Barbara Hambly (born 1951) is an American author celebrated for her work across fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction. With a master’s degree in medieval history, she brings scholarly depth to richly imagined worlds. Her breakout fantasy series, the Darwath Trilogy, and the Benjamin January mysteries—set in antebellum New Orleans—showcase her range and character-driven storytelling. Hambly has also written Star Trek and Star Wars tie-ins, vampire novels, and historical fiction under the pen name Barbara Hamilton. Her work often features unconventional protagonists and explores the ethical consequences of magic and power.