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

The Carlton Club, Pall Mall, London, England 1868


  	The languid haze of cigar and pipe smoke permeated the air within the luxurious lounge. Jaundiced faces of members past, of prominence and generosity graced the richly panelled walls. Framed in honour, they gazed with frozen and impassioned expressions at the Carlton Club's elite male only members. The smoke hung like a veil of secrecy, protecting schemers, hushed conspirators and overt do-gooders. 


  Strategically located white-gloved attendants, deaf to all except direct contact, surveyed the room like battlefield generals, anticipating and immediately responding to the needs and demands of their unpredictable charges. Against the windows, heavy drapes tied with ornate gold sashes kept vigil, guarding against repression and chill.


Chapter 59: Prologue