Although written for teenagers, this well-researched novel by the award-winning children's author about the 1798 Rising can be enjoyed by adults as well. When the United Irishmen marched into Ballymena in June, 1798, conflict was inevitable. The divided loyalties of the people were symbolized by two imposing figures -- a local schoolmaster, fanatical in his opposition to the Rebellion, and a rebel leader, equally fanatical in his opposition to British rule. In this dramatic story of the Rebellion and its aftermath, Joshua and his friend Sammy become involved with the rebel leader and his followers, now on the run from the forces of the crown, and become, unwittingly, witnesses to the final hunting down of the last United Irishman to hold out.