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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Harper Perennial

Passage to Tokyo (Ancestor Memories Fantasy)

By Poppy Kuroki - Published 2026

Genres:

Set in Tokyo in 1923, 1995, and 2025, this New Adult historical fantasy novel will delight readers of historical fiction, time travel and romance. In 1995, 22-year-old ...Read Review

The Jilted Countess

By Loretta Ellsworth - Published 2026

Genres:

Before the war, Roza Mészáros was a Hungarian countess and a ballerina at the Vienna State Opera. But years of bombing, ...Read Review

Daughter of Genoa

By Kat Devereaux - Published 2025

Genres:

Saga

Historian Devereaux’s intensive research gives us a glimpse into the lives of Italian Jews in occupied Genoa. The action begins in April 1944 ...Read Review

I Am Cleopatra

By Natasha Solomons - Published 2025

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

This reimagining of Cleopatra’s life begins in her youth and ends with the aftermath of Julius Caesar’s death. From childhood, Cleopatra ...Read Review

The Teacher of Auschwitz

By Wendy Holden - Published 2025

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Wendy Holden’s remarkable novel is the true story of Alfred Hirsch, known as Fredy, who grew up as Hitler’s plan to ...Read Review

Where They Lie

By Claire Coughlan - Published 2024

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Dublin, 1968: in the news room of a city newspaper on a slow night near Christmas, the conversation amongst reporters turns to a convicted ...Read Review

Queen Hereafter (US) / Lady Macbethad (UK)

By Isabelle Schuler - Published 2023

Genres:

This deep dive into the origin story of Lady Macbeth transports the reader to 11th-century Scotland, a time steeped in religion, superstition, factions ...Read Review