> Since speaking to you last, I've started on book 4 of TWOT and am either looking at it more critically - due largely to yourself and Sam - or there is a noticeable difference in Jordan's writing style as compared to the other works.
>
> Either way, it is obvious he has become more .... self indulgent in his writing. Still, I'm enjoying the story for what it is ...

I suspect it's not you. Of the people that I know that read Jordan and don't (1) praise him shamelessly, or (2) condemn him mercilessly -- they have said that the first three books are very good, and they start sliding downhill from there. I'm also told that around book 6 or 7 or so there's a step back up, though, so don't lose hope.