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

Witchborn

By Nicholas Bowling - Published 2017

Genres:

1577. Elizabeth I has returned England to a moderate Protestantism. However, some think that her cousin, the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, should be ...Read Review

Revolt Against the Romans

By Tony Bradman - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

I can see why Tony Bradman dedicated this book to Rosemary Sutcliff; they are both interested in a clash of cultures and the ...Read Review

Young Bond: Red Nemesis

By Steve Cole - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

1935. Young James Bond’s school term in Edinburgh has ended, and he’s on the train to London with his Aunt Charmian. They ...Read Review

Saxon Tales: The King Who Threw Away His Throne

By Terry Deary - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

Books by Terry Deary are always popular for younger children, and this is one of his new Saxon Tales. The King who Threw ...Read Review

Saxon Tales: The Shepherd Who Ate His Sheep

By Terry Deary - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

10th century, Maidstone, Kent. This tale is based on a true story of a starving shepherd boy, Edward Medway, who, one winter, cut ...Read Review

Saxon Tales: The Witch Who Faced the Fire

By Terry Deary - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

York, 7th century A.D. Young Aldith is only five when the plague comes. Her father is a tanner, who turns animal skins ...Read Review

The Island at the End of Everything

By Kiran Millwood Hargrave - Published 2017

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

1902, Culion Island, the Philippines, once a leper colony. When twelve-year-old Ami, whose mother has leprosy, learns that a new Government ruling has decided ...Read Review

Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities

By Bettany Hughes - Published 2017

Genres:

Nonfiction

This book’s subject, Byzantium/Constantinople/Istanbul, has been called the world’s greatest city. Appropriately, the author has chosen a multi-faceted viewpoint ...Read Review