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Return of the Runebound Professor #9

Return of the Runebound Professor 9

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Father has the Long Night.

And, somehow, Father isn’t even Noah’s only problem. Noah had initially been quite busy turning the noble houses of Arbalest against each other by making up a fake story about people trying to steal the weapons sealed within the Bastions. That story, thanks to Father, unfortunately turned out to be quite accurate. But, not to be outdone, the crazed demon cult of Truthseekers have ever-so-graciously decided to insert themselves into the mess by going after Noah’s students—and that isn’t an insult that he’s willing to let slide.

Noah’s enemies march closer from all sides. But even as he rapidly becomes one of the most powerful mages in Arbalest… all his new power might not be enough to face off against some of the oldest and most dangerous enemies that the empire has ever seen. Death lurks around every corner. But Noah has faced death before a thousand times, and he’ll be damned if he doesn’t find a way to win this time around as well… Even if he has to leave a few hundred of his own bodies in his wake.

Book 9 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.

870 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2026

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About the author

Actus

58 books257 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
336 (74%)
4 stars
80 (17%)
3 stars
26 (5%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
2,557 reviews
June 22, 2026
I love, Love, LOVE Actus! He's golden!!!

Well what can I say that I haven't already said in the last eight books? So yeah AwesomeSauce! Actus is absolutely Golden! Grab the books in the other series if you wanna verify the truth of my statement, you'll be in for a treat or two. In the meantime time Noah Vermil or Spider depending on who he's with, is trying to level up his students all of 'em including the Demons and his allies! He managed to put paid to a strong monster, and with the Grimoire's, Grim for short, help he grabbed a really strong Rune! Which he proceeded to chop up into smaller bites so his students and allies could then process and add 'em to their own core! Enough Runes so everyone to step up to the next tier. But unfortunately they're running outta time 'cause Father has released Night Shadow a tentacled world ending Monster!
You gots'ta grab the book to discover if they will survive the Cataclysm!

Here's a couple of quotes:

"Feed me, Seymour." Fuyin’s brow furrowed. “Who is⁠—” “Don’t worry about that,” Noah said hurriedly."

"A moment later, the grand obsidian doors behind her swung open to admit a portly man in a suit that wrapped him like bread around a pie."
1,259 reviews18 followers
June 27, 2026
so so story with nothing much happens, no story, progression or power progression for the MC

A Soso story with nothing much really happens. A lot of metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. The MC is still separated from most of his team, the tournament has not begun yet, the MC has not progressed in levels. He’s still at rank five, etc., etc. as I said nothing really much progresses the story in this book. Too much time in the Training area for the MC to find his way out. I would wait for the next one and then read this as a recap to save yourself time.
2,699 reviews70 followers
July 1, 2026
Draw out a series far too long and then give it a new setting but don't really give it any depth. That's how you wind up with a tedious two star book.
Profile Image for Brett Wehs.
6 reviews
June 28, 2026
I love this series, but this book is about 800 pages of.. setup?
Profile Image for Eric.
201 reviews
June 24, 2026
Definitely a step down

This book was definitely a step down in story quality from the last few. Seems like maybe the author lost the thread for a bit.
111 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2026
Just awful

It's like a different author wrote this book. Boring, confusing, the introduction of waaaay too many minor characters. The story barely advances. Other than money, this book has no purpose. I'll not be reading further in the series.
25 reviews
June 20, 2026
Still going strong

Love where this series has gone and looking forward to more. Story lines starting to merge, but plenty added for the future
Profile Image for Jay Paparella.
173 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2026
Good to read a book in this series again.

The Arbalest arc is finished, and there are new places to see and new creatures to kill.
Will read the next book.
Profile Image for christopher kishel.
116 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2026
best book yet

This series keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what happens with the crew, who wins the tournament and how they get back to the citadel!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews