Every author likes to sneak little details and inside jokes into their work and Children of Echoes is no exception. Here is a list of some of the Easter Eggs I hid in Children. Be warned some of these are SPOILERS.
The character Tarver is named after the character Tarver Merendsen from Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner's These Broken Stars, one of A.J.'s favorite novels.
Sophie Sharpe is named after another favorite character, Richard Sharpe, from Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series. Sophie's sword is also a reference to the Richard Sharpe character. It is a pattern 1796 Heavy Cavalry saber.
Justin's "It's A Mutant Thing" t-shirt is inspired from a similar shirt worn by a character in the All New X-Men.
The Beyz' landlord, Mrs. Colletta, is a reference to my mother, who constantly had her name mispronounced "Colletta" growing up.
The story of Justin's mother is inspired by Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown who earned the Silver Star shielding wounded comrades after a roadside bomb struck one of the vehicles in her convoy on April 25, 2007.
Echoing was originally called "Flashing". Yeah. That got changed pretty quick.
The Karani loop-tailed coats are inspired by the fashions of the early 19th century.
The Soul Drinkers are partly inspired by the Spider-Man Symbiote.
Tarver's reference to "Karanikish" is taken from a critique session I had early in the writing of Terra Soul in which a reviewer took offense with the word Karani and thought that it should be said Karanikish.
The Karani use modified Turkish for the Old Tongue.
The Karani way of greeting each other with the cardinal direction they face is based on an actual Australian language where knowing your orientation is critical.
In the chapter "Shadows" Justin refers to a Soul Drinkers blow as "hitting with the force of a charging titan." a reference to my current favorite video game--and a game I imagine Justin would have played--Destiny 2.
Most of the details about Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station are accurate, including the closet labeled SGC, itself a reference to the show Stargate.
Sophie and Ayla's "literally / figuratively" exchange is a reference to the vastly inappropriate and hilarious show Archer.