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

February 8th, 1873, Owhiro Bay, Wellington. 1845 hours.


  The storm had assaulted Wellington's south coast with unrelenting fury; huge rollers had hurled themselves on the south-facing beach for days, and finally a setting sun peaked through fast moving clouds as the abating storm moved northwards. Protected from the cold southerly winds by steep scrub clad hills, a small colonial cottage nestled snugly in the valley. Smoke from the chimney had no chance to rise before the easing wind carried it away in the waning light. Thick green grass lay flat from heavy rain, and a prowling housecat triggered a dog's solitary and frustrated bark. Flickering lights could be seen through the windows of other cottages scattered in the picturesque narrow valley, and the unrelenting roar of surf drowned all other sounds. 


Chapter 64