Not being 400+ episodes over the span of 10 years is a selling point enough for me. I'd be even more sold if it had an ending at some point, but you didn't mention that so I can't say. Thing is, the longer an anime drags on past a certain point, the dumber it gets just because it starts running out of material.

For those who are just getting into this show, but haven't watched any episodes of the anime yet, I suggest you watch the first 2 episodes, mostly for the character introductions, then skip the Daybreak arc to the start of the Lullaby Arc, you can go back later.

This series, to me, can only be described as "making Harry Potter look like a baton spinning wuss." I was hooked halfway through episode 1 and I already wish I lived in Fiore myself. Of course I've only made it through the english dub, well as much that has been dubbed, and resorted to watching the sub cause I can't get enough of it. I do know there's 160+ episodes at this point in time, and it doesn't appear to be nearing it's end anytime soon, which is just great as the series still has loads of potential remaining in it.

While the series does seem similar to other action animes it has it's own appeal. And the cliffhangers at the end of almost every episode, may frustrate you, but it'll keep you coming back for more.