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

  The Russians froze for a second, surprised by Ira's sudden appearance, then swiftly the smaller of the two men stepped forward in a crouch, ready to spring at Ira, while the quick-thinking taller man made a bold move. "Help - robber, thief!" he yelled.


  Ira was going to take a step forward to deal with the threat of the smaller man when he heard a shout from behind him, "Hey, you! Whadaya doin?" 


  "Please, help us!" cried the taller of the two Russians, pleading. The smaller man had stepped back and waited. 


  Ira risked a quick look over his shoulder. The road gang workers responded to the plea and began running towards him. Before he could move away, Ira felt a strong pair of hands grab him. Twisting away and taking a step to the side, Ira warned the gang, "I'm Sergeant Rangitira, Armed Constabulary, and - "


  	Some of the road gang broke out in laughter, drowning him out. "Nice uniform," said one road worker, and within seconds, five strong men surrounded Ira.


Chapter 91