This book, and the Wheel of Time series in general, started out promising and then got annoying fast. It's been a while since I read it, but I distinctly remember finding the opening chapters - the set up - far more interesting than any aspect of the actual plot. The characters are engaging, but Jordan takes the practice of having two (or three) distinct character groups to extremes, and then infuriatingly spends most of his time focusing on the least interesting bunch.
Others seem to enjoy this a lot, but it's definitely not my cup of tea.