A sprawling, character-driven series like Wheel of Time.

Wheel of Time has been my go-to filler re-read for years at this point, and I'd love to find another series that takes it's time with the character growth and world building. I've read ASoIaF and was whelmed (mostly because there's no end), but have bounced hard off both Mistborn and Stormlight Archive. I've been recommended The First Law, but by the same friends who take offense at me not enjoying Sanderson so I'm hesitant to take their rec. Currently on book three of Malazan, but it's not really hooking me.