Capn’s Reviews > Catfish Rolling > Status Update
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Capn
is on page 278 of 432
Wondering about book length publishing trends in the juvenile market over time. I read a lot of old books (1980s and earlier), and I'm convinced that MG and YA books have gotten chonkier over time. I have the same complaint about them all - they could certainly be pared down, and most are stuffed with filler.
This has enjoyable filler, but I feel it could have been meaner and leaner and really packed a wallop.
— Mar 01, 2026 08:56AM
This has enjoyable filler, but I feel it could have been meaner and leaner and really packed a wallop.
Capn
is on page 26 of 432
I've given this novel side-eye ever since I read the term "magical realism". I don't enjoy magical realism.
However, I am quickly beginning to suspect that the term "low fantasy" has largely been subsumed by "magical realism" - case in point, I don't think this is magical realism. The world was normal, something cataclysmic happens, weirdness begins. That's low fantasy, isn't it? We started with normal.
Am I right?
— Feb 28, 2026 10:25AM
However, I am quickly beginning to suspect that the term "low fantasy" has largely been subsumed by "magical realism" - case in point, I don't think this is magical realism. The world was normal, something cataclysmic happens, weirdness begins. That's low fantasy, isn't it? We started with normal.
Am I right?

