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

  "No, you're wrong, it's definitely a dog," replied Potter, referring to the putrid object floating near the small pier where they stood. They both stepped back, avoiding the vile stench.


  "I've seen dead sheep before," said Ira. "And I know sheep, and that is a sheep."


  "If we could see its head, we'd know for sure," Potter said. "I still reckon it's a dog."


  "Hey! Are you two layabouts waiting for the Catherine Rose?" asked an unfriendly voice from inside a longboat that had just approached. The boat nudged the rotting bobbing carcass slightly away from the pier, causing the indignant gulls to flee in vocal protest.


  "Good morning, yes, that's us," answered Ira.


  The longboat pulled alongside, and a sailor expertly leapt to the wooden pier, quickly securing lines to cleats to hold the boat fast.  Three other surly-looking men clambered from the boat and stood facing Ira and Potter. 


Chapter 115