While there's still some slog in this book, it's nowhere near as bad as in some if the earlier books. And to balance things out, there is a lot of good stuff happening, a lot if pieces finally clicking into place.

Just that hugely important scene with Egwene and the hall is driving the plot forward a lot (AND it's really good). Same for some the things happening with Rand, the Asha'Man and the Black Tower, big plot beats.

Good read, all things considered.