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

  "Captain, I am ready to fix the seal. On your command, we begin increasing tension on the anchor," Yuri said.


  "Very well, thank you, Malinin. It shouldn't be long now before everything is moved forward." 


  As Butackov watched, the crew, guided by officers and petty officers, began assembling forward. They stood on crates, or they were hanging on to the rigging, and all were as far forward as space would allow. Although he couldn't see, Butackov heard instructions to take a little more tension on the anchor chain. A midshipman approached the captain.


  "The executive officer sends his regards, Captain, and I'm to inform you that the chief's presence is required at the bow," said the junior officer.


  Butackov stared at the midshipman briefly, then nodded in acknowledgement.  "Malinin, I think Boris needs you for the final tensioning."


  "Aye, Captain," said Yuri, who had been standing nearby at the rail, looking at the scenery.


Chapter 86