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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Georgian

Winter Fire

By Jo Beverley - Published 2003

Genres:

December 1763. It is challenging to take seriously a novel featuring females called Genova, Calliope, Thalia, Regeanne, Sheena, and Damaris. But in this story ...Read Review

Marrying Mozart

By Stephanie Cowell - Published 2004

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

In 1842 Salzburg, Sophie Weber reflects on her family’s friendship with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. They first meet in Mannheim in 1777, where he falls ...Read Review

Barely Proper

By Shannon Donnelly - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Romance

In this romance set in England in the mid 1700s, Sylvain Harwood, nearly 20, considers herself the family disappointment due to her tomboy ways. ...Read Review

The Black Violin

By Maxence Fermine - By tr. from the French by Chris Mulhern - Published 2003

Genres:

Literary

At age five, Johannes Karelsky hears a gypsy violinist and quickly becomes a musical prodigy as a result. Being drafted into Napoleon’s ...Read Review

Lord John and the Private Matter

By Diana Gabaldon - Published 2003 (UK)Published 2003 (US)

Genres:

Adventure

In 1757, Lord John Grey, a high-ranking member of the King’s army, is appointed to investigate a brutal murder. At the same time, ...Read Review

Devil’s Cub

By Georgette Heyer - Published 1991 (UK)Published 2003 US (c1932)

Genres:

Romance

The “Devil’s Cub” is Dominic, Marquis of Vidal, one of the wildest rakes in Georgian England. Nothing is too outré for Vidal – ...Read Review

Pharos: A Ghost Story

By Alice Thompson - Published 2003

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

On Jacob’s Rock, a remote lighthouse on the coast of Scotland, a young woman is washed up on shore in the early 19...Read Review

Thorn In My Heart

By Liz Curtis Higgs - Published 2003

Genres:

Romance

In the Scottish Lowlands of 1788, Rowena McKie goads her favorite son Jamie, the younger of twins, into claiming his father’s blessing. With ...Read Review