Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: Without You by Mariah Carey
Sole Survivor by Martin Mercy Reviewed
Seven custom made Tarot-looking cards, one sheet of paper (instructions) and $20 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect
Based on a Eugene Burger and Bob Neale effect and published with their permission, 7 cards are placed face down and spread about on the table. A tale of death and the plague is spun. The spectator and you decide who lives and who dies. When all is said and done, 6 of the 7 "people" die. The one left over is the card of fate. No matter which cards your spectator chooses to "kill," fate will always be the last card remaining.
Method
As mentioned in the video trailer, this uses the PATEO technique. The method is practically self-working. Anyone can do this with very little effort. The method is completely doable.
Ad Copy Integrity
There really isn't any written ad copy to speak of. However, the video demo acts as the ad copy. There is one issue I had with the ad copy. In the performance, he let the spectator choose the final card to die. In reality, with the PATEO method, you cannot do this.
Any magician in the know will recognize what he did, and it's not a bad solution to the final phase of PATEO. However, the problem is that it is not taught in the instructions. So it's slightly (however unintentional) misleading. If you're new and/or not familiar with the way he ended it on the video demo, you won't be able to end it that way.
Product Quality
The cards that you receive are well made and have a nice finish on them that makes them spread easily. Also, I really like the fact that the non-fate cards (i.e., those who die in the plague) are bright colors, and the fate card is black. It gives a nice contrast to further drive home the point that this one card that is different survived the plague.
The instructions you receive are sparse at best. Also, if you hadn't seen the trailer, you might be a bit confused at the instructions. The effect isn't described until the method is taught. The method teaching is a bit confusing without the reference of the effect. Once you read the effect at the end and then go back to the method, it's a bit clearer.
Also, there is one typo that matters. I don't typically let a typo impact the star rating. However, when the typo affects the clarity of the instructions, it can impact the star rating. In this case, there was a sentence that referred to "the 2 card." There is no "2" card. This may confuse some upon reading it. What it should have said is "the 2 cards." This is not as obvious of a typo as you may think. Due to the context of the sentence, it could easily be confusing causing the reader to wonder what the "2 card" is. There's an "old maid" card and a "farmer card," etc., but what's the "two card?"
I know it sounds nit-picky, but it's not. Even though I knew the method in advance, reading the instructions was still a bit confusing. I imagine someone unfamiliar with PATEO might have an even harder time with it. However, all that said, two or three read-throughs along with watching the demo video should clear things right up.
Final Thoughts
With the following disclaimer, you may think that any criticisms above where out of jealousy or some other negative place. I assure you, however, they are not. The disclaimer is this: Years ago, I had the same idea as Martin Mercy (i.e., apply Tarot Cards to the Neale/Burger effect). My version uses 13 of the Major Arcana cards. It's been in my repertoire for years.
When I saw this product, I immediately contacted Martin to let him know that I liked the effect and that I had a similar idea. I mentioned that I might someday publish my version, script, handling, etc. in a future work. He was very kind and had no problems with me publishing my version (if I ever do). He also sent me a free copy of his version for review.
If I were rating this strictly on the effect, it would be 5 stars . . . easy. But as you know, I don't rate effects - I discuss them but I don't rate them. I rate method, ad copy and product quality.
Method: SOLID!
Ad Copy: A little misleading with the ending that is not taught in the instructions.
Product Quality: Cards - SOLID! Instructions - Confusing, Sparse and Incomplete.
This is the kind of effect where presentation is EVERYTHING. It's all about the scripting and timing. Martin's scripting is very good (and included in the instructions) for the most part. The presentation at the very beginning and the end are both smart and clever and you'll see that in the video. During the main part of the effect (i.e, choosing the victims), there really isn't much in the way of scripting. You'll see that on the demo video as well.
If you buy this, you'll get a great "in-line" and "out-line" for getting into and out of the effect. You'll also get some very well made cards that fit the theme and story quite well. Lastly, you'll receive (barely) the information you need to perform the effect. You may have to read it a couple of times to get "there." If you happen to be familiar with PATEO and similar equivocal techniques, you'll have no issues learning this effect.
Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem
17 Comments
WTH?!? How is using a different flavor of cards make this anything less than a pure ripoff of Bob Neale’s Effect?
This was printed and published with permission of both Eugene Burger and Robert Neale. Proper credit was given in both the video and on the printed package.
This is a blatant steal from the original by Bob Neale. The routine has been out for a long time and this author has not mentioned that he has the RIGHTS to republish this effect under his name. It would be prudent of Jeff Stone to remove his endorsement of this publication.
I can see selling the props for the routine, but to give the routine without the express written permission of the originator is theft. there should be no instructions for this other then a direct link to where to purchase the original routine.
@Michael, @Lothar, @The Red – Why are you assuming that he stole this? Why are you assuming that he does not have permission to publish this? He, in fact, does have permission from both Bob Neale and Eugene Burger. Further, the product image above and to the right says that it is published with permission. Click on the image to enlarge it and you’ll see it right there on the cover.
I’m against piracy and people ripping off other’s materials, but I’m just as against people falsely accusing someone of ripping someone off when there is no proof whatsoever.
Rather than assuming ill intent why not assume good intent?
Good Review,I bought same trick off Black Hart in UK around 10 years ago,similar presentation also used Tarot Cards
@John – Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
Why assume? Because it happens all the time? The image posted on Facebook was illegible to see and I watched your entire 10 minute review TWICE just to make sure I wasn’t mistaken but the only permission mentioned was you asking Martin Mercy for permission and it’s not even his effect. If he has permission, great but it wasn’t clear at all and I know better than to assume.
@The Red – So, because with other people, “it happens all the time,” that means that it automatically is happening with Martin Mercy too? That makes no sense at all. It would be one thing if Martin had a reputation for stealing stuff, but as far as I know, he does not have that reputation.
Anyone who owns the product will see that right on the front of it is a statement that it is produced with permission. Further, Martin specifically told me that he had permission in a letter he sent me. Further, I know Bob Neale. Though we’ve never met, we’ve had several correspondences, and everything I know about him says that he’s a super generous guy. I have no doubt that he gave Martin permission.
My whole point is that rather than accuse an innocent (at least innocent of this “crime”) man of stealing, why not simply ask if he has permission? It’s a lot easier, less rude, and is simply the stand-up/polite thing to do.
Not only is credit given on the front of the product, as shown in the picture in the product details, Mr. Mercy starts the trailer by mentioning the creator of the effect and the book that contains it along with the co-author!!
@Carmelo – Yep. It’s frustrating when people get all bent out of shape for something that isn’t even real. I’m in total agreement with the fact that things like this need permission from the originators. But to just attack Martin and assume that he had no permission is annoying. I’m glad you saw the truth rather than jumping on the attack Martin bandwagon.
Well all I did was take in all the info that was there. The credit is all in the trailer and even in your effects description. Some people just like to go into attack mode without knowing all the facts.
Darn Humans! 🙂
Just wanted to let you know I got this based on your review and I like it very much. The cards are very nice and well made and as you pointed out the contrast between the colors and the black and white fate card really sells it. Mr. Mercy was nice enough to include a little note of thanks as well, I love personalized service like that.
@Jay – I’m glad you liked it, and you’re right, Martin Mercy is a super nice guy.
Jay and Jeff
Thank you for the kind things you both said. It does my heart good to know such a small act on my part is appreciated. My business is small enough to afford me the opportunity to write personal notes of gratitude to those who order my products. We have evolved into such a fast-paced world that it is so special to see people like Jay and Jeff who are grateful for even the small things we all should be doing . . . the little courtesies that announce that we haven’t forgotten humanity.
@Martin – It’s the little things brother. 🙂