I'm a New Reader, and Book 8 might be my favorite
I haven't quite finished this book, I have chapter 24-30 to read but this book has me knee deep into the story from its very beginning, and it's only getting more and more exciting the more chapters I read.
I have read quite a few things about it, most of them are negative, calling it part of a run of books called "The Slog" that ends with the last book RJ wrote. Initially I thought book 7 is sloggy, and I got worried that I may have to take a break and read something -I read all the books in a row without any breaks- but it was proven wrong. Maybe because I like politics? Or maybe because Perrin is my favorite while Rand is my second favorite? It could be that, but hey, I love the series so far, it has it's flows though I'll preserve judgement for when I finish, as I expect the things I find negative are going to be fixed in hindsight.
Other than the Nyneave-Elayne plotline from leaving Tear until leaving Ebou Dar, that one I extremely dislike.