Literary and Cultural References in The Towers

Hey guys! So while I'm waiting to hear back from my editors, I thought it might be fun to put together a little spark notes-esque sort of guide of literary and cultural references in the book. It was very important to me to be able to have some kind of message and commentary on society sooo here you go! Enjoy! But beware SPOILERS are afoot....

The Zodiac and Astrological Aspect

One of the most important and apparent references in The Towers is to the greek zodiac. Each of the twelve types of brand fall under each of the twelve zodiac signs. Spade being a Cap (Capricorn) and Stratus being an Aqua (Aquarius).
In addition to that, each of the twelve signs has an element--earth, water, air, or fire. Spade being an earth element, her name and talents reflect that.

Tophet Day

In the first draft of The Towers, Tophet Day was originally named Reaping Day for the idea of a crop being harvested with a scythe and also the bringer of death. But since that reference was too closely related to Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, I revised it in the second draft, renaming it Tophet Day in reference to the location (translating into "the roasting place") in which children were sacrificed to the gods Moloch and Baal in the Hebrew Bible and later Christendom.

Delta

In mathematical references, Delta describes the change. As in the change of y over the change of x. Meaning each change directly affects the other things in the equation--in this case, the change being either transcending to heaven or how the meeting of Stratus and Spade affected everything else.

Public Executions 

Similar to how the upside down cross refers to anti-christianity, the upside down delta symbol used to shaming the brands during public executions. When the brands are tied such that their arms are stretched out to the side and their legs hanging down is in reference to the crucifix punishment used on figures such as Jesus Christ whom went against the government.

Namesake of Characters

Spade and Till
Being born under an earth zodiac, Spade and Till are very connected to plants and the earth, their name coming from the gardening tools. All earth signs are given names in reference to gardening, plants, and soils.

Stratus and Sky
Being born under an air zodiac, Stratus and Sky are most in tune with the air around them. All air signs are given names in reference to weather, atmosphere and clouds.

Kindle and Ember
All brands born under fire signs are given names in reference to fire and warmth.

Atrox
latin for "terrible" and "fierce"

Jason Baines
Bains is the latin term for bones, fitting his occupation as a doctor.

Kerria
Kerria is a type of yellow flower as a symbol of happiness.

Eyas
Eyas is a term for a young hawk, reflecting his angry and fierce yet naive nature.

Judah
From the Hebrew name meaning "praised". In the Old Testament, one of the twelve sons of Jacob named Judah formed a tribe that eventually became the Kingdom of Judah. Similar to how the Judah in the book founded The Digs.

Sharon and baby Rose
A little bit of a nod to Steinbeck's classic Grapes of Wrath character of the same name and also frequently referenced in the bible. A Rose of Sharon is plant that is ugly and blooms once shortly before dying, similar to how Sharon wasn't very kind to Spade until she gave birth and came to an understanding with Spade before being killed in the raid.

Hitchhiker? 
A few people have approached me asking if the brand slang term "frood" and "don't panic" are references to A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. In all honesty, I've never read the novel nor seen the movie and for some odd reason I happen to have two things in the book that also appear in Hitchhiker. Funny how that happens! Maybe in the future I'll say it was on purpose and it'll make me look that much more intelligent.