John Nubbin reviewed Castles for Different Worlds magazine and stated that "A project which took three years to complete, it is a breathtaking collection of Lee's finest work. The legends within are told in a classic, fantasy manner. Day's text is warm and flowing, always moving at just the correct pace. And, hardly any more can be said of Lee's work. It is as dynamic, as vibrant, as anyone could hope for. The fact that the book was printed in Italy, using the Pizzi Offset Company's special five-color press, only makes it more of a wonder in this age of shoddy, second-hand bookmaking. It is almost as if Bantam set out to make a book as beautiful and yet long-lasting as its subject matter."[2]
Dave Langford reviewed Castles for White Dwarf #60, and stated that "Castles is constrained by subject matter: a castle is a castle, and despite Lee's evident skill – especially at far-off vistas – there are only so many changes to be rung."[1]