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Mixing the pot of magic and realism, Ila Golden is a mature young adult fantasy author, 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.
Their history as an indie author began after they graduated from the University in 2008. Unfortunately, Blood, Friendship and Marriage: Time Forgets (retired) was released to little success. Undeterred, Ila tried again with Realms and Reality: Zero Conformity (retired), but struggled to get traction in part due to issues with the title's publisher.
After a brief pause due to health issues, 2017 saw the release of Echoe . This was followed in the 2018 by the release of Hyena Boy, and 2019 by The Colours I See, which was also the first title published through KDP.
After seeing an improved traction with The Colours I See, Ila made the decision to republish both Echoe and Hyena Boy through KDP. Following this, in August of 2020, Ila released The Doll Maker Son books. Then, with success as an indie author looking a lot more promising, in April of 2021, Ila released their latest book, No Doors Allowed.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Colours I See is a work of magical realism, LGBTQ+ and interpersonal drama fiction penned by author Ila Golden. Written as a volume to contribute to the Neva Aton Collection, this work features a standalone tale that connects to many others but can be read in any order in the collection as a whole. This story focuses on central character Zel, who has a great many things which make him different from those around him and give him additional struggles he must deal with. The story is set in the 1970s and '80s but with a few speculative and magical twists, and Zel’s sexuality and romantic interests form a central plot as part of the tale.
As we weave through the family tapestry of Zel’s life with his aspirational parents and the history of his artistic Aunt Zelda, we learn that Zel has an intuitive gift to see auras of color around people. As he hones his skills and uses them to assess the emotions of others, Zel realizes that he can utilize this to help people, and also to his advantage. So when he discovers that he has developed a crush on one of his best friends, the temptation to discover whether his feelings are returned proves too much. What results is a powerful tale about the nature of relationships, awakening and becoming self-aware despite the influences and pressures around you.
Author Ila Golden has created an epic-length story to tell the tale of Zel’s experiences, as well as his connection to the other 3 boys who form the central storyline of The Neva Aton Collection. The narrative takes us through many winding twists, and it is primarily driven by the central character’s experiences through forty-eight chapters of interpersonal connections and the fallout from the use of his powers. One of the things which I really admire about the creation of the work is the seamless inclusion of the magical/paranormal element into the tale, and how despite Zel’s abilities, the drama feels realistic and still grounded by true emotion. Golden utilizes poetic and lyrical imagery around these colors, creating an atmosphere that feels highly artistic and vivid when you experience it alongside her main character.
There is some explicit content within the novel which makes it suitable for adult readers and mature readers on the YA/NA spectrum; for example, themes of abuse and some scenes of violence and use of explicit language. These elements feel justified and realistic to the plot, and serve to intensify the drama and the personal experiences of the cast. 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.
