In a review in Library Journal, Kristi Chadwick stated that For the First Time, Again "fill[s] in the final pieces of this science-fiction puzzle."

"[3] Mark Yon wrote in SFFWorld that he found For the First Time, Again "an enjoyable ride for those wanting to continue the journey.

[4] Yon added that despite being the last book of Neuvel's trilogy, he felt that "a key element [of the story] remains unresolved", which could open the door for another series.

[4] Reviewing For the First Time, Again at Tor.com, Tobias Carroll described the novel as "eminently readable", although he did find its timeline having moved beyond the Cold War "downplayed some of the tension".

[5] Carroll was impressed with the way Neuvel turned seemingly innocuous things into pivotal plot components, and found the book's endnotes "some of the most intriguing elements" of the story.