In 2019, a retrospective in Tor.com described the Herald-Mage books as "powerful stories about strength, magic, duty, love, and queer identity". The reviewer lauded the series for promoting queer acceptance and felt that Vanyel's story evoked a strong personal connection.
In 2019, a retrospective in Tor.com described the Herald-Mage books as "powerful stories about strength, magic, duty, love, and queer identity". The reviewer praised the series for promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance and felt that Vanyel's story evoked a strong personal connection.