While the "Library Journal"s review praised Bakker's sympathetic characterization for never becoming cartoonish, other critics felt that the anthropomorphizing of the dinosaurs veered too far into exaggeration. Other criticisms included a lack of character needed for truly engrossing fiction. Reviewers described Bakker's work as genuine, despite flaws such as inconsistent writing. "Billboard" praised Megan Gallagher's narration of the audiobook, with its continuous sound effects and dramatic music to creating an "aural picture". "Entertainment Weekly" gave "Raptor Red" its "Best of Breed Award" for a "captivating novel about animal life".