First, let me say that I don't actually read a ton of fantasy or sci-fi. I've read WOT, SoIF, and odds and ends of a few authors so when I read fantasy I am not looking for a particular kind or focus.

That said, I picked up Erikson maybe three years ago due to recommendations on Wotmania. I finished book 5 over the winter holidays during a break between school semesters. I think I might have read book four maybe a year to year and a half before that.

I have always found myself satisfied after finishing each book and wanting to read more but I have never felt like I had to go get the next book the next day and continue on. That could reflect what I think of Erikson as an author (enjoyable but not a must read) but it could also reflect the ability of the series to be read here and there without a sense of urgency because it does focus on so many different themes, people, and places. I also took longer breaks between a few of the books too because of the weird release schedules (they were released in Europe and Canada much earlier than the U.S.).

Gardens of the Moon is enjoyable enough but I felt the several books that followed were much better so I am not sure if you are having a tough time with book one that you would necessarily have that kind of problem with the rest. I'd say if you decide to pick it back up again that it could be enjoyable even if you decide not to continue on. Of course, you may find that you like it enough to give another one a try too.

I will warn that of the five I've read so far that all I felt all of them were slow at first and really started getting good in the second half of each book. I've heard many other people say the same thing so I would not recommend reading half the book and then quitting. At least finish the book before deciding whether to try another one.