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

Liesel’s War

By Corin Burnside - Published 2026

Genres:

Hamburg, 1945. As Allied tanks roll past her front door, Liesel Heinemann (23) and her two younger brothers (14 and 9) face an awful quandary. Remain in ...Read Review

Nuremberg, Mississippi

By Melvin E. Edwards - Published 2026

Genres:

Could you follow a law despite knowing it to be morally wrong? This compelling legal drama unflinchingly considers this question through a case ...Read Review

The Tembusu Tree Mystery

By Ovidia Yu - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The tenth novel in Ovidia Yu’s cosy mystery series, with her female sleuth Chen Su Lin, is set in 1947 Singapore in the ...Read Review

When the Glitter Fades

By Jacqx Melilli - Published 2024

Genres:

Saga

In 1920s Australia, two young men, Vinnie and Artis, join a touring entertainment troupe. Both want to escape troubled pasts and achieve fame ...Read Review

The Raven’s Price: A Margaret of Scotland Medieval Mystery

By J. G. Lewis - Published 2026

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The Raven’s Price, set in 1071, is the second book in a mystery series anchored by Queen Margaret of Scotland as the sleuth. ...Read Review

Tácnbora: Exile and Pagans

By Aidan K. Morrissey - Published 2026

Genres:

This internally inconsistent novel is set in the 6th-century world of Ireland and Scotland. It’s ostensibly about the man who became Saint ...Read Review

Of Flaw and Scorn

By Vera Bell - Published 2026

Genres:

Inspirational Romance

A Viking raid on an Irish fishing village demolishes the Christian world of thirteen-year-old Brigit, captured by a young Viking warrior, Reidar, on ...Read Review