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TStone V.I.P. Stockholm, Sweden 769 Posts |
A new ebook, titled "Random Walk", is out now. At:
http://shop.tomstone.se |
Anders Moden Regular user 163 Posts |
And a great new book it is! Especially for all of you who have been waiting for more card magic!
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Donny Orbit Special user 944 Posts |
I agree. Strong magic with great ideas. Tom Stone has become the MAN when it comes to affordable ebooks. Definately more bang for the buck is spot on.
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Magiguy Inner circle Seattle, WA 5467 Posts |
Here's my review...
Random Walk by Tom Stone 2007 - 20 pages available HERE Tom Stone has graced his fans with an exceptionally prolific year, offering eight beautifully designed e-books filled with some of the most creative and varied material to be released to the magic community in quite some time. These works offer us access to the notebooks of a creative genius who, I believe, will one day command a legacy and legend equal to that of the incomparable Tommy Wonder. “Random Walk” comes at the end of a relatively long line of concurrent releases, but the caliber of material that it contains shows that Mr. Stone is far from running out of fresh ideas. Even the smaller, single-paragraph bits and pieces offered in-between the more fully fleshed out items are of greater value than many of the one-item releases that are gradually taking a sickening foothold on the current magic market. This book focuses on card magic, with multiple digressions into performance theory and thoughts regarding the processes of creativity. It is absolutely not for the beginner and, in addition to assuming an intermediate skill level, the reader should be well read, or at least have access to a fairly substantial library. In some cases the necessary sleights are briefly outlined, and in other cases they are merely referenced. Here are a few notes on the contents: • Momentum Color Change: This is a beautiful and virtually effortless change. After describing Tim Star’s original method, Tom offers his preferred method; an adaptation which, though subtle, greatly enhances the visual impact of the change. This is the nature of Tom Stone’s magic. It is the subtleties and small details, the things that others might casually and carelessly overlook, that enhance the magic and elevate it to a level of performance beyond mere tricks. • Voice of the Public: This is a gag, not a trick, and it’s a great one (especially for the card worker, who will immediately relate to it). I actually found the necessary items (mini laser pointers) locally for just $5.00 each. I’m not sure if I can actually construct the gaff but I laughed out loud at the idea, so it’s probably worth trying. • Maven – Daryl Combo: Okay… to begin with, if you are unfamiliar with Daryl’s Elevator Repair (from Paul Harris’s “Close-Up Fantasies II”) and Max Maven’s Brimstone Elevator (from “Prism”) then this item will be lost on you. I really like this one. Tom’s combination of the two routines requires only half of the Daryl set-up and, like the original Maven piece, makes this more of a packet trick. This would make a great finale phase for an ACR. • A Prediction Ajar: Certainly not a prediction, but an absolutely terrific use for Tommy Wonder’s Wondereverse (be aware, however, that the sleight is not explained here – so, one more reason to buy the Books of Wonder [as if you needed another reason]). This is a piece geared specifically toward an audience of 7+ people, and touts the advantages of a group dynamic to further the impact of performance. This trick is a true “sleeper,” and should not be overlooked. • White Lies (bits & pieces): A very clever idea combining the one ahead principle with Ashes on Arm. This reads like the bizarrist’s Invisible Deck. Although it is identified by the author as an unfinished piece there is enough direction provided to turn this into a standout performance piece. • Nullified: While any of the items offered throughout the book are, alone, invaluable, this is one of two items that are worth so much more than the price of the entire collection. The trick’s handling was passed around between Tom, Erik Jansson and Peter Rosegren, resulting in a wonderfully well finished routine. There are so many exceptional details and subtleties (including a remarkably clever idea for constructing a home-made close-up table perfectly suited for “walk-around,” and a wonderfully rich series of 35 accompanying illustrations. Tom’s thoughts regarding Dramatic Structure are positively eye-opening. The reader would benefit greatly from having some knowledge of a variety of less than common sleights (i.e. Hollingsworth’s GWR Alignment Move, The Downs Change, Germain’s Flash Card Change, Dave Rumfeld’s Fake Extraction, Germain’s Flash Card Change, and Dave Rumfeld’s Fake Extraction), but basic explanations of each are generously provided. • Snap Snap: An instant, visual, card vanish (or color change). Tom states that, “I see no applications for it myself and I don’t consider it a useful move. Though it feels nice in the hands when watching TV.” This item is followed by a very clever triumph idea (“Snappy Triumph”), dependant upon the Snap Snap move. Tom’s humility throughout the book borders on self-deprecation. Is it actually possible that he does not recognize his own genius? • Snappy Triumph (see Snap Snap, above…) • The Forbidden Palm: Here is the second piece that I think stands out, and is worth far more than the price of the book. It is, in fact, my favorite item in the book. Tom states that the routine was developed in order to illustrate his points in a conversation regarding the Invisible Palm. Again, we benefit from reading Tom’s thoughts on the essential aspects of performance as a means to enhance the magic. This is an exceptionally detailed routine which I won’t even begin to explain, other than to say that it is an excellent example of the material that leads me to the conclusion that Tom Stone is a creative genius. Each and every new Tom Stone e-book release leaves me wanting more. I continue to hope for the release of the rumored, and much anticipated, book from Hermetic Press, but I am happily content, for now, with the recent parade of e-books, acting as appetizers while I patiently await the main course. Tom, I offer my thanks… *reviewed by Evan Shuster (aka Magiguy) |
TStone V.I.P. Stockholm, Sweden 769 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-01-10 01:16, Magiguy wrote: You're welcome! |
motown Inner circle Atlanta by way of Detroit 6127 Posts |
Evan's review of "Random Walks" is spot on.
If you've never bought one of Tom's e-books, you should know they are beautifully designed. Tom really cares about helping the reader understand and learn the material in this book, by providing close to 80 well done illustrations. There are books 5 and 6 times the size of this book that don't provide that many illustrations. Tom has also put a lot of thought into the layout the material on each page. The horizontal format is very effective. Very well done Tom! Craig
"If you ever write anything about me after I'm gone, I will come back and haunt you."
– Karl Germain |
Magiguy Inner circle Seattle, WA 5467 Posts |
I just read through this book again, and discovered a fistfull of nuances that I'd overlooked in my first three go-rounds. Tom's material deserves a permanent place in the spotlight. Those of you who have not yet discovered or investigated his material, I urge you to do so. With so few living legends in our midst, it would be a true shame to miss out on Mr. Stone's absolute brilliance.
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