A Soldier's Journey

Name: A Soldier's Journey
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Author: Paul W. Feenstra

Paul W. Feenstra

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Rebellion Others Warrior Mystery Adventure

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Introduction

Believing God speaks to him through the archangel Gabriel, and anointed with powers, Te Ua unites his people. He is determined to drive the imperial oppressors from Maori land. In early 1860’s New Zealand, the region of Taranaki is engulfed in a brutal land war. Continuing with its unpopular policy, the New Zealand government seeks severe action against rebel Maori who openly resist the Government’s effort to confiscate their lands. With regular army forces ill equipped to fight in the wilderness, the highly trained ‘Forest Rangers’ are tasked to pursue rebel Maori. The Rangers newest recruit, Moana (Ira) Rangitira, a veteran of the Crimean war, shows remarkable and unusual skills. 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 series. A Soldier's Journey is created by Paul W. Feenstra, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

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Chapter 1: Acknowledgements and Foreward

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. The period in which this story takes 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.

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.