I think this is the jump readers need to make to really enjoy this series.  They can’t get so attached to Rand, Mat, Egwene, and Perrin that they aren’t willing to experience the powerful characterizations of other people in the world.  Those who can’t make this jump tend to complain about the series loosing focus.  Those who do make the jump get a story with more complexity and depth than you find in some of the other fantasy series, which stick to the more traditional plot structures and characterizations.

Brandon Sanderson Blog: WOT Read Through: THE SHADOW RISING

As a huge wheel of time fan who hasnt had a chance to read Brandon Sanderson yet(The books are in the mail) this entry makes me so happy. This nails what Ive always thought is the dividing line between people who think WOT is the best thing ever, versus people who cant stand it.