In 2010 fantasy writer Jo Walton described it as "a remarkably sophisticated novel for 1950" and wrote that "This book is so much more than the sum of its tropes that it's possible to read it and re-read it without realising that they are standard tropes."
In 2010, fantasy author Jo Walton highlighted the novel's exceptional sophistication for its era, noting that it goes beyond the typical narrative patterns, making it a rich and rewarding read.