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Thrill of the Hunt #4

The Salted Sceptre

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All my dreams are coming true. But some nightmares continue to lurk in the shadows.

I should be celebrating. Hell, I should be the happiest elf in the world. Unfortunately, I can’t revel in my successes when there’s a foul fiend who is relentlessly trying to lure me to his side. He won’t leave me in peace and he seems determined to plunge the country into chaos to get what he wants, using bloodshed, fear and malevolent magic.

Still, I’m no stranger to stubbornness. If I can turn the tables and become the hunter instead of the hunted, I might have a chance. The odds are stacked against me but I’m not alone in this fight - and I refuse to be anyone’s puppet.

Salted Sceptre is the fourth and final novel in The Thrill of the Hunt, an urban fantasy series set in Scotland and beyond. Expect thrilling adventure, deeply felt love and maybe, just maybe, a happy ending.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2024

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266 people want to read

About the author

Helen Harper

93 books3,546 followers

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5 stars
640 (48%)
4 stars
434 (33%)
3 stars
194 (14%)
2 stars
35 (2%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for TJ.
3,284 reviews280 followers
October 7, 2024
Please be aware that my rating is totally a personal preference thing. I still love Ms. Harper’s writing style and her light, fun stories. This book (and series as a whole) just didn’t connect with me like many of her others.

I can’t even say why with this book. Yes, the first couple of books in the series were because of the whole drug addict/light UF slant. But the third book I really enjoyed. So, *shrugs* it’s a me thing, I guess.
Profile Image for Marci.
965 reviews
October 14, 2024
I mean, it was your typical urban fantasy with heart like Helen Harper is so good at writing, I just kinda felt meh about the ending. I have no idea what this Amy character had to do with the story at all. The meeting between Daisy and her birth father at the end was rather anticlimactic. Yeah, it had its sweet points, like I already said, Ms Harper is really good at that. I just didn’t feel like it was a very cohesive story. The middle two books in the series were well done, we had an actual storyline that got our characters from point a to b to c, etc. A little bit in the first book and definitely in this book we are just kind of in a location, some things happen, then on to the next, some things happen, it was the theme throughout the book. It simply wasn’t woven together in a way that really made a ton of sense honestly.

I also thought we moved our characters from a couple of people who were kind of like “Aw, shucks, I like you. Do you like me?” in the 3rd book to Daisy has kicked her drug habit in a month and they are all “You complete me, I am so in love with you and cannot live without you.” I feel the build up to it was missing and all of that hard work was off page to boot.

Overall a pleasant series, it just wasn’t my favorite and I will continue to want more Emma and Lord Horvath books.
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,598 reviews489 followers
November 5, 2024
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Paranormal Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

The Salted Scepter is the fourth and final installment in author Helen Harper's Thrill of the Hunt series. This series takes place entirely within Scotland. The series protagonist is Daisy Carter. Daisy, who recently learned that she comes from an interesting mix of Elf and Fiend and has learned how to actually control her magic without drugs, has gone from a spider silk addict to pushing the buttons of Hugh Pemberville to see who is the best treasure hunter in the country. Right out of the gate, there is trouble waiting for Daisy in the form of a powerful fiend named Athair.


*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Julia Welsh.
182 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2024
Look, I like to curse. And I appreciate a good creative curse. But to paraphrase Emerson, repetition is the hobgoblin of small minds.

The shibboleth in question?

Thirteen times. The phrase “cumbubbling”/“cumbubbling bullocks” was used THIRTEEN TIMES. I stopped and took a monthlong break, and just as I started to get sucked back in, the main character says that phrase again. I basically only finished reading it out of sheer bloody mindedness, and am glad I won’t have to suffer through that again because I am not reading any sequels.

You know, until I forget how much I disliked this.

Otherwise, the story was alright; decent portrayal of addiction, and everything was wrapped up almost too neatly. It was an OK book, but definitely put my teeth on edge it was a struggle to finish.
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,209 reviews26 followers
September 24, 2024
What a fantastic ending to this series. I will definitely miss reading about these characters and love how Daisy and Hugo in particular have grown in their relationship.

In this one, Daisy's father, the very powerful fiend Athair, is adamant that Daisy join him as a fiend herself. Of course and quite rightly so, she refuses, but when he gives her a truly horrific ultimate, she has no choice but to do what she does best. Go treasure hunting! She desperately needs to find something that is rumoured to solve all her problems, but will she be able to find it in time?! You'll have to read to find out!

I loved how all of Daisy's friends, colleagues and acquaintances came together to support her and Hugo in the final showdown. Never before would she have thought she had this many friends, but they were all there for her! And I just loved the ending for both Hester and Otis too! Just so adorably sweet!

This has been a great series to read, full of action, slow burn romance at first, hilarious moments and tear jerking moments too. I would definitely recommend that you read the series from the beginning to see how these characters have developed, grown and changed for the better throughout!

I received an ARC copy of this book, but this review is my own honest one! Thank you Helen for another great read!
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,036 reviews317 followers
May 4, 2025
I absolutely loved how this ended, it was simple, strategic and believable. Just when you think you've guessed what Daisy will do and then she goes and confounds you. There was one part I hated, but authors always do that to us and in some ways it was an outcome the characters wanted.

My only "disappointment" with the last two books was how far they veered from the fun treasure hunting adventures of the first two. I would have loved for the series to be longer with a few more perilous journey's along the way but I guess it's better to leave us wanting more than for readers to have grown bored along the way.
Profile Image for Debbie Furze.
26 reviews
October 29, 2025
Ploughed through this in one day on audiobook whilst on a long drive. Enjoyable as always , wrapped up themes in the series , familiar characters and some new ones. All good .
Profile Image for Caitlin D.
63 reviews
October 13, 2024
I absolutely love the blend of a real world issue with an urban fantasy environment in this series. As always, Helen wrote a fun read, with characters that I adore and am sad to say goodbye to. Her stories are always a delight.
Profile Image for Andi.
2,208 reviews
October 6, 2024
3.5 stars. Sadly, this last installment suffered from pacing issues, and the plot wasn’t as compelling as the last book. The ending was also a bit of a letdown. Despite these things, I enjoyed this series overall.
Profile Image for K.
49 reviews
April 2, 2025
The Salted Sceptre is the fourth and final book in the series, and it absolutely brings everything to a thrilling, emotional conclusion. We pick up with Daisy, now a month and three days sober, facing a chilling taunt from Athair—blood splattered on a building as a reminder of the danger he poses. Daisy and Hugo’s relationship is in a strong place, but it’s clear that the looming threat of Athair is about to stir everything up.

As the tension ramps up, Athair pushes Daisy with ultimatums, trying to draw her to the dark side once again. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially with the discovery of King John's sceptre, which could either bring an end to their enemies or destroy them forever. The pressure of the hunt is intense, and the clock is ticking, but Daisy’s battle with sobriety is always lurking in the background—every weak moment and meeting adds to the complexity of her journey.

One of the most rewarding parts of The Salted Sceptre is the way it brings together characters from the first three books for the final showdown. Each of their journeys feels like it’s come full circle as they unite to face Athair. Throughout the series, there have been moments of redemption for various characters, but I couldn’t help but feel that Athair’s story was one of pure villainy. After decades spent searching for his daughter, he never really experiences the redemption that others do. He’s a complete villain to the end.

And of course, the Fachan, who has haunted the pages of all four books, makes his final appearance.

The series ends on a high note with Athair’s defeat, the sceptre being recovered (thanks to a teenager, no less!), and a few surprise romances blossoming. The ending ties everything together beautifully while leaving readers with that bittersweet sense of closure.

If you've been following along, The Salted Sceptre is a must-read to see how everything concludes. And if you're new to the series, this book will definitely make you want to go back and binge the whole thing.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
October 26, 2024
Good

NOTE: this is the fourth and final book in a series, and since it is part of an ongoing storyline, it cannot be read as a standalone. That being said, the series as a whole is a fun and enjoyable read, so it is not a hardship to have to read the other three!

She has become a treasure hunter, met and fallen for a snooty elven lord, found out the story of her past and parentage, and worked hard to defeat the drug addiction that was both saving her and killing her. Now Daisy has one more thing to deal with; the fiend that has become the bane of her life.
With the help of Lord Hugo, her two brownie friends, and the Primes, Daisy is on the hunt to discover the best way to take out the fiend that is threatening her.

Everything is wrapped up (more or less) in this book, as Daisy faces her final challenge. It’s a dangerous endeavour, and requires that she and her fiancé travel, treasure hunter, and fight just to find answers.
It is an enjoyable read, with lots of action, a little romance, and a great resolution to the problems she has been facing for so long.

This entire series is a great read, with likeable characters, an entertaining background story, and a main character who is working hard to overcome her own flaws and weaknesses. I’ve enjoyed the series, and hope we will still get to hear a little more from this world (I kind of enjoy the elvish Indiana Jones vibes!).
If you love urban and contemporary fantasy, then this is an engaging series you are sure to love.
Profile Image for Em (Diversify Your Shelf).
254 reviews29 followers
October 1, 2024
CW: villain tries to trigger a relapse

*Helen gave me an early copy!!!!*

I am such a sucker for this series! I've read most of Helen's backlist but I think this series is so wonderful and tops the list (well, after the Faery Godmother series). In the series finale, Daisy & co have to race to find a way to defeat Althair before he destroys everyone and everything she loves.

This book was a phenomenal read: hijinks, high stakes, and hilarious comments from Esther created a glorious series finale. Plus... she gets help from a few unexpected sources ;)

I am not someone who has personally experience substance dependence, but I think Helen does a beautiful job humanising the experience. Daisy is an addict and she will always be an addict, but that doesn't mean she isn't a powerful badass too. I really appreciate that Helen didn't include some sort of magical cure for addiction-- sometimes fantasy books create fantasy cures for such things and while it benefits the characters, it can be hurtful to readers. While Daisy's reason for taking spider silk was magical, her treatment is very real.
Profile Image for Caprice.
168 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2024
A finale that is nothing short of spectacular!

What I love most about Harper’s writing is her ability to take concepts that we think we know and completely flip them into something fresh and exciting. It’s a talent she showcases so brilliantly throughout this and all of her series. She masterfully blends heartfelt romance, edge-of-your-seat action, and the perfect dose of humor, making every moment feel alive and electric.

The characters, especially our beloved Daisy, continue to evolve in ways that are so satisfying. She's finally dealt with addiction and became even stronger than before.

The romance feels organic and deeply emotional. Helen Harper’s ability to craft intense and yet tender moments amidst all the chaos is just incredible. Every twist and turn kept me hooked, and the stakes were higher than ever. The pacing is fast, and I found myself cheering, laughing, and holding my breath in equal measure.

Helen Harper has cemented herself as a master of storytelling, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Profile Image for The Captain.
1,521 reviews522 followers
July 18, 2025
Ahoy there mateys! Oof.  This last book was rough.  The big bad wants Daisy to join him.  She says no.  Ultimatum issued.  I feel like most of this book didn't really matter and was just place-holding until the final battle.  And that confrontation was rather boring.  As was most of this book.  It's almost like the author added side plots and some new characters because there wasn't any story to tell.  The treasure hunting was light and not necessary for the rest of the plot.  Also the phrase "cumbubbling bullocks" got really old.  I am glad I got the series for cheap on audiobook because I will not be rereading this one.

Side Note:  That makes one Helen Harper series I adore and three I don't.  I have one more series The Cat Lady Chronicles to try because cats and I own the first in the series.  If this new series doesn't work for me then I will just reread my favorite series and not try any others.  Arrr!
Profile Image for Nadia Shaik.
19 reviews
January 3, 2025
all tied up but a bit disappointed

Don’t get me wrong- this book is well written.

There’s a treasure hunt- but that’s isn’t the focus.
Neither is the relationship between Daisy and Hugo- which is finally on track.

This book is all about Daisy and her father- the biological one.

It’s a change to read a book where there’s no actual angst or tension between the MCs. Daisy and Hugo are a good team. There’s a balance in power and they respect each other. There’s no bravado where one character makes a sacrifice believing that it will save everyone.

I was a bit disappointed that there weren’t more actual treasure hunts in the book. But it’s a hunt of a different kind.

The series overall is well written. I love the combination of fantasy and history being tied together. The treasure hunts were thrilling. The characters well developed and good plots.

The series as a whole is definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for TrixieB.
840 reviews16 followers
September 17, 2024
A wonderfully satisfying conclusion to the series.

We see people from all of the previous books which is really nice.

Often in the final book of a series it's too bland, too easy, and all fanservice. This is not that. There's real struggle and resolution. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It's not something that hits you in the head like an after-school special, but I really appreciate the treatment of addiction in this book. People who are addicted are not evil they're just people. And those struggling with addiction need help however they can get it. So Daisy often stops when things get tough and goes to a meeting because it helps her. Different people have different needs but the important thing is to get the help you need and to offer the help people need. Makes me very happy to have that in a book.
1,307 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2025
Daisy is getting over her addiction, happily living with Hugo and most things are going well. But her father is still after her so the search for something to kill a fiend is ongoing.
When she is given an ultimatum to join him or see everyone and everything she loves destroy, the search is really on.
From a small town where a treasure is located to searching for Prince John’s missing treasures and back to Altair’s hideout and Edenborough, this book has action, interesting locations, good relationships and more. I do have to admit that the brownie, Hester, gets on my nerves at times but that’s the only thing I’m not completely pleased with. The other characters are great, it’s good to see the support Daisy gets in everything and Hugo works so well in both treasure hunting and romance.
This was a great, fun, quick book and series. I just loved it.
294 reviews
September 16, 2024
This book wraps up the current story arc of Daisy and Hugh, where they have to defeat her father and as it starts with him forcing her to sit down with him. The entire gang is present to help them out, while new people are drawn in to help and old foes become a helping hand. Althair knows that he is a step ahead and he believes that Daisy will give in to him and so he's patient in a fashion.
Daisy however wants to say no and does everything she can to avoid saying yes to becoming a fiend, they go here, there and everywhere to that aim. King John is drawn in to the mix as well as his lost treasure becomes a focus.
Does she ultimately win or lose? You will have to read the book to find out!
It's definitely a worthy book and a very satisfying read.
Profile Image for Azadeh.
28 reviews
September 30, 2024
I was trying to figure out what makes Helen’s books my favourites. There’s adventure and mystery and so much humour, I always know I’m going to have a good time. But also, in the middle of magic and mayhem there are moments of vulnerability so beautiful I feel like I’m seeing into the souls of the characters. In the end, I feel connected to all sorts of beings, including spiders and brownies, which is also something I never expected to say. This is all to say, this is, as always, an excellent book that sucked me in completely from the first page, took me on a high-stakes exhilarating adventure, made me laugh and cry, and made my heart explode. Another amazing series, and I will miss this world.
Profile Image for Narelle Richards.
287 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2024
A fun and triumphant ending to a great series. Daisy, now overtly a highborn elf, somewhat successful treasure hunter and recovering addict, has to deal with a final showdown with the fiend she won't call father - and there is plenty of drama, friendship, laughter and love. Helen Harper brings in a few new characters that are just delightful - who knew a brownie or two more would make the story even more engaging and who said teenagers can't be helpful. Daisy and Hugo's partnership is a strong as ever - thank goodness! I know when I read a book by this author I'm always going to be entertained - you can't go wrong with a Harper story.
You can start with any of her books / series but this one was very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,241 reviews489 followers
October 9, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up

The final book of Thrill of the Hunt series offers high stakes and explosive climax, with Daisy, Hugo, and everybody gearing up to take down Daisy's father, Athair, once and for all. Athair is definitely the big bad villain that is worth the whole series. It still involves some "treasure hunt" because it said that there was this missing sceptre that could be used to beat fiends.

I still didn't understand how it really worked though .

All in all, it is still a good series. Looking forward to another new series from Helen Harper
1,464 reviews4 followers
October 13, 2024
good

I was so excited when this book came out because I really like Daisy. I do like the fact that in this book, she is trying to stay clean from the spiders silk, but she’s having a little bit of a tough time with it. One of the things I was a little bit worried about when I started reading this book was if I was going to have to go back and read the previous book to remember what was going on, but fortunately this author at the beginning of this book, she has a synopsis of previous books to get the reader up to speed so they don’t have to read all the books all over again. I love that. I wish other authors would do something like that. I did think that this book was a good ending to the series because Daisy’s dad was such a jerk he finally got what he deserved.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,800 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2024
What a thrilling five-star read. This is number four in the Thrill of the hunt series, and each one builds and adds more to the story, giving you those details that you absorb and drag you further and further into this amazing magical world. This is the final instalment and I was so happy to see it wrapped up, we get to see Daisy and Hugo reach an end they deserve, and it was so nice to see everyone pulled together, I don’t want to reveal the details, as its done in such a great manner that you are on tenterhooks all the way through, and its such a compelling read, you cant stop once you start. Enjoy this whole series and just get lost in a fantastic story.
Profile Image for Tracey.
68 reviews
September 30, 2024
I received an ARC from the author, but this review is my own.
Daisy's final book was everything and more than what I hoped for.
With everything Daisy has gone through and overcome it is all put to the test when mean fiend just won't quit trying to get Daisy to become the thing she hates, when a major treasure hunt find can help finish it all, Daisy along with the brownies, hugh and the primes work tirelessly to find the answer.
Can Daisy finally get some peace and enjoy her new life? You'll have to read to find out.
I love all Helen Harper's work, and this one is no different. Daisy journey was so fun to read, and even though this was Daisy's last book, I'm looking forward to whatever Helen Harper writes next.
Profile Image for Dee.
382 reviews11 followers
September 28, 2024
Another great ending to a Helen Hunter series! Daisy really came in to her own in this book, and brought a pragmatism that is absolutely refreshing - the ending was clever, and thankfully not ‘developed super powers stronger than anyone’ (way too prevalent in so much urban fantasy). The supporting characters were all there contributing in different ways, and it was just an added bonus that I’ve actually stayed at a hotel in Charlottes Square and so could picture what was going on.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!
4 reviews
November 28, 2024
Always have a plan B

This series is a wonderful example of the fantasy fiction genre that I love. It has the lowly, confused but intrepid heroine, who is kind to everyone on her way up in the world of magical creatures. And her kindness is rewarded in the end. You learn history and different words from "across the pond." The reader experiences all the emotions: love, hate, rage, affection and laughter as Daisy and Hugo come up with a Plan B to save the day. I think that is something they should teach in schools: always have a Plan B!
98 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
This was definitely a weakest of the series for me. I definitely lose interest with closed door romances- I feel like it felt forced and awkward and takes away from the story more than adding a pinch of spice or leaving the romance out would have. I’m not sure why but the romance felt awkward. I loved the side characters and adventure of this treasure hunt series and this book had the least adventure and shenanigans of the series. Still would recommend reading the whole series though. It was fun and made me laugh and I listened to all 4 in a week
182 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2024
Great concluding part to this series

A race is on, Daisy doesn’t have the best father, which is a total understatement, he’s a fiend and desperate for his daughter to join the family fully by weaving blood magic and becoming a fiend herself.
Can Daisy avoid death, her acceptable option and find a way to defeat dear old dad.
Who is onboard for the showdown?
Helen delivers yet another great read.
Profile Image for L.B..
Author 25 books575 followers
October 10, 2024
A daunting quest of a finale to this series with a fiend terrorizing the team and their loved ones and new characters and old, Daisy faces quite a challenge to wrap things up. I will say I found it long for the storyline with places that didn’t drag per se but carried on a bit too long and an ending that didn’t quite satisfy given the lead up but very on brand. A fun quirky tale to end the treasure-hunting series.
Profile Image for Kendra.
68 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. I am sorry it is the end, but it did wrap up really well.
I love the character growth of the characters. Daisy and hugos banter is so cute and funny. There is a major element of found family as Daisy finds her family with the friends she has met along the way. it is that "family" that helps her defeat her dad.
I appreciate the struggle with drug addiction, although it might be a trigger for some.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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