Literary Devices
Foreshadowing:
The author uses foreshadowing to indicate generally what is going to happen down the line, from subtle hints (the fact that the Lord Ruler wears metal jewelry) to basically spelling it out for you (Vin can pierce copperclouds with her allomancy, like the Lord Ruler can).
Plot:
The author cultivates a believable plot, with the characters making logically and emotionally sound choices that fit their personalities, and there being no outright miracles, with all victories being hard won.
Character Development:
The characters grow at a reasonable pace, with no sudden spurts of maturity or abrupt personality shifts (unless there is an appropriately long skip forwards, of course). The characters are believable and relateable, and they were fleshed out extremely well.
