The Colours I See (The Neva Aton Collection)
by Ila Golden
About the book
There’s nothing wrong with being different, it’s wrong that people think there is. And, in lots of ways, I am different. I’m too thin. My eyes are too dark. I breathe funny. I’m genius level smart... but I’d rather be an artist like Aunt Zelda was, even if it’s not always easy to get everyone’s colours right. That’s one of my secrets. The colours I see around people. The ones that tell me what everyone’s feeling. Most people can’t see them. But I can. And, from the way Aunt Zelda painted, I’m pretty sure she could too. But it’s not a superpower. No matter how much I wish it was. Because if it was then I could save everybody… but I can’t. Still, maybe it can be used to figure something else out. My other big secret. One which could have big consequences if the wrong people ever found out. But it’s not like I planned on fancying him. I didn’t even realise boys could fancy boys till I already did. So maybe I could use my gift to find out if he fancies me too. And if he doesn’t, that’ll be okay. I mean, I’ll make myself okay with it. Because he’s one of my best friends. One of the people who really sees me. One of the people I’d do anything to protect. I just wish seeing their colours was enough to keep them safe.
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About the author
Ila Golden writes at the intersection of the everyday and the extraordinary. Specializing in character-driven magical realism and slice-of-life fiction, Ila’s work—including The Neva Aton Collection and the What Makes Me series—dives deep into the complexities of identity, trauma, and mental health. As a nonbinary, asexual-spectrum author, Ila is committed to authentic diversity. They craft stories where the plot is a byproduct of human (and sometimes monstrous) choices. Whether exploring the horror-tinged world of The Doll Maker’s Son or the contemporary fantasy of Echoe, their writing balances the weight of real-world struggles with the spark of the supernatural. Based in a home defined by puzzles and play, Ila shares their life with their partner and two miniature lops, Tempest and Chilchuck. When not writing, they are immersed in escape rooms, walking adventure books, and video games—constantly searching for the next story hidden in the mechanics of life.
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