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Ila Golden
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The Colours I See (The Neva Aton Collection) Kindle Edition

by Ila Golden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 15 ratings
Reader Ready Award Recommended Read 2021

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. Not that my parents like that much, since they’d rather I wasn’t 'wasting my potential'. But the thing is, I don’t just love art, I’m seriously good at it too. Maybe not as good as Aunt Zelda, but still really good; even if it’s not always easy to get everyone’s colours right.

That’s one of my secrets you know. 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. It’s another thing that makes me like her, and something else that makes me different. That makes me, me. And one I’m totally not above using to my advantage, because, lets face it, what else am I going to use the world’s lamest superpower for?

There’s... another big secret I have. One which could get me into a lot of trouble if the wrong people found out. But it’s not like I planned on fancying him. I didn’t even realise I could fancy him till I already did. And there’s nothing wrong with me trying to find out if he fancies me back, is there? I mean, I have his colours right there, just begging for me to use them. So I should try to figure it out, shouldn’t I? Because... because I... I really want him to fancy me back, and then...

But 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, and... and I’d rather he was in my life than not. And if Aunt Zelda figured out ways to make it okay, then... then I know I can too. I just... really hope... I don’t have to.

The Neva Aton Collection

Four boys who were made to be friends. Four stories with a bigger tale to tell.

Sly, Zel, Jay and Arian. Four boys who meet by chance and circumstance, but the friendships they form feel more like fate. Brought together by their sense of humour. Kept together because of the genuine bond they have with each other. Each with their own story to tell.

The Neva Aton Collection is a series of magical realism books which have been designed to be read in any order. Each story is able to stand alone, but when put together show the power the relationships around us can have on our lives.

What are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!
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  1. Part of series
    The Neva Aton Collection
  2. Print length
    1324 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 1, 2019
  6. File size
    1.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.
  • Kindle Price:
    $8.97
    By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

From the Publisher

How the books of The Neva Aton Collection fit together

fantasy, slice of life

"This book managed to build me up and then rip my heart out with an ending I didn't expect."

Hyeana Boy is set in the same part of the timeline as The Colours I See. It takes the boys through from early childhood to their mid-teens.

This story is told from Jay's POV, as he writes down the experiences of his life so far, whilst looking forward to a future he hopes will be free from the torment of his father.

fantasy, slice of life

"The writing is incredible, the characters are so real, dealing with very real life issues. My heart was overflowing with love and pride for them all."

The Colours I See is set in the same part of the timeline as Hyena Boy. It takes the boys through from early childhood to their mid-teens.

This story is told from Zel's POV, as he grows up learning to adapt to all the ways he is different. He deals with issues around his health, his lovelife, and his gift.

fantasy, slice of life

"It's a credit to how well Ila develops these characters, making them not just likeable but genuinely lovable. "

No Doors Allowed begins about a year and a half after the events of The Colours I See and Hyena Boy. A lot of it's timeline overlaps with We Giants.

This story is told from Arian's POV, as he learns to navigate university and adult life, whilst dealing with often crippling anxiety.

fantasy, slice of life

" I was genuinely in tears at points of the book, and once again Ila has rounded out a cast of lovable characters, all going through their own stories."

We Giants begins about two and a half years after the end of The Colours I See and Hyena Boy. All of it's timeline overlaps with No Doors Allowed.

This story is told from Sly's POV, as he comes to terms with the way his cancer has affected the way he's able to interact with the world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The craftsmanship of this realistic portrayal of awakening to one's sexuality and exploring emotions, future goals and achievements are expertly done, taking us deep into the life of a group of young men who appear fated to have all found one another. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Colours I See as an emotive and thought-provoking reading experience, and certainly one for those who would like to stay with a character for a long time and really get to know them intimately." - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

From the Author

The Colours I See deals with mature themes, some of which may be triggering to readers.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B081YSL6PF
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 1324 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ The Neva Aton Collection
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 15 ratings

About the author

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Ila Golden

Ila Golden

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Mixing the pot of magic and realism, Ila Golden is an author of mature young adult fantasy, with a focus on personal relationships and identity exploration. They started creating their unique stories as a child, telling them to their younger brother on long car journeys. As they grew up and matured into a young adult, writing also became an outlet for them to explore their own burgeoning sense of identity, although it would take until their early 30s for them to have the strength and confidence needed to fully realise the unique individual they were always meant to become.

In their spare time Ila enjoys watching a variety of shows and playing video games with their partner, along with taking care of their elderly gerbil Zel-Bell.

If you have enjoyed any of Ila Goldens books please consider leaving a review.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
15 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Vampire Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique and Heart-warming, mystical Saga!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    In this disturbing, yet lovely and imaginative tale, we meet Zelda, or Zel, as a child and learn from the beginning that he is both gifted and challenged with health ailments. A running theme throughout this wonderful story is the celebration of differences. Zel differs from most children in many ways, and he is gay in an era when the laws forced people to keep such information secret. Luckily, Zel forms friendships early on with three other boys, and together, they face a number of challenges before one friend's problem reaches a startling conclusion. I highly recommend this amazing story!
    Helpful
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  • R.L.D.K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Story of using one's gift, of pain, and awakening
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2021
    After checking this out, I knew there are books revolving around four boys who are friends.
    Sly, Zel, Jay and Arian. Four boys who meet by chance and circumstance, but the friendships are a genuine bond they have with each other. Each book has their own story to tell of these boys growing up in the 60’s. This one is from Zelda’s perspective. He has a magical ability to see colors around people.

    These colors show him clues as to what everyone was feeling. Other people can’t see them though. Now this character also believes, from the way his Aunt Zelda painted and other information he gathered, that she had this gift or ability too. It has limits, he knew he couldn’t see people’s colors when looking at photos of them, and the theory was neither could his aunt. Zel—as he likes to be called, still uses his gift, at first not thinking of it as a "superpower," and he seems wishful for an ability that allowed him to save the people around him. That he couldn’t do, but he's more than just some kid who can see colors around people and it seems like part of his journey.

    I like the concept and was thinking it's magical, but realistic in how we all sometimes speak about picking up on someone's vibe or air or spirit. This is mixed in with family and social dynamics of the era. For example, the child abuse experiences of one character which we know has been a fight to eradicate, and the negative portrayal and views of gay relationships at that time. Some of the book was hard to read emotionally. I'm sensitive and I know how certain things will make me feel, but I didn't get depressed over the subject matter if a reader is worried about that. I thought this a good tale of awakening to one's sexuality and exploring emotions, taking us deeper into the lives of the young men who are "fateful" friends. I'd read like to read about the other books soon!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ceit Kelly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading
    Reviewed in Australia on October 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A very beautiful and slightly sad book about a group of 4 boys growing up in the 60’s. This one is from Zelda’s perspective. He sees people’s ‘ colours’ and this is mixed in with family and social dynamics of the era with some child abuse ( experienced by one of the other boys) and the negative Social attitudes towards gay relationships at that time. Some of the book is hard to read emotionally, but the characters are so well drawn you feel like you know them personally and it is worth persevering. The next book is Hyena Boy about Jay, which I know will be tough ( he is the abused boy, and there is a hint of the paranormal realism suggested there too) but having read this I definitely will read that one too, and look forward to the ones about the remaining two boys as well.
    Report
  • Bill Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite LGBT young adult book of the decade
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    What a read! Following on from the emotionally intense story of Hyena Boy, it was fascinating to see the perspective from another side. Ila has blended the narrative of their previous work with a fresh pair of eyes, whilst also expanding the world of Neva Aton and showing the struggles and complexity of someone who's in the LGBT community at a very transitional time in their life, handling friends, family, love and loss. My heart broke multiple times reading this story, but I was grinning from ear to ear also. Ila has once again made groups of not just likeable but lovable characters. If their next book is any indication, the Neva Aton collection should be reviewed in retrospect as a must read for LGBT people in the future.
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  • Moira B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first of the trilogy. A book that is a riveting read especially for anyone who has an understanding of auras.
    Report

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