Title: Mind the story
Review: Ever since I started reading SF (and alternate history) I have wondered why the genre is so often disregarded by "mainstream" literature. The IitSoT trilogy is a good example: a thrilling, well woven story, with (apparently) a lot of research into its writing. As I finished OtOoE, the last installment, I guess I finally found the answer. SF writers in general, and Stirling in particular, are great with the premises and plot, but are usually unable to provide depth to the characters. "On the Oceans of Eternity" ends nicely (although in a somewhat corny fashion) the adventures of the RON, but enthralling as he plot was - I kept wondering what would I've done were I in the characters shoes - the characters are doomed to early oblivion...That doesn't mean there weren't great characters in the book (like Rapuasha, Kash and the Hollards), only that they were somewhat underdeveloped.Overall, it is a great book, so forget the character depiction minor flaws and enjoy the story.
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