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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Aria

The Time Between Us

By Marina McCarron - Published 2022

Genres:

How many romantic novels set in Occupied France in WW2 can the market take? They seem to cascade off the press. As usual, ...Read Review

All That We Have Lost

By Suzanne Fortin - Published 2022

Genres:

It is 2019, and after her husband’s death Imogen Wren decides to follow their joint dream and move to France, against the advice ...Read Review

The Rose Villa

By Leah Fleming - Published 2022

Genres:

The Rose Villa is a gorgeous read, a historical romance spanning the years between 1918 and 1944. The two protagonists, Kit and Flora, battle their ...Read Review

The Raven Banner

By Tim Hodkinson - Published 2020

Genres:

Adventure

This second book in Tim Hodkinson’s rip-roaring Viking adventure series, The Whale Road Chronicles, sees Einar plying his trade as a bard ...Read Review

The Forgotten Life of Arthur Pettinger

By Suzanne Fortin - Published 2021

Genres:

Arthur Pettinger has forgotten his life because he is 96 years old and sinking into dementia. His granddaughter, Maddy, sets out to retrieve it, ...Read Review

Fortress of Fury

By Matthew Harffy - Published 2020

Genres:

Adventure

AD 647. Anglo Saxon Britain. Penda of Mercia has travelled north with his allies. Beobrand, leader of men, warrior, brave and feared by his ...Read Review

A Shop Girl at Sea

By Rachel Brimble - Published 2020

Genres:

Saga

Not another book about the Titanic? Well, not really. The eponymous shopgirl, Amelia, who works at a department store in Bath, does not ...Read Review

Wolf of Wessex

By Matthew Harffy - Published 2020

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

To anyone who is a follower of Matthew Harffy’s Bernicia Chronicles, The Wolf of Wessex is a significant departure, although it retains ...Read Review