there are still incredible moments, and great payoffs, but you're right, it's a slog through 8-10 (I personally feel 7 is not as bad as 8-10, but not as good as 1-6). Stick it out till 11 and Knife of dreams, and you will be rewarded, Jordan managed to get things moving again before his untimely death, and Sanderson does a great job finishing it off.