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

Andrew rested as the Chief spoke to his warriors while waiting for the others to return. Andrew couldn"t understand what was being said but he could tell they weren"t happy. The thugs chose a bad time to regain consciousness and immediately began yelling. He was thankful when they were struck on the head again, restoring quiet. 


Chief Te Wharepouri approached and held up the weapons the thugs carried. In the moonlight, Andrew saw a couple of lethal and very sharp looking knives and two coshes. "This was for you," he offered, the pale moonlight reflecting from the blades.


Andrew hadn"t fully appreciated the danger he was in. He began to shiver.


The four warriors returned, bringing with them two handcarts normally used to transport vegetables. Te Wharepouri asked if Andrew could walk, or would he prefer to ride in the cart. Andrew replied he would walk, his rear-end was in no shape to take additionally punishment from a bumpy ride in a cart.


Chapter 48