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

The Water Women

By Bonnie Blaylock - Published 2026

Genres:

Opening in Sardegna (Sardinia) in 1910, this novel tells the story of three generations of water women, followers of an ancient tradition founded by ...Read Review

Tyrant of Rome (Eagles of the Empire 24)

By Simon Scarrow - Published 2025

Editors' Choice

Genres:

Adventure Military

62 CE. Centurion Macro and his wife, Petronella, are caught up in some trouble at the Forum. Four hundred slaves are being executed for ...Read Review

The Final Problem

By Arturo Pérez-Reverte - Published 2026

Editors' Choice

Genres:

Literary Mystery/Crime

Perez-Reverte has been on my to-read list for a while, and now I regret waiting so long to get around to him. TL;...Read Review

Fire Sword and Sea

By Vanessa Riley - Published 2026

Editors' Choice

Genres:

Adventure Biographical Fiction Nautical

Vanessa Riley explores the storied history beneath the Caribbean sands, bringing to brimming life the chaotic nature of the 17th-century Golden Age of ...Read Review

Luminous Bodies: A Novel of Marie Curie

By Devon Jersild - Published 2026

Editors' Choice

Genres:

Biographical Fiction

Devon Jersild is a writer and practicing clinical psychologist who wanted to write a fuller picture of Marie Curie not just as the ...Read Review

The Secret Courtesan

By Kerry Chaput - Published 2026

Editors' Choice

Genres:

The Secret Courtesan is an engrossing dual timeline novel featuring two remarkable and finely crafted protagonists: Sofia Rossi and Dr. Mia Harding. Sofia, ...Read Review

Kissing the Sky

By Lisa Patton - Published 2026

Editors' Choice

Genres:

Patton’s novel hits all the high notes for naïve 20-year-old Suzie and her best friend, Livvy, as they head to Woodstock ...Read Review

Hope and Destiny

By Alex Fleming (trans.) - By Niklas Natt och Dag - Published 2025

Editors' Choice

Genres:

The Kingdom of Sweden in 1434 is in turmoil under King Eric. A revolt of Northmen and peasants against burdensome taxes is led by ...Read Review

The Lions’ Run

By Jon Klassen (illus.) - By Sara Pennypacker - Published 2026

Editors' Choice

Genres:

Children/Young Adult

In German-occupied France in 1944, two young people from very different backgrounds bond over a common love of animals. When Lucas, an orphan from ...Read Review