I am posting a review that contrasts with the review already published here. Many, or most, book
tests are "'one trick wonders." No one ever reasonably scored Larry Becker's original Flashback a
"3" because it involved only one trick.
Sheer Luck features two tricks. It should rate high
because it pioneers a distinctive method, it catalyzes audience involvement, it involves near-dual
reality, and is entertaining. It is not a closer, but for a good, entertaining effect where the
performer needs some levity, it would be hard to beat.
George
12 of 14 magicians found this helpful.
Excellent, excellent, excellent !!!! Bought this from Mr. Farquhar last year at the Oceanside Magic
Invitational. I do bar work and have been killing them with this. I honestly wish he didn't release
it... this was one of my best kept secrets !!! Anyway, now that it's out I have to highly recommend
it to any real worker who wants to leave their entire audience scratching their heads ! It plays
great at the bar because the entire crowd thinks they're in on the "gag" then at which point you
pull the rug out from under their feet and leave them all fried ! The 2 responses I get the most
are: "how the hell...?" and "W.T.F." !!! This is the first review I've ever written because most of
the magic being made today can't be used in real world situations and out-right sucks..."BUT"...this
is not one of those effects. Bottom line GET THIS !!
8 of 9 magicians found this helpful.
I have only performed this once. Great audience reaction performed pretty much like Farquar's live,
cruise ship routines on accompanying DVD. Lot's of fun...easy to do. But something you can put just
about anywhere in your act. Sure to please.
A little too pricey. Maybe that's a good thing.
Otherwise it would be 5 stars.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
Way over-priced since Shawn tells you that a completely blank book costs as much as the printed one
and the blank one can be purchased for $20. First half of video is all about himself and is totally
not needed. As in all his videos he speaks way to fast and one has to continually go back and watch
and listen several times. The effect is very good. It is very easy to do and one can figure it out
without the instructional video.
6 of 10 magicians found this helpful.
Sheer Luck will add a good 5-10 mins to your set depending on how much fun you wish to have. It's
not 100% self working, but I'm so sick of hearing the phrase, "Easy to do, no skill required." Well
if you don't have acting chops, this won't work. It's a brilliant effect that is what I would refer
to as a Polite sucker effect. That is the audience thinks they're in on the joke, but they find in
the end everyone was fooled. In addition to being an elite Magician, Shawn Farquhar is also one of
the nicest people I've had the honour of meeting. His online demo/explanation is excellent, and his
commitment to providing the purchaser with additional tips as they present themselves is generosity
personified. This is a user. If you perform magic, add this to your repertoire. It is not meant
to sit on a bookshelf. It is meant to be shared. Thank you once again Shawn.
3 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
I have performed this trick for a number of years. The audience loves it. It always ends with how
the blank did you do that. One day I thought I would do it because it could be done with social
distancing. I looked around and couldn’t find my Sherlock Holmes books. So I quickly ordered another
one. It’s easy to do it’s fun for the magician and best of all it’s fun for the audience. In my
estimation it is five out of five.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
I have liked a book test but they always seem to have something missing. This one fills that void I
believe. I have incorporated this effect in my show and I have placed my little twist on the patter.
(make it your own) I have personally met Shawn and I own some of his other effects. He is by far one
of my favorites and when he makes something available I really do not have to question it. This is
another one of those gems.
Thanks Shawn
Rick
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Very clever method, and a very funny routine that audiences will enjoy. Not really suited to close
up or table hopping. This is a good thing to do as parlour or stage act. Very self working and easy
to do! Just put away the book when you're done, where they can't get at it, and move on to your next
routine. Great idea, and excited to do it again.
2 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
this is a great take on a classic of mentalism, and it's funny! I'll echo the comments here about if
it's a little too pricey for you, that's great! it's definitely in my show and it's my opener!
it's not a brand new trick, nor is it completely unique--i.e. there are many versions of the
book test available. I do have a couple other book tests but was not comfortable with the
handlings. I picked this up at Shawn's lecture last month after seeing another magician perform
this. it was the funniest thing I'd seen in magic in years. the ending is the kicker. showing a
blank book at the end gets the greatest reactions.
2 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
Sheer Luck is one of the only GREATEST Book Test for Comedy Stage Magic you will ever use!
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
Today, when you order "Sheer Luck - The Comedy Book Test (Online Instructions) by Shawn Farquhar", you'll instantly be emailed a Penguin Magic gift certificate. You can spend it on anything you like at Penguin, just like cash. Just complete your order as normal, and within seconds you'll get an email with your gift certificate.
$5 FLAT-RATE SHIPPING TO UNITED STATES. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $100.
Novel Funny "Book Test"
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