Boundary

by Paul W. Feenstra, Unknown Author

July 1839, without the knowledge of the English Government, the ship Tory, stealthily departed Plymouth, determined to reach New Zealand with the utmost speed. The objective, to purchase millions of acres of lands at the lowest possible price and then build the perfect society. The New Zealand Company called the first settlement Britannia, a civilization without the shortcomings and failings of a troubled English culture. On board the Tory, a young Scottish couple indentured to the New Zealand Company are excited at the prospect of beginning a new life, Britannia is the Utopia they've been promised. This is the story of adversity, the struggle to survive in the hardships of a new colony, and their fight to preserve morality and integrity in the face of greed, deception and injustice. For Andrew and Eleanor Stewart they must first battle the environment - they now live in fear for their lives. On arriving in New Zealand, colonists and settlers discover it isn't as advertised, and far from the paradise they were promised. The New Zealand Company show no restraint as surveyors measure, plot and divide, while disregarding mounting claims of illegally purchased lands and fraudulently obtained deeds. Underestimating the Maori people, the Company test their patience, how much more can Maori withstand before they fi nally take action and rebel? Befriended and aided by formidable Maori chiefs, the Stewart's question their own beliefs and values as they discover what lengths powerful men will go to satisfy their greed and lust for land. Caught between the loyalty to their employer, and helping Maori, Andrew and Eleanor encounter schemers and murderers, as they challenge the powerful New Zealand Company and the men who govern. Using violence, and intimidation, one man can destroy it all, and threatens to topple everything - who will survive? Accurately researched, this is a story of honour and integrity, and highlights an often-misunderstood dark passage in New Zealand's early colonial history.

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First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. His character-driven novels are meticulously researched and detailed and create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, to Dutch immigrants, Paul relocated to the USA in 1985 and worked in Hollywood as a multiple ‘Emmy-nominated entertainment industry professional. For over 27 years, he called the USA home and was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the country before returning home. 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 to helping his country, Paul was honoured by the New Zealand government and invited to join the prestigious ‘World Class New Zealand’ network. He has authored 12 character-driven historical fiction novels, which are meticulously researched and detailed, creating a dramatic and entertaining window into our complex past.

In his spare time, he enjoys photography and wrestling bears.

Reviews

[Harlyn Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boundary follows the fictional lives of characters Andrew and Eleanor, indentured servants, set against the backdrop of the colonization of New Zealand. The details that the author has injected into this work of fiction are astounding. Historically accurate and engaging, Boundary, is expertly written and engaging.

I am not a reader of historical fiction so I felt that it was important to do a bit of research into the subject before I dived in. I was pleasantly surprised to see the depiction of real historical figures, events, etc. This made the story even more engaging to me as a reader. 

Feenstra expertly weaves his tale of greed and deceit not only of the Maori people but also of the settlers that were basically swindled by the New Zealand Company with the dream of free passage to a new life that really did not exist. The measures in which people will take in order to procure finances, land, and prestige are limitless. 

As I read this book I couldn't help but to see this as a potential feature film. It was rich in its imagery, tone, and accurate historical depictions. I look forward to future releases by this author!

[Hannah Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boundary is a broad-range, epic novel set in the era of the New Zealand Colonization. It is quite an enlightening read on the era and on the Maori culture, in which I have long been deeply interested, and which made me determined to get through the book despite the first part, which was a little flat and lacked the bumps and twists that usually grab readers and drag them on. Action begins to pick up around the middle, with the death (spoiler alert) of a very likable character.

Bottom line: a recommended read for anyone interested in Australia and New Zealand history, the Maori, the ethical issues of colonization, and 19-th century British Empire.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boundary is a historical fiction novel depicting New Zealand’s early colonial history. You can tell the history was thoroughly researched. It details the early colonial life and impact colonialism had on the natives. Based on real events and contains for the most part, the actual names of people who existed.
“The Company was founded by men with great souls and little pockets, and fell into the hands of men with great pockets and little souls.”
Boundary is about the decline and fall of the New Zealand Company; it’s a story of the people, both the native Maori and the immigrants, who endured the injustices and lasting effects of the company’s plan. Carefully selected colonists of character and reputation were granted land and opportunity in New Zealand; creating the perfect English society. What the New Zealand Company’s plan did was destroyed the dreams of many and negatively impacted the natives who lived there. They brought good, hardworking people to New Zealand with promises of work and a future that they did not provide. They took the land from the natives and added to their struggles. They went against the policy of the British government.
“Colonisation is just another word for invasion.” – Ngaiti
It was a moral and humanitarian issue. Many events included are real and actually happened. Some were, as stated by the author, altered to create a more compelling story and I believe he succeeded. Well done!

[Helena regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Boundary was like stepping back into a raw and turbulent part of history that is often glossed over. Paul W. Feenstra doesn’t just tell a story he immerses you in it. From the moment the Tory sets sail, there’s a real sense of urgency and unease, as if you know something monumental is about to unfold.

What struck me most was how human the story felt. Through Andrew and Eleanor Stewart, I could feel both the excitement of starting afresh in a new world and the crushing weight of realizing that this dream is built on deception and exploitation. Their struggle to balance loyalty to their employers with their growing awareness of the injustices against the Maori people is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Feenstra’s attention to historical detail is remarkable. The conflicts over land, the manipulations of the New Zealand Company, and the resistance of the Maori chiefs were all painted vividly. Yet, what kept me turning the pages wasn’t just the history, but the humanity schemes, betrayals, courage, and survival all tangled together.

By the end, I was left reflecting on how greed and injustice can shape nations, and how ordinary people, caught in the middle, must choose where they stand. Boundary isn’t just historical fiction; it’s a gripping reminder of resilience in the face of corruption and adversity. It’s powerful, thoughtbprovoking, and deeply moving.