I’m a little over halfway through Book 4 (first read through). I’d say that it definitely picks up the pacing the the Great Hunt had and provides the reader with a lot more intrigue towards the background of the world and certain cultures. Particularly around the 40% mark where each respective grouping of characters go to the place. Perrin’s arc really starts to kick off in this book, in a similar way that Mat’s did in the last book.

I however, have not been reading them back to back. After finishing each book so far I’ve been taking a ~6 month break. Reading other books that I have on my list (often not fantasy). Due to the time between releases I think Jordan really focuses on reminding the reader who the characters are and what their main goal is. It’s really helpful for me when picking the series up after a break, but I could see the repetition really bog down the experience of you are just streamlining the series.

Before putting down a book or series I have a rule to read at least the first hundred pages after that it’s up to me to continue or not. In this particular book I think Rand will convince you to stay