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 26 (November 2003)

First Light (A.D. Chronicles)

By Bodie & Brock Thoene - Published 2003

Genres:

Well known for their inspirational fiction, Bodie and Brock Thoene launch yet another series for their fans. First Light opens in modern Jerusalem ...Read Review

The Second Glass of Absinthe

By Michelle Black - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Western

The booming mining town of Leadville, Colorado, in 1880 is the setting for Black’s latest mystery of the Victorian west, yet for a ...Read Review

Chickahominy Fever

By Ann McMillan - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In June 1862, the city of Richmond, Virginia, is surrounded by the Union army. A letter to Jefferson Davis, outlining the location of Confederate ...Read Review

Ruby

By Lauraine Snelling - Published 2003

Genres:

Inspirational Romance Western

In 1882, Ruby Torvald receives a letter from her long-lost father. He is dying and insists that she and her little sister, Opal, immediately ...Read Review

Undertow

By Thomas Rendell Curran - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This engaging, complex mystery takes place in Newfoundland in 1947, before it joined Canada as a province. The book’s prologue is a newspaper ...Read Review

Sixty-Six

By Barry Levinson - Published 2003

Genres:

I knew this was a good book when I was laughing out loud during the prologue. A few pages later I laughed myself ...Read Review

A Palestine Affair

By Jonathan Wilson - Published 2003

Genres:

Literary Mystery/Crime Thriller

The time is 1924, and British Mandate Palestine is filling up with a dangerous mix of European Zionists hoping to found a Jewish state ...Read Review

Fortress Malta

By James Holland - Published 2003

Genres:

Nonfiction

The history of Malta in WWII is a chronicle of savage bombing, civilian endurance, spirited defense, and incredible good fortune. The most heavily ...Read Review

Dragon’s Lair

By Sharon Kay Penman - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

It is 1193. Richard, King of England, is being held prisoner by the Holy Roman Emperor, leaving his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, to come ...Read Review