The Broken King

A short story sets the stage with a vivid portrayal of North Georgia’s rugged landscape, introducing readers to Brian Panowich’s complex world of family loyalty and criminal enterprise in McFalls County. The narrative revolves around Gareth Burroughs and his three sons—two who follow in his footsteps and one who chooses a different path as sheriff—setting up conflicts that will reshape their lives. As history unfolds through "The Broken King" and leads to the events of Like Lions, the story explores themes of heritage, power, and confrontation in a tense, atmospheric setting.