The characters and story are great. There aren't a whole lot of characters but they really get into the backstory and flesh each of them out very well. The prince going from little brat to cool guy happens very naturally and believably. The overall story is great, the different factions, with their differing opinions on how to deal with the impending crisis, is very believable. It isn't just good guys vs bad guys. It's people trying to do their best with the information they have.
The art fits the series perfectly. No cartoony goofy stuff here.
The music is perfect, traditional Japanese folk songs, drums for the intense parts, and orchestral stuff. I've watched the dub and sub, even the dub is good. In both the voices fit the characters well.
The action is great. There aren't a whole lot of fights in this series, but the ones there are, are some of the best I've seen. They are very well animated, the music is intense and fits perfectly. The build up is there, and they are gritty.
Overall it comes together so well. You'll laugh, you'll cry, the fights will have you totally pumped. A must see.
I wish they would continue with the series, the original novels span 12 volumes, that could be 11 more seasons.
