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

  Robert looked around and saw that the church had been locked up. All was quiet. They could continue their discussion.


  "Begin again, Jim. Tell me what happened to you."


  "I was hit over the head with a lump of wood. A young chappie came at me, whacked me hard and robbed me.  Took everything, money, me knife, cigarettes, the lot."


  "Where were you, Smithy?" said Robert. 


  "Well, ahh, Jimmy was hurting, and so rather than have him walk with me we thought it a good idea to have him sit in a quiet place and rest his ankle while I went off to snoop around."


  Harper had separated from the group and was watching the surrounding area to ensure they remained undisturbed. The dog was still hanging around, but kept his distance.


Chapter 83