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

  On a nod from Trev, the gaoler took a cloth out of his pocket, pulled Jim's neck forward slightly and bound the thin material around his head. The captive was still able to breathe through the porous fabric, but that didn't help his unease. The gaoler then pulled Jim's body towards the edge of the cot so that his head was now hanging over. Trev lifted the bucket and began to pour a thin steady stream of water over Jim's face. 


  Jim's head thrashed from side to side, but it did little good. The effect was instantaneous; he felt he was drowning; water entered his nose, which created an involuntary action that made him open his mouth. The uncontrollable gagging reflex was terrifying. 


   After twenty heartbeats, Trev the Hev stopped. Once Jim had control of his breathing, he screamed. The cloth did little to prevent the noise echoing through the cellblock.


Chapter 96