My problem with the anime original ending was not with the choices it took (I am always up for an alternative ending) but that it was speedrunning to the end. It just felt forced.

Both the prequel and sequel are shorter than the main story. (80 chapters, 60 and 53 chapters) For the sequel the story ended before the main arc started (initial events completed, setup to main arc completed).

I recommend reading Akame ga kill! for the proper ending and also Akame ga kill! Zero for more lore and backstory. Sequel is a bonus read since it is a entirely new story (new place, new characters) that Akame stumbled into so it feel like she is just doing sidequest.