http://youjo-senki.jp/teaser/images/news/news-5.png

That was good, they fit in as much as possible (without either theme songs) so far. It'll take me a little to get used with the character designs though but I think the action was worth watching.

I really like the thrilling music they used during the fights as well. Tanya's personality is pretty much how I had expected as well. Described as a "monster", I'm liking this so far. A pretty serious show.

Okaaaay there are huge changes from the original story and on so many level it's impossible to list.
They intend to make a really straight forward entertaining action magic military I guess.
That could work for the sales I suppose, I mean the original material is impossible to adapt in anime as it is anyway. Like ten times too complex for the average anime watcher's attention spawn so that would lead to a borefest that doesn't sell, no a smart idea.

Guess I'll just sit back and enjoy the animation and Y.Aoi 's voice acting then. That could be a fun ride nonetheless. Not sure the animation will remain as good for long, but hey, can always hope.
But man Visha is really ugly in the anime. What the hell seriously.

Indeed, they skipped a chapter or two, probably in order to get to juicy action parts.
Straight adaptation would in half looks like a documentary one some history channel. They always may come back later to those.