About Lenn

I write about my personal thoughts, experiences, and bookish fixations.

The Farseer Files: Log #0 – The Realm Has Claimed Me

Posted on 04/15/2025 by Lenn

So I’ve finally done it. I’ve started my journey into The Realm of the Elderlings—Robin Hobb’s epic fantasy universe that everyone seems to either lovingly weep over or warn you about with a knowing nod and a tissue.

Technically, I’m already well into the journey. I read Assassin’s Apprentice back in November, and now I’m currently in Book 2 (Royal Assassin)—not yet halfway through, but already incredibly invested. Even though I didn’t start documenting from page one, the story’s been living rent-free in my head, so I figured: it’s not too late to start tracking it all.

Hence, this little blog series.

I’m calling the overall series the RoTE Chronicler’s Log, but it’ll be divided into different “series files” within The Realm of the Elderlings sequence. It’s going to be a mix of:

Case study-esque reflections on the series
Unfiltered yapping about characters, plot twists, and worldbuilding
Fangirl emotions disguised as thoughtful commentary
Lots of feelings about Fitz. So many feelings.

I wanted a place to record my reading journey through this massive series—not just to remember what happened, but to capture how I felt while it was happening. The Realm of the Elderlings is the kind of story that asks you to live with it, sit with it, ache with it… and I want to have something to look back on after the long emotional road.

Whether you’re a fellow Hobb reader, curious about the series, or just here for the screaming—welcome. Entries or logs can be accessed via Menu Bar > Books > RoTE Chronicler’s Log here on the blog, and I’ll be cross-posting over on my bookstagram and Facebook page as well.

Let the deep dives (and inevitable heartbreak) begin.

Series Recommendation: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Posted on 04/10/2025 by Lenn

I’ve already posted a reel about this series and raved about it just a couple of days ago on Instagram, but I can’t help it! They’re just so beautiful. Also, this is my first-ever Fairyloot purchase.

But more than just being pretty on my shelves, this trilogy means so much to me. Some books just stick with you no matter how much time passes, and for me, this one’s exactly that. It was my roman empire back in college—I was so deep in my feelings over Belly’s summers at Cousins Beach, her coming-of-age journey, the love, the heartbreak… all of it had me in a chokehold. Even now, it’s still one of my ultimate comfort reads.

A while back, I gave my old copies with the human covers to my younger cousin when she was old enough to read them, so she could experience the emotional rollercoaster for herself. But of course, I had to get the colorful editions for myself—because I could never not have this series in my collection. No regrets, obviously.

And then last year, when I saw that Fairyloot was releasing special editions? Yeah, there was no way I wasn’t getting them. And now that they’ve finally arrived, I cannot get over how beautiful they are.

One of the reasons I loved this series so much was because of the beach setting and the atmospheric way Jenny Han described Cousins. I could feel the summer heat, smell the salty air, and picture every little moment by the ocean. It made the story hit even harder.

I’m so excited to reread and revisit this world again—I can’t wait to dive back into all the messy emotions, summer nostalgia, and heartbreak.

If you’ve read this series, let’s talk—are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?

Gentle Days in Dumaguete

Posted on 04/09/2025 by Lenn

Known as the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete allowed us to experience the best of both worlds with its vibrant city vibe and breathtaking natural escapes. ♡

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Celebrating Another Year

Posted on 04/01/2025 by Lenn

Last Friday marked another trip around the sun, and as I sit down to reflect, I can’t help but feel grateful for all the moments—big and small—that have shaped me over the past year. Birthdays have always been a mix of emotions for me, a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and quiet contemplation.

This year, my celebration was simple and intimate, surrounded by family, love, and good food. No grand parties or extravagant plans—just heartfelt conversations, laughter, and a warm sense of home. Sometimes, the best way to honor another year of life is by embracing the little things that bring us joy.

Looking back, this past year has been one of growth. I’ve explored new places, dived deeper into my passions, and allowed myself the grace to take things slow. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of moving at my own pace—whether in reading, in life, or in pursuing goals. There’s no rush, no race, just the journey itself.

As I step into this new chapter, I hope to continue embracing the unknown with curiosity, to find joy in the ordinary, and to surround myself with stories—both the ones I read and the ones I create in my own life. If this past year has taught me anything, it’s that time is best spent doing what makes your soul feel alive.

So here’s to another year of adventures, of books that keep me up at night, of laughter that lingers long after the moment has passed, and of love in all its wonderful forms.

Happy belated birthday to me! ♡

Why Siquijor Will Always Have My Heart

Posted on 03/25/2025 by Lenn

Siquijor is known as the Mystic Island of the Philippines due to the infamous urban legend about black magic and witchcraft. But did you know it is also called the Healing Island of the Philippines? Long before the legend began, Siquijor was known for its herbal medicines and traditional healers. Locals say that the legends of kulam and barang are misconceptions—stemming from the older generation’s belief that herbal healers used black magic to cure their patients. Since the urban legend gained popularity, the island became even more renowned for its mystical appeal. As a result, voodoo dolls and potions were introduced as souvenirs—a unique and cute idea, if you ask me! ♡ Continue reading →

A Life Shaped by Pages

Posted on 03/24/2025 by Lenn

I honestly can’t remember a time when books weren’t a part of my life. Some of my earliest memories involve flipping through pages, completely absorbed in stories that felt more vivid than reality. It started with fairy tales—talking animals, lost princesses, enchanted forests—and over time, my taste shifted, but the love for reading never faded.

As a child, I didn’t quite understand the gravity of reading. It was simply a way to pass the time when I wasn’t playing or watching TV. But looking back, I can pinpoint numerous moments where books influenced me, and I realized that reading has been one of the most constant threads in my personal development. They’ve taught me patience, perspective, and how to sit with uncertainty. They’ve kept me company through different phases of life, whether I was completely overwhelmed or just needed an escape. Through books, I’ve traveled to places I’ve never been, slipped into the minds of people who see the world differently, and experienced emotions I might not have encountered otherwise.

I’ve always been drawn to stories that make me feel something—romance that tugs at my heart, thrillers that keep me on edge, horror that unsettles me just enough, and fantasy that demands full attention. Some books stick with me long after I finish them, while others are just quick distractions. Either way, every book I’ve read has added something, even if it’s just the memory of how it made me feel at the time.

And while I don’t always have the time or headspace for heavy reads, I know I’ll always come back to them. Reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s one of the few constants in my life. Even when I take a break, I always find my way back.

Bali, Indonesia

Posted on 01/28/2025 by Lenn

For our second trip in 2024, we spent five days in Bali! It’s a place we’ve been meaning to visit for a while and had originally booked a trip to in 2020, but the pandemic forced the airline to cancel our flight. It feels so fulfilling to finally tick this off our list after four years.

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Manga Review: Fragments of Horror by Junji Ito

Posted on 01/24/2025 by Lenn

Wow, this is easily a 5-star read for me and is now probably my most favorite Junji Ito by far! Fragments of Horror consists 10 short stories with different themes.

This isn’t my first Junji Ito so you can say that I’m somewhat used to his out-of-this-world ideas when it comes to his works, but I still get that “what the fu–” reactions everytime I come across something so bizzare like that of Tomio: Red Turtleneck and Blackbird–my favorites–in this collection. It was freaking insane and creepy that I love it; it kind of reminds me of love potion horror stories. Continue reading →

Book Review: Lam-ang (Alamat, #1) by Herbert de Leon

Posted on 01/22/2025 by Lenn

This book caught my attention the very first time I learned about it—one of the reasons is that my lolo is from Isabela which makes him Ilocano and Lam-ang is based on the Ilocano epic Biag ni Lam-ang.

Also, I feel like this is the perfect book to kickstart my reading year because I love fantasy and mythology and I’ve been meaning to get back into this genre after hyperfixating on thriller and horror in the past two years! And, not only that, but I also adore the “Chosen One” trope in fantasy, so you can definitely say that this book ticked off all of the things I am looking for in a fantasy book. Continue reading →

Coron, Palawan

Posted on 01/15/2025 by Lenn

For our second anniversary, we opted for a 7-day trip to Coron, Palawan. It’s one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines and we are so excited to experience Coron as freedivers! After taking our freediving lessons back in April 2022, we just couldn’t get enough of the ocean. It’s one thing to be in its presence and another to be one with the ocean. It’s so refreshing, calming, and peaceful to be able to do freediving and explore the underwater world.