Air Monster

by Edwin Green

"Air Monster" by Edwin Green is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Serge Larko, a lieutenant in the Rubanian air force who is tasked with a dangerous mission by the dictatorial leader Alex Reikoff. The novel unfolds in an atmosphere of intrigue and tension, focusing on Serge’s covert operations against the backdrop of a rivalry in air power between Rubania and the United States, highlighting the construction of the massive dirigible, Goliath, and the associated espionage threats. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the secretive and oppressive regime in Rubania, where the Gerka, a powerful secret police organization, operates under Reikoff's command. During a midnight meeting, Serge Larko learns that he is to undertake a critical mission: to infiltrate the United States under the false identity of a dirigible expert and ultimately sabotage the Goliath, an advanced airship in production. As Serge grapples with his loyalty to his country and his love for aviation, the tension escalates, underscoring the imminent danger that looms over both the construction of the Goliath and Serge's undercover efforts. This sets the stage for both action and ethical dilemmas as the narrative explores themes of duty, honor, and betrayal.