Review from Amazing Stories—The following is a review of an earlier book in the 'Rise of Oceania' series:
"Timothy S. Johnston has the knack of getting the genre formula absolutely right in terms of balance. No one aspect hinders the others in any way. Plot, action, characterization, tech info, and originality are combined seamlessly into a tale that flows as rapidly as a river in flood. Some books are impossible to finish reading. This book is impossible to put down…
"In particular, the 'Rise of Oceania' series by Timothy S. Johnston is sparklingly addictive, stimulating, entertaining, and truly 'the pause that refreshes.' In other words, a pleasant and exciting way to ignore your mundane real-world problems. Escapist literature? You bet! In the best possible way. Action-adventure techno-thriller done exactly right. Perfection, I'd say. Doesn't get better than this."
Upon reading A Blanket of Steel the reviewer printed the above quote and added:
"I agree with my comments above, yet the last paragraph sells the series short, in that it concentrates on the entertainment aspects. Escapist, yes, if one ignores the underlying premise of ecological collapse and the ocean's resources perhaps being our only salvation. Beneath all the fun and excitement, there's a serious message worth thinking about."
— Amazing Stories