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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Ancient Egypt

The Royal Rebel (Jeanette of Kent duology)

By Elizabeth Chadwick - Published 2024

Genres:

Elizabeth Chadwick’s website describes her as standing ‘at the pinnacle of historical fiction’ and, judging from her latest novel, it is hard ...Read Review

Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys, 1)

By M. G. Leonard - By Manuel Šumberac (illus.) - Published 2025

Genres:

Adventure Children/Young Adult Time-slip

Sim Lockier, and his martial arts-teaching, caretaker mum, Callidora, live in Sir John Soane’s Museum, London. Sim plays piano and enjoys helping ...Read Review

Cleopatra & Julius

By Joanna Courtney - Published 2024

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Cleopatra is best-known for her relationship with Mark Antony because that love affair has taken centre-stage in representations such as Shakespeare’s play ...Read Review

Murder in Mennefer

By A L Sirois - Published 2024

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Mystery/Crime

This middle-grade story is steeped in mystery against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. Just as thirteen-year-old Imhotep is ready to embark on a ...Read Review

The River of Eternity: A Novel of Ancient Egypt

By Bruce Balfour - Published 2024

Genres:

The River of Eternity is the first in a sequence of two books that treat the story of the conspiracy to assassinate Ramesses ...Read Review

Neferura

By Malayna Evans - Published 2024

Genres:

Anyone with a passing interest in Egyptian history will be familiar with the 18th Dynasty’s female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. Upon the death of ...Read Review