Great fantasy, well-written, easy to read, this is a brilliant beginning to an epic that has last over 20 years. When I first picked this book up of my shelf (where it had sat a while), I set myself a goal to finish the series by the end of the year. I think I can do it, if I stick with it, but I'll let you know by Christmas. 
 The novel is great, but I'd give it a 4.5 if only because the constant running was getting a little repetitive. I let it slide because it lets us explore the world created without a boring chapter about all the towns and places in the world. I like the use of magic and fantasy elements the book creates in that its not your stock standard dragons and fairies and the like. I like that there is a twist to the villains and the 'bad guys', where trolls are hybrids of many creatures, and that there are forces unseen that are threatening without being too cliche. I was a little hazy on the whole darkfriends thing though. Throughout the story it was if they were humans that had been corrupted by the Dark One, however the glossary describes them as giving themselves over to seek power. 
 Apart from all that though, there are a lot of familiar fantasy tropes here, like the fish out of water farm boy seeking out his destiny with an experienced guide and band of travellers. There is the love aspect with Rand and Egwene, and the general good vs evil storyline that is always true to fantasy epics. 
 Overall I thought the book engaging and fast enough (despite its length), and am eager to read the next.