It's overdone.
That is, to put the whole series in one word. After viewing, there is only one thought left: “Master, but it could have been better.” And that is indeed true.
The series is an adaptation of the book, which almost automatically gives it a plus in karma in the form of an already existing thought-out plot. It should also be noted that the vast majority of characters are adults, and their characters are quite realistic. Smile and wave to the annoyed students.
Pretty good in the series and with atmosphericity - we are transported to an alternate world close to dieselpunk, but with magic and a rather strange assumption about the transformation of people after death into so-called "books."
A serious plot, adult characters, interesting characters, the presence of intrigue - what then is wrong?
The authors quite well coped with the beginning and central part of the series, introducing the viewer to the course of things, showing the world and revealing the characters of the main characters. Further, as usual, you need to gradually bring the viewer to the solution, opening initial questions and intrigue. That’s where the main disappointment awaits us – after we know the background of what is happening, most of what we have already seen is complete absurdity, and the series that reveal the characters are meaningless blanks. The absurdity of the narrative is constantly growing, and it is impossible to blame it on the translation curve.
It seems that the series left the cutting of the plot from the book, but the logic forgot to bring. The series jumps from almost brainless action in a series of flashbacks and puzzle series. Characters also can not decide what their role in this ugliness, through the series acting contrary to their own principles.
Separately, it is worth kicking the creators for the final episodes that turned the series from a mystical detective into some kind of farce with shouting the names of blows, extortion several times in five minutes and other paraphernalia of 12+ series.
That's a vinaigrette. To watch or not? I think so. Despite everything, most of the characters are not without memorable charisma, drawing on themselves frankly stupid absurdities of the plot.