Great worldbuilding and storytelling. I was hooked from the beginning, and while I felt it drag a few times, it would always pick back up before I grew bored. I think after reading Elantris, I saw some of the Sanderson-isms a little too much to be completely head-over-heals for the friend group, but they were endearing nonetheless. I think this could have fallen more in the 4 range if it weren't for the degree to which the romance plot in this frustrated me. It was very insta-lovey, and not very believable. Also, other characters talked about Elend as if he were this intelligent and revolutionary guy, but I couldn't stand him.

He came across like a dumb, ineffectual kid, totally unfit for the leadership role he ends up with.