John and Whittaker

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

She’s a sword-wielding, tea-obsessed professor with a God complex.He’s a trauma-riddled teenage genius with abandonment issues.

Together, they bicker, bond, and barrel headfirst into impossible mysteries through steam-choked cities, cursed ruins, and collapsing realities.

John and Whittakeris a steampunk science-fantasy series about dysfunctional mentorship, reluctant heroism, and the emotional wreckage of brilliance.

If you like sharp dialogue, complicated characters, and stories that stab you in the feelings (but apologize after), this is for you.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: Tiberius21

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 130
Views: 21,940

What readers say about John and Whittaker

“Beginning as a fish out of water story, John Andrews, a poor student, enters a university normally reserved for the wealthy, on a merit scholarship. There, he encounters the prerequisite amount of prejudice before meeting Professor Evalyn Whittaker, a dry-w…”
blugailRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“At first glance, John and Whittaker looks like a pulpy adventure novel about a grumpy professor and a shy new student, but as I sank into it, it felt like something more: a witty, sprawling mash‑up of Victorian-style academia, old-school adventure, and shar…”
Nemo BlancRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

blugailRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Beginning as a fish out of water story, John Andrews, a poor student, enters a university normally reserved for the wealthy, on a merit scholarship. There, he encounters the prerequisite amount of prejudice before meeting Professor Evalyn Whittaker, a dry-witted, tea-addicted mad scientist, and then the whole thing sets off on a sort of old-timey Saturday Afternoon adventure.
The world is a bit of a melodrama with side characters obtusely stuck in their obtusity... telling the MCs that they have to do certain things and that there’s no possible way to do others… which sets us up perfectly for quite a bit of snark.
It made me smile more than a few times: The back and forth between the two main characters, the earnest nature of John playing off the dry wit of Whittaker. It works well for both comedy and adventure.
The style is fast moving, snappy, and straightforward, but it’s not afraid to get raunchy either. Almost like a children’s story for adults, in a good way.
The plot is a big ol' wonderful maelstrom of chaos. Science and magic collide so that anything, no matter how absurd, can and does, happen. And it's told as a serial with multiple adventures in the grand tradition of Sherlock Holmes.
The grammar is clean, with few, if any outright mistakes. Though sometimes the author seems to pick the wrong word for things (like “moochy” when he probably meant “mopey”) but it doesn’t happen that often.
Read it if you’re in the mood for a light-hearted adventure. Skip it if you’re feeling serious(but you might want to bookmark it anyway, for when you're not).
Nemo BlancRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
At first glance, John and Whittaker looks like a pulpy adventure novel about a grumpy professor and a shy new student, but as I sank into it, it felt like something more: a witty, sprawling mash‑up of Victorian-style academia, old-school adventure, and sharp character interplay that kept pulling me from page to page.
What really shines here are the characters. Whittaker is the cranky, brilliant professor every bookish kid has imagined working for, sharp-tongued, absolutely sure of herself, and shaped by a life where curiosity always came before comfort. Meanwhile, John captures the awkward, hopeful energy of every new kid trying desperately to prove themselves in a world that doesn’t want them. The tension between them is palpable, sometimes comic, sometimes moving, and the growing sense of trust that forms between the lines is what kept me engaged.
Plot-wise, the book delivers. The opening chapter in the jungle delivers a fantastic mix of action, tension, and banter that sets the tone for the rest of the book. The airship sequences and the magical/technological mishaps hit that perfect steampunk note I can’t get enough of. The best part? It doesn’t slow down for long exposition dumps. Everything unfolds naturally, making this an easy page‑turner despite its word count.
Grammar and style are solid throughout. The prose is sharp, confident, and doesn’t bury itself in filler. The dialogue shines, every character has a distinct voice, making Whittaker, John, and their supporting cast feel lived-in and unique.
For any fellow bookish twenty‑something seeking a character‑driven adventure that blends academia, mystery, and a hint of the uncanny, this one’s a gem worth digging out of the jungle.
Shinji NubekoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Really good introduction to this story in the 5 chapters I read so far, Whitaker has been my favourite carachter up to this point and the story has been really interesting, sometimes I don't know if I have a lack of attention but for example in chapter 1 I didn't understand why somehow no one been able to enter the temple before then and then Morgana shows up at that exact moment and can do it just like Whitaker that had a special coin to do it I know she was "following her activities" but still felt like an explanation could have been given here and also how Whitaker got out of that situation felt really weird like how armed soldiers getting outsmarted like that felt unrealistic then the woman killed by the creature I don't think she was on a communication device as she was dying but then it was told that she told people that the creature was flying at full speed towards her also found it pretty odd that Whitaker wouldn't talk about Toby in her book since John didn't know who he was but still amazing start and a story that I will continue good job 😁 and free my boy John from Whitaker's twisted plans 😭
Faedin V.Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story’s about a kid named John who gets into a super fancy university based on merit while everyone else there is rich and snobby. From the start, he gets treated like trash just for being different, but he’s smart and it shows. Things get even weirder when he meets this wild professor, Whittaker, who’s basically a chaotic genius with zero filter and way too much going on in her lab. I like professor Whittaker.
The world this takes place in is pretty cool. It’s like old-school England vibes mixed with steampunk tech and weird science stuff. You’ve got airships, magic crystals, ancient temples, futuristic machines all in the same place and somehow it all makes sense.
The characters are probably my favorite part. Whittaker is insane but in the best way. She’s rude, intense, but also kind of brilliant and the way she interacts with John is hilarious. John’s great too. He’s awkward and always overthinking stuff, but he feels real.
The writing is clean and easy to read. Nothing super fancy or dramatic. It’s a solid storytelling with some really funny lines and dry humor. Dialogue feels natural and the author doesn’t overdo descriptions. It’s got that sarcastic, slice-of-life feel but with adventure and weird sci-fi stuff mixed in.
Good work! It’s fun, different and has a lot of personality. I’m sticking around.
Hero GohanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Prepare to have a fantastic time! John and Whittaker is filled with the energy of classic adventure serials, but with modern humor and unexpected character quirks.
John is one of the nicest protagonists I’ve encountered on Royal Road (at least up to chapter 12 he is). Despite his humble beginnings and the ridicule he faces from the elite students at his school, John never loses his curiosity and empathy. However, don’t mistake his passivity for a lack of action; he’s an active participant in the story, driving the plot forward and making bold stands, even when it would be easier for him to retreat.
Professor Whittaker is a hard boiled, two-fisted, adventuring science teacher. She may indulge in a little nip at her flask when the students aren’t looking, but when danger arises, she’s guns-a-blazing ready to face it head on. And danger does come, in the form of evil geniuses, portals to another world, and bizarre monsters.
Their paths cross when Whittaker loses her previous TA. Initially, Whittaker plans to manipulate John through his innocence, but as the story progresses, their relationship evolves into a symbiotic partnership. Watching the dynamic between them is a significant part of the story’s appeal. They
The prose flows effortlessly, the jokes had me literally laughing out loud, and the adventure had me “just one more chapter”-ing my way, well past dinner time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining and engaging read.
I thoroughly enjoy the modern yet classic style of writing. As mentioned earlier, the characters are delightful to read, and even the supporting characters are captivating. The prose is engaging, and I didn’t notice any grammar errors. Yep, well-earned top marks to John and Whittaker.
KnifeslayerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From the very first page, this story pulls you into an adventurous world where academia, discovery, and social tension collide. The dynamic between the earnest newcomer John and the formidable Professor Whittaker is both engaging and refreshingly grounded: you can feel the awkwardness, ambition, and grudging respect in every exchange. The setting blends classic university-intrigue with exotic relics and looming threats in a way that keeps every chapter moving forward at a brisk pace. Dialogue is crisp, the characters distinct and fun, and the stakes introduced early are intriguing without becoming overwhelming. The writing shows clear care in building atmosphere and tone — there’s just enough detail to paint vivid scenes while letting the plot breathe. If you’re looking for a narrative with smart banter, strong chemistry, and early momentum, this is a story worth your time. Highly recommend continuing past chapter five.
Character:
John and Whittaker are immediately memorable — their contrast drives both humor and tension. Every interaction feels natural, layered with respect, wit, and subtle emotional depth.
Grammar:
Clean, confident, and polished prose. Sentence flow is smooth, punctuation feels deliberate, and dialogue formatting shows professional care. Easy, enjoyable reading throughout.
Story:
A sharp balance of mystery and mentorship. The pacing keeps curiosity alive while grounding events in human ambition, academic rivalry, and understated emotional stakes.
Style:
Distinctly articulate yet accessible. The author’s tone blends intelligence with levity — academic intrigue written with cinematic rhythm and just the right touch of warmth.
MoojunRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This isn't my preferred genre, so take my review from an outsiders perspective into reading something new!
The mix here is a jungle heist, red-haired rival, a diamond that hides a city, and a snobby sky-university, feels fresh and fun. Whittaker is the kind of prickly, brilliant mentor I love to watch, and John is instantly easy to root for: smart, unsure, and desperate to belong. Any time they share a scene, the story crackles.
The big moments land. The temple break-in and shootout are clear and tense, the portal disaster is properly “whoa,” and the opening lecture at Ottocart nails the class/merit tension without turning into a sermon. I also liked the tone: adventurous with just enough bite. It’s pulpy in the best way but still has a heart.
One thing I just noticed when reading: Some dialogue repeats the same beat (whining/insults/threats). Trimming a little would make it a more interesting follow.
Overall? This is a great, very readable start with cool toys, strong character dynamics, and a world that feels distinct. I’d happily keep going just to see John get a real win, watch Whittaker pay a real cost, and find out what else is living inside that diamond.
KaliopeDRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
The core idea behind John and Whittaker’s story is an excellent one: He’s an outcast student, disliked for his poor background. She’s a brilliant but brusque professor with no time for fools. Together they have adventures. That’s a story with potential.
But it doesn’t quite realise that potential. The story has a pleasingly appropriate pulpy feel to it. But sometimes the pacing lets it down a little. Action scenes feel a little rushed, and have room to be improved with a little more detail. By contrast, John’s university scenes have a much more assured touch.
Characterisation is decent too. Again, John is the stronger character. He’s very well realised. Isolated from his peers, looked down on for being a commoner rather than wealthy, he carries a realistic touch of imposter syndrome. This despite the fact he is the one student at the university there on merit.
Whittaker is a bit more of a mixed bag. There are some excellent character notes in there, but others seem a bit wrong footed. In some cases cartoonish. It’s a shame, because she is a character with great potential and would be excellent with a little polish
I found no errors in the spelling and grammar. But there are a few moments when the writing style is a bit weaker. Transitions between viewpoint characters are the big offender here, with the switch being less clear than it could be.
Overall, John and Whittaker is a decent enough story, but a little bit of polish would make it an excellent one
ItsAlizehRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
John and Whittaker is a steampunk adventure thriller mixed with high school drama resulting in a delightful blend of action and comedy.
The leads are fun and distinct characters. The timid and out-of-place John has immediate chemistry with the larger-than-life Professor Whittaker. It's a very Holmes and Watson dynamic if Watson was a teenage boy. Even though they couldn't be more different as people, they see something in one another. They compliment each other in a way no one else can and despite their glaring flaws as people, they seem to complete each other.
The pacing is tight and brisk. Nothing to complain. There's not a single wasted moment anywhere. Each scene has something meaningful to add to the story or the characters in a way that never feels forced. The organic world-building that never turns into an exposition dump deserves particular praise.
The plot is engaging from the get-go. The conflict is immediate and the story delivers a lot of exciting moments in very few words without feeling rushed. It's exciting, it's fast-paced, and just plain fun.
Nothing to complain on the prose end either. It's clear and pristine and polished to a mirror sheen. No grammatical errors as far as I can tell. You can tell the level of passion and hard work that went into crafting this story.
In brief, a fun, tight, exciting story with interesting characters and world-building that ties organically into the plot.
In caveman terms: very good book much recommend.
GeekOtakuRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
This story is really original! I'm actually quite interested and invested now, it definitely stands out against the more common 'fantasy LOTR world' slop that you tend to see/read. The characters are interesting and, while flawed, those flaws add to the story immensely. Even if I don't like Whittaker, I respect that you got me to feel those emotions towards her in the first place. The vibe of the setting is also really cool, I love the almost Lara Croft/Indiana Jones esque exploration and treasure hunting, at least in this first part. Can't wait to see how the story goes!