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Destiny's Hand #1
Destiny's Hand
Destiny's Hand: a pirate ship that cannot be sunk led by a dying Captain who will not give up.
His final wish before he dies is to find the legendary Devil's Eye.
And who does he appoint to lead his fearless crew in search of the lost treasure, but Olivia Soldana, a brash 16-year-old girl who can outdo any man.
His final wish before he dies is to find the legendary Devil's Eye.
And who does he appoint to lead his fearless crew in search of the lost treasure, but Olivia Soldana, a brash 16-year-old girl who can outdo any man.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2006
94 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Nunzio DeFilippis
199 books95 followersNunzio DeFilippis is married to Christina Weir; together they have written a large number of graphic novels. They have written superhero comics but also created original comics and graphic novels of many genres, from YA fantasy to sports to horror to crime drama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 20, 2021
For my first ever manga this was a fun ride and a great intro to this style of storytelling!
Olivia is a cool protagonist I was right behind the whole way and one I admire for her fiery spirit, compassion, loyalty, and spunk. The rest of the characters I haven’t gotten to know too well yet except for Captain Blaine who’s a worthy father figure for Olivia, but I think I’ll get to know them better in the next volumes.
The art was really neat and well done though I wouldn’t get too many manga on Kindle because on my phone (where I currently read them) it’s very small and a bit hard to read at times since I have to turn my phone sideways to read it. This probably wouldn’t be a problem on a Kindle device or a tablet, so just keep that in mind if you read on your phone. ☺️
There are a few mild swear words and some shootouts and fights all with very little blood. All in all this is a really fun, clean manga (thanks for the rec, Laura!) and I’m already enjoying Volume Two. Just know it ends on a cliffhanger, so I’d have all three on hand to read at once. 😉
Olivia is a cool protagonist I was right behind the whole way and one I admire for her fiery spirit, compassion, loyalty, and spunk. The rest of the characters I haven’t gotten to know too well yet except for Captain Blaine who’s a worthy father figure for Olivia, but I think I’ll get to know them better in the next volumes.
The art was really neat and well done though I wouldn’t get too many manga on Kindle because on my phone (where I currently read them) it’s very small and a bit hard to read at times since I have to turn my phone sideways to read it. This probably wouldn’t be a problem on a Kindle device or a tablet, so just keep that in mind if you read on your phone. ☺️
There are a few mild swear words and some shootouts and fights all with very little blood. All in all this is a really fun, clean manga (thanks for the rec, Laura!) and I’m already enjoying Volume Two. Just know it ends on a cliffhanger, so I’d have all three on hand to read at once. 😉
March 5, 2015
Stuff I Read - Destiny's Hand vol. 1 by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir Review
Ah, pirates. Or should I say, ARR, PIRATES!!! Because this is probably the best pirate story that I've read. capturing the fun of an ensemble cast and the trope of the "noble" pirate, this volume of manga is something of an odd duck, but it is great. I mean, sometimes one looks at Pirates of the Caribbean and notices that, hmm, pretty much everyone is white. And not to be too shocking to "historical" representations of pirates and such, but that doesn't seem the most accurate to me. So hurrah, a quite diverse manga that also happens to feature a woman pirate kicking ass and taking names. The setup for the work might be a little standard as these things go, but the execution is quite good, creating a setting that feels fully populated.
I should say, though, that this manga reads a lot like a video game, but a video game that would not be made anytime in memory. The elements are all there, the weapons and the big personalities. The bickering among the crew. Some people not being comfortable with the main character because she's a woman who knows how to fight. She earns her way onto the crew through combat to avoid getting married off by her parents. She's a fun, stubborn character, and so far has ample charm and personality to make reading about her interesting. Her anger, her care for how other perceive the crew, her willingness to do what needs to be done regardless of how legal it might be: there are many endearing qualities she possesses.
The plot, too, is pulled out of a video game, with the main pirate wounded and dying and needing Olivia, the main character, to lead the crew to finding pieces of a map that will tell the direction to an object called Destiny's Hand. Thrown into the mix for good measure is a backstory involving a magic masthead, a doomed romance, and an illegitimate son for the captain. An illegitimate son who just so happened to have been raised by a governor who absolutely hates pirates. All these trappings are fun, and in a lesser manga I would probably be rolling my eyes but here I feel there's enough new and unique to this series that I'm willing to go with it. At least, nothing outright offended me, so that's always a good thing.
And really, I don't have all that much to say about this volume. It did quite a good job of setting things up. The villains made an appearance (though maybe there will be even more) and the heroes were introduced. There is a ton of conflict right from the start and the main character is just great. The action is handled well and the whole situation is a blend of pirates and magic all wrapped up in a manga coating and it's just rather great. Perhaps it won't get you thinking too hard, but it does seem to have some positive messages about following your dreams and not letting conventions get in the way of what you want. Solid work, and an 8/10 for me.
Ah, pirates. Or should I say, ARR, PIRATES!!! Because this is probably the best pirate story that I've read. capturing the fun of an ensemble cast and the trope of the "noble" pirate, this volume of manga is something of an odd duck, but it is great. I mean, sometimes one looks at Pirates of the Caribbean and notices that, hmm, pretty much everyone is white. And not to be too shocking to "historical" representations of pirates and such, but that doesn't seem the most accurate to me. So hurrah, a quite diverse manga that also happens to feature a woman pirate kicking ass and taking names. The setup for the work might be a little standard as these things go, but the execution is quite good, creating a setting that feels fully populated.
I should say, though, that this manga reads a lot like a video game, but a video game that would not be made anytime in memory. The elements are all there, the weapons and the big personalities. The bickering among the crew. Some people not being comfortable with the main character because she's a woman who knows how to fight. She earns her way onto the crew through combat to avoid getting married off by her parents. She's a fun, stubborn character, and so far has ample charm and personality to make reading about her interesting. Her anger, her care for how other perceive the crew, her willingness to do what needs to be done regardless of how legal it might be: there are many endearing qualities she possesses.
The plot, too, is pulled out of a video game, with the main pirate wounded and dying and needing Olivia, the main character, to lead the crew to finding pieces of a map that will tell the direction to an object called Destiny's Hand. Thrown into the mix for good measure is a backstory involving a magic masthead, a doomed romance, and an illegitimate son for the captain. An illegitimate son who just so happened to have been raised by a governor who absolutely hates pirates. All these trappings are fun, and in a lesser manga I would probably be rolling my eyes but here I feel there's enough new and unique to this series that I'm willing to go with it. At least, nothing outright offended me, so that's always a good thing.
And really, I don't have all that much to say about this volume. It did quite a good job of setting things up. The villains made an appearance (though maybe there will be even more) and the heroes were introduced. There is a ton of conflict right from the start and the main character is just great. The action is handled well and the whole situation is a blend of pirates and magic all wrapped up in a manga coating and it's just rather great. Perhaps it won't get you thinking too hard, but it does seem to have some positive messages about following your dreams and not letting conventions get in the way of what you want. Solid work, and an 8/10 for me.
May 20, 2023
I would give this a 3.5. It’s better than I initially expected and delves into the characters without slowing down the pacing. I’ll probably search out the next volume but I’m not in a massive rush to do so.
February 21, 2021
All three volumes of this series are currently free on Kindle. The main intriguing aspect of this manga is that it is created and published in the US market as three graphic novels rather than as collected issues. The writing team has a long CV including animation and games, whilst the Filipino artist is a newcomer to the US market (the development dossier at the end of the book is the best bit). This is imitation manga with lots of attention to graphic design, and hence to franchise property.
The art is rather good, nothing special or detailed as this is designed to be a quick flick-through read. The story is very light indeed, and very much inspired by all the Pirates of the Caribbean films and clones. Entertaining but really nothing new. We have a teen girl pirate as lead protagonist, and she’s the only one dressed in manga norm costume of tight top and skimpy shorts rather than anything to fit the rest of the world she’s in. Oh well, it’s manga, hey? No need for any attempt at realism. Our protagonist can be empowered but still be eye candy or bubble gum as per manga’s tropes. Lots of chibi moments too, which I just can’t get on with.
There are plenty historical female pirates in the world, so it’s a shame their real life stories don’t seem to inspire pirate adventures such as this mixture of tropes. So much material going to waste.
Nevertheless, this graphic novel is a quick, easy, brainless read, which is exactly what was expected.
The art is rather good, nothing special or detailed as this is designed to be a quick flick-through read. The story is very light indeed, and very much inspired by all the Pirates of the Caribbean films and clones. Entertaining but really nothing new. We have a teen girl pirate as lead protagonist, and she’s the only one dressed in manga norm costume of tight top and skimpy shorts rather than anything to fit the rest of the world she’s in. Oh well, it’s manga, hey? No need for any attempt at realism. Our protagonist can be empowered but still be eye candy or bubble gum as per manga’s tropes. Lots of chibi moments too, which I just can’t get on with.
There are plenty historical female pirates in the world, so it’s a shame their real life stories don’t seem to inspire pirate adventures such as this mixture of tropes. So much material going to waste.
Nevertheless, this graphic novel is a quick, easy, brainless read, which is exactly what was expected.
April 27, 2021
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/8C6OGJTZgM8
This was really good! Definitely an excellent pirate story and felt the action was constantly "flowing." Even better is that it gave me Pirates of the Caribbean/One Piece vibes, but on a much smaller scale.
I'm really digging it though! I like our main girl a lot and liked her backstory of how she came to be a pirate. (What an epic opening!) She is feisty, loyal, and determined. I like how she's not afraid to put herself in danger's path to help keep her crew members save.
I also LOVE the idea of a pirate gentleman! What a fun twist! Though certain events surrounding our pirate gentleman adds another level of tension to the overall story because we don't know what's going to happen.
The action is excellent! Didn't realize how much I was needing a good action read until I started reading and as a result, 100% here for it!
I thought the art was very well done and found a great balance between text and art. Due to reading on my Kindle, there were only a few places that the text was hard to read because it was so small.
Overall, this was an extremely well done pirate story! I feel very impressed as well as eager to start the next volume. The tension is getting higher and the hunger for adventure grows!
This was really good! Definitely an excellent pirate story and felt the action was constantly "flowing." Even better is that it gave me Pirates of the Caribbean/One Piece vibes, but on a much smaller scale.
I'm really digging it though! I like our main girl a lot and liked her backstory of how she came to be a pirate. (What an epic opening!) She is feisty, loyal, and determined. I like how she's not afraid to put herself in danger's path to help keep her crew members save.
I also LOVE the idea of a pirate gentleman! What a fun twist! Though certain events surrounding our pirate gentleman adds another level of tension to the overall story because we don't know what's going to happen.
The action is excellent! Didn't realize how much I was needing a good action read until I started reading and as a result, 100% here for it!
I thought the art was very well done and found a great balance between text and art. Due to reading on my Kindle, there were only a few places that the text was hard to read because it was so small.
Overall, this was an extremely well done pirate story! I feel very impressed as well as eager to start the next volume. The tension is getting higher and the hunger for adventure grows!
December 11, 2022
The artwork was OK in this I have to say overall I thought the story was kind of average. I don’t know if I’ll be in a big hurry to read the rest of these it was kind of interesting the spin they put on Pirates but other than that I thought it was very OK.
October 12, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this manga, and I love the story idea already, definitely need to get the next book!
March 25, 2017
If I ever thought that original-English mangas were no good, there's no way I could think that now. True, the idea of a girl pirate is a bit overused, but I think that this story handled it quite well. Besides that, I absolutely adore every single one of the characters(except maybe the governor). I was extremely pleased with the fact that Olivia was not just some happy-go-lucky girl, like many female manga characters all. So far I am loving this manga to bits, and can't wait to read the rest!
April 13, 2021
Ahoy! Surrender your cargo and you'll be safe to go home.
Set sail on the gentleman pirate Sebastian Blaine's ship the Destiny's Hand. Those that follow his code may lose their wealth but in exchange may be treated to tales of piracy and are guaranteed safe passage. However choose to betray his honor at your own risk for though a gentleman he may be a fool he is not and his honor will call out for blood.
A little bit on the silly side when it comes to how strong Olivia Soldana is in the story but if you are willing to suspend belief that a 13 year old girl with some experience in a rough port city can overpower a seasoned pirate then you might just be in for a treat. After her father tried to sink the unsinkable Destiny's Hand she stands up against the crew as one of the few still able to. Her father's cowardice and greed are to be the end of him but with spirit and manga heroine power ups Olivia proving herself every bit as tough if not honorable as any of the crew. Thus begins her adventures as a member of one of the few non-blood thirsty crews yet to sail the seas.
This story is not just about piracy though because it also involves love as we see how the Destiny's Hand became the ship it is today, long lost relations as a father and son are reunited though circumstances are dire, a madman seeking a powerful magical artifact, and a race against time as Blaine does whatever he can to see his final destiny finally take shape.
After the story if you are interested in such things the creators of the book will regale you with details about the characters and ships that show within the volume. I particularly found it interesting that the Destiny's Hand crew all have their own tattoos and we get to see some of the interesting designs as the book was brought to life. If you are interested in checking out this story the first three volumes are free for Amazon Kindle at this moment so be sure to check them out while they are a steal. :)
Set sail on the gentleman pirate Sebastian Blaine's ship the Destiny's Hand. Those that follow his code may lose their wealth but in exchange may be treated to tales of piracy and are guaranteed safe passage. However choose to betray his honor at your own risk for though a gentleman he may be a fool he is not and his honor will call out for blood.
A little bit on the silly side when it comes to how strong Olivia Soldana is in the story but if you are willing to suspend belief that a 13 year old girl with some experience in a rough port city can overpower a seasoned pirate then you might just be in for a treat. After her father tried to sink the unsinkable Destiny's Hand she stands up against the crew as one of the few still able to. Her father's cowardice and greed are to be the end of him but with spirit and manga heroine power ups Olivia proving herself every bit as tough if not honorable as any of the crew. Thus begins her adventures as a member of one of the few non-blood thirsty crews yet to sail the seas.
This story is not just about piracy though because it also involves love as we see how the Destiny's Hand became the ship it is today, long lost relations as a father and son are reunited though circumstances are dire, a madman seeking a powerful magical artifact, and a race against time as Blaine does whatever he can to see his final destiny finally take shape.
After the story if you are interested in such things the creators of the book will regale you with details about the characters and ships that show within the volume. I particularly found it interesting that the Destiny's Hand crew all have their own tattoos and we get to see some of the interesting designs as the book was brought to life. If you are interested in checking out this story the first three volumes are free for Amazon Kindle at this moment so be sure to check them out while they are a steal. :)
May 5, 2020
Truth be told, I only just discovered this manga last night while browsing the Google Play store (All 3 volumes were free). I'm an immense fan of pirate based fiction and I immediately found myself enthralled by the universe when I started reading it.
Destiny's Hand #1 follows a young woman named Olivia who is traveling to the town of Valroux to be married to a nobleman there. Olivia yearns for a life of adventure and when her father's ship is attacked by a pirate ship helmed by a gentleman pirate named Captain Blaine, she finally gets her chance and joins his crew.
From there the story moves forward 3 years and it's revealed that the world of pirates is changing for the worse and a pirate captain named Mulgrew is leading the change. He's a bloodthirsty pirate who leaves none alive.
The overall story is heavily inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and there are a few similarities between them but there's also enough uniqueness to set the two apart.
I enjoyed this manga quite a bit and it was a very lucky discovery on my part. I wish I'd known about it sooner but at least I'm experiencing it now. Definitely recommended if you enjoy pirate fiction or manga with interesting characters.
Destiny's Hand #1 follows a young woman named Olivia who is traveling to the town of Valroux to be married to a nobleman there. Olivia yearns for a life of adventure and when her father's ship is attacked by a pirate ship helmed by a gentleman pirate named Captain Blaine, she finally gets her chance and joins his crew.
From there the story moves forward 3 years and it's revealed that the world of pirates is changing for the worse and a pirate captain named Mulgrew is leading the change. He's a bloodthirsty pirate who leaves none alive.
The overall story is heavily inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean and there are a few similarities between them but there's also enough uniqueness to set the two apart.
I enjoyed this manga quite a bit and it was a very lucky discovery on my part. I wish I'd known about it sooner but at least I'm experiencing it now. Definitely recommended if you enjoy pirate fiction or manga with interesting characters.
January 26, 2018
Saw this book years ago when Borders was closing and read it and enjoyed it...didnt reread til today in 2018. I really like this first volume at least. I like the designs of just about every character a lot, and I enjoy Olivia's character - she's one of the few female main protagonists who I really enjoy. She seems capable and smart, physically able, and proactive and becomes a leader. I find the plot pretty decent with the crew searching for the Devil's Eye to prevent catastrophe and overall like the story so far.
Hope to keep reading and enjoying this American manga. Like the art, story and characters, and it doesnt feel cliche'd at the moment to me anyway.
Hope to keep reading and enjoying this American manga. Like the art, story and characters, and it doesnt feel cliche'd at the moment to me anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2020
It was really good. I was excited to finally find a manga about pirates that wasn’t one piece, (which I’m watching but am not overly excited about) I don’t care for the main characters outfit but I like the character herself. It had an interesting story and I would like to read the rest of the series if I can find them.
June 15, 2020
Although I'm reading this series for the first time, I felt oddly nostalgic as I read it. Not sure why! There's something comforting about the cast of characters, their adventures, the art, the easy pacing of the story. Glad I got my hand on this series!
June 20, 2020
Quest of a pirate girl
Black and white artwork. Seven seas freebie. Reads Japanese style. A young girl flees home and joins a pirate crew. The captain gives her a quest to find the devil's eye. A fair amount of action. No real sex scenes.
Black and white artwork. Seven seas freebie. Reads Japanese style. A young girl flees home and joins a pirate crew. The captain gives her a quest to find the devil's eye. A fair amount of action. No real sex scenes.
January 25, 2023
Yawn.
Nothing to see here, folks, if you’ve ever seen any pirate movie.
I realize I am not the focus audience for this book. I found both the story and artwork subpar, and will actively avoid volume 2.
Nothing to see here, folks, if you’ve ever seen any pirate movie.
I realize I am not the focus audience for this book. I found both the story and artwork subpar, and will actively avoid volume 2.
July 25, 2023
Enjoyable
Great storyline with interesting characters. I love the concept and where this seems to heading. I've already got the next two books in the series and am looking forward to reading them soon.
Great storyline with interesting characters. I love the concept and where this seems to heading. I've already got the next two books in the series and am looking forward to reading them soon.
September 23, 2023
Surprisingly, I actually quite liked this short series. The other OEL manga I've read from this publisher wasn't very good, so I didn't have high expectations. But this was pretty good. It had its flaws, but I enjoyed myself throughout.
January 23, 2024
Womderful
A fantastic start to a pirate story! The characters are lovable, and nicely drawn. It explains things without feeling like it's info pumping, and the ending leaves you wanting more!
A fantastic start to a pirate story! The characters are lovable, and nicely drawn. It explains things without feeling like it's info pumping, and the ending leaves you wanting more!
August 5, 2021
Loved this story! Olivia is a true rebel wanting to stand strong and not be forced into a marriage. Can't wait to get the next book!
April 3, 2023
good book
Great read and character design. I enjoyed the story from start to finish and art work. Highly recommend this book
Great read and character design. I enjoyed the story from start to finish and art work. Highly recommend this book
May 5, 2023
This was so fast and fun it kinda reminded me of assassins creed black flag but with a girl😁 I highly recommend this fun work of art.
September 8, 2024
It was ok
November 16, 2024
I'm bored with this one!
January 3, 2025
Yessss i love pirate adventures!! Amazing characters, plot and setting!! Gives girl boss Pirates of the Caribbean vibes
December 3, 2025
Very well written.
I liked it from start to finish. Hard to put down. There was a lot of variety in the various characters.
I liked it from start to finish. Hard to put down. There was a lot of variety in the various characters.
June 11, 2023
I loved this. A really good plot and story line. The art is wonderful, much better than I expected. Olivia is an amazing character, a very strong young lady with a code of ethics that are strong.
May 13, 2012
Olivia Soldana is a girl who doesn't want to follow in her parents' footsteps. When the ship she's sailing on with her parents gets attacked by Sebastian Blaine, captain of the Destiny's Hand and a pirate, Olivia fights with the boatswain to prove her worth, and leaves her parents to become a pirate.
The Destiny's Hand is an unusual ship - Captain Blaine doesn't attack to kill, and the ship itself is unsinkable. There is also a story behind its name - Blaine fell in love with a woman who ran away from her family, just like Olivia - and they had a son. That son, raised away from the pirates and believing his father is Governor Houghton, is the key to finding the Devil's Eye - something that another pirate, our villain, is searching for. When Olivia is sent by Blaine to bring Elias, his son, back to the Destiny's Hand, things begin to happen that may change all of their lives.
The art is very clear and the storyline is engaging. I am looking forward to reading more of it.
The Destiny's Hand is an unusual ship - Captain Blaine doesn't attack to kill, and the ship itself is unsinkable. There is also a story behind its name - Blaine fell in love with a woman who ran away from her family, just like Olivia - and they had a son. That son, raised away from the pirates and believing his father is Governor Houghton, is the key to finding the Devil's Eye - something that another pirate, our villain, is searching for. When Olivia is sent by Blaine to bring Elias, his son, back to the Destiny's Hand, things begin to happen that may change all of their lives.
The art is very clear and the storyline is engaging. I am looking forward to reading more of it.
April 10, 2011
Olivia, wary of being forced into a marriage she doesn't want, joins the crew of Destiny's Hand and starts her life as a pirate. When the captain of her ship is gravely injured, he sends Olivia on a quest to find a treasure. This one was recommended to me by one of the kids at my library and I can see why she likes it - lots of adventure, a strong heroine. The first half went pretty slowly as we were introduced to all the characters, but the volume ends on a serious cliffhanger that'll have kids clamoring for more.
After this fifth grader told me how much she loved this book, I pressed Rapunzel's Revenge into her hands and she ended up checking out that one and its sequel. Next time I see her, I'm going to make her check out L.A. Meyer's Bloody Jack because I think it'll be right up her alley.
After this fifth grader told me how much she loved this book, I pressed Rapunzel's Revenge into her hands and she ended up checking out that one and its sequel. Next time I see her, I'm going to make her check out L.A. Meyer's Bloody Jack because I think it'll be right up her alley.
May 1, 2022
I went from an exciting pirate adventure (read Sandokan) to a rather bland pirate adventure. The artwork is okay. I could tell what was going on. Heroine Olivia Soldana wears the requisite S&M outfit that offers no practical protection in battle or from the elements. There are a few (very few) action scenes and a tiny bit of magic that is told, not shown. I didn't hate the characters or story but they didn't grab my attention enough to make me get the next volume. In conclusion, read Sandokan.
August 7, 2015
This reads just like an anime, it has some interesting parts, but ultimately was just a fun diversion that lasted about as long as watching an episode of anime.
The characters seem fairly one-dimensional at this point in the story, nobody but the governor's son doing anything that you wouldn't expect. At times the conversations got a little mature but nothing that would cross over into the danger zone, and both times that it happened it was a somewhat snide comment about the protagonist straddling one of her opponents.
In the end, it was entertaining, if not very deep.
The characters seem fairly one-dimensional at this point in the story, nobody but the governor's son doing anything that you wouldn't expect. At times the conversations got a little mature but nothing that would cross over into the danger zone, and both times that it happened it was a somewhat snide comment about the protagonist straddling one of her opponents.
In the end, it was entertaining, if not very deep.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews