Hardfought is a harsh, uncompromising study of the baleful effects that result from restricting people's access to their history. When taken to cruel and destructive extremes this action stifles minds, distorts personalities, cripples emotional freedom, and stultifies judgment. It is a dark story that may be quite unsettling for some younger readers, even though it may simultaneously satisfy their craving for literature that engages their minds.

Nudity is alluded to now and again, clothing is primarily restricted to what is useful, and part of the sterility of the shipboard environment is the absence of ornamental garb. The control of the sex lives of the human characters may put off some parents, although young adults are likely to take it in stride as an example of how inhumane the culture of war has become.