A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once

Author: Lucas Maxwell

Interest age: from c 14 years

Published on 9 April 2026 by Chicken House Ltd in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 240 pages
130 x 197 x 17 | 172g

Being a teen’s a tough gig, but what if one gig

could save your family?

'Gorgeous and sensitive, incredibly thoughtful to its characters

who are full of life and colour and vivid detail ... a

truly special debut.' MARGARET MCDONALD

'... has a subtle power. Honest, engaging and warm, Elias's

story will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.'

SARAH CROSSAN

'The most gorgeously written and heartfelt debut in years.

Breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces all at once and then

puts it back together again – a marvel.' PIERS

TORDAY

Elias’s brain is a swamp of fears and bad things. His once-loving

brother Bo has become a stranger, and his parents are at

breaking point.

When Bo falls in with dangerous people, Elias decides he’s

the only one who can bring his family back together. But what

begins as a simple pizza-night plan quickly spirals into chaos.

Can Elias find a way to reach the people he loves the most

before it’s too late?

The stunning debut novel from Lucas Maxwell, winner of

the Times/Chicken House Competition 2024

Set in wintry Nova Scotia, Canada and inspired by the

author’s childhood, this special novel explores themes of

family addiction and growing up neurodivergent

Perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower,

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

and Orbiting Jupiter

For readers aged 13 and up

'Emotional gut punch, beautiful setting, and HD real characters'

NATHANIEL LESSORE

'Very occasionally I read a book which I know is going to

stay with me for a very long time ... I loved it very much.' SIMON

JAMES GREEN

'I was gripped from the very first line. Wonderful.'

LISA THOMPSON

'I read it in pretty much one sitting ... flawless' JASBINDER

BILAN

'Unimaginably good ... a work of utter genius' TIA

FISHER

'I highly recommend this lovely read' SUSIN NIELSEN