As much as fans complain about George R.R. Martin’s perpetual lateness with the final novels in the Game of Thrones series The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, they are still very invested in the world of Westeros.
Yet, the fourth illustrated hardcover book in the series, A Feast for Crows, is facing backlash as fans are accusing the author of using AI art.
Here is the pitch for A Feast for Crows on Amazon, emphasis mine:
Here is the fourth book in the landmark series that has redefined imaginative fiction and become a modern masterpiece in the making. This special edition of A Feast for Crows features 24 original color illustrations from artist Jeffrey R. McDonald.
I had to wait from its November release to see the reviews come in, and so far they are not good. Many verified purchasers are saying Jeffrey R. McDonald is either AI or used AI to illustrate A Feast for Crows and after seventy reviews, the rating stands at just 1.6 stars.
This is a dismal initial rating compared to the reception George R. R. Martin received from his previous illustrated novels, such as A Storm of Swords.
And fans are letting the author feel their disappointment with the change in the art. Here are just a few of the reviews left on Amazon.
While AI use has not been confirmed, these illustrations are a far cry from the Gary Gianni art that were used in previous editions.
Image Courtesy of Flesk Publications
Image Courtesy of Flesk Publications
The pushback against AI art use does not seem to be abating and has now struck the famous fantasy author who was already on thin ice with his fans for his late books. Full disclosure, my opinion on the use of AI is rather milquetoast. I have used AI to create things like backgrounds for thumbnails for my videos, and character models for my book characters, but I draw the line on making money off of AI art. I still prefer paying humans for art I plan to promote for profit.
While the new illustrated edition of A Feast for Crows appears to contain artwork that many fans believe is AI-generated, it’s worth noting that George R.R. Martin is currently suing AI companies for using his work without permission, which makes this latest controversy sting even more. Reactions may shift as more readers get their hands on the book, but in today’s climate, it would be strange, and counterproductive, for Penguin Random House and Martin to approve AI art for a flagship Game of Thrones release.
Let me know if you believe the Feast for Crows illustrations are AI art, and should that even matter?
The Cautionary Tale of George R.R. Martin
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