I just finished the book tonight, I had put off buying it because I'm a little short on funds right now and it's in hardcover, but boy am I glad I bit the bullet and bought it. This story was amazing, in a way I haven't felt about a fantasy book in a long time. It was just so...EPIC. My favorite character was Kaladin by a long shot, though Dalinar grew on me more and more as time went on, they were just such good guys. Honorable men in a dishonorable time so to speak.
Shallan wasn't as interesting to me until later on in the narrative, but by the end I was chomping at the bit for more of what's going to happen with her, but it looks like I'll have to wait on that one. Of course any scene with Szeth had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, he's just so tragic, scary, even a little awesome.
I have to say, as a grown man, there's very very few books that can bring tears to my eyes, but there were a few scenes near the end that had me get a bit teary eyed, or nearly so. It would have to be of course the scene where Kaladin is holding Tien's lifeless body in the flashback, it was absolutely heartbreaking. The interaction between Kaladin and Dalinar after the bridgemen's lives were purchased with the cost of a Shardblade. "...today you and your men sacrificed to buy me twenty-six hundred priceless lives. And all I had to repay you with was a single priceless sword. I call that a bargain." I don't know why but I suddenly found myself having trouble reading the page after that and had to clear my eyes, it was just so well written.
And of course Kaladin had his crowning moment of awesome (thus far) leaping across the chasm and engaging dozens of Parshendi and taking charge of Dalinar's entire force and organizing the retreat. Wow gosh I love that guy. And Dalinar as well, finally knocking some sense into that nephew of his. I kept wondering why Dalinar didn't just smack Elhokar upside the head and say "Hey I'm your Uncle and the most loyal person to you in the entire world." So I was so excited to see that happen. "Tomorrow you're going to name me Highprince of War." Finally!
Anyway, yeah, great book. LOVED it.