Exhortation
 Tony Vogiantzis
 (Guest reviewer - Tara Elizabeth Shuttleworth)
 2002 www.publishamerica.com
  ISBN: 1591293421


The Art of Persuasion Is Tempting. Four eccentric bank robbers roam about Europe, pursued by US Federal Agents.

Guest Reviewer Tara Elizabeth Shuttleworth writes:

I just finished reading Exhortation, & it is a work of art!

It takes place in Europe where a gang of eccentric criminals have robbed almost every major bank. Led by their leader Lars Strikenberg, the gang consists of four very funny men, who are completely contrary to one another.

There are two midgets whom Lars constantly mocks. They are Hanzeus, from Finland, who has an enormous cranium (Large Head), & Johnson an American, who utterly hates Lars' obnoxious attitude. Finally, Merlin, who hails from Germany & is extremely quiet & slow. Yet these bank robbers are brilliant & have never been caught, even though they are being chased by two US Federal Agents.

What makes the plot even more intriguing is when Agent Andrew Dunn, who is leading the crusade to catch the bank robbers, actually meets Lars. The two become good friends, quite unaware that they are enemies. What makes this story so compelling & complex is that Andrew really likes Lars, & begins to understand Lars' beliefs that the world is evil, & 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 believe what you are saying has validity & truth.

Tony Vogiantzis' dialogue is brilliant, as Lars conveys his feelings honestly & openly where most of us fear to do so. Readers can relate in one way or another to Lars' persuasive attitude & in a humble sense, we all should step back & examine our external surroundings, & ask ourselves what are we doing with our lives.

Exhortation really does make you think about your present situation, & you cannot help but truly adore Lars for his bravery & carefree personality.

The settings in Exhortation are greatly detailed & Tony Vogiantzis makes you feel as though you are in Europe with the characters as they travel from Portugal to Spain, & Holland.

The action is intense yet well balanced, with entertaining interactions between the characters The dialogue keeps you peeled to the pages, & the quarrels amongst the bank robbers are humorous & witty.

What I really liked about Exhortation is the moral message entailed within it: how people are opportunists & will do anything to be better than the rest. Selling yourself for money & glory.

If you are into entertaining, action-packed, witty novels Exhortation is a must! Tony Vogiantzis is a talented up-&-coming Canadian writer.
(09/29/02)

Guest Reviewer - Tara Elizabeth Shuttleworth
2002©Tara Elizabeth Shuttleworth