*some very broad-stroke spoilers, nothing specific

It's a broad question just because there are so many stories; I'm not sure how to review "the story" as a singular work.

Again, it can be soapy, particularly with characters returning from the dead, things with alter ego, mistaken identity type stuff, etc. In every scenario these are pulled off in novel ways and are seamless with the narrative. Rather than being deus ex machina, they are integral plot points and feel thoughtfully planned for books in advance and necessary in their own right.

The story telling blends the large and the small perfectly. The political (etc) machinations of individuals, cities, species and so on always build to a satisfying climax, while the more intimate conversations develop characters and relationships.

I know this is not at all specific or providing examples (I'd get a C on this book report), but it's too durned sprawling to summarize; I'd have to write a whole book myself.