It also slows down badly starting around book 4 or 5, reaching a nadir at book 10. And it has absolutely atrocious gender politics (the women never explain themselves to their male allies, and vice versa) and will make anyone totally sick of the word "neckline."

But it's still a vividly realized world with compelling characters that ultimately reaches a very satisfying conclusion, so if you're looking for deep immersion it's perhaps the single best option out there.