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

  In addition to his own weapons, Constable Rupert Potter had also brought Ira's Martini-Henry Rifle and revolver. Fully armed and mounted, the two men headed to Lambton Quay as fast as they could, given the condition of the roads and traffic. 


  "I don't think the Russians will attempt to rescue the prisoner before it gets dark," said Ira, when he was close enough to talk to Potter without the chance of being overheard. 


  "The Russians have to land their Marines, rendezvous, and then make their way to where McDonald is. How long will that take?" 


  Looking at the sun, Ira determined that sunset would be an hour away. "If McDonald isn't far away, I think we easily have about three hours, Iho." 


  The urgency of finding McDonald's location was not lost on them, as lives were at stake. As the congestion eased, the two men quickened the pace down Lambton Quay, making their way to Wellington's well-known Barrett's Hotel. 


Chapter 108