I understand how this is the favorite book of the series for many people.  But I just wasn't feeling it, and I think it was more of a mood reader issue than anything.  

The writing style kept irritating me, especially the repetition of "it was THIS and THIS and THIS".  And I was frustrated that half this book was set in previous events.  I know that it was necessary but I was more interested in the plot and felt like there was no progression for 50% of the book.