Here’s a different take of the slog. The books themselves referred to as “the slog” are not THAT slow. What people forget is what the slog really was. And the key word is “was”.

What do I mean? The slog is that Lord of Chaos released in 1994, and Knife of Dreams released in 2005. Between those 11 years, 4 books were released that did not conclude any major plot points, and deferred even progress in some of the more challenging plot points (including a single chase/follow/tracking line that mysteriously lasts all 4 books). Let that sink in. 11 years. I read those 4 books in a total of 6 days (and yes, reread them at least twice while waiting).

The books themselves are not objectively bad, or even terrifyingly slow. But a teenage reader having to wait until their ADULT years to find out what happens on things they’re interested in? That was a slog. That was “THE slog”.

Nowadays, if it seems slow to you, just read a bit faster or toss the audiobook on 1.2 speed, and you’re fine. I’ve done 5 rereads or more through the so-called slog and it’s nothing.