I haven't read fiction in quite a while before getting into The North Water, Rama, and Mistborn (unless you count comics and manga). But I had almost exclusively read non-fiction/history books for the last year or so
But Rama and Mistborn really sparked my interest in sci-fi/fantasy again. Already got my next reads lined up: Mistborn 2 and 3, Book of the New Sun, Lies of Locke Lamora, Hyperion
I think I liked book 1 the most of the Mistborn trilogy, but they were all pretty good.
As for your earlier YA question, I think it's mostly because Sanderson shies away from sexual content. He's Mormon, if you weren't aware. Unlike Card though, he seems fairly progressive in his views of things.
Glad you're liking it though! He's got a lot of really solid books, and is maybe the most prolific writer around at the moment. Wait until you find out about the cosmere!