In 1924, British captains of industry partnered with political opportunists to begin construction of a shipping port on the Indonesian island of Java. Once completed, they hoped the port would facilitate a major trade route between England and the Orient. 

But even 100 years ago environmentalists were concerned about greedy profiteers raping indigenous flora and fauna for their own agenda. To make sure the construction on Java didn’t negatively impact the ecosystem of the island and its people, a naturalist by the name of Ernest Bartels was dispatched to oversee the situation. The poor academic had no idea what kind of mess he was getting himself into. 

Today Java is a popular destination site for tourists hoping to enjoy the island’s culture, scenery and beaches. (Personally, I’d like to see the magnificent Borobudur temple in person one day.) But 100 years ago it was a remote native paradise with inclement weather. In fact, author Gary R. Brand Jr. constantly reminds readers just how hot and humid it is on the tropical island day and night. 

It was also the home to the Ahool, a legendary regional monster that didn’t like the ongoing construction encroaching on its habitat. At night, the Ahool was sabotaging the project and viciously killing anyone in the vicinity. 

When Professor Bartels first learned about the Ahool, he wanted to hop on the next ship back to England. “I was only sent here to observe the wildlife,” he cried, “not fight monsters!”

Over the years, rumors of the Ahool were shrouded in mystery and hearsay. Was it a giant owl, like some people claimed? Or a giant bat? Maybe it was a surviving pterosaur? To confuse matters further, all countries had their own singular version of the colossal winged cryptid—the Kongamato, the Fangalabolo and the Guiafairo for example. 

The mystery was finally solved when Bartels and his beautiful Indonesian female guide confronted the Ahool in the Java jungle. “The creature’s face was unmistakable, with features of a chimpanzee and a bat. Its skin was dark and red. Long claws protruded from its arms and gray fur covered its entire body. Taller than most adult humans, its wingspan was wider across than three men.”

Everything culminates in a big explosive showdown between the monstrous bat-thing and the construction team militia. Although the Ahool puts up a tremendous fight, the shipping port is ultimately completed—“a testament to British advancement,” said the author. 

[ Cry of the Ahool / By Gary R. Brand Jr. / First Printing: March 2024 / ISBN: 9798851583681 ]