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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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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HNR Issue 116 (May 2026)

Kin

By Tayari Jones - Published 2026

Genres:

“The road Vernice is walking is paved different from yours,” Annie’s grandmother tells her towards the beginning of Jones’s remarkable novel. “...Read Review

The Girl with a Thousand Faces

By Sunyi Dean - Published 2026

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

1942–1975: Chen Mei Chi, a young girl, washes up on a beach near Hong Kong during the Second World War. She remembers nothing of ...Read Review

A Harlem Wedding

By Tiffany L. Warren - Published 2026

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

My favorite historical fiction is the kind that breathes life into a revered figure from the past by telling the story of someone ...Read Review

The Daffodil Days

By Helen Bain - Published 2026

Genres:

Biographical Fiction Literary

This is an extraordinary novel. Extraordinary in its form: the story runs backwards. Extraordinary in its content: a meticulously researched fictional biography covering ...Read Review

Pioneer Scout John Helper: The Complete Western Trilogy

By Eugene J. DiCesaris - Published 2025

Genres:

Western

The Pioneer Scout trilogy is set during the LDS westward exodus (1847-1869) and well described as “three intertwined tales of love, vengeance and ...Read Review

The Lion’s Silk: The Isfahan Deception

By Max Nabati - Published 2025

Genres:

This book, more an extended novelette than a traditional novel, tells the tale of Alessandro de’ Medici, a lesser heir to the family ...Read Review

The Rebel Romanov

By Helen Rappaport - Published 2025

Genres:

Nonfiction

The Rebel Romanov is an engaging biography of the enigmatic Princess Juliane (Julie) of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Although few of Julie’s letters have survived, ...Read Review

The Treasure Seekers

By Cathy Faulkner - Published 2026

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Literary

This second verse novel from Cathy Faulkner (Digging for Victory) takes place immediately after World War 1. The setting is the fictional village of ...Read Review