I had the same experience, after some time spent thinking about why I agree with your point about translation, but I also think it's the author's style. In many ways it's a series about big concepts, about communicating scale, and a series of fascinating events... but not really about people. I remember every story beat, but none of the characters except for the one who (to avoid spoilers I'll phrase this a bid oddly) tells the 'fairy tales' later in the books.
I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone, but it's a great idea more than a great read.
I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone, but it's a great idea more than a great read.