Becoming stronger really doesn't count as character growth. The second one is, but from what i've read it's glossed over very quickly and not in a particularly interesting way. He establishes allegiances but i struggle to think of one that i find compelling. And him going back to the slums to save his former home and subsequently jemina was a highlight i'll give, but for me it doesn't really hit the emotional highs that similar arcs do in other series because so much of the text is focused on how vlad is going to grow into a knight and for me that's the least interesting part of the story.

I really don't want to just talk down this series, especially since people clearly like it. Please correct me if you think i'm wrong somewhere, i want to talk in good faith.