One of the best aspect of the books is the character development
583276
One of the best aspect of the books is the character development.  It is the type of book that you can read pretty quickly, as the characters tend to hold your interest.
580553
The events from the first book seemingly spilled into the second book in the series and proved to be one of the most important aspects of the story. The introduction of new characters and the further development of characters from the book made the story seemed more realistic to the world created within the book and the romantic tension between Tom and the lawyer introduced a new side to Tom Stone's character and personal life. The alternating point of views between Tom and Angel made the book more excited to read than the first one.
4344456
The BEST thing about this book is the outstanding character development.  For my reading experience it was the item that kept me glued to the book.
It is the story of a dysfunctional family and their involvement purely thru accidental discovery, with the suicide/murder next door.  Because they stumble across the scene of this event they are drawn into the event.
They each have their issues (as we all do) but I found this to be an interesting story and ALMOST read it in one sitting.
Highly recommended
1592309
So many novels today don't spend time on background and emotional development of the characters, but this book has you knowing each of the characters enough that you get a feel for what their reaction should be in given situations (and when they're acting out of character for one reason or the other). Erik is definitely my favorite, though, even though he isn't the main character -- what a blend of personality and strength!!
1031327
A good book in the series, great development pushing the story along.
2658331
While the characterizations have gotten stronger with each book, the main strength of these books is the ingenious plot arc.
3954188
page turner, good character development, besides that I really liked the book!
2862742
This book, as well as Exile's Honor, are some of my favorites in the Valdemar series. You see more of Herald Alberich's "other" job as intelligence agent, and I feel like you learn a lot more about his character. Selenay goes through some development as well, though with a lot more emotional and a bit less thought. Exile's Valor sets the stage for many more books and the Valdemar as it currently is, which makes it an important stepping-stone in the series. A worthy read!

This book to me is the foundation to a lot of timeline mistakes you'll find later on. You learn that Elspeth was born rough two years after the Tedrel Wars, and if you pay attention to her age you learn that the books often try to pass off that war as far longer ago than when it actually happened.
4909031
I enjoy books where characters come up with creative, clever solutions to their problems that even amazes the reader, yet was technically something anyone could have dreamed up given enough imagination. Dawn of Wonder does this over and over again, hence, five stars from me.

Character development annoyed me a bit. The main character has an almost unreasonable character flaw plaguing him throughout the story, it was hard to read thru because it didn't feel believable for me.

Supporting characters don't have too much depth, though some effort is made to make them a little more interesting that just side character archetypes. It would help if the author occasionally switched to other characters point of view for said depth, but that doesn't happen ever.

Overall though, great read that was hard to put down once the story started rolling in full. I will definitely be continuing the series... not something I say for every book.
3781429
The 5th book in the Harry Potter series starts with a whimper and ends with a bang.  I give it 4 stars rather than 5 because there's a bit too much deus ex machina in the climax, and a monologue by Dumbledore at the end that, while cool and extremely intriguing, just comes out of left field.  On the plus side, this is the best character development in a book that I've seen in a LONG time.  Harry comes across as a perfect adolescent (at least to my recollection, and it wasn't that long ago), alternately angry, confused, and full of righteous indignation.  For the first time I felt connected with Harry, and I genuinely cared what happened to him.  While it seemed to me that Ron and Hermione got some short shrift in the development department, almost all of the other characters were extremely well fleshed out.  A lot of backstory is revealed and I left the book with a sense that I understand the characters.  Snape is no longer just a jerk; the Twins aren't just one trick joke ponies.  The list goes on and on.
This book is definitely darker than the previous volumes in the series.  The book does a wonderful job of bringing up tension for the climax that might disturb younger readers who don't realize everything will (probably) turn out right in the end.  One other warning though: while the book stands alone very well, I last read the previous volumes several years ago and had to keep consulting my girlfriend on the relevance of some events and characters (she having read them more recently).  The book is jam packed with reference to previous events, and it would be very useful if the reader were to read this after a careful rereading of the previous volumes.
This is definitely the best in the series so far, and if J.K. Rowling has to get sued, get married, contract writers block, and/or take another 3 years for the next volume, so be it.  I'll be there at 12:01 AM sometime in the next few years for the next volume.
1298838
This book is told from the perspectives of 8 individuals who are all central to the story.  They are all scattered around the Northern Territtories.  The characters are all interesting and deep and their stories are all fairly action packed and loosely connected.

One of the best aspects of the story telling is that all the characters are introduced strongly enough that you will not forget them when they reappear in a later chapter.  I havn't read the two previous books for quite a few years yet still I never got confused about who I was reading about.

And I think this book was very exighting so that I was never bored while reading it.  This is one of my favorate books.  To sum it up I think it is somewhat more character driven than most fantasy books but the plot is great.
245626
What I loved about this book was how well the author developed the characters and some of the surprise and heartwarming turns.
1486820
*Relationships are the centerpiece.
*The characters evolve in the course of the story in relation to each other and the plot.  By the end of the novel I understood the changes. Rain and Coal mature from dependent slaves whose obedience or rebelliousness makes them appendages of their owners to thoughtful young nobles who take responsibility for the consequences of their decisions.  Domrey's life story unwinds. He is introduced as a sop and dandy. Slowly his childhood and youth are revealed in the context of his interaction with Rain and Coal, fleshing out his motives and deepening his soul, ultimately uncovering his potential.
*Fantasy elements support development of the tight plot. Any magical prop that is introduced is integral to the story line.  I have grown tired of mundane adventures that have a few magic tricks added to sell them in the fantasy aisle.  In Seranfyll, even the Fantasia tired animated mop and bucket are participants in the story, more than just supernatural champions in the battles; they actually contribute to development of the individuals into a family.
*Look at my other reviews and see.  If I say five, I mean five.
3021593
The  story was witty and well developed. It gave a rounded insight into the philosophies underlying  the culture of the Empire. The major characters showed flaws and were not as predictable as in previous books. Severin was a pivotal but minor character in the first book and it was good to see the development of this character. Severin is developing into a lucky accidental hero  perhaps in the same mold as Martinez?
2459448
I have read most of the books in this series and have enjoyed the development of the characters and their interactions throughout.
2419587
My favorite part of this book was seeing the heroes grow into their powers, and deciding to accept their destiny. Tristan and Co. are on a long journey to victory, and not many people can help them, besides themselves. I thought the middle section of the book started to get long, but then I really started to like the way the relationships between the 5 main characters developed in that part of the book. Tristan and Anilac may be the flashier heroes, but Set and Shashara are my personal favorites. Then the action kicks in, and its really intense. You cant help but feel for the heroes, and hope that the villains get whats coming to them. Im looking forward to seeing what happens in Book 3!
4067705
I'm re-reading this whole series right now, which is unusual for me. The fact that they're on the short list of books I've re-read says something in and of itself. Harrison's masterful character development over the course of many books is what keeps me itching for the next one -- and sends me back to the beginning to enjoy again.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK SPECIFICALLY
* Rachel and Kisten's maturing relationship
* Rachel's continuing growth in the "things are good or evil" department into the swampy waters of "what makes something good and what makes it evil?"
* The emotional brutality - Harrison pulls no punches, and this book leaves you feeling battered, heartsick, and hopeful all at once.
* Jenks, always Jenks.
* The very real confusion Rachel explores regarding her sexual orientation.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK
* The kindle version of this book has grammatical, spelling, and missing word errors that should have been caught in editing. Those things usually bother me enough to put a book down, but the story here was definitely good enough for me to put up with the occasional bump out of immersion.

* This phase of Rachel's "growing up" has a lot of "It's not fair", "It's not my fault", and "I didn't have a choice". This lack of accountability in a character drives me crazy, and I remember the first time through, Harrison almost lost me due to Rachel's immaturity. The thing is, the series is about Rachel breaking through her arrested development and finally getting to the point where she accepts herself and responsibility for her decisions and their consequences. I'm not saying "power through, eventually this lack of accountability goes away". I'm saying "this is how Rachel grows, accept it and get dirty in it with her, because the growth is artfully done"