When I was first starting out in mentalism, I couldn’t wait to buy everything that came on the market. Now, I usually get sent the newest offerings in the field. Frankly, there is not much I get excited about anymore. Most manuscripts are basically slight variations or modifications of existing material that hardly justify their high price tags. Such is not the case with Bryn Reynolds.

I have already said some very kind things about the Safwan Papers. I received these effects individually when Bryn was compiling the book. He recently sent me the hardbound version which I took along with me on a rigorous series of shows to re-read back in the hotel room. I am now going to further wax enthusiastically about these effects!

Seven is great! You need only your mouth and a piece of paper to do an incredibly strong mental card effect. Bryn’s logic is unassailable in putting together the hard hitting piece of mentalism. You write a prediction, the spectator mentally chooses a card in an extremely fair way, and your prediction matches. Just like that!

Bottle cap Koran is something you just have to have in your repertoire. When you are in a position where you want to do a great routine and have virtually no props with you (or have done just about everything in your normal close-up act) you will be glad you know this. It is hard to imagine an impromptu effect having this much juice! It is classic killer material with 2 (that’s right TWO) devastating punches thrown in!

I love Your Lucky Nite. It is different from the one I use in my shows and I have developed another handling of it for a different effect. I’m not going to tip it until you see it on a DVD, but even though I have changed it somewhat, the basic routine is Bryn’s and I would have never come up with it without this version. When you study material like this, you always have to look at how to make it your own. Bryn’s is always so good that it is easy to do that.

BOHT is sooo clever! I won’t say more about this other than it works. All the time! It is ingenious thinking that should make you apply this kind of logic to other routines.

The String Routine reminds me of an idea that I used to use years ago with some felt strips and a safety pin. But this is better as you are much cleaner at the end. Bryn has found a way to use a classic prop in a brand new way. This is one of the reasons I admire Bryn so much.

Finally, the $4 Billet Index reminds me of some older books where the author will give you some great ideas for utility devices that have a thousand uses. I doubt if you can come up with a better Index than this one. Basically, it is so good because it is invisible! (Well not really, but it may as well be!) To top it off, and Bryn doesn’t really mention this, but no one will suspect it or want to touch it because of its very nature! (I will let you figure that one out after you read it!)

What I want to end with doesn’t really talk about the effects. Rather, it is the feeling (for want of a better word) that one gets when you read this material. You just know that it is audience tested in the harshest conditions. I can’t tell you how many times someone will send me something brand new that they thought up and put right into a manuscript without having ever done it!!! (And I don’t mean at the local magic club).

This is tested material and you can tell just by reading it. You will not be surprised when you perform this stuff by some variable that is not covered in the well-written instructions. Bryn has performed these routines over and over again and worked out everything for you! This is real mentalism of the highest order.

Richard

I couldn't agree more. Bryn is a breath of fresh air and ALL his offerings to date have been fabulous, 'The Safwan Papers' are no exception and come highly, HIGHLY recommended.

Excellent review and much deserved praise! Bryn, fantastic work as always my friend. I'm loving it.

-JF

Ditto gentlemen.

I was so happy to pick up a book where literally every item within was entirely usable.

And as mentioned before, Bryn's writing voice is both entertaining and refreshing.

Great stuff, Bryn! Thanks so much for this contribution!

DT3

Wow!..I'm touched, and certainly honored, that you took the time to start a thread about THE SAFWAN PAPERS, Richard! Thank you so very much, and to have such things said about the routines in the book by someone who's effects, and guidance, I most highly respect just makes me feel good!

Jerome and Don, I certainly appreciate your comments as well! I have certainly enjoyed your mentalism offerings, and it is clear that we think along similar paths...

There have been some great reviews and comments posted in the Ebook foum (and I also offfer a printed version) here at the Café and elsewhere, and from other creators in the mentalism field who's names and work I also highly respect.

It is a nice feeling to hear the routines are considered real "workers" for others, as they most certainly are for me!

Thanks,
Bryn

Richard, Don and Jerome could not be more spot-on. Bryn's "Safwan" is clearly road-tested material- every routine a real-world worker of the highest order. (I have just employed too many hyphenated words, and for that, I apologize).

Bryn,

I don't think you can do it any better than getting such a review from Richard Osterlind.

It's not neccesary to say that what Richard says here is correct, but I too wanted to tell how happy I am with your book.
I have purchased pretty many books throughout my life, and many of them are good.
Now, if I find one or two things that I can use in a new book, I am happy.
It's also ok if I don't, - I still learn SOMETHING.

What I found in The Safwan Papers was different from what you usually finds, it witnesses of a lot of, and very creative thinking, and no doubt, they'll work.
It comes quite clear that the routines have been performed, changed and adjusted time and time again before they were released in this book

Thanks again for adding this to my arsenal, Be certain of that I will use it!

Sven

Just when the wife had forgiven me for spending so much, something like this comes along!!!!! well more weeks in the dog house
Tanis now uterly miserable and soon to be broke

Gracefully maneuvering in and out of the “magic dog house” is an art itself.
They don’t tell ya about this when you’re a kid getting hooked on magic.

Steve

At least you'll have some worthwhile reading material to while away the time.

Mike

P.S. Wait a minute! Are you suggesting that all it takes to become temporarily isolated (and away from "She you must be obeyed") is to make a desireable and highly constructive purchase? If so, just change your mental perspective and you've instantly made lemonade out of lemons!! (grin) Enjoy your solitude.

P.P.S. Just curious. Which paw do you usually use to scratch at the back door asking to be let back in?

LOL!

Thanks for the great comments!

Regarding "dog house" purchases, I usually just do it if it is within reason: she will get over it eventually, and I still have the stuff!

I am glad some of the effects in THE SAFWAN PAPERS are being seen as real-world "workers" as they have been for me!

Thanks,
Bryn

I don't ask, I beg
Tanis
its cold and wet here in Wales

Just ordered a copy, sounds great.

Terrifc! Especially Lucky Nite, which is a wonderful improvement of everything similar out there! Thanks, Bryn, for this great colllection of magical--truly magical--effects.

Quite franky, "7" is worth the price of the book. I have gotten more out of it in the last week than anything I have ever purchased.

Some great real world ideas in this book, well done.

everyone should read this.
Andrew Gerard

Hey,

Could somebody provide a list of all the effects in the e-book, as I've gotten mixed information from different places.

Thanks,

Miikka

This thread outlined each item. Reread the first post.

John

Put my order in, now the u.s - uk waiting times!!!

Ok...ok...ok... I ordered it, can't say no with rave reviews like this. ARGH!

If you EVER trusted a product based on reviews THIS IS THE ONE!!!

You will LOVE it AND use it!

John