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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.
BOOK ONE: THE BREATH OF GOD
Excerpt from chapter I, from the book -
"Information Relative to New Zealand: Compiled for the use of Colonists"
There is, probably, no part of the world which presents a more eligible field for the exertion of British enterprise, or a more promising career of usefulness to those who labour in the cause of human improvement, than the islands of New Zealand. The relative position of those islands, their soil, climate, rivers, harbours, and valuable natural productions, - all invite Englishmen to settle there. And it is obvious that great benefits may be conferred upon the natives, by the introduction among them of the habits and arts of an orderly and civilised British community.
John Ward Esq,
Secretary to the New Zealand Company
1839
Acknowledgments
It is doubtful I could have completed this novel without the generous help and assistance from a variety of people and organisations who suffered from my persistent questions and inquiries. Honouring their expertise and advice, I have endeavoured to maintain a high level of accuracy. Any and all errors are entirely my own.
My heartfelt thanks to - The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors. Robin Slaughter, National Poisons Centre / Te Pokap? M?tauranga T?oke. Dr Carolyn Fowler, (CA, CMA), Victoria University of Wellington. Narlene Ann Nganeko Ioane (Ngaarauru, Ngati Ruanui, Pakakohe, Muaupoko). The incredible staff at the Patea and Waverley Libraries. Archives New Zealand, Alexander Turnbull Library - National Library of New Zealand.
Especially, I want to thank Jill Davis for her support and exceptional talents and Chris Largent, for his creative brilliance.
Foreward
While "Boundary" is a work of fiction, this novel is based largely on real events. With exceptions, it contains the names of people who existed and had influence during that time.燭he period in爓hich this story爐akes place? highlights an often-misunderstood, ?dark passage of New Zealand"s early colonial history. Many people are still sensitive and suffer today as a result of what transpired during that era. Rather than exploit that suffering and pain for the purpose of mere entertainment, I hope that this book creates an awareness that prompts the reader to ask questions and seek informed answers.牋牋
No disrespect is intended to the descendants of the people whose names I have used; for most characters, their personalities and behaviour are entirely a creation of my imagination. The only similarity between the characters in this book and real people who lived during that time, is in name only. The use of fictitious names may not have served in the best interests of this story, possibly weakening sequences that relied heavily on historical accuracy.
Paul W. Feenstra.
For Wilma and Allan.
Without you both, this novel would never have been possible.
