Nona the Ninth: Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers about Nona the Ninth
These fifteen questions dig into the choices, symbols, and hidden tensions that make Nona the Ninth a distinct and layered installment in the Locked Tomb series. Each answer is grounded in the text, with evidence and interpretation drawn from the chapters themselves.
1. Why is Nona named “Nona,” and what does that reveal about her identity?
Nona is named for her first spoken word, “No,” which became “Nona,” meaning Nine. This naming reflects her refusal and her connection to the Ninth House, but also her lack of a true identity—she is a placeholder for someone else. The name underscores her role as a temporary vessel, as she does not know her real name or which of two people she might be.
In chapter 2, Palamedes explains that Nona’s first words were “No, no,” which became Nona, and that nine is an important number. The chapter also establishes that her body belongs to one of two people, and she is unaware of her true identity. This naming ties her to the Ninth House and foreshadows her eventual connection to Alecto. See the Nona character page for more on her role.
2. How does the eye color motif function as a marker of soul transference?
In the Locked Tomb universe, eye color reveals which soul inhabits a body. Palamedes explains that when a soul takes over another body, the eyes change to reflect the original soul’s color. Nona’s amber eyes are ambiguous—they could mean she is like Camilla and Palamedes, or something else entirely. This motif underscores the instability of identity and the mystery of Nona’s true nature.
In chapter 2, Palamedes tells Nona that eyes are a dead giveaway, and that her amber eyes could indicate a soul transfer. In chapter 5, he reiterates that he and Camilla have swapped eyes, and that Nona’s situation is uncertain. This ties to the theme of the instability of identity and the self.
3. Why does Pyrrha flirt with the schoolteacher, and what does it reveal about her protective instincts?
Pyrrha flirts with the teacher to deflect suspicion after Nona reveals too much about her living situation. This quick thinking protects the household from scrutiny, showing Pyrrha’s pragmatic and protective nature. It also highlights the constant need for secrecy in a city where necromancers are hunted, and how the group must use any means to stay hidden.
In chapter 3, the teacher visits and asks questions; Pyrrha immediately flirts to change the subject, and later explains to Camilla that it was “getting us out of hot water.” This scene demonstrates the group’s reliance on deception and Pyrrha’s willingness to play a role. Learn more about Pyrrha and her complex history.
4. What is the significance of the blue light that Nona enjoys but others fear?
The blue light in the sky is a source of terror for most, causing “blue madness” and harming those with certain bodies. Nona, however, finds it pleasant and even addresses it as “Varun.” This contrast highlights Nona’s otherness and her connection to the Resurrection Beasts, particularly Varun the Eater, foreshadowing her true identity as Alecto.
In chapter 5, Palamedes explains that the blue light hurts some but not others; Pyrrha is immune, and Nona is uncertain. In chapter 10, Nona secretly enjoys the blue sphere and calls it Varun. In chapter 18, the Angel fears the blue madness. This connects to the theme of the ethics of resurrection and the manipulation of death.
5. Why does Nona refuse to leave the city for a farm with Camilla, Palamedes, and Pyrrha?
Nona refuses because she has a secret she is keeping from Camilla, and she feels a responsibility to her friends and the community. This refusal shows her growing attachment to her found family and her unwillingness to abandon them, even for safety. It also sets up the revelation of her impending death and her desire to stay until the end.
In chapter 6, Camilla asks if Nona would leave for a farm, and Nona says no, admitting she is keeping something. This moment builds trust and foreshadows her later confession about dying. It also reflects the theme of love as a force that transcends death and selfhood.
6. How does the bone exercise scene in chapter 5 reveal Nona’s healing ability and her complex feelings about necromancy?
During a bone exercise, Nona cuts her thumb, and Palamedes heals it with necromancy. She notes that the blue light doesn’t hurt Camilla and Palamedes, and she says that necromancy makes her sad—not because it’s done, but because it can be done. This reveals her empathy and her discomfort with the power over death, while also demonstrating her own regenerative abilities.
In chapter 5, Palamedes removes a bone splinter and heals the wound, and Nona asks why the blue light doesn’t hurt them. She later says, “It makes me sad—not sad that you did it, but sad that you can do it.” This scene highlights the theme of the ethics of resurrection. See the theme page on resurrection ethics for deeper analysis.
7. What is the meaning of Palamedes kissing Nona’s knuckle, and how does it reflect the group’s bond?
Palamedes kisses Nona’s second right-hand knuckle as a ritual of affection and farewell before his time in Camilla’s body ends. This gesture, repeated throughout the book, symbolizes the deep love and trust among the group, and the pain of their shared consciousness. It also foreshadows the eventual merging of Camilla and Palamedes into Paul.
In chapter 5, after the bone exercise, Palamedes kisses Nona’s knuckle and says “Time’s up.” This is a recurring motif, as seen in other chapters. It underscores the theme of love as a force that transcends death. Link to the theme page on love for more.
8. Why does Hot Sauce shoot Nona in chapter 18, and what does this betrayal signify?
Hot Sauce shoots Nona because she believes she saw Nona die and come back, which terrifies her and breaks her trust. This act of violence from a friend highlights the fragility of loyalty in a world where necromancy and resurrection are feared. It also forces Nona to confront her own nature and the consequences of her regenerative abilities.
In chapter 18, after the attack, Hot Sauce confronts Nona, insisting she saw her die, then presses a gun to her temple and fires. This is a shocking betrayal that underscores the theme of the betrayal of the many by the powerful, and the cost of Nona’s secret. Learn more about Hot Sauce and her role in the story.
9. How does Nona’s recognition of Kiriona Gaia as the girl from her dreams foreshadow the ending?
When Nona sees Crown Prince Kiriona Gaia on the broadcast, she recognizes her as the girl from her recurring dreams. This recognition connects Nona to Gideon Nav and the events of the previous books, and foreshadows the revelation that Nona is Alecto, the Body in the Tomb, and that Kiriona is Gideon’s corpse. It also sets up the final confrontation in the Tomb.
In chapter 16, Nona sees Kiriona and thinks she is the girl from her dreams. This is a key moment of foreshadowing, linking Nona’s identity to the larger series. See the Kiriona Gaia character page for more on her significance.
10. What is the significance of the “cradle creature” drawing that the Angel identifies?
The Angel identifies Nona’s drawing of an animal as a “cradle creature,” which suggests a connection to the ancient past and the Resurrection Beasts. This moment hints at Nona’s true nature and her link to the pre-apocalyptic world. It also shows the Angel’s knowledge and the hidden history of the universe.
In chapter 18, the Angel questions Nona about the drawing and names it a cradle creature. This is a subtle clue to Nona’s identity and the cosmic scale of the story. It ties to the theme of memory, forgetting, and the construction of the past.
11. Why does Nona drive the truck into the River, and what does this act reveal about her determination?
Nona insists on taking the driver’s seat and drives the truck into the River, despite Paul’s plan. She is motivated by her love for Noodle and her desire to reach the Ninth House. This act shows her agency and her willingness to take risks, even as her body fails. It also demonstrates her connection to the River and her role as a guide.
In chapter 30, Nona takes the wheel, removes the bubble, and drives across the River’s surface, then into the water. She nearly gives up but remembers Noodle is in the back, and perseveres. This is a pivotal moment of self-sacrifice and love. Link to the theme of love transcending death.
12. How does the merging of Camilla and Palamedes into Paul reflect the theme of identity?
Camilla and Palamedes merge into a new person, Paul, through a ritual that consumes them both. This transformation challenges the notion of a fixed self, as Paul is neither Camilla nor Palamedes but a synthesis. It also represents the ultimate expression of their love and devotion, and the cost of necromantic power.
In chapter 28, Camilla eats a substance, bursts into flames, and emerges as Paul, a new being with both their traits. This is a major event that ties to the theme of the instability of identity and the ethics of resurrection. See the theme page on identity for deeper analysis.
13. What is the role of the handkerchief that Paul gives Nona, and why is it significant?
Paul gives Nona a lavender silk handkerchief as a birthday gift, saying “That’s the point” when Nona complains it’s too fancy. The handkerchief symbolizes the love and care of her found family, and serves as a tangible reminder of their bond even as they transform. It also echoes the handkerchief in the duel with Ianthe, connecting to themes of honor and sacrifice.
In chapter 28, Paul hands Nona the handkerchief and wishes her happy birthday. This moment is poignant because it comes right after the merging, and it shows that even in a new identity, their love for Nona persists. Link to the theme of love.
14. How does the epilogue reveal Alecto’s awakening and her confrontation with John?
In the epilogue, the rock-body that was Alecto breaks her chains, kills the child on the altar, and boards John’s ship. She pierces John’s chest with an iron sword, and John wakes. This reveals that Nona’s story is a prelude to Alecto’s return, and that the series will culminate in a confrontation between Alecto and John, the Emperor.
The epilogue describes Alecto breaking free, remembering her vow to Anastasia, and attacking John. This is the climax of the book’s arc, connecting to the themes of resurrection and betrayal. For a full breakdown, see the ending explained page.
15. How do the dream sequences with John and Harrow provide backstory for the apocalypse and John’s betrayal?
The dreams reveal John’s past as a scientist who discovered necromancy, his role in the apocalypse, and his betrayal of humanity by allowing the wealthy to escape. They also show his relationship with Harrow and his guilt. These sequences are crucial for understanding the world’s history and the motivations of the Emperor, and they foreshadow the final confrontation.
In chapter 2, John tells Harrow about the cryo project and the wealthy’s betrayal. In chapter 9, he recounts the shutdown and the melting of bodies. In chapter 12, he describes the FTL project and his decision to go public. These dreams are interspersed throughout the book, providing context for Nona’s present. They tie to the theme of memory, forgetting, and the construction of the past.