The War on Butterflies is a gripping novel that weaves a tale of adolescence, existential dilemmas, and the complex bonds of family. Tobias Stuart Daye, a fifteen-year-old grappling with the throes of puberty and perilous homemade fireworks, finds his life further complicated by an unexpected seduction and the relentless pursuit of a Pentecostal minister. As Toby faces these challenges, his world intertwines with that of his adopted cousin, Aiyana, who is on a tragic quest of her own.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Fairhaven, Washington, this story reveals a community in turmoil, battling the unexpected invasion of the Cabbage Butterfly. Toby's innocent backyard hobby spirals into a town-wide crisis, pitting him against his mother, a Unitarian minister with political ambitions and a determined stance against the ecological disaster. Her actions, driven by civic duty and a desire for power, create a chasm within her family, leading to a defiant disappearance to the enigmatic Lummi Island.

As the story unfolds, deeper family secrets emerge. Jace, Toby's brother, struggles with heroin addiction, teetering on the edge of destruction, while Aiyana seeks something profound to believe in amid her own life-threatening crisis. In a journey of self-discovery and survival, Toby must navigate the treacherous waters of family loyalty, personal identity, and the harsh realities of growing up.