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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McBooks Press

Chesapeake Bound (Sailing to Revolution)

By Thomas Guay - Published 2025

Genres:

Thomas Guay—formerly a Capitol Hill reporter and historic house tour guide—offers up the first volume in his new series, Sailing to ...Read Review

A Return to Duty (Cutler Family Chronicles)

By William C. Hammond - Published 2024

Genres:

Adventure Military Nautical

In 1846, Captain Richard Cutler and his wife, Anne, arrive in Portsmouth, Virginia, aboard a Navy ship following a fifteen-thousand-mile voyage from New Zealand. ...Read Review

Captain Hale’s Covenant

By Thomas E. Crocker - Published 2022

Genres:

Adventure Nautical Saga

Captain Adam Hale is a blockade runner during the American Revolution. Beginning in 1783, he decides to put his maritime experience to use in ...Read Review

The Sea of Silence: A Nathan Peake Novel

By Seth Hunter - Published 2021

Genres:

Adventure Nautical

In the tradition of Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin comes this third in a new series of Napoleonic seafaring adventures. “Jane Austen for boys” ...Read Review

HMS Hazard (John Pearce, 16)

By David Donachie - Published 2021

Genres:

Adventure Nautical

In the early summer of 1796, John Pearce commands the 14-gun Royal Navy sailing ship HMS Hazard. She is manned by inexperienced “quota men” ...Read Review

A River in Borneo: A Tale of the East Indies

By Richard Woodman - Published 2021

Genres:

Lt. Charlie Kirton finds the perfect place to mount a machine gun and command the river snaking through the rainforest of Indonesian Borneo ...Read Review

Hunters in the Stream: A Riley Fitzhugh Novel

By Terry Mort - Published 2021

Genres:

Military Thriller

Going from a private investigator in Los Angeles to a naval officer in 1942 doesn’t seem to be much of a jump to ...Read Review

The Scent of Betrayal

By David Donachie - Published 2003

Genres:

Adventure Mystery/Crime Nautical

David Donachie has enjoyed his share of acclaim as a writer of nautical fiction using the name of Tom Connery as well as ...Read Review

So Near So Far

By C. Northcote Parkinson - Published 2003

Genres:

Military Nautical Romance

For Captain Richard Delancey, his triumph at taking a French prize is mingled with misfortune. Peace has been declared. Conflict has become personal ...Read Review