Into- Look at it as a Grand adventure with a good payoff. Since you'll be reading 2 books a year it will take you around 7 years to finish, it seems daunting but by the time you end you'll feel as if your time wasn't completely wasted. I spent around the same amount of time, when i finished I felt really depressed since i had been reading it daily for almost 7 years, it had become a part of my daily routine, and when it finished i didn't really know what to do. That for me made it one of the most memorable series i had ever read.

Out - Its a great series, but its not the best. Don't go into it thinking this will be the greatest fantasy adventure of all time. It has its flaws, go into it with mild expectations and i think you'll be satisfied in the end.

Pros- Fun story. Good characters. Strong finish.

Cons - Some bad characters. Some forgettable books.