version of this ebook was sold at Kenton Knepper's Wonder Wizards website and I can clearly see why he liked it. If you read Kenton's Anti-Tada or Genuine Amazement then you can really see how this ebook was perfect to demonstrate the ideas Kenton was describing. Only one effect uses an instant stooge and though its only optional. The methods are *physical* though the effects shine because of the mood set up by the stories and the visualizations scripted in the presentations. Having said that the methods are flexible enough to be adopted to one's own style. In other words, the presentations drive the effects but don't limit the flexibility of the methods. Knowledge of suggestion and relaxation techniques, while not necessary, is something I recommend as they add tremendously to the effects. Full scripts are provided. Ability to give readings is also a plus. 6 effects are offered, each is supplemented with quite a bit of ideas. To me it showed the author really worked these effects in the real world. On to the effects, my opinion will based on the ad copy, linked at the start of the review. - In Stone of remembrance you predict or divine the spectator's birthstone ( depending on what variation you use ), as well as their zodiac sign which is oddly left from the ad copy. The spectator divining your birth month ( not full date ) ideas are very simple & practical. The force claimed original does seem novel to me. I find it incredibly interesting and I believe other readers will share the sentiment. One caviat is the birthstone revelation as explained in the basic effect happens AFTER your performance is over, in the form of a prediction within envelop given as a souvenir that they can freely open at any time. In other words, the effect ,if plainly done, depends on the relaxation & visualization the spectator goes through so the experience becomes relevant enough for them to care, as opposed to a magical moment of astonishment. This is relieved either by the spectator as mind reader phase or an alternative idea for getting *hits* on the spot. The spectator doesn't need to actually know their birthstone to enjoy the effect. - The Angels Gift as described as really a presentation for a well known method with added spice such as divining a spec's birthday. The suggested methods for the latter are all standard and indeed the method used for Stone of Remembrance ( the previous effect ) can be used. The ideas given add quite a bit including a very good out which I quite liked. A method is also given to show an empty box that is later shown to have the flower. Again an effect where the whole is more than the sum of its parts. The ad copy is precise. - A Time to Remember is a routine that took me some time to put together. The explanation is clear though because of the many things going on it needed repeated readings. You need to think on your feet ( its minimal for me, though I can see it varying among others ). Instant stooging one spectator for one bit is optional though they'll still be fooled by the other phases. I thought the method was rather interesting and is something I'm tempted to experiment with. Precise ad copy, but not all the revelations are as dramatic as you'd think they will be, especially if you have high expectations as a new comer to mentalism. - The Forest is, oddly enough, not an actual trick on its own but rather can be seen as a magical moment to reveal information. Personally its my favorite bit of the book. Its very mystic though not "new age"-y which I thought is a lot of fun. Its very practical too as long as you refill your giveaway. The production of an object is extremely simple and will be trivial if done alone without any script. Additional notes discuss ideas on presenting and getting information, mentalists with experience will find them rather simple but still good. Precise ad copy. - For the next effect, Inspire, ad copy matches the write up but I do feel I can address several points. The optional Influence the participant's dream is exactly that, nudging them to dream in a specific direction and it does depend on them following your instructions after the effect is long over. I haven't tried it though if you want to buy the book for that bit alone I wouldn't bet on it, although it is interesting and kind of makes sense. The "accurate reading" is "accurate" because its slightly warm ( I wouldn't call it "hot" ). In other words, it still depends on your skill as a reader to pull off. The effect is accurate otherwise and is practical to perform, thanks to the gimmick used. - Path of Light is a playing card item where a crescent appears on a blank card. The handling is really straight forward and if you want to minimize the reset ( i.e just resupplying on souvenirs ) another handling that is also practical is given though a bit more technical. It is still within the range of an average card handler. You could correctly guess from the ad copy that the presentation is really what sells this. All in all, what I like about the effects that different bits can be applied elsewhere. The modular construction of the methods makes them flexible to be used with other effects. In the book Tom suggests applying a method from a previous effect to another. If you like the ad-copy, I highly doubt you will be disappointed with any of the effects. - Feras |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Wow, thank you Medifro!
That was quite the review, and yes, souvenirs are things I really enjoy giving. They're a physical reminder of everything that occurred, and as you'll find, have a deeply symbolic meaning. Most of the presentations could stand alone as just stories, without any kind of 'magic effect' involved, so you could definitely use one of the stories as a solitary piece during the performance, or as a lead-in to something else. Best, Tom Phoenix |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Hello everyone! For the next 5 days, the Book of Light is on sale for $37.
This is the lowest it will be, before it goes back to $47 Again, here is the link: http://www.wanderingmagic.com/books Best, Tom Phoenix |
1KJ Inner circle Warning: We will run out of new tricks in 4385 Posts |
Tom's routines are excellent! I just love "No Four King Way"!
KJ |
BlackZ Veteran user 316 Posts |
I am interested but, just to know, I do not want to make a mistake but the previous price wasn't $27?
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TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 14, 2015, BlackZ wrote: Hello BlackZ! Yes, the introduction price was $27. It was raised to $47, and right now it is on sale for $37 (for the next 4 days). After that, it will go back to $47. If you have any questions about the book, I'm here to answer! Best, Tom Phoenix |
BlackZ Veteran user 316 Posts |
Understand, thanks for the answer.
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TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 14, 2015, 1KJ wrote: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy the routines! And yes, "No Four King Way" is one of my favorite card magic creations, but I still want to find a way to make the Kings turn to blank cards, and re-appear in the box.... I'm working on it. |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
The book will be on sale for an extra another thirty-six hours, due to tech issues here on the Café.
Again, it can be obtained here: http://www.wanderingmagic.com/books , and this is the last time it will be available at this low of a price. Any questions, let me know, I'm happy to answer! Tom Phoenix |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Here is a review posted by Grippo's Wish, in another thread: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......tart=0#1
"Hello I was also given a copy for review. I am extremely sorry I couldn't sit to write down the review earlier. The above review is very good and pretty much says everything. Tom seems very sensitive to his audience and to his own experiences, and it shows in the book. Everything is very clearly explained. The effects are more or less tending to mentalism/bizarre/mystical, but I assume if you are reading the review you at least had an idea about that. The first two effects use a very interesting idea for revealing predictions. Most of the effects I am sure will trigger many ideas for how to use them, personalize them or create your own variations. A lot of the stuff can be "taken apart" and used in other effects: the forces, gaffs, presentations, reveals, etc. All of the "things" needed to perform the routine are explained so the book is very good if you like to easely create your own gimmicks/props. Nothing too difficult. The stories and presentations are very interesting, but they are very personal to Tom. I assume most people (like me) would personalize them, but that's with most magic. If you like this type of magic (I do) I am pretty sure that you will find value in this book. Any questions please ask." |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
To let everyone know, the Book of Light will no longer be available after Sunday, the 29th. So if you're reading this and would like to read it, or the Book of Wonders, then you have 5 days to pick it up.
I'm stepping away from magic creation for a while. I do have a few card magic things which will be released over the remainder of this month and the beginning of next month, but after those are released, I'm out. The Hidden Thoughts series will be continued, due to it's nature, and the free monthly-magic series will also continue. But my mentalism works will no longer be available to anyone after the 29th. Tom Phoenix |
TheSecretFire Special user 597 Posts |
Here is a review of the Book of Light, provided by Rick Fisher:
"In earlier times, materials from Tom Phoenix's, The Book of Light would have found a home in the pages of Invocation and Magick. Many of us have never heard of Tom Phoenix and that is unfortunate. Today we only hear of magicians/mentalists selling tricks guaranteed to "kill, devastate, or slay". Tom's effects are built to "connect, reach, affect and touch". I am talking about the difference between parlor tricks and true magical wonders/experiences that people will remember for a long time and not just wonder "how did he do that"? If you are looking for "Mentalist/Personality in a box, Tom's material is not for you. But if performing mystical presentations is what you are after, your ship has come in, drop anchor now. Note I said PERFORMANCE AND PRESENTATION, as these are the elements frequently overlooked by us. My favorite piece is "A Time to Remember", where participants feel their own powers to unlock mysterious objects from the performers past. Tom guides them through a journey into the past by using their new found skills in psychometry. The author gives multiple ways to perform, and I already have a few ideas of my own. But don't assume this is just a book of vignettes, Tom also gives you a twist on a gimmicked Sharpie you can build, a novel way of marking Bicycle cards for determining a persons star sign, and his version of a window envelope. There is something for every serious PERFORMER here, a stockbroker would call The Book of Light, a strong buy." - R. Fisher |
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