Overview
- Penguin Random House said it spoke with artist Jeffrey R. McDonald, who assured the publisher that AI was not used, and the company said it believes him.
- In a post on Martin’s blog, Fevre River’s Raya Golden stated the artwork used no generative tools and reiterated a policy against working with AI-generated art.
- Readers questioned the images after they circulated online, citing odd anatomy and faces, inaccurate heraldry and colors, and even a crucifix inconsistent with the series’ world.
- The illustrated 20th‑anniversary edition went on sale November 4 with 24 color illustrations and a $50 list price.
- Skepticism from fans persists, and no independent technical verification has been made public to settle the dispute.