To get this or Totally Out Of Control is the question
I can't speak to
Totally Out of Control, but here is one of the things that has made me a big
Paper Engine fan:
Through several of the technique sections, Aaron talks about his mistakes. In one case, for instance, he lays out a technique (the Outjog Herrmann Pass), then points out a couple of flaws with it: things that might draw the attention of other magicians or sophisticated laypeople. He then talks about sitting down with a friend and trying to figure out how to solve those problems, and what they came up with (the Academic Outjog Pass). Then he explains why he would never use this improved version in performance.
In other words, he gives you a full description of the thinking process an amazing magician uses in coming up with new moves and applying them in tricks. This is, quite literally, a window into the mind of an excellent performer.
That alone makes this more than worth the price. Not only are the moves and tricks described, but the creative thinking process is put on display in a way you don't often find.
I am certain that the correct answer to the question is "get both," but this is one of the things that impresses me most about Paper Engine. If that sort of thinking would be helpful to you, I would give the book some consideration.