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 9th, 1873, Owhiro Bay, Wellington, 0600 hours


  Duncan woke that morning with a stiff neck; he'd spent the evening waiting for Peter, eventually drifting into a restless sleep in the living room beside the fire. Hoping Peter had returned home during the night, Duncan checked his son's room and was disappointed to find the bed had not been slept in. Remembering Ted's visit the previous evening, Duncan wondered if Betsy had returned home. I will go and see Ted this morning, he thought. A possible encounter with Sofie, although unpleasant, would just have to be endured. 


  Duncan was approaching Ted's home when the front door flew open and the considerable bulk of Sofie stepped forward, filling the doorframe. 


  "Good Morning, Mr. Wilshire," Sofie greeted him with an edge to her voice.


  "Morning, Mrs. Smythe," replied Duncan. "Did Betsy return home last night? Peter never came home, either," he added. 


Chapter 72