I just finished book 4, some chapters of which I started skimming (mostly the Venli/Eshonai throwback ones). I want to finish the series but it's such a slow burn it's getting tough, especially when I have other books on my TBR. I'll get around to book 5 sometime next year.

I did really enjoy the first book, kinda want to go read it again.

Ah. I know what you mean about Venli/Eshonai throwbacks. Those gave me a few "ugh here we go again" moments on my read through, but they do build up to give more context about the Parshendi and how/why the current conflicts starts and who they are as a people (trying to avoid spoilers as much as I can). I still think it's a bit of a slog, but I appreciate it a bit more now...

I hated book 5. I thought 4 was the worst of series until I read 5.

The ending was just really shitty and stupid to me.

If it did it for you that's great. For me, it started interesting but the characters changed too dramatically for me and it just got annoying in book 5. I'm out

I think it's Sanderson's attempt at "epic fantasy" and it falls a bit flat for me as well compared to his tighter shorter novels. Of course we have to focus on the world building because it's literally Sanderson's only talent outside of just being a prolific writer. His characters are all very flat and similar. Especially the women. His character arcs are nothing to speak of. His relationship building is cringe worthy. But he always makes interesting worlds and explores the ramifications of culture and magic systems.

I honestly found the women interesting in the book, and not samey. I mean the Alethi have a masculine/feminine society shift, but Navani, Jasnah and Shallan all very different.

The characters aren't flat at all, there's a lot of nuance to all of them.

I guess this is one of those the beauty is in the eye of the beholder situations.