Game of Thrones Illustrated Edition Defended by Publisher After AI Backlash

If it feels like you were just reading about Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin in a news story involving AI, that is correct: Martin is one of a few big-name authors currently taking part in a lawsuit against OpenAI over copyright concerns. The writers don’t want large language models learning from their works, and they also don’t want them to have free rein to craft rip-offs so close to the source material that they might confuse readers.

So it’s been particularly surprising to see Martin’s name attached to a different sort of AI story: fears from fans that a snazzy new A Feast for Crows edition, featuring 24 original color illustrations by artist Jeffrey R. McDonald, may include AI-crafted work. A Feast for Crows was first released in 2000; this new edition hit shelves November 4 and costs $50, so its immediate appeal to readers might be more limited to collectors and superfans. However, people have started noticing some oddities in the artwork.

TheGamer pointed out such tells as “a crucifix on the wall—depicting a religion which does not exist in ASOIAF. There were also the classics, like mismatched limbs and odd-looking faces, as well as many inaccuracies with the characters.” The site also noted, “The art pieces show little understanding of ASOIAF itself, with few characters sporting the sigils and [colors] of their house, like Cersei being shown in blue, or Tywin wearing a crown during his funeral, despite never being king.”

It shared some social media posts from a reader who’d seemingly gotten an early look at the A Feast for Crows illustrated edition:

lol. lmao, even pic.twitter.com/YYwEO911nb

— 2åse (@novembernatten) November 5, 2025

The viral outcry reached the ears of Martin himself, or at least a spokesperson, who shared a guest post on Martin’s “Not a Blog” responding to the situation:

“My name is Raya Golden and I manage the art direction and licensing development here at Fevre River working closely with GRRM as his schedule will allow. But I alone am responsible for approving all the licensed art that accompanies our SOI&F book driven materials.

Recently there have been accusations floating around that the Penguin Random House’s illustrated edition of A Feast For Crows was produced using AI generative art.

To our knowledge and as presented by the artist who completed the work in question there was NO such programming used. While he is a digital multimedia artist and relies on digital programming to complete his work, he has expressed unequivocally that no AI was used, and we believe him.

SO…

The official word from our office is, of course, that we DO NOT, never have and will not willingly work with A.I generative artists in any way shape or form.

THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MINIONS OF FEVRE RIVER.”

io9 reached out to Random House for comment and was told, “Random House is aware of the allegations, and we have spoken with the artist, who has assured us that AI was not used on this project. We believe the artist.”

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