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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Keira Morgan

Pro Deo

By Rebecca Pawel - Published 2026

Genres:

This is a wonderful book, full of feisty, unlikely, unforgettable characters stirred to action when Ghent changes hands from Spanish to Calvinist during ...Read Review

The Fern Flower

By Kathleen Shoop - Published 2026

Genres:

Set in Russia between 1908 and 1917, this mashup of historical fiction with folk tale and fantasy elements focuses on the story of the main ...Read Review

Shades of Emily

By Leslie Howard - Published 2026

Genres:

This dual-timeline, romanticized, historical novel-cum-art mystery, set at the turn of the 20th century, explores the question of who the man was in ...Read Review

What Love E’er Meant

By Janet Wertman - Published 2026

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Janet Wertman has done it again with this fascinating take on the magnificent Queen Elizabeth I. In this novel, written from Elizabeth’s ...Read Review

My Heart My Blood

By Mandy Louise - Published 2025

Genres:

This romantic historical novel is set in the borderlands of Scotland and England in the aftermath of the defeat of James IV by ...Read Review

Empress in Exile

By Paloma Blue - Published 2026

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Fulvia Plautilla’s father requires her to marry Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, son of the Roman emperor, to fuel the family fortunes. She soon ...Read Review

Beyond the Edge of the Known World

By Jerry Ortiz y Pino - Published 2026

Genres:

The Spanish Cortes of 1812 in Cádiz provides the historical catalyst for the life-changing journey of Juan, this tale’s fictional fourteen-year-old hero. ...Read Review

Leonor

By Catherine Mathis - Published 2026

Genres:

In 1367, Portugal is a turbulent land, beset by rival royal sons within the divided Iberian Peninsula, often at war with neighbouring Castile, and ...Read Review