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

"Andy?" yelled Eleanor, as she walked quickly towards him with Aroha at her side.


"Oh no!" She exclaimed and put both hands to her face. "Pork-Chop!"


Te Wharepouri looked on in puzzlement, he turned to Aroha questioning her. 


Eleanor stood beside Andrew and looked in horror at the carcass before them, it was their pig, their Pork-Chop.


"Are you offended by pig meat?" asked Aroha.


"No... no, we are not," replied Andrew trying hard to regain his composure, his voice shook in fury. He pointed to the carcass, "This was our pig! Barrett"s men must have gone to our home and slaughtered her while we were here."


Aroha translated for her father. His curiosity turned to anger as he understood what had happened. "Do you want to take pig home?" he asked, without the need of Aroha.


After a moment"s pause, "Please accept this pig as our gift. As our koha?" Eleanor stated, and looked to Aroha to confirm the correct use of the word koha.


Chapter 53