A statement posted on the blog of George R.R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones, has responded to allegations that AI-generated artwork appears in the new anniversary edition of A Feast for Crows.
The announcement follows growing outrage that the latest version of Martin’s fourth A Song of Ice and Fire novel includes illustrations suspected to be AI-produced. Fans on social media and Reddit have voiced strong criticism, calling the images low-quality, AI-like, and strikingly similar to earlier fan creations.
Now, the art director responsible for the book’s visuals has issued a denial on behalf of illustrator Jeffrey R. McDonald, stating that no AI was used. Notably, the rebuttal was published directly on Martin’s personal blog—where the author has previously spoken out against artificial intelligence.
"My name is Raya Golden, and I oversee art direction and licensing development at Fevre River, working closely with GRRM as his schedule permits," the statement reads. "I am solely responsible for approving all licensed artwork used in our A Song of Ice and Fire publications."
"Recently, claims have circulated that the Penguin Random House illustrated edition of A Feast for Crows utilized AI-generated art. To our knowledge, and as confirmed by the artist who completed the project, no such software was employed.
"Although he is a digital multimedia artist who works with digital tools, he has firmly stated that AI played no part in the process, and we take him at his word," the statement concludes. "Therefore, our official position is clear: we do not knowingly collaborate with AI generative artists in any capacity."
Just so everyone’s aware, the new illustrated edition of AFFC appears to be almost certainly AI-generated, and I’d argue it draws heavily from existing fan art
— 2åse (@novembernatten) November 5, 2025
(First artwork by zippo514) pic.twitter.com/GuLdFima0U
Even with the AI allegations addressed, Reddit users have compiled an extensive list of errors and oddities found in the illustrations—such as a Christian cross appearing inappropriately, and a bald character depicted with hair. Another example, shown above, highlights the resemblance between a popular Lady Stoneheart fan art and the new official image.
Martin—who is currently involved in a major legal dispute against OpenAI alongside fellow authors—has previously labeled AI "the world’s most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine."
Last month, the author provided a new progress update on the long-awaited The Winds of Winter, which fans have been anticipating for 15 years. Speaking at New York Comic Con, Martin expressed frustration over repeated delays in delivering the manuscript.
