I also finished up Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood. I really wanted to love this anime and I think I could have, but as it stands I just liked it. The opening and ending theme were spectacular, the visuals were so pretty, the story and characters had the potential to be compelling. It just felt like this series would have benefited from at least a couple more episodes. Every time I started to feel something based on the situation, they would abruptly jump to something else and the emotions would be lost. If they'd had a little more time to flesh out the characters and relationships, it would have completely drawn me in. Overall, I'd give it a 6/10. They tried for something a little different and it was cool.
And you definitely weren't alone in thinking that Joran could have been something really interesting and entertaining. I, too, was impressed by the graphic style. I wanted to like this series. I watched the OP, decided it was worth a shot, then watched 4 episodes of it. I was feeling optimistic after episode 3, but once I'd seen 4, I decided to drop it. The "jump", as you put it, was jarring and disruptive. It's a pity, because I'd felt that the story was intriguing. I loved the conflict between the different parties in the story and, in particular, the emotional toll and psychological conflict the main character must have felt within herself. This story had so much potential. But the story-telling was lacking in pacing and moderation. Episode 4 made me feel like I was watching a poor attempt to keep the viewer interested. At the same time, it felt rushed, because it tried too hard to advance the story with a showy fight scene, at the expense of characterization.
I love my anime to have good story-telling. To me, that involves a good
story, and a good
telling of said story. Joran, I felt, had what it takes to be a good story, but the telling of it was not done well.
This season
I'm watching 10 series. (A mixed bag of genres, but I like variety.) The gem I'd recommend to anyone is Fumetsu no Anata e which is also called To Your Eternity. It's a breath of fresh air! Saying anything more would be a spoiler, because the story so far has many satisfying twists and turns. Just watch the first episode, then decide if it's your cup of tea.
I love that the ED uses Natsuki Takaya's artwork, though, it's very nostalgic.
Please don't spoil yourself further. 
The series has 20 episodes. I will probably pick up the manga after that.
