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

  A couple of men, faithful adherents of the Russian Orthodox Church, crossed themselves, touching first their right shoulder with thumb and first two fingers. They prayed for God's mercy, as the sound of metal scraping against rock was a sure sign something was catastrophically wrong. Butackov turned his head and looked at the navigator, whose face betrayed fear. 


  Sensing the hostile gaze, Nevsky looked up. "This wasn't on the chart, Captain." 


  Butackov raised an arm as if to strike him. Standing near, Boris placed a restraining hand on the captain's shoulder.


  Lips compressed, the captain pulled free from Boris's grip, and turned away, seething. Free from whatever had glanced off her thick steel plates, the ship gently rocked and slowly began to drift as large waves swept down her sides. With no sign of further obstacles, the lookouts gave the all clear. 


Chapter 65