All right, before I get started, let me say this. I know that a lot of people don't regard the Wheel of Time very highly anymore, especially books 7-11, and ToM as well. However, I have always loved the books. Even in those especially boring moments in books 8 and 10. I have always found the characters to be superbly written. So much so that they have become like friends to me. Whenever I finish a wheel of time book, it has happened at a blistering pace, which I then try and carry over to another book.

And, as usual, I'm having difficulty finding another book that satisfies me the way WoT did. I tried the Stormlight Archive, but it just isn't doing it for me. I hear Erikson's series is great, but the first book blows, is it worth it?

Any recommendations for books that can match the adventure and character development of WoT? (Even if you think WoT is just crap with horrible character development and writing, then please just recommend a book that exhibits those strenghts. I'd rather not get into a protracted argument over WoT's merits).