Many reviewers of Trickster's Choice have found the novel to be a promising fantasy tale for young adults, and a worthy successor to Pierce's "Song of the Lioness" quartet. Numerous critics have commented on the charismatic appeal and texture of Alianna, the complexity of the fantasy world the author creates, and the depth generated by the issues of race and colonialism tackled in the book. Kirkus Reviews refers to the novel as "a ripping good yarn that introduces a new series."

Critics also noted a major difference between Alianna and her mother Alanna, the heroine of Pierce's "Lioness" quartet. Alianna depends on her wits and intelligence to overcome the difficult challenges she faces, while her mother relies on her physical skills and magic. In showcasing Aly's skills as a spy, writes Kathleen Karr in Children's Literature, "Pierce overcomes her former over-emphasis on magic and allows the...