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Xenology: Notes and Research from the Alien Bestiary of Biegel
This background book is an Inquisition investigation into the diverse alien menace that threatens the Imperium - the vast empire of humanity in the far future - with lots of stunning new artwork. Dark secrets are revealed, not only about the fascinating creatures under scrutiny but also the working of the shadowy Ordos Xenos itself!
96 pages, Leather Bound
First published February 28, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 10, 2014
For all the emphasis which is placed upon the Emperor’s Angels of Death, it’s hard to deny that one of the things which makes Warhammer 40,000 such a great universe is the nature of its aliens. Many have far more depth behind them than the species found in much more prominent franchises such as wookies, klingons or na’vi and there is always that interesting element of how many have been reworked from a fantasy setting. Above all, this book is an essential when it comes to seeing what really makes them stand out.
Much like the sections examining the nature of the xenomorphs in the Colonial Marines Technical Manual, the book is ultimately pages upon pages of lore written with a framing device of an investigation. Following the death of the radicalist Ralei, fellow Inquisitor Brehm Sasham is sent to examine his findings. His orders are simple: Expose Ralei as a heretic and destroy any items which pose a great threat to the Imperium. Convinced to stay his hand until the last of Ralei’s captive aliens have been dissected and fully cataloged, Sasham soon finds that things may be even worse than the Ordo Xenos suspects…
What follows is part thriller, part art book and part background lore book, building upon the characters involved as much as the alien races. As each organism is dissected, the reader is treated to displays a variety of brilliant images. Some depicting their abilities in life and others inner workings in death; ranging from sketches to computer scans and full diagrams listing their most defining traits. Many are visibly drawn by the individual and then followed by page worth of documentation by a Magos Biologis speculating upon their evolution, nature and potential capabilities. All of these are extremely in depth and provide the sort of fascinating information which puts the average codex to shame, each with a multitude of reaching possibilities. These range from a potential origin of the tau Aun caste to the mysterious spherical umbra, beings who could well be the fragmented body of an ancient god.
Beyond the usual orks and eldar, the book also introduces a few new races which are given the same degree and respect and treatment as well established factions. The thyrrus in particular stand out well with a bizarre biology rivaling that of the elder things; while others such as the hrud (AKA space skaven) are completely revamped for the better but maintain their core identity.
The book pulls no punches with its potentially galaxy shaking revelations, many of which reach back to the very core of the setting; but unlike many examples of late these were presented in exactly the right way. Along with being detailed by an author talented enough to fully present every idea to its fullest without ever going too far, or introducing something monumentally stupid, there is always an element of opinion present. This is visibly written from an Imperial perspective, and that of a handful of people, and at no point does Spurrier try to slam down certain problematic points as solid fact. Many points are clearly speculation on the part of the characters and the book never tries to completely give all the answers, at the most usually just giving very strong indications or food for fan theories. It provides a crucial element of character and mystery to the universe while at the same time allowing future writers freedom to build upon or deviate from what is written in the book. It might be a small point, but it’s a very important one too many books involving the grim darkness of the far future keep forgetting to make use of.
This alone would be enough to make it a truly outstanding book well worth its price but then we have the follow-up elements to this. These consist of character driven moments and insights which keep you reading the book as the mystery deepens and Sasham’s opinion begins to change, while at the same time delivering yet more information on each race. A specific highlight on this is seeing Sasham delving through Ralei’s library for more information on the species and visibly starting to veer away from his hard-line roots. It’s an amazingly well done tale for what is effectively a gloried list of biological information, but the mystery and character evolution here is better handled than some novels we have covered on this website.
This said, there are a few minor failings in the book which cannot go unmentioned. A few sections on the aliens which delve into their social structures or certain biological functions feel as if they have been rushed. For example, while the thyrrus are brilliantly examined in terms of their biology and nature, their tactical approach to war and social structure simply makes no sense. The former especially as it specifies they aim to inflict the most casualties on both sides rather than utilise truly effective methods of war. While this is put down to their alien nature, it’s a point which puts a severe dent in the reader’s suspension of disbelief.
The other major point is a revelation behind Ralei himself. While it certainly makes sense to a point, what is revealed about his true nature bends certain rules within the universe to near breaking point. While it’s certainly vastly better handled than how later books would deal with the concept, it remains an element which will likely leave you scratching your head. Especially given the obvious alternatives which Spurrier himself even made use of in another of his books.
Really though, these are only minor qualms given the book’s extremely high quality. Just as the Eisenhorn trilogy should be the benchmark to which all novels should be measured, Xenology is the same to any and all devoted fluff books. It proves just what a writer can accomplish given the right approach to the setting and is a true testament to the rich nature of the universe. This truly is one you need to get, and it’s a damning shame that Black Library has never reprinted this book since its original release. Definitely keep your eye out for this one should you be fortunate enough to find it.
Much like the sections examining the nature of the xenomorphs in the Colonial Marines Technical Manual, the book is ultimately pages upon pages of lore written with a framing device of an investigation. Following the death of the radicalist Ralei, fellow Inquisitor Brehm Sasham is sent to examine his findings. His orders are simple: Expose Ralei as a heretic and destroy any items which pose a great threat to the Imperium. Convinced to stay his hand until the last of Ralei’s captive aliens have been dissected and fully cataloged, Sasham soon finds that things may be even worse than the Ordo Xenos suspects…
What follows is part thriller, part art book and part background lore book, building upon the characters involved as much as the alien races. As each organism is dissected, the reader is treated to displays a variety of brilliant images. Some depicting their abilities in life and others inner workings in death; ranging from sketches to computer scans and full diagrams listing their most defining traits. Many are visibly drawn by the individual and then followed by page worth of documentation by a Magos Biologis speculating upon their evolution, nature and potential capabilities. All of these are extremely in depth and provide the sort of fascinating information which puts the average codex to shame, each with a multitude of reaching possibilities. These range from a potential origin of the tau Aun caste to the mysterious spherical umbra, beings who could well be the fragmented body of an ancient god.
Beyond the usual orks and eldar, the book also introduces a few new races which are given the same degree and respect and treatment as well established factions. The thyrrus in particular stand out well with a bizarre biology rivaling that of the elder things; while others such as the hrud (AKA space skaven) are completely revamped for the better but maintain their core identity.
The book pulls no punches with its potentially galaxy shaking revelations, many of which reach back to the very core of the setting; but unlike many examples of late these were presented in exactly the right way. Along with being detailed by an author talented enough to fully present every idea to its fullest without ever going too far, or introducing something monumentally stupid, there is always an element of opinion present. This is visibly written from an Imperial perspective, and that of a handful of people, and at no point does Spurrier try to slam down certain problematic points as solid fact. Many points are clearly speculation on the part of the characters and the book never tries to completely give all the answers, at the most usually just giving very strong indications or food for fan theories. It provides a crucial element of character and mystery to the universe while at the same time allowing future writers freedom to build upon or deviate from what is written in the book. It might be a small point, but it’s a very important one too many books involving the grim darkness of the far future keep forgetting to make use of.
This alone would be enough to make it a truly outstanding book well worth its price but then we have the follow-up elements to this. These consist of character driven moments and insights which keep you reading the book as the mystery deepens and Sasham’s opinion begins to change, while at the same time delivering yet more information on each race. A specific highlight on this is seeing Sasham delving through Ralei’s library for more information on the species and visibly starting to veer away from his hard-line roots. It’s an amazingly well done tale for what is effectively a gloried list of biological information, but the mystery and character evolution here is better handled than some novels we have covered on this website.
This said, there are a few minor failings in the book which cannot go unmentioned. A few sections on the aliens which delve into their social structures or certain biological functions feel as if they have been rushed. For example, while the thyrrus are brilliantly examined in terms of their biology and nature, their tactical approach to war and social structure simply makes no sense. The former especially as it specifies they aim to inflict the most casualties on both sides rather than utilise truly effective methods of war. While this is put down to their alien nature, it’s a point which puts a severe dent in the reader’s suspension of disbelief.
The other major point is a revelation behind Ralei himself. While it certainly makes sense to a point, what is revealed about his true nature bends certain rules within the universe to near breaking point. While it’s certainly vastly better handled than how later books would deal with the concept, it remains an element which will likely leave you scratching your head. Especially given the obvious alternatives which Spurrier himself even made use of in another of his books.
Really though, these are only minor qualms given the book’s extremely high quality. Just as the Eisenhorn trilogy should be the benchmark to which all novels should be measured, Xenology is the same to any and all devoted fluff books. It proves just what a writer can accomplish given the right approach to the setting and is a true testament to the rich nature of the universe. This truly is one you need to get, and it’s a damning shame that Black Library has never reprinted this book since its original release. Definitely keep your eye out for this one should you be fortunate enough to find it.
June 9, 2018
Very cleverly written and resource that can be utilised for any 40k RPG. It was a bit dry at times and the flow seemed to get broken by the new autopsies (effectively chapters of the book).
Kind of guessed the ending ‘villain’ so wasn’t a total surprise but that’s just me and my experiences, but wasn’t expecting the potential this book has for any science fiction RPGs - thinking Call of Cthulhu.
Great resource to expand a player’s knowledge on most of the xenos races, some being the major factions, and, simply put, interesting to read about.
Kind of guessed the ending ‘villain’ so wasn’t a total surprise but that’s just me and my experiences, but wasn’t expecting the potential this book has for any science fiction RPGs - thinking Call of Cthulhu.
Great resource to expand a player’s knowledge on most of the xenos races, some being the major factions, and, simply put, interesting to read about.
November 16, 2019
Perfectly adequate review of some 40K races and ...HOLY HELL THAT WAS A SOMETIMES VERY GOOD BACKSTORY DRAMA PLOT THING.
Ok, in later stages a little silly but overall incredibly well written backstory plot to the whole thing. We need more stuff like this. Intrigues within intrigues. Hidden agendas and perfectly logical and internally consistent motivations on all parts. Well done, Mr. Spurrier.
Ok, in later stages a little silly but overall incredibly well written backstory plot to the whole thing. We need more stuff like this. Intrigues within intrigues. Hidden agendas and perfectly logical and internally consistent motivations on all parts. Well done, Mr. Spurrier.
May 9, 2022
Lots of interesting information on several alien races in the warhammer 40k universe.
The story weaving the disclosed detailed information really grabbed my attention.
I almost wish there was a sequel....
The story weaving the disclosed detailed information really grabbed my attention.
I almost wish there was a sequel....
May 14, 2022
A fantastic book that not only draws you into an story of inquisitorial intrigue but also a look into Warhammer 40k's major races with wonderfully detailed (and gory) direction drawings. Each race and drawing also has these little points of interest that impart mysterious or revealing information.
October 16, 2022
Что такое братья по разуму в Warhammer 40000. Проясняет многие моменты непонятные из других книг, кодексов. Типа, что несколько разумных рас могло происходить из одного источника. Почему-то нет локсатлей, хотя они не то чтобы совсем редкие ксеносы.
September 5, 2018
One of the most evocative "in universe" WH40k books I've ever read. A hidden gem.
May 8, 2025
un bel libro per il background di Warhammer 40k. vale la pena averlo per "colore" e per "corollario" .
December 30, 2025
Shame that the book is mostly non-canon in modern 40k lore as there's some fun ideas sprinkled throughout the text.
October 8, 2011
Undoubtedly a great book. Undoubtedly if you are Warhammer 40k fan. If you are new to the world then you will probably not enjoy it. It’s about about the nature of the Inquisition. Inquisitors and their search for knowledge. To know thy enemy but doing so violating rules of the inquisition. You'll get detailed information with every alien autopsy. It's a short amount dedicated to each race but almost every one are portraided there.
Now the story behind the sourcebook... the premise of the book is that it is a report based on the lab contents and notes of a "heretical" Imperial inquisitor. The report was supposedly made by an inquisitor sent to shut down the lab and document the contents before destroying them. The contents of each page are designed to look like notes made in haste about each specimen and document found in the lab. This includes notes on alien physiology and behavior with anatomical diagrams and more. Not only the Orks, Tau, Eldar and Tyranids are shown there but also the almost incognito Umbra, the old Hrud and several others... most importantly, connections are drawn between each case study that point to the role the Slaan and C'tan play in the fate of all the races of the galaxy, as first suggested in Codex: Necrons.
The art in the book is not the best from Black Library but the story compensates it. This is how a inquisitorial analysis look like. In there it has eyewitness reports of each species, dissection notes (with diagrams and all), several heretical texts.
The mystery starts to unfold as we progress through the book. This book it's a murder mystery in the world of 40k. I think that's almost unique in all books published by GW or Black Library and that's why that this book it's loved. And it was written by Simon Spurrier who has written Lord of the Night (The only book with the NightLords) and Fire Warrior (With the viewpoint of the Tau.)
Now the story behind the sourcebook... the premise of the book is that it is a report based on the lab contents and notes of a "heretical" Imperial inquisitor. The report was supposedly made by an inquisitor sent to shut down the lab and document the contents before destroying them. The contents of each page are designed to look like notes made in haste about each specimen and document found in the lab. This includes notes on alien physiology and behavior with anatomical diagrams and more. Not only the Orks, Tau, Eldar and Tyranids are shown there but also the almost incognito Umbra, the old Hrud and several others... most importantly, connections are drawn between each case study that point to the role the Slaan and C'tan play in the fate of all the races of the galaxy, as first suggested in Codex: Necrons.
The art in the book is not the best from Black Library but the story compensates it. This is how a inquisitorial analysis look like. In there it has eyewitness reports of each species, dissection notes (with diagrams and all), several heretical texts.
The mystery starts to unfold as we progress through the book. This book it's a murder mystery in the world of 40k. I think that's almost unique in all books published by GW or Black Library and that's why that this book it's loved. And it was written by Simon Spurrier who has written Lord of the Night (The only book with the NightLords) and Fire Warrior (With the viewpoint of the Tau.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2014
While this may look like a simple collection of diagrams of some of Warhammer 40k's most notorious xenos lifeforms, this book is actually far more than what it appears.
Spurrier creates a story to go along with the presentation of xenos lifeforms. Not only does it help to move the files from one to the other, but it also gives some insight into the Ordos Xenos itself, something which hadn't gotten a lot of attention at the time of this book. The reader gets a brief look into those that study aliens and those that hunt them down within the Inquisition.
Another nice feature of this book is that they cover some of the unheard of aliens, creatures that most fans have only heard about in small passages in other books. This newly shed light is one of the draws of this book for me, and the primary reason I bought it.
The artwork is superb. Each biological drawing containing a high level of detail in regards to the inner workings of each creature. Coupled with a variety of information presented as if they were a number of differing sources helps to create the feel that this book is indeed a collection of many years of work.
To any fan of the fluff of Warhammer 40k, this book is for you and a welcome item to have in any library.
Spurrier creates a story to go along with the presentation of xenos lifeforms. Not only does it help to move the files from one to the other, but it also gives some insight into the Ordos Xenos itself, something which hadn't gotten a lot of attention at the time of this book. The reader gets a brief look into those that study aliens and those that hunt them down within the Inquisition.
Another nice feature of this book is that they cover some of the unheard of aliens, creatures that most fans have only heard about in small passages in other books. This newly shed light is one of the draws of this book for me, and the primary reason I bought it.
The artwork is superb. Each biological drawing containing a high level of detail in regards to the inner workings of each creature. Coupled with a variety of information presented as if they were a number of differing sources helps to create the feel that this book is indeed a collection of many years of work.
To any fan of the fluff of Warhammer 40k, this book is for you and a welcome item to have in any library.
May 2, 2016
I've always been more interested in the aliens of 40k than the Imperium, and well, this book delivers. I loved it. One of the best 40k lore books I've read. Actually one of the best lore books period. Check it out if you're a hardcore nerd like me.
May 16, 2013
Good book for 40k players.
January 13, 2016
A bit contrived, a bit wonky at times, but the concept is really cool!
Thumbs up for this unusual 40K book!
Review to follow.
Thumbs up for this unusual 40K book!
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews