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Return of the Runebound Professor #5

Return of the Runebound Professor 5

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Book 5 of the next hit Progression Fantasy series from Actus, bestselling author of My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror. Featuring a strong, intelligent protagonist, a detailed runic magic system, loads of power progression, and so much more.

With over 10 million views as a webserial, you can experience the definitive version of this smash-hit series on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

736 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2024

369 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Actus

52 books181 followers
Actus has been writing fantasy stories since the age of twelve, and he's been telling them since he could talk. He's currently working on three main series - Morcster Chef, Steamforged Sorcery, and My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror. You can find his works on RoyalRoad & Patreon as well as on Amazon.

In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
687 (66%)
4 stars
257 (24%)
3 stars
67 (6%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
43 reviews
December 2, 2024
missing a clear call to action

Small spoilers if you haven’t read book 4,

My main issue with this book over the rest of the series is that the main call to action feels tangential to the main character,

In all honesty it feels like they should have never been part of the wizen story line and it was just the pull to move the story to the next phase (which admittedly seems more Interesting)

I feel like only the last 100 or so pages of the book really hooked me in.
Profile Image for Marie-eve Allard.
36 reviews
November 28, 2024
Cruel cliffhanger finish :(

Totally unexpected ending part. I dont want to tell any spoiler but i really wish wed know where wizen wanted to go. Or why. And i kinda hope we see jalen doing some crazy stuff or maybe learn more about Father. If the real one is dead then who's this one ?
2,299 reviews
November 29, 2024
I love this book, I love this book, I love this book! Seriously I don't know how many times that mantra rolled through my head and heart as I read. All because I had become fully vested in each of the characters, they had fully come to life! The school, The Arbitage, is really not much of a school at all. It's more of a depository. And the success of the students goin there is totally dependent on the teacher whither good or bad... and what Noah stepped into when he took over the professor's body and classroom! Vowing to make a difference and save the kids (all 2 of 'em) from becoming obsolete or more likely dead! To do that Noah takes a crash course embracing all things magical! And as his levels pile up he takes the kids with him even teaching them to take the magic higher than ever. As they weave formations. Now Noah, Moxie and Lee are facing their biggest challenge the Demon Plains... and Noah's plan?!? Well what he always does, he bluffs! And wow, the cat! The cat now has a moniker, Mascot...
So yeah you absodamnlutely need to get this fantastic book so you don't miss out on Actus story!

Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:

“Did you just threaten your book?” “What, have you never done that? You should give it a try sometimes. It’s very cathartic.”

“Everything is edible. Your stomach is just cowardly,”
Profile Image for Ron.
355 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2025
So the first 22 chapters of this book are just Noah fixing runes and testing his students. Entirely filler. Then the story picks up and gets mildly interesting before it drops back into training and student montages again.

Lee continues to be a one-dimensional character whose sole existence in the story is to do food. I'm pretty sure the author is trying to say something about gluttony, but it got lost. She had a pretty interesting arc initially with learning about love and humanity, but that's completely lost in the running jokes about food and stretching.

DNF @68% because I can't take the filler and I know book 6 isn't out yet.
1,171 reviews14 followers
March 11, 2025
still an engrossing story, but I’m not sure about the direction it’s going in.

I really enjoyed the story, but I’m not sure. I enjoy the direction the book is going in. Not sure I like the development of new characters, or a new demon world without solving all the situations in the main plot line. I am. going to read the next book to see what develops. my other issue. Was there was not very much character power progression for the MC. Besides that the story is still engrossing and those are my only main issues with this particular book.
212 reviews
January 27, 2025
Not bad

Honestly it's not bad my only issue is that there is so much going on. It's like oh I will just add some more drama oh yeah I will throw in a whole subplot. Yeah well being where the main character is can actually lead to another 6 books within them selves let alone get closer to dealing with a baddie . I would say it should take at least 4 books to properly deal with this plot twist and not come across as an enormous plot hole or a huge mess .
Profile Image for Katie Kissel.
387 reviews
August 8, 2025
This is book 5 in the series and takes quite the turn towards the end. The story is pretty standard most of the way through, the MC teaching his students, advancing his runes, learning patterns and formations, and fighting powerful monsters. But as he and his friends go off to help the enforcers things take a bit of a turn when Lee, Moxie, and Noah are thrust into the Damned Plains. Definitely interested to see where things go from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nagendra Kumar Yadav T.
217 reviews
December 6, 2024
Solid entry

It's another solid entry into the series, with many wholesome moments.
The best moment was Noah helping Tim and another one involved Noah, Moxie and Lee that would be a spoiler.
We also got a glimpse into The Damned Plains. Looking forward to the next entry in the series.
Profile Image for Mark.
959 reviews81 followers
December 11, 2024
3.5 stars.

Maybe too much plot, I feel some of it is getting lost. We have the gods watching over the mortal superpowers who are watching over this little country's powers, and then there is the protagonist professor within that country who is in the midst of at least three plots and his five students who have another three plot lines themselves.
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews18 followers
January 1, 2025
Entertaining Read

Noah and his group continue to gain in power. He, the other professors, and the students are invited to the advanced track. Politics, competition, attacks, participation in an effort to stop a powerful evil mage, and falling into the demon world ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
4 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
another great one!

Runebound continues to be one of my favorite series and book 5 delivers. If you’re seeing this and haven’t read the others, pop back to book 1 and read them all - I highly recommend all of them!
3 reviews
November 28, 2024
Memorable characters, unique worldbuilding

This series is fantastic and there are so many delightful things about it: a very unique and intriguing magic system, so many vivid characters, to an absolutely insane main character. Highly recommend.
64 reviews
November 29, 2024
better and better

Every book in the series has been better than the last. Unlike many books in the genre, the series isn’t losing steam or degrading in story quality as the series goes on and the authors lose direction. Big fan of the series, and look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for invisiblemonki.
25 reviews
December 1, 2024
Another great one from Actus

This book has humor, a really refined plot. Great characters and a lot of complexity. The fact that it's so engaging is the fifth book in a series is awesome. Definitely a must read.
16 reviews
December 6, 2024
worst one I’ve read

I really enjoyed the other books. But this one is unfortunately really crappy and bad by comparison. I’m upset that I wasted my time and probably will stop following the author and never read another one of these. something feels kinda off.
64 reviews
January 15, 2025
another awesome book

Love this series. Characters are great, with a well written storyline. Lots of action to keep your interest.
Keep up the great work, I’m looking forward to the next one
Profile Image for Filipe.
66 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2025
Great installment in the series. This keeps taking turns I'm not exactly expecting. Sure, the threat of power creep is ever present with Noah's shenanigans, but the fact I literally don't know what the author is throwing next at us makes it a very enjoyable read.
2 reviews
November 27, 2024
Great book great cover art

The book is great and the guy that’s complaining about the cover art needs to grow up. Thanks for another great story!
5 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2024
been following this series for a while, can’t beat it.

Solid storyline, great world building, and very real cover art. This series is a must read!



4 more words required.
Profile Image for Jay Paparella.
162 reviews10 followers
December 1, 2024
Another excellent book in the series.

I find this series to be different and entertaining, with interesting characters and a lot of unusual ideas.
I look forward to book 6.
2,132 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2024
Very good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
26 reviews
December 7, 2024
Excellent next entry in the series

Keep up the good work! Starts a whole new direction of exploration. Action that keeps you guessing and is a fun read.
767 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2024
Very good book

This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Lee the crazy glutton demon. I anxiously await the sequel.
415 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2024
Great sequel

Great sequel and addition to the series! I've yet to read a story from Actus I didn't love, and the Runebound Professor continues the trend!
45 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2025
Meh

The way POV keep expanding our MC will be relegated to just a few chapters. Flashes of excitement here and there but mostly fluff and boring conversation.
265 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2025
What a fantastic continuation of the series. The new perspective and dynamic is fun and interesting. I can't wait for B6 to come out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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