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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Elizabeth Hawksley

Wolf Mountain

By Alice Roberts - By Keith Robinson (illus.) - Published 2025

Genres:

I have long been a fan of Professor Alice Roberts’ gripping television programme Digging for Britain in which she explains human anatomy and ...Read Review

Roman Boy

By Tony Bradman - Published 2024

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

Rome, 125 AD. Lucius, age 15, desperately needs his stepfather, Gaius, to help him make his way in the world. Gaius is a rich and ...Read Review

Circus Maximus: Return of the Champion

By Annelise Gray - Published 2024

Genres:

Adventure Children/Young Adult

This, the last in Annelise Gray’s Circus Maximus Quartet, follows our heroine Dido, who is intent on returning to professional chariot racing, ...Read Review

Mysteries at Sea

By A. M. Howell - Published 2024

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

1936. We rejoin the characters in The Royal Jewel Plot, the sequel to A.M. Howell’s first nautical adventure for 8-12-year-olds. Here, ...Read Review

Christmas with the Engine Girls

By Daisy Styles - Published 2023

Genres:

Saga

It is 1941 and the Blitz is raging; conscription for women is very much in the news in spite of The War Office dragging ...Read Review

City of Spies

By Elisa Paganelli (illus.) - By Iszi Lawrence - Published 2024

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

1780 New York. The British Army is trying to beat the rebel American colonists into submission and restore King George III’s rightful rule, ...Read Review

Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm

By Annelise Gray - Published 2023

Genres:

Adventure Children/Young Adult

This, the last in Annelise Gray’s Circus Maximus trilogy, follows our heroine Dido, now back in Rome, intent on returning to professional ...Read Review