In a review for the Journal of Communication, Stephen Duncombe praised the book for the thick descriptions that allow the reader to vicariously experience conventions, fanzines and weekend retreats watching videos.
[4] Ultimately the objections are classified as minor and the review concludes with an evocation of the title sequence of Star Trek:Bacon-Smith has brought to life and analyzed a culture most are not aware exists.
In a review in Media, Culture & Society, Vincent Campbell praised the book for useful details on the active role of the fan community in production of texts in the genre but criticized it for too heavily engaging in description at the cost of analysis.
[8] In a review in Extrapolation, Dirk Remly noted some imbalance between the three sections of the book but praised it as "an outstanding guide to the historical, social, and political dynamics of the science fiction literary marketplace".
[9] Steven H Silver praised the book for giving "a great deal of insight into the reasons people join fandom" and for leaving "roadsigns pointing in a wide variety of directions which can, and should, be further studied.
"[14] The second novel in the series, Eyes of the Empress[15] (1998), was praised in Science Fiction Chronicle which stated that "Bacon-Smith improves with each book, and is evolving toward a leading role in the modern fantasy field.
[21] The next book, The Prince of Dreams (2002), garnered positive reviews with Publishers Weekly calling it a "rousing fantasy adventure"[22] while Library Journal praised its cast of characters.
[26] The fourth book in the same setting, Lords of Grass and Thunder (2005), was described as "[y]et another exquisite, page-turning adventure" (Booklist)[27] with an "intense, dramatic plot" (Starlog).