by Carlos Cabezas López
Five Hours for Freedom
A city under siege. A father cornered. A choice that will change everything.
Zaragoza, March 5, 1838.
Dawn explodes in fire, gunpowder, and frantic church bells. Carlist troops storm the city, and the uprising known as the Cincomarzada begins to carve its place in history with blood.
Joaquín Espés, a former soldier turned blacksmith, carries the scars of war and the burden of regret. All he wants is a quiet life with his young son, Lucas. But war does not grant redemption. When his former comrade Ramón kidnaps the boy and forces Joaquín to sabotage the city’s defenses, he is confronted with the most brutal choice a man can face:
Save his son…
or save Zaragoza.
In just five relentless hours, five tolling bells that strike like hammer blows against fate, the city will burn, loyalties will shatter, and ideals will be tested in the crucible of survival. As ordinary citizens rise in unexpected defiance, Joaquín must outwit his former allies, deceive the enemy, and descend into the heart of the siege to reclaim the only thing that truly matters to him.
But every choice has a cost.
Inspired by real historical events, Five Hours for Freedom is a gripping historical thriller charged with emotional intensity. It explores:
The clash between personal loyalty and collective duty
The weight of honor and betrayal in times of war
Social stigma and exile from one’s own people
The true meaning-and price-of freedom
With vivid prose and relentless tension, Carlos Cabezas López immerses readers in a besieged Zaragoza where iron does not only forge weapons-it forges destinies.
Because sometimes history is written by heroes.
And sometimes… it is forged by those no one remembers.
Independent publisher of True Crime, Historical Fiction, and stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire.
Eager Dragon Publishing is an independent press bringing you the stories traditional publishing overlooks. Based in the UK, we specialize in True Crime that uncovers truth, Historical Fiction that brings the past alive, and Literary Fiction that stays with you. We're selective, intentional, and passionate about every title we release. Quality editing, distinctive design, and genuine care for both authors and readers define everything we do. Founded by Carlos Cabezas López, we publish books that demand to be read – stories with voice, craft, and something meaningful to say. Browse our catalog and discover your next unforgettable read.
by Carlos Cabezas López
Zaragoza, 1838.
A punto de caer en manos carlistas, la ciudad resiste con uñas, pólvora y orgullo. Pero en las entrañas de la muralla, Joaquín Espés, excombatiente renegado, herrero marcado por la traición y la pérdida, se enfrenta a una decisión imposible: salvar a su hijo secuestrado por sus antiguos camaradas… o mantener intacta la defensa de la ciudad que lo ha rechazado.
En apenas cinco horas, mientras la pólvora tiembla bajo tierra y los cañones rugen en la superficie, Joaquín deberá elegir entre la sangre que le queda y la ciudad que lo repudia.
Cinco horas para la libertad es una novela histórica breve, de tensión moral asfixiante, que retrata con crudeza el precio de la redención y la ambigüedad del heroísmo. Basada en hechos reales -la heroica Cincomarzada que frustró la toma carlista de Zaragoza-, combina la precisión documental con una narración íntima, sobria y devastadora.
Una historia sobre la libertad, sí. Pero también sobre las heridas que deja.
by Carlos Cabezas López
by Carlos Cabezas López
