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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2018

Race to Marathon

By Jay Greenwood - Published 2018

Genres:

After word arrives that hundreds of Persian ships are on course to land at the Bay of Marathon, the fewer Athenians scramble to ...Read Review

Black Wings: A Novel of the French Revolution

By Sophie Masson - Published 2018

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

1798: the Vendee is a peaceful French departement where four young friends enjoy each other’s company. Loyal, intelligent Jacques Verdun, aristocratic painter Edmond ...Read Review

Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

By Kathryn Harkup - Published 2018

Genres:

Nonfiction

The tale of the scientist Victor Frankenstein and the creature he fashions and animates is just as compelling today as it was when ...Read Review

The Warrior with the Pierced Heart (Shadow of the Raven)

By Chris Bishop - Published 2018

Genres:

Adventure Military

This second book in The Shadow of the Raven series is told in the first person by Mathew, the second son of a ...Read Review

The Oblique Place

By Caterina Pascual Söderbaum - Published 2018

Genres:

Literary

The author, who died in 2015 aged just 53, has left a profound literary achievement in this novel, which makes the reader regret her early ...Read Review

The Viking Priest: A Saga of Fate, Faith, Adventure, and Love

By Linda Kay Dahlén - Published 2018

Genres:

Epic Inspirational

Fleeing from home after his father’s death, Brand travels from Sweden to England. He wants to learn more about the god who ...Read Review

Across The Divide

By Anne Booth - Published 2018

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

This is a brave and clever book which addresses important issues in a timely manner. Olivia is experiencing problems with school, with a ...Read Review

The Peacock Summer

By Hannah Richell - Published 2018 Published 2019

Genres:

Summoned home to present-day England to care for her grandmother, Maggie Oberon finds Lillian ailing and confused, the grand manor of Cloudesley falling ...Read Review