Even before episode 9 the anime really fit into one of those awkward spots where it's not bad... but everything is done just a little bit wrong.
For example the action is good... except since we rush through every battle it's hard to be invested into most of it so it's actually a bit boring except for the occasional badass moment but even that's a bit wasted by the pacing.
The setting is good ... but a lot of it is just skimmed over and a lot of it isn't getting properly addressed. .
The characters are good ... but because of how the series chooses to divide it's focus they often do things for poorly explained or no reason. In order to avoid spoilers I'll just say the entire war has a feeling of pointlessness as the path to peace seems relatively easy but the characters able to do so choose not to because ... well the show needed a plot somehow.
A lot of issues with the series come from it's pacing but besides the pacing itself it's presentation and focus are lack luster as well.
But again even with all this considered it still had a fun tone that kept it a nice watch... then it suddenly turns insanely brutal episode 9 to the point the series isn't even recognizable. Don't mistake this as meaning the show improved either. The pace is still a mess and the presentation and focus are still poor. But while before it was midly forgivable as a light hearted adventure that didn't need a lot of depth now it's a full scale bloody war series that feels hollow.
The antagonists are entirely unlikeable as their actions are needlessly brutal and psychotic but seemingly presented in a way that feels like the show wants the audience to sympathize with them.
This leaves a rather bad taste as many likeable characters die for the sake of a war that didn't even need to happen based off of what the series itself has stated.
I really don't recommend this to anyone as if you like the first 8 episodes you'll start to hate the series 9 onwards and if you are the type that likes 9 onwards it's not worth forcing yourself through the first 8 to get to. There are other anime that do brutal wars better so there is no need to waste time on this.
