Author:
Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. Meticulously researched and detailed, his character driven novels create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple ‘Emmy’ nominated entertainment industry professional.


Believing God speaks to him through the archangel Gabriel, and anointed with powers, Te Ua unites his people through a common cause. He is determined to drive the imperial oppressors from Maori land and return New Zealand to the righteous.

In early 1860’s New Zealand, the beautiful region of Taranaki is engulfed in a brutal land war. Continuing with its unpopular policy, the New Zealand government, bolstered by British soldiers, seeks punitive and severe action against rebel Maori who openly resist the Government’s determined effort to confiscate their lands.  With regular army forces ill equipped to fight in the wilderness, the specialist highly trained ‘Forest Rangers’ are tasked to pursue rebel Maori deep into the rugged bush clad hills.

The Rangers newest recruit, Moana (Ira) Rangitira, a veteran of the Crimean war, shows remarkable and unusual skills, Maori fear and call him, ‘The ghost who walks’. Ira faces challenges that test his will to survive, and can he protect what is closest to his heart, or has everything been destroyed?

‘The Breath of God’ is the first novel in the Moana Rangitira adventure series.

A Soldier's Journey

Edward Gibbon Wakefield looked out of the rain-splattered window and took in the dreary scene with a resigned sigh. Below him people moved with urgency to avoid the downpour and seek adequate shelter from the inclement weather. Even a stray dog looked forlornly out from the protection of a gloomy doorway as he scratched obsessively at a minor annoyance. Wakefield looked up at the smudge of greyness between buildings and blackened chimneys and saw no possibility of respite, only a bleakness that reflected his mood. It made him want to scratch.


He rubbed the smoothness of his chin and returned his thoughts to the equally unpleasant business unfolding in New Zealand. He leaned against the window frame and thought again of William.


Chapter 41