"First, let me introduce you to yourself" (Beware RotE Spoilers)

[fool-ish]

Hello Narya! I shouldn't think anything will ever live up to The Farseer/Tawny Man for me. From the minute I met Fitz as a boy, he had my heart. Fool, Nighteyes, Verity, Chade et al soon occupied a decent space too.

Do try to persevere with RWC though. I read LST after TM, enjoyed it very much and found DK and DH to be worthy extensions of the story. It is difficult to get to grips with new characters when they're in such a well known and much loved world where we're used to reading about certain other characters. It all adds to the story as a whole though and of course there is reference and homage to our old favourites as well! It was great to learn more about the rain wilds. Vague descriptions in previous books didn't prepare me really for what they are actually about! It's all good stuff and I don't think you'll regret reading them.