Way of Kings and Words of Radiance -- Short review

Finished Sanderson's TWoK and WoR recently. Some notes: 

Pacing: Definitely had some slower parts (especially TWoK's first 2/3rds). WoR's duels were better than the end. 

Characters: Shallan's character really grew on me. I didn't expect to like her as much as I did. Kaladin continues to be very tiring -- albeit he is growing slowly. Contrary to what other readers think, I don't think he is actually dealing with depression. I think he's just exhausted. I did enjoy his realization that Elhokar was to Dalinar what Tien was to Kaladin. The analogy's good, but I think it's a bit forced given the asymmetry between Elhokar's poor moral record and Tien's blamelessness.  

Dalinar has taken a backseat. I think that he continues to be too trusting of others (particularly Aladar and Sadeas). He takes risks that he shouldn't take, and gets away with it. For example, he insists on putting his whole camp in a position that cannot escape the Parshendi. He makes too many decisions on incomplete information, which traps him on the center plateau on the Shattered Plains, and is easily surrounded. If not for Shallan, who he had not factored into his plans in the first place, he would

One could argue that if not for his courage, they would have been at the mercy of the Everstorm. But Dalinar doesn't know this -- and nor the solution that Urithuru presents. He goes forward anyways, enticed by the taunting of the Parshendi. He should have more eyes and ears, and learn something from Sadeas. 

Adolin surprises me with his murder of Sadeas -- although it was something I expected, I didn't think that he would be gloated this easily, considering how patient Dalinar's camp had been with the other highprinces. Nor did I think Sadeas would be ended this easily. It was a bit abrupt for him, since I think that Kaladin should have had some part in it. But no matter, good riddance to the petty politics of this green-eyed cheat. 

I can't wait to see how Dalinar deals with Amaram. He already strips him of the position of head of the Knights Radiant, but I'm sure Amaram will have another role to play as the representative of the Sons of Honor. 

Ah -- I forgot to mention -- I love how all the secret organizations are moving behind the scenes. We've already seen some mentions: the Ghostbloods, who tried to kill Jasnah and have recruited Veil (?) and who Shallan despises but is made conflicted by because of their hospitality. The Sons of Honor, who are trying to find Urithuru. The members of the Diagram, who follow Taravangian in secret. What are their motives? Are they good or bad? Or somewhere in between? I can't wait. Allegiances are fickle, and trust exists insofar as people can acquire information, manpower, and utility from one another. 

Favorite part: Honor is dead, but I'll see what I can do. 

Onto Oathbringer!