Exhortation: The Art of Persuasion Is Tempting

Tony Vogiantzis

Average Rating 9/10 (1 Review)

Exhortation is a novel that takes place in Europe where four notorious bank robbers have set out to rob every major European City bank.

Standing in the robbers' way is two federal agents from the United States and England. They have been chasing these eccentric bank robbers for the last six years and have come up empty handed. They do not know their identities.

The leader of the bank robbers, Lars Strikenberg, is an enigmatic individual who uses exhortation to emphasize his point that living an average life as a commoner is unfulfilling. As fate works in mysterious ways, the two main protagonists, Lars Strikenberg and the American federal agent, Andrew Dunn, meet and become good friends, unaware that they are in fact archenemies!

Sit back and enjoy the wild ride and contemplate to yourself - can you be tempted to do something you never possibly fathomed?

Review by Tara (010702) Rating (9/10)

Review by Tara
Rating 9/10
This book entitled Exhortation is a work of art. It takes place in Europe where Four very eccentric bank robbers led by their leader Lars Strikenberg have robbed almost every major bank except for a few. The bank robbers consist of four very funny men that are completely contrary to one another.

There are two midgets who Lars constantly throughout the novel mocks. They are Hanzeus who is from Finland and has an enormous cranium (Large Head). Then there is Johnson an American who utterly hates Lars' obnoxious attitude. Finally Merlin who hails from Germany and is extremely quiet and slow. Yet these bank robbers are brilliant and have succeeded in robbing almost every major European bank. They have never been caught and are being chased by two federal agents.

What makes this plot even more intriguing is Andrew Dunn, who is leading the crusade to catch Lars and his men, actually meets Lars and the two become very good friends, unaware that they are enemies.

What makes this story so compelling and complex is that Andrew really likes Lars and begins to believe Lars' beliefs that the world is evil and you should do what ever it takes to survive in a world where money basically runs society. Hence the title Exhortation, urging someone or the masses to into what you are saying has validity and truth.

The dialogue is absolutely brilliant as Lars conveys his feelings honestly and openly where most people fear to do so. The reader can relate in one way or another to Lars' very persuasive attitude and in a humble sense, we all should step back and examine are external surroundings and ask ourselves what are we doing with our lives. Exhortation really does make you think about your present situation and you cannot help but truly adore Lars for bravery and care free personality.

The settings in the novel are greatly detailed oriented as Mr. Vogiantzis makes you feel as though you are in Europe with the characters. Lars and his bandits travel from Portugal to Spain and Holland. The action is intense yet well balanced with entertaining interactions amongst the characters. The dialogue keeps you peeled to the novel and the quarrels amongst the bank robbers are humorous and witty.

What I really liked about this novel is the moral message entailed within it, how people are opportunists and will do anything to be better then the rest. Selling yourself for money and glory. If your into entertaining action packed witty novels this is a must pick.

Tony Vogiantzis is a talented upcoming Canadian writer. I give it 5 stars out of five. You will be peeled to this book I can guarantee that.
Tara (1st July 2002)