Destiny’s Right Hand by Michael Wagner

REVIEWED BY ZAC EFRON

When Eddie Innocent meets Destiny, his life is changed forever. “Your hand might not let you take everything back, but it can’t stop me.” These are the words of Eddie Innocent, a 15 year old simple but determined young journalist working for the Junior Herald (a Melbourne paper which is run only by young journalists under the age of 18).
Destiny’s Right Hand is a story about help, trust, friendship, determination and reliance on others in times of need.
This wonderful story is set in the suburban areas of Melbourne. Eddie first meets Destiny in a very normal situation. While Eddie is buying grapes from a small supermarket, he sees Destiny, a beautifully elegant and slender young woman, who he believes is the most amazing thing he has ever seen. But Eddie realises that looks can be deceiving and finds out that Destiny’s right hand, a transplanted hand, is making her steal strange items from stores. Eddie is the only one who believes Destiny, and Destiny is the only one who gives Eddie what he so desperately needs, confidence. After doing some research but getting nowhere, Eddie calls on his colleague, Noah, to help them. Though Noah has Asperger’s syndrome, he is extremely intellectual, and after much discussion, Eddie and Destiny convince Noah to help them solve the mystery of Destiny’s Right Hand.
The title Destiny’s Right Hand is well chosen as it’s meaning can be understood in many different ways. After reading the first few chapters, the reader will find that they will be able to form an understanding of the meaning of the title.
Both Eddie and Destiny change a lot throughout this story and one will find that by the end of the story they will change into completely different people. It is fitting that we can relate to the main characters of the story.
There is an unexpected ending to this story that leaves the reader full of emotion. The reader will be left wanting a sequel. The book is mesmerising, and enjoyable to read. The author, Michael Wagner, has chosen his words very carefully. Wagner has used many descriptive words and has done a terrific job setting the scene for the reader. Wagner has also used diagrams throughout the story to convey certain things to the reader.
The message of the story is to help someone in need of you, because you will find that helping someone else will ultimately help you.
Destiny’s Right Hand is beautifully written and is definitely a great read for the young Melburnian. I hope that the author of the book, Michael Wagner, receives praise for his outstanding efforts in writing this novel.