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

  "You know, Boris," began Butackov, who remained looking out the porthole, "those damned peasants have a lot to answer for. They riot and protest constantly, they're never satisfied, and the good people of Russia have given them so much. We gave them land, and for what? What does Russia get in return? Protests! Farms are not producing food and the peasants want more, always more. They are ungrateful and greedy. If it weren't for the peasants and their damned protests, we wouldn't even be here, and you and I would be enjoying the Baltic Ocean and the fine generous women of Saint Petersburg." 


   	"You've been upsetting Nevsky again, haven't you?" Boris replied, "He really is a good man, you know, a fine 2nd officer and a good son of Russia." 


  Butackov grunted and turned, leaving the porthole and the spectacular view, and sat down in the vacant armchair. The two men sat quietly, lost in the companionable silence of their thoughts. 


Chapter 63