If you'd like to take a break from all the new shiny mainstream anime and don't mind dipping back into an older era of anime, Legend of Basara can be a hidden gem. I have the bias of reading the entire manga and I will forewarn you the anime is only a taste of the beginning of what is a very epic story. The end WILL leave you wanting more because there IS so much more. The manga is 27 volumes. The creator likes to break out of the shoujo mold, though clearly with such aesthetics and a romance interest, there is also the horror ofwar and no punches pulled. Characters will die, they will struggle emotionally, and there's no simple good vs evil. Everyone has weaknesses and something they believe in.

The anime will end shortly after the plot arc introducing the Blue King, though I believe they condensed it quite a bit. Even with having the manga I still bemoan it did not go longer but there really is no "satisfactory" spot they could have ended it aside from the end itself. The story is built around a prophecy, a war, and two star crossed lovers who are usually apart. But you can enjoy and appreciate the anime for what it is.