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 12 (May 2000)

The Kings in Winter

By Cecelia Holland - Published 2000

Genres:

In 999 AD, Brian Boru, the King of Munster, destroyed the army of his hereditary enemy, the King of Leinster. After the victory, Brian ...Read Review

The Armada Boy (Wesley Peterson Crime Novels)

By Kate Ellis - Published 2000

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Past and present again intertwine in the second of the Wesley Peterson crime novels (first up was The Merchant’s House), set near ...Read Review

A Mortal Bane

By Roberta Gellis - Published 1999

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Gellis, acclaimed author of The Roselynde Chronicles, shifts gears dramatically in this, her first medieval mystery. We are introduced to Southwark and London ...Read Review

Household Gods

By Harry Turtledove - Published 1999

Genres:

Time-slip

Nicole Gunther-Perrin, single mother and transplanted Californian, is having the worst week of her life. Her deadbeat ex-husband heads to Cancún with ...Read Review

The Difficult Saint: A Catherine Levendeur Mystery (Catherine Levendeur Mysteries)

By Sharan Newman - Published 1999

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In this, the sixth Catherine LeVendeur mystery, Sharan Newman transports us to France in 1146. Catherine, a worthy heroine who is constantly finding – although ...Read Review

Guardian of the Balance (Merlin’s Descendants)

By Irene Radford - Published 2000

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

Arylwren, called Wren, was born of a single night of passion between Myrddin Emrys, better known as the Merlin, and Deirdre, high priestess ...Read Review

The Maiden and the Unicorn

By Isolde Martyn - Published 1999

Genres:

Romance

During the turbulent period now known as the Wars of the Roses, Marjorie of Warwick finds herself caught between love and loyalty, wed ...Read Review

Lord of Emperors (Sarantine Mosaic)

By Guy Gavriel Kay - Published 2000

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

In this sequel to Sailing to Sarantium (Harper, 1999), Kay demonstrates yet again his mastery of the historical (fantasy) novel. All of his signature ...Read Review