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

  Walking towards the red shed that Lip had described, Dick asked, "How do you think we should do this?"


  "It's unlikely the Russian will run away from us," replied Ira. "So we'll just walk in and hopefully surprise him and his mates if they are still there."


  The main door to the big shed was open.  On entering Ira could see a smaller door that was open on the far side, presumably leading to a yard. He pointed towards the far door and began to head in that direction.


  "Hey! What do you think you're doing?" said a voice from the darkness.


  Surprised, Dick stopped immediately, turning to face the hidden man. Unperturbed, Ira continued to walk towards the door on the opposite side. A big burly man stepped out from behind some timber stacks, challenging them both.  He stood threateningly in the shadows of the shed's dark interior.


  "He roa te w? kua kitea, kaihana, Wiremu!" 7said Ira in his native Maori language.


  "Ira?" questioned a less threatening voice from the shadows.


Chapter 85