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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Reviews

Reviews of some 25,000+ historical fiction books

American By Blood

By Andrew Huebner - Published 2000

Genres:

First, the bad news about this first novel. Dealing with the aftermath of Custer’s disaster at the Little Big Horn, in 1876, and ...Read Review

The Secret Wife of King George IV

By Diane Haeger - Published 2000

Genres:

Romance

Diane Haeger is no stranger to tales of royal romance, having dramatized the love story of Henri II of France and Diane de ...Read Review

Dark Eagle: A Novel of Benedict Arnold and the American Revolution

By John Ensor Harr - Published 1999

Genres:

Biographical Fiction Military

The name Benedict Arnold is synonymous with the word “traitor” in the American vocabulary. With this novel the author attempts to set the ...Read Review

Soul of the Sacred Earth

By Vella Munn - Published 2000

Genres:

Except for a brief prelude set in 1599, the events in this book take place during the summer and fall of 1628 in what is ...Read Review

The Tidal Poole: An Elizabeth I Mystery

By Karen Harper - Published 2000

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Queen Elizabeth the First is in vogue these days. First we have two popular movies (Shakespeare in Love and Elizabeth) with her as ...Read Review

Dorcas Good: The Diary of a Salem Witch

By Rose Earhart - Published 2000

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Choosing to tell the tale of the 1692 Salem witches as a diary written by one of them seemed like a brilliant idea to ...Read Review

The Maiden and the Unicorn

By Isolde Martyn - Published 1999

Genres:

Romance

During the turbulent period now known as the Wars of the Roses, Marjorie of Warwick finds herself caught between love and loyalty, wed ...Read Review

The Difficult Saint: A Catherine Levendeur Mystery (Catherine Levendeur Mysteries)

By Sharan Newman - Published 1999

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In this, the sixth Catherine LeVendeur mystery, Sharan Newman transports us to France in 1146. Catherine, a worthy heroine who is constantly finding – although ...Read Review

A Mortal Bane

By Roberta Gellis - Published 1999

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Gellis, acclaimed author of The Roselynde Chronicles, shifts gears dramatically in this, her first medieval mystery. We are introduced to Southwark and London ...Read Review