I'm not very interested in fantasy, but the idea that writing is more long-winded than it used to be doesn't really survive even the most cursory survey of literature from the 1800s. Or if that's not your speed check ancient literature and see if you find it more to-the-point.

You're the second person I see in this thread complaining that texts have become too bloated and using this exact example. Perhaps the guy is just a hack.