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.
  Browse our magazines
  
  Submit your novel for review
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.
Contact Us

Kristen McDermott

I’ll Be Right Here

By Amy Bloom - Published 2025

Genres:

Bloom excels at creating characters who combine a profound sense of alienation with a desperate desire for connection. In this short but intense ...Read Review

Under the Stars

By Beatriz Williams - Published 2025

Genres:

Williams, a beloved and prolific author of romantic historical novels featuring interconnected narratives, returns to the setting of Winthrop Island (her fictional version ...Read Review

Florenzer

By Phil Melanson - Published 2025

Genres:

This thoughtful, triple-point-of-view debut novel presents three important figures of the Italian Renaissance: Lorenzo de’ Medici, Leonardo da Vinci, and Francesco Salviati. The ...Read Review

This Here Is Love

By Princess Joy L. Perry - Published 2025

Genres:

Perry, an award-winning author, has created an unforgettable set of characters in a multi-point of view story tracing the lives and struggles of ...Read Review

The Original

By Nell Stevens - Published 2025

Genres:

This clever Victorian gothic presents an unusual protagonist: Grace Inderwick is an orphan who suffers from facial blindness but also has an uncanny ...Read Review

The Listeners

By Maggie Stiefvater - Published 2025

Genres:

Historical Fantasy

In this satisfying historical fantasy, June Hudson is the General Manager of the Avallon: a luxury spa and hotel nestled in the gorgeous ...Read Review

The Queen’s Spade

By Sarah Raughley - Published 2025

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Saga

This potboiler of a tale of a kidnapped Yoruban princess turned vengeful assassin is, according to the author’s afterword, “very loosely” based ...Read Review

Rebis: Born and Reborn

By Carla Roncalli Di Montorio (trans.) - By Carlotta Dicataldo (illus.) - By Irene Marchesini - Published 2025

Genres:

Children/Young Adult Saga

This enchanting graphic novel for young adults (14-18) offers a sweet coming-of-age story for readers who enjoyed Nimona. Young Rebis is born Martino, ...Read Review