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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Puffin

Puffin The Mythmakers

By Katarzyna Doszla (illus.) - By Tamzin Merchant - Published 2025

Genres:

This unique version of the famous Arthurian legend holds its own captivating magic. The engaging characters, coupled with the many mythical creatures, add ...Read Review

The Cave Explorer

By Kate Winter - Published 2025

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Literary

Kate Winter’s previous picture book The Fossil Hunter, a biography of paleontologist Mary Anning, won her the 2024 Klaus Flugge Prize awarded to ...Read Review

A Stocking Full of Spies: The Ministry of Unladylike Activity 3

By Robin Stevens - Published 2025

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Mystery/Crime

It is the winter of 1941. Hazel, elder sister of May Wong, has been seconded from the Ministry of Unladylike Activity to Bletchley Park, ...Read Review

The Ministry of Unladylike Activity 3: A Stocking Full of Spies

By Robin Stevens - Published 2025

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

It is the winter of 1941. Hazel, elder sister of May Wong, has been seconded from the Ministry of Unladylike Activity to Bletchley Park, ...Read Review

The Body in the Blitz (The Ministry of Unladylike Activity 2)

By Robin Stevens - Published 2023

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Mystery/Crime

This is the second instalment of Stevens’s new series The Ministry of Unladylike Activity, where the new incarnation of the Detective Society ...Read Review