The Book of Life

The reentry of Jack Blackfriars into the Bishop-de Clermont clan exposes lingering weaknesses within the family. Despite Diana and Matthew’s renewed trust and attempts at openness, the larger group still harbors many secrets, leading to family conflicts and hindering their research endeavors and the pursuit of Ashmole 782; this lack of full communication again highlights the theme of The Impact of Secrets. Jack’s presence also underscores the fragile nature of vampire family bonds and sheds light on the unpredictability of blood rage and its impact on others, which speaks to the theme of The Challenges of Power. Blood rage is an uncontrollable, all-consuming power and, though it is undesirable, it, like Diana’s immense powers, can be controlled with time and practice. Chris’s research aims to help Jack control his blood rage, demonstrating that uncontrollable power can be tamed when one is open about its challenges, which further ties into the theme of Family as Both Comfort and Grief. While Matthew is grieved to find that Jack has inherited blood rage, the sense of comfort and support provided by the family and the larger community helps to balance this pain.

Diana and Matthew consider Jack part of their family. Diana took significant risks to ensure Jack’s safety when she returned to present time. Given the numerous secrets it could reveal, the blood offering to protect Alice and Jack posed a potential security risk. Entrusting Annie and Jack to the care of others was a significant act of faith for Diana and Matthew, who are inherently distrustful of others. Unfortunately, their trust was misplaced, as Annie died shortly after their departure, and Jack eventually became a vampire. This betrayal of trust further intensifies Diana and Matthew’s protective instincts over their family, including Jack. Diana struggles to accept Jack’s safety at Gallowglass’s while Matthew monitors his well-being. Their past progress in learning to trust others, especially family matters, is setback by Jack’s transformation into a vampire. The constant presence of this theme demonstrates the danger that Matthew and Diana are in: One misstep could lead to death, so their trust is hard-earned. However, they both suffer as a result of the push-pull relationships they have with others.

This lack of trust is also evident in the multitude of secrets the characters still hold. Matthew restricts Chris to working with only three DNA samples while analyzing the blood-rage disease despite Miriam’s revelation about Marcus and his family in New Orleans. Even though Miriam provided additional information, Matthew refused to assist Chris, pushing him to contact Marcus independently. Diana, too, withholds information from Matthew regarding her deal with Andrew. Though seemingly minor, these hidden truths signify an enduring lack of trust, weakening the characters and their alliances when they need each other most.

Moreover, these alliances play a significant role in the story. Family connections are complex, with Jack serving as a testament to this complexity. While Andrew, who is technically Matthew’s grandson, vehemently rejects any connection to the de Clermont name, he often exhibits the traits of a de Clermont by sharing only the necessary information. Despite their strained relationship, Andrew joins Chris, Matthew, and Gallowglass in their commitment to helping Jack gain control over the blood rage. Andrew’s actions showcase the undeniable strength of family bonds even when they are reluctantly acknowledged. This connection captures the themes of Family as Both Comfort and Grief and The Challenges of Power, as the family is deeply connected and ultimately loyal while still feeling doubt and tension. These complex relationships often tie into power and its management, as the family comes together to help Jack control his blood rage.

While enforcing his authority over Andrew, Matthew also highlights the complexities of vampire familial ties. Andrew openly rejects Matthew’s authority, stating, “To command my loyalty, you would have to recognize my sire—Benjamin —as your son. And you will never do that […] as head of the de Clermonts, Baldwin takes the family’s honor seriously. He won’t permit you to branch out on your own given the scourge in your blood” (1381). Baldwin’s sudden appearance further complicates these relationships. Baldwin savagely attacks Jack, leaving Matthew unable to assist him due to vampire law. Despite his efforts to mediate the situation, Diana is the one who ultimately saves Jack. Following Jack and Diana’s departure, Baldwin demands that Matthew kill Jack, deepening the divide within their familial alliance.

Although Baldwin’s request appears tyrannical, it aligns with standard vampire practices when dealing with blood rage. Moreover, the Congregation searched for Jack for months due to his trail of corpses across Europe. Initially, Benjamin intended for Jack to create more vampires rather than commit murders. However, Jack’s inability to control his blood rage led to only two new vampires. This contrast between Matthew’s well-managed blood rage and Jack’s volatile condition demonstrates the various effects of blood rage on different vampires, as well as The Challenges of Power. While Matthew and Jack both handle their blood rage differently, they both experience tremendous guilt for their affliction, suggesting that some powers are difficult to carry no matter how they are managed.

Unfortunately, this chapter also reveals no possible cure for blood rage. Chris, instead, chooses to focus his research on managing the symptoms. To this effect, he takes multiple samples of Jack’s blood while in the throes of the blood rage. Matthew is highly frustrated by this risky act despite Marcus recommending it, once again highlighting the lack of trust between Matthew and his research team. While Matthew’s wariness is motivated by a desire to protect his family, it remains an obstacle and central point of conflict.

Jack’s return sheds light on the Bishop-de Clermont family’s persistent weaknesses. Despite their deep affection for Jack, they failed him when leaving him in the past. While Diana and Matthew struggle to understand parenthood, they genuinely love Jack. Jack also exposes the fragility of vampire family bonds, with Andrew readily rejecting Matthew’s authority. Further, Jack’s presence forces the characters to confront their ongoing secrets, illuminating their vulnerabilities. Though not entirely negative, Jack’s return compels the characters to address their shortcomings head on, revealing more of the secrets and facing the aftermath.