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 54 (November 2010)

Penelope’s Daughter

By Laurel Corona - Published 2010

Genres:

Born soon after her father Odysseus sails for Troy, Xanthe is left behind to grow up on the rocky isle of Ithaca, hearing ...Read Review

Landwaster

By Michael Burr - Published 2009

Genres:

Adventure Biographical Fiction

This is the story of Harald Hardraada, half-brother to the King of Norway, who leads his Viking mercenaries on a brutal raid on ...Read Review

The Nine Lives of Kit Marlowe

By Jay Margrave - Published 2010

Genres:

Adventure

Christopher Marlowe, scholar, playwright, roustabout, and spy for the Queen, is considered a traitor by her spymaster William Cecil. To save him from ...Read Review

Debt of Dishonour

By Mary Andrea Clarke - Published 2010

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This lively and engaging read opens when Georgiana Grey, otherwise known as the highwayman the Crimson Cavalier, is robbed at pistol‑point whilst ...Read Review

What Alice Knew: A Most Curious Tale of Henry James and Jack the Ripper

By Paula Marantz Cohen - Published 2010

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

For anyone who reads and loves Henry James (as I do), the very title of this elegant mystery by Paula Cohen evokes contrasting ...Read Review

A Rogue of My Own

By Johanna Lindsey - Published 2010

Genres:

Romance

Lady Rebecca Marshall has been appointed a Maid of Honour at Queen Victoria’s court. For a young woman of eighteen this was ...Read Review

A Curable Romantic

By Joseph Skibell - Published 2010

Genres:

Historical Fantasy Literary

A Curable Romantic follows Dr. Jakob Sammelsohn, seeker, intellectual, lover, as he wanders Europe trailing the ghost of Jewish history. In 1895 Vienna, Jakob ...Read Review

City of Tranquil Light

By Bo Caldwell - Published 2010

Genres:

Biographical Fiction Inspirational Literary

This novel is a far cry from the breathlessly paced, predictably plotted commercial fiction churned out today. It is a gentle, intelligent, and ...Read Review

An Heir for Burracombe

By Lilian Harry - Published 2010

Genres:

Saga

Lilian hits the jackpot again with her Coronation Street look-alike romp in Devon, starting the day after the 1953 Coronation. I have reviewed a ...Read Review