1. Are editor agnostic: I am not interested in a chapter on how to setup some popular IDE. I do things my own way already.
2. compiler/debugger agnostic: I already know what compiler/debugger I want to use and I am happy to have a book that just assumes I can figure that bit out for myself.
3. Starts you coding on Chapter 1
4. Focused on the most important C++ features at a beginner level
5. No graphics, just console or ncurses
6. Teaches beginner level code organization and design principles/patterns through engaging mini-puzzle projects involving fundamental algorithms