On top of what Devor is saying, you'll need to build a species to whom the rules stated above don't apply. I gather you are looking for a pack of creatures to attack the unsuspecting group, but since most mammals who fall into the 'pack' system would fall into the whole {scared of fire, no...
Cody's idea of info sprinkle is a good one. So often I see a character walk into a room, then describe everything in it. Now granted, this isn't always bad, but the majority of times it hurts to read. In real life do you really take in every detail of a room you entered? No. So don't write that...
In general I would say, feel free to use them but they're generic. No story you make from it will be completely original, plus many readers will drag their own presuppositions in and have heck at your story. Most of your characters will instantly become assumptions, but used correctly that works...
My trilogy has around 8 main characters but only 3 have omnitient thought revelation (you can see their thoughts). This kind of set up allows for some interesting developement and lots of options/ cool ideas, the problem is linking them together which requires time. That time span that is needed...
I think the color isn't as bad as the popups, especially since the computer I use most says it "cannot open seperate window! Would I like to continue on this page?" and I always have to click out of the box-o-doom then continue on my merry way, but it's still a pain.
I don't have magic I have different systems of power: Alchemy, Cri, Stepping, Techniques, Summoning and so on... It allows for a lot of different battles and interesting characters. I find originality is the best route.
A short poem written for my blog:
GLASS
I am but a man, cold unfeeling flesh.
No touch may hold me, no eye behold me.
Like clockwork I move, unwilling.
My world is made of glass, my hands razor sharp.
The slightest touch can destroy all I have built.
A world I made to contain my...