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 10th, 1873, Armed Constabulary Depot, Mount Cook, 0600 hours.


  	The sun was rising across Lambton Harbour, peeking over the distant shadowed hills of Wainuiomata. As Wellingtonians awoke, they were greeted not only by the sun's early rays, but also by the symphony of birdcalls: the expressively vocal Tui, the clear pure tones of the Korimako and the not so romantic cries of scavenging seagulls. Other birds joined in chorus, each kind with its own distinct sound, each welcoming the beginning of a glorious new day. 


  	Ira was also whistling as he therapeutically rubbed his horse after the early morning ride from Owhiro Bay. He enjoyed the spiritual bond between animal and man, and respected the trust that his horse gave him. In return, Ira gave the horse food, water and grooming, all with care and patience, and always while whistling. The horse's ears flickered, one ear rotating to the direction of the noise, the other fixed firmly on Ira. 


Chapter 84