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 76 (May 2016)

Streams of Mercy

By Lauraine Snelling - Published 2016

Genres:

Snelling’s Songs of Blessings series continues in Streams of Mercy. In 1907, widowed Anji Moen returns to North Dakota from Norway with her ...Read Review

The High Mountains of Portugal

By Yann Martel - Published 2016

Genres:

Literary

A mythical white rhinoceros, an autopsy that reveals the cause of life, a chimpanzee that pores over family albums… what a tale Yann ...Read Review

The Blood Red City

By Justin Richards - Published 2016

Genres:

Alternate History

In this alternate history and science fiction-themed novel, the WWII British special operators at Station Z are battling both Nazis and the alien ...Read Review

A Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls

By Jessica Spotswood (ed.) - Published 2016

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Short Stories

This is a deceptively titled anthology of unpublished short stories by notable authors of young adult fiction. Historical YA fiction is a difficult ...Read Review

If This Is a Woman: Inside Ravensbrück: Hitler’s Concentration Camp for Women

By Sarah Helm - Published 2015

Genres:

Nonfiction

This is an exceptionally detailed history of the only concentration camp established under the Nazi regime solely for female prisoners. Ravensbrück, which ...Read Review

The Peacock Throne

By Lisa Karon Richardson - Published 2015

Genres:

Romance

Two murders thrust Anthony, the elegant new Earl of Danby, and the impoverished Lydia Garrett together in Regency London. The two victims, Anthony’...Read Review

The Plague of Thieves Affair

By Bill Pronzini - By Marcia Muller - Published 2016

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This is the fourth in the Carpenter and Quincannon series written by husband-and-wife team Muller and Pronzini. It opens with John Quinncannon and ...Read Review