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

February 12th, 1873, Government House, Wellington. 0900 Hours.


   The commissioner was making his way up the path to Government House, and dodging workmen and wagons who were busy removing landfill for the harbour reclamation project. Out of breath, he paused at the top to rest a moment and focus on the briefing he would give the governor. In his bag was the transcript of the Russian's confession. The exact methods used to extract the confession would never see the light of day, or so the commissioner hoped, but sometimes one had to get his hands dirty. His reasoning justified the actions and, feeling better, he entered the governor's residence.


  "Good Morning, Commissioner. I hope you bring good tidings?" queried the governor after the commissioner had been admitted to the office.


  "Good Morning, Your Excellency, but, ah, I'm afraid not, sir."


  The commissioner noted that no refreshments were offered.


Chapter 103