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

  Since the pummelling, Ira had been trying to regain his breath and clear his mind. He raised his head as instructed. "I am Sergeant Moana Rangitira, ma'am," he said respectfully, holding her intense look. 


  "Yes, yes," she said slowly, "You are familiar to me. And I know your name. Is your mother's name Ata?" 


  "Yes, ma'am, that is my mother," said Ira.


  "Well... you will not remember me, young man, but you sat on my knee when you were a just baby," she said with a small chuckle. "And what did you do to prompt these bullies to beat you?"


  Rory and his friends looked on with diminished confidence.


  "They mistook me for a villain. I was in pursuit of two men suspected of violent crimes, when these fellas stepped in, thinking I was a robber."


  "That's why I recognize you, yes. I've seen you in your uniform," said Miss Pewtree. "You were here yesterday on a horse."


Chapter 92