Dark Against the Sky is the story of a band of climbing boys (young chimney sweeps) in London in 1834. The arc of their adventures follows the main character, Tommy, as he struggles to find and be reunited with his father, faces the daily challenges of life as a climbing boy ruled by callous master sweeps, and interacts enjoyably with friends and street folk. Though his story is often darkened by his work and the period, it is brightened and ultimately redeemed by his growth in his journey and the humanity he shares with his "band of brothers.