A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once: 'unimaginably good ... a work of utter genius'

by Lucas Maxwell

 
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 12 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

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 9, 2026

Reviews

[Emily Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written YA debut by Lucas Maxwell that is inspired by his own childhood, providing insight into how addiction affects family life and what it can be like growing up neurodivergent.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A multi emotion experience reading a proof copy of A Million Tiny Missiles: Nostalgia, heartache and hope.

I could feel Elias' cold fingers and toes as well as his yearning for his brother, told through his wonderfully honest (and at times relatable) perspective that was so easy to become swept into.

An absolute delight to read.

[Gráinne O'Brien]

This book is full of heart and humour. A magnificent story about a family going through a hard time and a boy who wants to fix it all. It will shatter your heart and help you put the pieces back together. Maxwell deliveries a stunning book that will remind every reader what it is like to be young and want the best for the people you love.

[Denise Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I managed to pick up a proof of this brilliant book at a recent Chicken House event, I was eager to read it as it sounded amazing and it didn’t disappoint!
Winner of the Chicken House/Times Children’s Fiction Competition for 2024 which will be published next year. It’s a brilliantly executed story about a 14 year old autistic boy who also has anxiety. When his brother starts hanging with the wrong people his life starts to implode! Lias is also a wannabe comedian and is determined to win the school talent show as he is convinced this will bring his family together again! I was totally hooked on this story which only took me a day to read, I love finding stories that are realistic with male characters as I feel there isn’t nearly enough around and this feels like a classic in the making!

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly powerful and moving #YA novel with an autistic teen protagonist navigating family upheaval in a small Canadian town.
My full review can be found here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...

[Louisa Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profoundly moving novel, both heart-wrenching and hopeful, Lucas Maxwell's debut is a thing of beauty.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review but I wrote this book and this is the thing all authors are required to do on Goodreads.
But yeah, I really like this book and think it's pretty cool.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has real heart behind it. Has a lot to say about family dynamics and what it like to be someone who is neuro diverse.