Comment by tstrimple
I think it's Sanderson's attempt at "epic fantasy" and it falls a bit flat for me as well compared to his tighter shorter novels. Of course we have to focus on the world building because it's literally Sanderson's only talent outside of just being a prolific writer. His characters are all very flat and similar. Especially the women. His character arcs are nothing to speak of. His relationship building is cringe worthy. But he always makes interesting worlds and explores the ramifications of culture and magic systems.
I honestly found the women interesting in the book, and not samey. I mean the Alethi have a masculine/feminine society shift, but Navani, Jasnah and Shallan all very different.
The characters aren't flat at all, there's a lot of nuance to all of them.
I guess this is one of those the beauty is in the eye of the beholder situations.