The Hidden Colony. Clute classifies the novel as Utopian; E. F. Bleiler noted von Hanstein's focus on "technology as a way of improving efficiency and life" and wrote that "The frame situation is somewhat confusing, and the characterizations are weak, but the technology is at times fascinating. Like Hanstein's other stories, stodgy, but readable". He also commented that "a closer reading reveals considerable ambivalence in Hanstein's vision.
Utopia Island. Clute characterizes the novel as "another ambivalently-described Utopia"; Bleiler writes that "The author is obviously fascinated by his technology, which he describes well. The plot line, as might be seen from the conspiracy, is on the naive side. Hanstein displays a little nationalism, but his science of peace is international". He also notes that the identification of the German-language original has been questioned, but that no plausible alternative has been identified.
Electropolis. Clute classifies the novel as Utopian; Bleiler described it as "competent work, but with no special appeal. Even so, certainly superior to most of the other longer works in pulp science-fiction of the day". He also noted that Electropolis was "Negligible as fiction, but interesting for its extreme faith in technology and technocracy."
Between Earth And Moon. Bleiler compares this near-future novel of the early stages of space exploration unfavorably to the similar work of Otto Willi Gail, saying "The development is fairly realistic, based on German rocket research of the time, but not as valid as Gail's comparable work". He finds the novel "On the dull side, although in context, back in 1928, it was probably more exciting". Amazing Stories reviewer C. A. Brandt wrote that "The book is convincingly written, the illustrations are good, and the lover of scientific fiction will find a veritable mine of proven and possible inventions, which will stimulate the imagination and provide good entertainment."
In the Year 8000. Gernsback claimed that In the Year 8000 "was written exclusively for Wonder Stories", in response to American readers' enthusiasm for Utopia Island. Clute classified the story as dystopian. Bleiler found it "Much less pleasant than the other Hanstein stories, with some elements of early racism", as well as derivative of Thea von Harbou's Metropolis. He places the novel in the "sentimental stages of German Expressionism", and comments that "By now Hanstein has moved away from unrestrained enthusiasm for technology, and is working toward humane controls. As in Hanstein's other work, the background detail is more important than the plot or characterizations, which are cliched."
