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Return of the Runebound Professor #3
Return of the Runebound Professor 3: A Progression Fantasy Epic
The Survival Exam is over and Noah’s group have more eyes on them than ever before.
Azel, the demon trapped within Noah’s mind ever since his arrival on the mortal plane, finally took mortal form once more. He’s held back only by Noah’s favorite solution to every problem he faces, but he’s far from the only threat the group faces.
Noah’s powers didn’t come without offending a few cosmic beings and their agents are closer than ever before. If they discover he possesses Sunder, then not even immortality will be enough to protect him and his students. Noah’s going to need to do more than just conceal his powers if he wants to survive. He’s going to have to start taking the offensive.
But, if he’s going to do that, he’ll first have to make it through summer vacation as well as an entirely new form of challenge — Moxie’s family, who just might be even worse than his own.
Book 3 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.
Azel, the demon trapped within Noah’s mind ever since his arrival on the mortal plane, finally took mortal form once more. He’s held back only by Noah’s favorite solution to every problem he faces, but he’s far from the only threat the group faces.
Noah’s powers didn’t come without offending a few cosmic beings and their agents are closer than ever before. If they discover he possesses Sunder, then not even immortality will be enough to protect him and his students. Noah’s going to need to do more than just conceal his powers if he wants to survive. He’s going to have to start taking the offensive.
But, if he’s going to do that, he’ll first have to make it through summer vacation as well as an entirely new form of challenge — Moxie’s family, who just might be even worse than his own.
Book 3 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.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published May 22, 2024
About the author
Actus
61 books262 followersActus 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 4, 2025
I like this series but would like to see a little more character development for MMC and his companions. They are progressing magically and growing in strength, their bonds are growing but MMC still makes some really silly decisions, and looses focus in the middle of fights. The demon in his head is who I’d really like to see something happen with. I don’t know if I want him to be friend or foe.
The story arch of Jalen has potential to be very interesting and I am excited to see where this takes us.
The story arch of Jalen has potential to be very interesting and I am excited to see where this takes us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - is it just me or do the book covers have little to no correlation to the actual main character?
July 8, 2024
4 I Just Had A Feeling You Were Thinking Something Stupid Stars
Return of the Runebound Professor is the third book in this progression fantasy epic series by Actus.
Jalen came out of nowhere, and I'm pretty excited to see what his inclusion in the story will do to shape their future. Especially since everything seemed to finally be going their way, before his potential interference. Beyond this new adversary popping up, I do wonder as to what fruits will be born from Noah's recent acquisition. Beyond the obvious, I think there are more wonderful secrets to be discovered.
I hope all has gone well with Silvertide and the students. I can honestly say I look forward to their next school year and what it brings. Especially given Moxie and Emily's change in circumstances. Whether this will mean truly positive changes or some combination is yet to be deciphered. That only leaves Revin's new pupil as the truest mystery to their scholarly pursuits. What is Revin exactly, since he doesn't seem fully human.. Will Eline join their forces and tie in as James did?
What of the changes to Lee's personality that Azel would lead us to believe is on the horizon? Is there room to hope that he is redeemable, either? It seems Lee does not believe he is entirely a lost cause...
Return of the Runebound Professor is the third book in this progression fantasy epic series by Actus.
Jalen came out of nowhere, and I'm pretty excited to see what his inclusion in the story will do to shape their future. Especially since everything seemed to finally be going their way, before his potential interference. Beyond this new adversary popping up, I do wonder as to what fruits will be born from Noah's recent acquisition. Beyond the obvious, I think there are more wonderful secrets to be discovered.
I hope all has gone well with Silvertide and the students. I can honestly say I look forward to their next school year and what it brings. Especially given Moxie and Emily's change in circumstances. Whether this will mean truly positive changes or some combination is yet to be deciphered. That only leaves Revin's new pupil as the truest mystery to their scholarly pursuits. What is Revin exactly, since he doesn't seem fully human.. Will Eline join their forces and tie in as James did?
What of the changes to Lee's personality that Azel would lead us to believe is on the horizon? Is there room to hope that he is redeemable, either? It seems Lee does not believe he is entirely a lost cause...
July 18, 2026
The third volume trades the Estate’s con game for something far more expansive, scattering Noah’s attention: Azel taking mortal form, cosmic beings closing in, and a summer spent surviving Moxie’s family instead of his own. That widening scope could easily have diluted the tension built in the first two books, but Actus skillfully navigates each thread by organically escalating the stakes rather than letting them compete for plotpoints. The book leans further into the magic system than either prior installment, and that depth rewards readers invested in how Sunder and runic variation actually function. Because this story takes place during what is effectively “summer break,” it pulls away from the classroom dynamic that distinguished the premise early on, though Noah and his students periodically check in on preparations for the next school year, keeping that structure in view. Moxie’s family arc gives the book its clearest structural payoff, using an outside household to reflect back on Noah’s own found-family arrangement without drawing comparisons outright. It is a busier, more ambitious book than its predecessors, and successfully justifies that ambition by ensuring every new complication is written in service of Noah’s central problem: becoming strong enough to keep himself and those he loves alive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
good storyline, great characters, just missing some elements in my opinion.
Excellent book, great MC and side cast of characters. The world is developed nicely, different locals, different situations. my only issue with this book is that the progression is a little bit slow, three books and they should be at rank four or better. At least that’s my opinion. I read this book because of the author’s new series rise of the living Forge, which I instantly fell in love with, so I came back and started reading this book and I’m now enjoying it immensely. The only thing I just can’t get with in these series is no dimensional storage, you have ruins you have magic you have flying swords, but you don’t have any dimensional stores kind of silly to me for an adventure to walk around and carry tons of monster parts. That’s why I can’t give this book a five star rating. a lot of people have read it, I suggest you read it yourself and formulate your own opinion, but please read his other series which I mentioned earlier in my review.
Excellent book, great MC and side cast of characters. The world is developed nicely, different locals, different situations. my only issue with this book is that the progression is a little bit slow, three books and they should be at rank four or better. At least that’s my opinion. I read this book because of the author’s new series rise of the living Forge, which I instantly fell in love with, so I came back and started reading this book and I’m now enjoying it immensely. The only thing I just can’t get with in these series is no dimensional storage, you have ruins you have magic you have flying swords, but you don’t have any dimensional stores kind of silly to me for an adventure to walk around and carry tons of monster parts. That’s why I can’t give this book a five star rating. a lot of people have read it, I suggest you read it yourself and formulate your own opinion, but please read his other series which I mentioned earlier in my review.
July 26, 2025
Following the exams that ended book 2 of this isekai/possession progression fantasy, Noah and Moxie are at loose ends until the next term starts, so it's time to start knocking things off of Noah's TBD list.
It's never that simple.
We do see the end (or at least a major mutation) of several major plotlines, good character development for all the supporting characters, the introduction of a couple of major new powers, and a great deal of in-depth exploration of the magic system.
Much of that was to the benefit of the book (though the magic system will likely only be of interest to serious system geeks). What we really didn't get was much in the way of "professor-ing", which is at least part of what drew me to the series.
But the plot is well-paced and makes sense within the gameworld, and we definitely do not end the book in the same place we began it.
This is a nice series continuation, and I have no reason not to continue my series recommendation. This has been a fun ride throughout.
It's never that simple.
We do see the end (or at least a major mutation) of several major plotlines, good character development for all the supporting characters, the introduction of a couple of major new powers, and a great deal of in-depth exploration of the magic system.
Much of that was to the benefit of the book (though the magic system will likely only be of interest to serious system geeks). What we really didn't get was much in the way of "professor-ing", which is at least part of what drew me to the series.
But the plot is well-paced and makes sense within the gameworld, and we definitely do not end the book in the same place we began it.
This is a nice series continuation, and I have no reason not to continue my series recommendation. This has been a fun ride throughout.
August 8, 2026
Just as good as the last two
Noah is great. Moxie is great. Lee is great. All terrific characters. The villains are so well written. We learn a secret about bobbing them at the end of the book.
Good read. However 4 stars due to the lengthy monotonous descriptions in everything rune. EVERYTHING. The formations. The sundering. The mistakes in combinations. The breaking and reforming. The reforming again for perfection. Realizing previous perfection was not perfection at all. I had a lot of trouble not falling asleep through the monotony. I decided to just skip through it.
One other negative is Noah is not as strong as he needs to be. Ever. Come on. I know you need to be interesting when fighting monsters but there has to be a point where he is strong enough, sometimes.
Yes I will be reading the next. We will see how is goes. New villain (?) Magnus Jalen sounds interesting.
Noah is great. Moxie is great. Lee is great. All terrific characters. The villains are so well written. We learn a secret about bobbing them at the end of the book.
Good read. However 4 stars due to the lengthy monotonous descriptions in everything rune. EVERYTHING. The formations. The sundering. The mistakes in combinations. The breaking and reforming. The reforming again for perfection. Realizing previous perfection was not perfection at all. I had a lot of trouble not falling asleep through the monotony. I decided to just skip through it.
One other negative is Noah is not as strong as he needs to be. Ever. Come on. I know you need to be interesting when fighting monsters but there has to be a point where he is strong enough, sometimes.
Yes I will be reading the next. We will see how is goes. New villain (?) Magnus Jalen sounds interesting.
December 27, 2024
Entertaining Read
Noah, Moxie, and Lee have been on a monster-hunting rampage, fueled by their insatiable thirst for energy and runes. They've become rune-remaking virtuosos, harnessing the power of music to amp up their speed and abilities. The reader is thoroughly entertained by the action-packed hijinks, the delightful humor, and the intriguing way these monster-slaying maestros weave melodies into their magical mayhem. Bring on the next installment - the reader can't wait to see what symphonic shenanigans these three will get up to next!
Noah, Moxie, and Lee have been on a monster-hunting rampage, fueled by their insatiable thirst for energy and runes. They've become rune-remaking virtuosos, harnessing the power of music to amp up their speed and abilities. The reader is thoroughly entertained by the action-packed hijinks, the delightful humor, and the intriguing way these monster-slaying maestros weave melodies into their magical mayhem. Bring on the next installment - the reader can't wait to see what symphonic shenanigans these three will get up to next!
January 21, 2025
This book is a very good continuation of the series and introduces more elements and interesting characters as we get along.
The book spans a little more than a month but a lot happens that progresses the story. We meet old characters, side characters that suddenly get a bigger role and some, such as the students only get mentioned in passing, after all, it is the summer vacation.
The world and the plot expands and we get a glimpse of an even more complex plot. Can’t wait.
I am hungry for more and almost wish I hadn’t discovered the series until it was finished so I could binge it.
The book spans a little more than a month but a lot happens that progresses the story. We meet old characters, side characters that suddenly get a bigger role and some, such as the students only get mentioned in passing, after all, it is the summer vacation.
The world and the plot expands and we get a glimpse of an even more complex plot. Can’t wait.
I am hungry for more and almost wish I hadn’t discovered the series until it was finished so I could binge it.
May 22, 2025
entertaining and frustrating
The characters are actually decently compelling. The world building could be stronger but it’s not bad overall. The two main things I have problems with are the magic system and irrationality of the MC. The magic system is overly complex and contradictory. My eyes start to glaze over when the Mc starts talking about his rubes. The author has done a great job of removing the wonder and fun. The MC constantly has people and demons trying to kill him, yet he’s obsessed with being a good teacher. This gets really old.
The characters are actually decently compelling. The world building could be stronger but it’s not bad overall. The two main things I have problems with are the magic system and irrationality of the MC. The magic system is overly complex and contradictory. My eyes start to glaze over when the Mc starts talking about his rubes. The author has done a great job of removing the wonder and fun. The MC constantly has people and demons trying to kill him, yet he’s obsessed with being a good teacher. This gets really old.
August 11, 2025
A new favourite series of mine. The rune magic is interesting and novel, which is impressive in a progressive fantasy series. Solid action and really like the plotlines.
January 9, 2025
I'm tagging this series as G-RATED HAREM because the MC is traveling with two female characters, Moxie and Lee, even though there is no (explicit) sex. Early on both female characters were both strong and interesting. However, the Lee character has become just a cardboard cutout in this book. All of her personality has devolved into just two running gags and she just appears to be comic relief. Rather lazy writing on our authors part in my humble opinion.
May 1, 2025
Excellent. The story line doesn't disappoint and the author had me in tears with a certain wooden box, not to spoil things. It was weird as the reciprocal didn't quite have the same impact but overall was great. Continual enjoyable plot and the characters are so great. Adding more depth to Lee is awesome.
June 4, 2025
Interesting developments
I wasn't sure what to exist out of this latest entry in the series, and it moved quickly through mostly resolving several arcs that I hadn't existed to be concluded so soon. If course, that means new conflicts were spawned. I'm really curious to see where this goes next. Can't wait to read the next one!
I wasn't sure what to exist out of this latest entry in the series, and it moved quickly through mostly resolving several arcs that I hadn't existed to be concluded so soon. If course, that means new conflicts were spawned. I'm really curious to see where this goes next. Can't wait to read the next one!
June 26, 2025
OEHHHHH This was fun! The synopsis made this sound like a boring filler to pass time during the summer vacation but the characters were up to so much mischief! And JALEN!! What a looney XD Also, did A and B sleep together or no? I can't tell if they did but the author is being purposefully PG or if their relationship is PG--both of which are possible, hmmm
June 8, 2026
The characters are getting more powerful and are getting themselves into more interesting predicaments. I liked the conflict with Moxy's house and how it was resolved, though it felt like there was too much story afterward, leaving the structure feeling weirdly top heavy. Also interesting that all the most powerful people seem to be completely nuts.
May 28, 2024
Not you typical read. liteRPG light combined with lots of outrageous fantasy. Lee is one of the most fascinating sidekicks I've read about. Also some unexpected humor in volume. Also one cliff hanger after another. Not you normal read but sooo interesting.
August 26, 2025
Lee is my spirit animal.
Great series, I am in love with the characters. Every one of them has a unique and distinctive personality. (Especially Lee!)
The plot isn’t so convoluted you don’t know what’s going on. (Something I deeply appreciate)
Buy now!
Great series, I am in love with the characters. Every one of them has a unique and distinctive personality. (Especially Lee!)
The plot isn’t so convoluted you don’t know what’s going on. (Something I deeply appreciate)
Buy now!
October 30, 2025
DNF.
The series had a strong and interesting start. However, this book didn’t focus on the students and instead focused on the romantic relationship and greatly suffered for it.
Azel is a poor addition to just get the romance jump started.
The series had a strong and interesting start. However, this book didn’t focus on the students and instead focused on the romantic relationship and greatly suffered for it.
Azel is a poor addition to just get the romance jump started.
November 20, 2025
And still...
This series continues to be excellent. It's interesting and funny in just the right amounts. I love that the author isn't taking the easy tropes that irritate the hell or of me.
This series continues to be excellent. It's interesting and funny in just the right amounts. I love that the author isn't taking the easy tropes that irritate the hell or of me.
January 11, 2026
Now Book 3 Done
Actus truly has a gift for writing captivating stories. I've been speed reading this series and in less than 10 days, I've completed 3 books. Truly worth the time I've invested. Looking forward for the next book in the series.
Actus truly has a gift for writing captivating stories. I've been speed reading this series and in less than 10 days, I've completed 3 books. Truly worth the time I've invested. Looking forward for the next book in the series.
April 25, 2026
Explain a lot
I really like that some explanation came for the main character flaws that, thinking back, existed since day one, but we're never really mentioned.
Not all author can pull it.
GG
I really like that some explanation came for the main character flaws that, thinking back, existed since day one, but we're never really mentioned.
Not all author can pull it.
GG
May 22, 2024
what a great series
Just keeps me coming back for more. Wonderfully involved in how the characters develop with some pleasant depth and wit.
Just keeps me coming back for more. Wonderfully involved in how the characters develop with some pleasant depth and wit.
May 24, 2024
Very good book
This is a fine litrpg fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the demon Lee. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine litrpg fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the demon Lee. I anxiously await the sequel.
May 26, 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. Interesting magic system.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books. Interesting magic system.
May 26, 2024
A little slow
But okay. Had some character growth and a few resolutions. Still had a lot of filler. Overall not as interesting a book two.
But okay. Had some character growth and a few resolutions. Still had a lot of filler. Overall not as interesting a book two.
June 15, 2024
Like this series
This series is going in my library.. keeps
my interest & is one of the better written books I've read.
This series is going in my library.. keeps
my interest & is one of the better written books I've read.
June 26, 2024
Great series
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
This is a good book. You shouldy read it. I like the story. The characters are fun. The book is a good read. i enjoyed it alot.. Download or buy it today. why not?
October 15, 2024
The cat is additional add and a funny one too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews