About
- Established in 1997, the Historical Novel Society is an international literary society devoted to promotion and advocacy for the genre of historical fiction.
Membership
- Historical Novel Society members include authors, readers, librarians, editors and industry professionals – membership is entirely open, and anyone enthusiastic about the genre is welcome.
Events
- Our worldwide membership loves to meet. Many travel thousands of miles to attend our conferences in person; many more enjoy our virtual options from home. Others form member connections in their area through regular Local Chapter meet-ups. Discover what’s on with conferences, Local and Virtual Chapters, and more.
Book Reviews
- Our exclusive, members-only print magazine, the Historical Novels Review, publishes reviews of hundreds of historical fiction books each quarter, in addition to features and columns. Become a member to receive the magazine and enjoy all our other benefits.
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  Submit your novel for review
Articles
- We publish articles in our members-only print magazine, Historical Novels Review, as well as web features exclusive to this site. All are original pieces, commissioned by our Features Editors based on topics of interest to members – interviews with historical fiction authors, publishers, and agents; explorations of novels and subgenres; guides, and regular columns on historical fiction market news, debut authors, and more. Articles are written by vetted contributors, most of whom are Society members. If you’re a member interested in joining the team, Contact Us.
Awards
- HNS Awards have helped discover authors and launch their careers (e.g., Michel Faber, Ruth Downie, Nikki Marmery, Hilary Green, Elizabeth Macneal, and many more) and provided vital support for others. Our ARA Award is one of the most generous of all literary prizes. If you’d like to partner to sponsor an award, Contact Us.
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Kim Rendfeld

Duchess of the New Dawn

By Kim Rendfeld - Published 2026

Genres:

Swirling intrigue, alliances made and broken, and ever imminent warfare mark the world of Chiltrude in 740 CE in Francia, land of the Franks. ...Read Review

Queen of the Darkest Hour

By Kim Rendfeld - Published 2018

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Francia, 783. Fastrada, fourth wife of King Charles, quickly realizes that not all of the royal children are happy to see her wed their ...Read Review

The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar

By Kim Rendfeld - Published 2014

Genres:

Set in 8th-century Saxony, this early-medieval pageant follows Leova, a peasant woman who has had her religion desecrated, her husband killed in battle, ...Read Review

The Cross and the Dragon

By Kim Rendfeld - Published 2012

Genres:

Adventure Romance

In 8th-century Francia, Alda of Drachenhaus is promised to Ganelon of Dormagen, the fair-haired son of a noble family. Ganelon’s outer beauty ...Read Review

Kim Rendfeld

Duchess of the New Dawn

Queen of the Darkest Hour

The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar

The Cross and the Dragon

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