Autorentext

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.Set in beautiful and mysterious New Zealand, Paul's first novels, 'Boundary,' 'The Breath of God' and 'For Want of a Shilling', detail early colonial life and the controversial impact colonialism had on native Maori. Says Feenstra, "History is about the untold story, and writing historical fiction is a wonderful way to present the past in a compelling and entertaining way."Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commuted to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple 'Emmy' nominated entertainment industry professional. For over 26 years he called the USA home and was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the country. His two grown children now reside in New Zealand.Sought after as a public speaker by various learning institutions, professional member networks, and countless organisations, Paul has toured the length of New Zealand lecturing about his unique experiences in the Hollywood film and television industry. Recognised for his contribution in helping his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious, 'World Class New Zealand,' network. In his spare time, he enjoys photography and wrestling bears.

Klappentext

A secret Russian warship. A defenseless colony. The forgotten countdown to a Pacific invasion. London, 1868. British Prime Minister William Gladstone makes a chilling prediction: New Zealand's massive gold rushes, rich coal fields, and agricultural resources have made the remote colony a prime target for envious nations. To cut costs, Britain is withdrawing her troops-leaving the young territory completely exposed. Saint Petersburg, 1872. High within the ranks of the Imperial Russian Navy, a shadow plot takes shape. Inspired by the devastating commerce-raiding tactics of the American Confederate Navy, Prince Alexei and Admiral Romanov deploy Russia's most advanced ironclad frigate, the Petropavlovsk, on a covert mission to the bottom of the world. Their objective: map the defences of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington for an impending invasion. Wellington, 1873. Under the cover of a violent southern storm, the massive steel-sided predator slips undetected into the Cook Strait. But when a ruthless marine sniper pulls a trigger on a dark gravel beach, a quiet reconnaissance mission explodes into a fatal international incident. As blood spills on the shores of Owhiro Bay, the fate of a fledgling nation hangs on a knife-edge. Can a colony with no navy defend itself against a global superpower? Based on the fascinating, historically factual "Russian Scare" era of the late 19th century, For Want of a Shilling is a gripping historical thriller packed with authentic naval tactics, political intrigue, and boots-on-the-ground military suspense.