Joshua Jay's The Particle System

Joshua Jay's Particle System book is the latest magic book released by Vanishing Inc, and it's all about memorized deck magic. This is a big step-change for memorized deck magic books, from boring and derivative to dynamic and exciting. These are my full thoughts about this book, both the standard and deluxe edition.

⏳ Timestamps:
0:00 - Overview
0:39 - A warning
1:05 - Options available
1:30 - Particle Pack
1:56 - Deluxe edition overview
2:44 - Included with every edition
3:14 - Don's Magic & Books
4:09 - One of my favorite things
5:02 - The descriptions are phenomenal
6:19 - The stack is easy to learn
7:05 - Built in features
7:52 - The System vs. the Stack
8:29 - Adding the system to your stack
9:27 - Deeper dive into tricks
10:42 - The plots
11:42 - Not only tricks and sets
12:47 - Some cons
14:37 - Target audience
15:25 - Value proposition
16:06 - The Deluxe Edition
17:27 - Deluxe value prop
18:15 - Conclusion

[ScottRSmith]

I'm a lifetime customer of Don’s Magic and Books. Don’s the best and so honest!

[lucasritter]

I just want to know how he’s able to cut to a thought of card instantly?

[SeanDevine]

Great review, Jeff! I was already going to buy this. But now I’m twice as excited about it.

[dancee]

Great review! I bought the book and read a lot of the ebook and watched many of the videos. It is Outstanding!

[kalvheps]

I think this is actually a game changer for mem deck work.I am not a mem deck person but I think this really does need investigating and given a thoroughly good test drive.I am really excited about this project and I think as you say, it could be the standard go to, to learn mem deck work.I am definitely getting it.Its a no brainer.Looks gorgeous and I’m sure if the work is put in its going to deliver some miraculous routines.Wonderful and refreshing new material.Nice one Jeff.Thanks.

[tommarquette]

I was luck to get the book at Magic Live. Spent weeks doing multiple read throughs lots of great stuff ... but I'm not ready to replace the Aronson in my head. At Magic Live I got to ask Master Jay did he known of any system to maintain two stacks? His answer was pretty nuts and blots : shift the second stack up by 100 so 126 could be queen of hearts ihen or ihair for gueen of Diamonds. Was inspired to work up a magic square out of Aronson Stack very doable . Look forward to your progress and thoughts on stack transition.

[rickmckeithan]

I'm on vacation in Singapore from Colorado and waited until the wee hours of the morning for this to drop so I could order right away. I was really pleasantly surprised to get the PDF version included for free. It's great!

I was hoping the deluxe edition would be in my price range but couldn't justify an extra $150. I agree with your review.

[michaelkorabek]

Thanks for the review. Definitely looking to get this book, I like all the little add ons included like video performances, a program to help you learn the stack and a marked deck. Great value in my opinion.

[duanedow]

Ordered it yesterday. Started with the first ten cards and have them down pretty well already. Looks great!!

[gregwarrior]

is it possible to view the performances of the included routines before purchase?

[MacMediaEnt]

Collectors Edition is beautiful and totally worth it for me as a collector of fine books and unique packaging

[Monkeyspanner]

Some comments seem to be focused on this being a mem deck, but it's a system, and with it come three routines ready to go. I didn't open my copy until Xmas Day, I've barely scratched the surface, but I'd say it was worth the money (I got the basic edition).

[rogergrant]

A belated Hi from Nebraska. Another great review. Thanks for taking the time to do all these reviews now and in the past.

[pwcinla]

Ugh, I have just nailed Mnemonica after months of practice and now there's a New Stack in Town? Having said that, this looks gorgeous and extremely tempting, especially for the effects that are not stack dependent. Adding to wishlist now!

[ThemagicofEd]

After watching the Monday lecture and Josh's part on the particle system and then your review. I have to say I'm leaning toward making that purchase. I do not have a mem deck other than stebbins. So this might be what I need

[jameswebb]

After intently reviewing your review on "The Particle System" I ordered my copy and am delightedly anticipating its arrival. I would love to hear which books you have reviewed in the past are your favorites and your top five tricks within each of those books. Thanks.

[Milojupiter]

Hi I got particle system as a gift so I don’t know how I would be able to get the training web app and the Facebook group along with the videos

[DavidM-ljyv]

Wow-- What an informative and enjoyable review. Thank you!! You answered this but just wanted to make sure-- If I currently use Tamariz stack and have zero interest in cramming a new stack into my head-- are there strong, new effects in here that will work w Tamariz stack? Thanks!!!

[endgame]

As a long time fan of Joshua Jay, it was a no-brainer to opt for the deluxe edition. Thanks for the insights on the value his work on memdeck routines. Now I just need to forget everything I learned on previous memdeck methods.

[Themagiciangr]

Does the stack look shuffled or someone can see the pattern?