Behind the Walls

Derry. 1689. The city's largely Protestant inhabitants resist all attempts by the Catholic King James's men to storm their gates. Outside, the Jacobite soldiers resolve to starve the populace into submission ...Inside the city, the Sherrard family are among those divided on whether to risk the lives of their loved ones or surrender the city. Tensions run high and the leaders argue. Mr Sherrard, the father of Robert and Daniel, starts to waver, angering his oldest son, Robert, who was among the 13 boys who closed the city gates in the face of the advancing Catholic army. Meanwhile Daniel, the youngest Sherrard boy, also steps up to protect Derry. As the siege lengthens and the two sides clash in battle, the heavy price of defying the Catholic king becomes clear. People are starving, injured and diseased. Bombardment rains down on the city. Horace, Daniel's beloved dog, is among those sacrificed for food. But the Derry people remain defiant. There will be 'no surrender'. Eventually, ships, sent by the Protestant King William, laden with men and provisions, are spotted on the River Foyle. They save the city from starvation and the siege ends. The Sherrard brothers celebrate the freeing of their city. But what now for these boys, haunted by their experiences? A call to arms goes up. King William and King James are heading for the final decisive battle at the Boyne. 'this fantastically written book will hook you from the start...this is historical fiction at its best.' The Guardian on City of Fate