The Obelisk Gate feels like a filler story for series.  You get lots of back story of the obelisks and the stone eaters.  You also get introduced to an Nassun's side of the story and insight into another character I thought was gone.  It is slow at times, especially on Essun's end, but you do get action and violence.  Definitely some shockers. I enjoyed the story and looking forward to the last book.