What a disappointment: the blurb on the back of this book purports to explore the stories of legendary temptresses and why they have been demonized. The list includes characters like Lilith, Eve, the Queen of Sheba, Delilah, Jezebel, Kali, Lamia, and Medea. However, the book actually includes a different cast of characters: Morgan LeFay, Melusine, and Granya instead of Delilah, Jezebel, and Kali. In the introduction, Husain briefly discusses the myths of these women and the legacy of the 'femme fatale' and suggests that she will reclaim their story and explore individually their reputation. The result, however, is something much more bland and incredibly disappointing. Husain indeed retells each story but in potentially the most banal and boring manner ever and takes no time to examine their historical legacy or the reason why they are so maligned. Fascinating idea, disappointing result. ( )