Brandon Sanderson is a guy I knew a few years ago. I read his first novel soon after he finished it and couldn't put it down. Friends who have read more of his stuff than I have say it was his worst-written novel, that his other stuff is absolutly amazing.
I've been waiting to see his book on the shelf, and now it is: Elantris. Apparently OSC reviewed it in October. The review is here, and it's raving.
I want to read this book more than I've wanted to read a book in a long time. I believe this is the next great fantasy writer, and I want to get the word out so he sells lots of copies and can publish the next book so I can read it.
I'll give you a real review in a week or two when I've read the book.