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Fabius Bile: The Omnibus
Explore the story of the sinister Fabius Bile in this fantastic value omnibus.
Fabius Bile is known by many Primogenitor, Clonelord, Manflayer. Once a loyal son of the Emperor’s Children, now he loathes and is loathed by his brothers. Feared by man and monster, Fabius possesses a knowledge of genetic manipulation second to none, and the will to use it to twist flesh and sculpt nightmares.
Now a traitor amongst traitors, Fabius pursues his dark craft across the galaxy, from the Eye of Terror to the tomb world of Solemnace to the Dark City of Commorragh itself, leaving a trail of monstrous abominations in his wake.
This omnibus edition collects together the novels Primogenitor, Clonelord and Manflayer.
Fabius Bile is known by many Primogenitor, Clonelord, Manflayer. Once a loyal son of the Emperor’s Children, now he loathes and is loathed by his brothers. Feared by man and monster, Fabius possesses a knowledge of genetic manipulation second to none, and the will to use it to twist flesh and sculpt nightmares.
Now a traitor amongst traitors, Fabius pursues his dark craft across the galaxy, from the Eye of Terror to the tomb world of Solemnace to the Dark City of Commorragh itself, leaving a trail of monstrous abominations in his wake.
This omnibus edition collects together the novels Primogenitor, Clonelord and Manflayer.
800 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
145 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Reynolds
313 books341 followersJosh Reynolds’ work has previously appeared in such anthologies as Historical Lovecraft from Innsmouth Free Press and Horror for the Holidays from Miskatonic River Press, and his novel, Knight of the Blazing Sun, is currently available from Black Library. He can be found at: http://joshuamreynolds.wordpress.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2022
'Let the galaxy burn. From its ashes would rise a new future. One created by him.'
Josh Reynolds has wrought a masterpiece of both Warhammer 40,000 fiction and science fiction in general with his Fabius Bile trilogy, fleshing out one of the most malevolent characters of the 41st millenium, making him more than a mad scientist caricature, fleshing him out, giving him nuance and depth, making him human, relatable, almost sympathetic at times and it is always a pleasure to reread his work. This omnibus, comprising the three main novels (Primogenitor, Clonelord and Manflayer) and a trio of short stories (Prodigal, A Memory of Tharsis and Light of A Crystal Sun) detail Fabius's journey to create and perfect his New Men, the future of humanity, for an eternally hostile galaxy, and to protect them and prevent his multitude of enemies from derailing his plans to give his creations a glorious future...
As far as I'm concerned, these books are some of the best Black Library has published and a must-read for fans of Warhammer 40,000, Chaos Space Marines, mad scientists channelling Frankenstein, or fans of science fiction and darkly compelling antiheroes...
Josh Reynolds has wrought a masterpiece of both Warhammer 40,000 fiction and science fiction in general with his Fabius Bile trilogy, fleshing out one of the most malevolent characters of the 41st millenium, making him more than a mad scientist caricature, fleshing him out, giving him nuance and depth, making him human, relatable, almost sympathetic at times and it is always a pleasure to reread his work. This omnibus, comprising the three main novels (Primogenitor, Clonelord and Manflayer) and a trio of short stories (Prodigal, A Memory of Tharsis and Light of A Crystal Sun) detail Fabius's journey to create and perfect his New Men, the future of humanity, for an eternally hostile galaxy, and to protect them and prevent his multitude of enemies from derailing his plans to give his creations a glorious future...
As far as I'm concerned, these books are some of the best Black Library has published and a must-read for fans of Warhammer 40,000, Chaos Space Marines, mad scientists channelling Frankenstein, or fans of science fiction and darkly compelling antiheroes...
February 2, 2023
There is nothing more hideous than a villain whose motives are both understandable and somewhat supportable. Even so, we must equal parts pity and envy a man with such firm sight of cause set against a universe of enemies.
February 2, 2026
https://magicandmeteors.wordpress.com...
Fabius Bile: The Omnibus by Josh Reynolds is one of the most expansive and intellectually engaging character studies in Warhammer 40,000 fiction. Bringing together Primogenitor, Clonelord, Manflayer, and related short stories, the collection reframes Fabius Bile not simply as an infamous renegade, but as a catalyst through which the setting’s past, present, and possible futures are examined.
A key strength of the omnibus is how clearly it integrates backstory with forward momentum. Bile’s origins as an Apothecary of the Emperor’s Children Legion, his experiences during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy, and his eventual ideological break from both the Imperium and the Chaos Gods are carefully embedded into the narrative. These historical elements directly inform his long-term project: the improvement of humanity through advanced biological science. Rather than remaining trapped in nostalgia, the novels consistently look ahead, using cloning, gene-engineering, and adaptive evolution to explore what humanity—and other species—might become in an ever-changing galaxy.
The amount of species represented is another point with Reynolds weaving in other empires such as the Necrons, Aeldari, Orks etc and showing how they impact on Bile and his Consortium. While humanity remains central, the story frequently intersects with the Drukhari of Commorragh, whose own mastery of biological manipulation provides both competition and contrast to Bile’s methods. Other Aeldari factions, various strains of Chaos Space Marines, abhuman offshoots, and artificial or vat-grown beings further expand the narrative’s scope. Each species brings its own cultural assumptions, priorities, and limitations, allowing Reynolds to explore how different forms of life approach survival, power, and progress in the 41st Millennium.
Character interactions are consistently strong and varied. Bile’s relationships with his creations, fellow Space Marines, captives, and temporary allies are shaped by differing loyalties and worldviews rather than simple antagonism. Conversations often function as philosophical exchanges, examining faith versus reason, tradition versus innovation, and obedience versus self-determination. These interactions help populate the story with distinct voices and perspectives, ensuring that Bile’s ideas are constantly challenged from multiple angles.
The sense of place is equally well developed. The narrative moves across voidships, laboratory-worlds, alien cities, hidden stations, and distant planets, each rendered with attention to culture, environment, and strategic importance. Space travel, planetary politics, and interstellar distances are treated as integral parts of the story rather than mere transitions, reinforcing the vastness and diversity of the galaxy.
Technological advancement is presented as a neutral but powerful force. Bile’s work highlights how innovation persists across species and factions, even in an age defined by rigid institutions and ancient traditions. By placing scientific ambition alongside religious dogma, xenos biology, and post-human experimentation, the omnibus offers a rare sense of development and possibility within the Warhammer 40,000 setting.
Right from the start, Fabius Bile: The Omnibus succeeds as a multifaceted exploration of history, technology, species diversity, and competing philosophies. Its integration of backstory with forward-looking ideas, its wide range of characters and civilizations, and its strong sense of galactic scale make it a standout work. For readers interested in the broader scientific, cultural, and interspecies dynamics of Warhammer 40,000, it offers a thoughtful and rewarding experience.
Fabius Bile: The Omnibus by Josh Reynolds is one of the most expansive and intellectually engaging character studies in Warhammer 40,000 fiction. Bringing together Primogenitor, Clonelord, Manflayer, and related short stories, the collection reframes Fabius Bile not simply as an infamous renegade, but as a catalyst through which the setting’s past, present, and possible futures are examined.
A key strength of the omnibus is how clearly it integrates backstory with forward momentum. Bile’s origins as an Apothecary of the Emperor’s Children Legion, his experiences during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy, and his eventual ideological break from both the Imperium and the Chaos Gods are carefully embedded into the narrative. These historical elements directly inform his long-term project: the improvement of humanity through advanced biological science. Rather than remaining trapped in nostalgia, the novels consistently look ahead, using cloning, gene-engineering, and adaptive evolution to explore what humanity—and other species—might become in an ever-changing galaxy.
The amount of species represented is another point with Reynolds weaving in other empires such as the Necrons, Aeldari, Orks etc and showing how they impact on Bile and his Consortium. While humanity remains central, the story frequently intersects with the Drukhari of Commorragh, whose own mastery of biological manipulation provides both competition and contrast to Bile’s methods. Other Aeldari factions, various strains of Chaos Space Marines, abhuman offshoots, and artificial or vat-grown beings further expand the narrative’s scope. Each species brings its own cultural assumptions, priorities, and limitations, allowing Reynolds to explore how different forms of life approach survival, power, and progress in the 41st Millennium.
Character interactions are consistently strong and varied. Bile’s relationships with his creations, fellow Space Marines, captives, and temporary allies are shaped by differing loyalties and worldviews rather than simple antagonism. Conversations often function as philosophical exchanges, examining faith versus reason, tradition versus innovation, and obedience versus self-determination. These interactions help populate the story with distinct voices and perspectives, ensuring that Bile’s ideas are constantly challenged from multiple angles.
The sense of place is equally well developed. The narrative moves across voidships, laboratory-worlds, alien cities, hidden stations, and distant planets, each rendered with attention to culture, environment, and strategic importance. Space travel, planetary politics, and interstellar distances are treated as integral parts of the story rather than mere transitions, reinforcing the vastness and diversity of the galaxy.
Technological advancement is presented as a neutral but powerful force. Bile’s work highlights how innovation persists across species and factions, even in an age defined by rigid institutions and ancient traditions. By placing scientific ambition alongside religious dogma, xenos biology, and post-human experimentation, the omnibus offers a rare sense of development and possibility within the Warhammer 40,000 setting.
Right from the start, Fabius Bile: The Omnibus succeeds as a multifaceted exploration of history, technology, species diversity, and competing philosophies. Its integration of backstory with forward-looking ideas, its wide range of characters and civilizations, and its strong sense of galactic scale make it a standout work. For readers interested in the broader scientific, cultural, and interspecies dynamics of Warhammer 40,000, it offers a thoughtful and rewarding experience.
December 25, 2024
Fabius Bile is, even by the standards of modern Warhammer 40K, a complicated person. Once the chief Apothecary, he has now taken it upon himself to remake humanity, ushering in a new age of Man. But as he pave the way for homo novus, he leaves other atrocities in his wake: twisting flesh and bone to create bizarre mutants, remaking figures from his own life, and preserving himself for as long as possible so he can preserve his grim work.
In this collection of three books and three short stories, we follow Bile as forces greater than himself (a thing he refuses to acknowledge) attempt to weave him into their plans. Daemons attempt to bend him to their will, including his gene-father and the woman he would dare to call "daughter." Harlequins attempt to guide him and his allies into their proper roles in the great story of the universe. And by the end, Bile will have to face down his own mortality... just not in the way he expected.
I admit that my knowledge of Warhammer does not expand into 40K, but lack of knowledge has never scared me off a Josh Reynolds joint. These books are dense with both lore and gore, and someone better versed in the setting will likely find all sorts of familiar things to enjoy. Appropriately, the visuals are disgustingly vivid, to the point that Melusine's demonic presence feels almost like a respite amidst vivisection and barely-aware human experiments. But even with the lack of knowledge, and occasionally feeling like I was neck-deep in information I'd never fully parse, I love this extended character study of Fabius Bile. He's a hideous man with something akin to good intentions buried deep down, and it's refreshing to see a character like this presented warts and all, rather than artificially glorified by the author. He's a fascinating, Frankensteinian figure, and if anything this book makes me want to know more about the eras of 40K in which he had a hand.
In this collection of three books and three short stories, we follow Bile as forces greater than himself (a thing he refuses to acknowledge) attempt to weave him into their plans. Daemons attempt to bend him to their will, including his gene-father and the woman he would dare to call "daughter." Harlequins attempt to guide him and his allies into their proper roles in the great story of the universe. And by the end, Bile will have to face down his own mortality... just not in the way he expected.
I admit that my knowledge of Warhammer does not expand into 40K, but lack of knowledge has never scared me off a Josh Reynolds joint. These books are dense with both lore and gore, and someone better versed in the setting will likely find all sorts of familiar things to enjoy. Appropriately, the visuals are disgustingly vivid, to the point that Melusine's demonic presence feels almost like a respite amidst vivisection and barely-aware human experiments. But even with the lack of knowledge, and occasionally feeling like I was neck-deep in information I'd never fully parse, I love this extended character study of Fabius Bile. He's a hideous man with something akin to good intentions buried deep down, and it's refreshing to see a character like this presented warts and all, rather than artificially glorified by the author. He's a fascinating, Frankensteinian figure, and if anything this book makes me want to know more about the eras of 40K in which he had a hand.
August 19, 2023
In the Warhammer 40k sci-fi universe there aren't really "good guys". Even if there were though, Fabius Bile falls firmly in the bad guy category.
Primogenitor. Gene Father. Clonelord. Manflayer. Fabius has been known by all of these names. As Chief Apothecary it was Fabius' responsibility to tend to the wounded. But as his legion fell to the whispering temptations of the chaos gods Fabius was beside them the whole time, his experiments growing ever more twisted and depraved.
This trilogy gives you a really deep look into the mind of one of the most interesting characters in the setting. Although he looks like a mad scientist at first, the more you read the more you begin to realise that Fabius is just doing what he thinks is right for humanity. Everyone thinks him a monster, but he's willing to become a monster for his ideals.
From the creation of his new species, to secret cloning experiments, attempts to steal ancient alien knowledge, and massive space battles, the stories in this trilogy have a great variety and such a wide range of settings.
There's plenty of action, body-horror and gritty sci-fi gore. For anyone who doesn't care about the good guys, I'd highly recommend this as an interesting entry point into the world of Warhammer 40k.
Primogenitor. Gene Father. Clonelord. Manflayer. Fabius has been known by all of these names. As Chief Apothecary it was Fabius' responsibility to tend to the wounded. But as his legion fell to the whispering temptations of the chaos gods Fabius was beside them the whole time, his experiments growing ever more twisted and depraved.
This trilogy gives you a really deep look into the mind of one of the most interesting characters in the setting. Although he looks like a mad scientist at first, the more you read the more you begin to realise that Fabius is just doing what he thinks is right for humanity. Everyone thinks him a monster, but he's willing to become a monster for his ideals.
From the creation of his new species, to secret cloning experiments, attempts to steal ancient alien knowledge, and massive space battles, the stories in this trilogy have a great variety and such a wide range of settings.
There's plenty of action, body-horror and gritty sci-fi gore. For anyone who doesn't care about the good guys, I'd highly recommend this as an interesting entry point into the world of Warhammer 40k.
April 11, 2023
One of the genuinely funnier 40k series I've read. Good/snappy dialogue, though I didn't care for that pithiness being extended to the Drukhari characters. Just my opinion. Artsy, self-indulgent Chaos marines are just more fun sometimes than their stoic, eternally heroic loyalist counterparts, you know?
Fabius Bile is pretty "antihero"y in this one, which I have conflicted feelings about. He's a monstrously unethical medical practitioner, which is...a really evil thing to be and part of me doesn't like being made to root/feel for him in any capacity.
Some of the supporting characters are really cool. I particularly enjoyed Arian Zorzi and Savona. Ramos and his Noise bros are also rad as hell.
I also felt that some of the coolest things happened "off-screen" and would have liked a deep dive on those events.
Fabius Bile is pretty "antihero"y in this one, which I have conflicted feelings about. He's a monstrously unethical medical practitioner, which is...a really evil thing to be and part of me doesn't like being made to root/feel for him in any capacity.
Some of the supporting characters are really cool. I particularly enjoyed Arian Zorzi and Savona. Ramos and his Noise bros are also rad as hell.
I also felt that some of the coolest things happened "off-screen" and would have liked a deep dive on those events.
April 9, 2025
While the first book is good (Primogenitor), there is a drop in quality and pace in the second book (Clonelord) which is then quite improved in the last novel (Manflayer) but with a very very rushed ending which was quite unsatisfying.
Also, the battles seemed very repetitive and a bit boring between all 3 books and, with minor differences, it went usually like this : gather host of warriors, go attack/investigate/defend a place, get ass kicked, barely escape (usually through some last minute intervention), rinse and repeat.
Also, the battles seemed very repetitive and a bit boring between all 3 books and, with minor differences, it went usually like this : gather host of warriors, go attack/investigate/defend a place, get ass kicked, barely escape (usually through some last minute intervention), rinse and repeat.
December 10, 2024
Good ol Bill, not realizing he's the most damned man in the room. I like how Bile is characterized; too arrogant to realize his own actions bring him closer to being exactly what he hates.
Black Library books don't need to be high art, they just need to be a fun ride. I think the Bile trilogy challenges itself to also be worthy of asking some interesting questions of one of Emperor's Cildren's oldest character.
Black Library books don't need to be high art, they just need to be a fun ride. I think the Bile trilogy challenges itself to also be worthy of asking some interesting questions of one of Emperor's Cildren's oldest character.
December 2, 2025
Fabius Bile is an interesting character in the Warhammer 40k universe because he pushes back against so much of the setting in his own unique way. The omnibus of three books allows you to see his full arch and guarantees that you'll never read a character like him in the 40k settinga gain. The books do, however, require you to have a pretty strong grasp of major characters and events before reading. These books definitely do not stand alone for a reader who is uniformed on 40k lore.
October 27, 2025
8.5/10
Suffered from the same issue many WH books suffer from - being the rushed feeling of the final battle or ending. Otherwise, does a great job of being a consistently engaging character that straddles the line of being understandable but at the same time chaotic and incomprehensible.
Suffered from the same issue many WH books suffer from - being the rushed feeling of the final battle or ending. Otherwise, does a great job of being a consistently engaging character that straddles the line of being understandable but at the same time chaotic and incomprehensible.
May 3, 2025
One of the very best books (series) I’ve ever read. Vivid characters and imagery, grand settings, memorable dialogue, immersive plots and supremely written. Joshua Reynolds is a master at his craft and the Fabius Bile novels are his magnum opus.
Outstanding!
Outstanding!
February 25, 2023
The first two were REALLY REALLY GOOD, but Manflayer absolutely dropped the ball
December 29, 2024
Ending was a 10/10
September 18, 2025
A true saga. I was sucked in from book one. Characters are rich and the narrative stretches centuries in the ways that only demigods lives can.
June 10, 2024
Five stars because I’ll likely read it again. Fabius has got to be one of the most intriguing characters in the whole of the 40K setting.
March 26, 2023
I was going to read something non Warhammer for a change but why not. Fabius Bile looks a bit like older Tony Blair for some reason.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews