I'm not sure how closely you read this thread anymore, but I wanted to point out a few things that I've noticed so far!
I'm at Chapter Twenty-Nine, haven't finished the book, but I'd like to comment on my initial impression. [Spoiler Warning to those who haven't read up to this point yet!]
- I really like how you foreshadowed the God King. In fact, I think he's gotten to be one of my favourite characters. Because of him (and her!), Siri's chapters are very interesting and I always look forward to them. (More on this in a bit.)
- I love the magic system. It can be a bit confusing at first, but I got into it quickly. I did notice that we jump right into it in the prologue, which is a bit of a contrast to the way readers are eased into the magic systems in both Elantris and Mistborn.
- I like Vivenna as a character, but her chapters have been rather slow to this point. I don't mind reading about her, but I find myself wanting to get through them to read more about Siri; I personally feel the action needs to pick up in her chapters without taking away the character development in there already. Or to clarify, her chapters need something to hook the reader as strongly as Siri's at this point. At the same time, I really like the juxtaposition between Vivenna and Siri - in the start, Siri feels so out of place and Vivenna comes across as very poised and perfect. Now, partway through the book, Siri is settling in rather well while Vivenna is feeling very out of place. It also makes me think that maybe Vivenna would have been much too stiff to actually be Susebron's wife in the same way Siri has adapted to it.
- I know you wanted to do something with living Gods; I've been interested in reading about them since Elantris. However, near the beginning where you first introduce Lightsong and the Returned, there needs to be something to make the reader feel like they're actual Gods, not just overly pampered nobles with magic powers. I didn't find myself quite convinced of their Divinity, even if they are intended to be more 'human' than most Gods. One way to do so would be to add in a bit more about their foretelling ability; perhaps an example or even a small event? I almost thought it was something the Priests had convinced Lightsong he could do and he was just dreaming like anyone else; at the same time, with the hints that I've been getting in the later chapters, perhaps it's just being set up for later? Either way, that was my initial impression of the Returned. I think it might be useful to present them as Divinity, then let the character's progression through the book slowly peel that away.
I've been reading the book for enjoyment, not to analyse it, but those were some of my impressions as a reader. To sum it up, I'm really loving the book so far; I downloaded the book at work and have been reading it when I get a *cough* spare second. Then I find myself almost wanting to stay at work late just to keep reading - I think about it when I get home! So I'm completely hooked.