I went through all the books in about nine months last year, and documented most of it in a series of threads here. No, the books aren't perfect. Heaven knows I ranted about a fair few things in said threads. But at the end of it all, I am very glad I read them, am looking forward to one day going through them again, and would count the last two books as two of my all-time favourite books.
For me, it wasn't any particular books that dragged, more plotlines. And even then, with so many characters doing things all over the place, there's plenty to entertain you elsewhere. Even notorious Book 10 wasn't all that bad for me, because I like political dealings.
I think Jordan's world building is superb, and that's coming from someone who generally isn't at all interested in that stuff. His magic system is wonderfully unique. His characterisation is somewhat lacking and tends to make background characters all the same, but the main characters are all individual enough and doing all of their own massive, interesting things that it isn't too awful. People are right to comment on his portrayal of women in particular, but, hell, at least he actually has women in powerful roles, normal roles, all kinds of roles, influencing, doing, reacting, being agents of change.
Really, he just needed a ruthless editor. Once Branderson gets on board and cuts out the 'smoothing skirts/sniffing/clattering bracelets' repetition, the story practically sweeps along.
So great world building, huge, world-changing events, a literal battle of good vs evil, a nice antidote to all the gritty, dark stuff that's popular now, a unique magic system, and some very memorable scenes -- I'd say the books have a lot going for them.
