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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Early Medieval (to 1337)

Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen

By Alice Loxton - Published 2026

Genres:

Part travel journal, history, and fascinating side trips (stone carving, anyone?), this book is a delight. Historian Alice Loxton treats the reader as ...Read Review

Ultramarine

By Paul Drayton - Published 2025

Genres:

Literary

In a coastal community in 14th-century England, three motherless brothers are just beginning to find their way in life, without much help from ...Read Review

Hagtale: A Macbeth Origin Story

By Sally O’Reilly - Published 2025

Genres:

Literary

O’Reilly’s rich literary fable, set in medieval Scotland, relates a version of the origins of Macbethad mac Findláech, king of ...Read Review

The Maid of Sherwood Forest: A Mcquivey’s Costume Shop Romance (Proper Romance Time-slip Series)

By Sian Ann Bessey - Published 2025

Genres:

Inspirational Romance Time-slip

When Mariah enters McQuivey’s Costume Shop to find a medieval gown, she does not expect to step out of the changing room ...Read Review

The Last Priest of Tintagel

By Pamela Taylor - Published 2025

Genres:

This medieval tale begins at Oxford University in 1326, where Piran Chegwin, a Cornishman, is studying for his theology degree to fulfill his lifelong ...Read Review

Daughter of Mercia (Dr Anna Petersen medieval mysteries)

By Julia Ibbotson - Published 2025

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Do voices from the past speak to us today? Presumably, any ardent fan of historical fiction would answer in the affirmative, at least ...Read Review

Feast for the Ravens (Bradecote & Catchpoll)

By Sarah Hawkswood - Published 2025

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

England, 1145. Two young boys discover the corpse of a Knight Templar in the woods near their Worcestershire home; the lads’ testimony reaffirms the ...Read Review

My Enemy, My Friend

By Elizabeth Laird - Published 2025

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

Readers are drawn deep into the world of the 12th century, during the time of the Third Crusade (1189-1192) as alternate chapters introduce ...Read Review