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Is veronica roth copying marika's artwork?

Veronica Roth's New Book Sparks Controversy | Cover Art Similar to Elden Ring

By

Jordan Figueroa

Mar 5, 2026, 09:28 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

Updated

Mar 6, 2026, 10:18 PM

2 minutes of duration

Comparison of Veronica Roth's new book cover with Marika's artwork showing similarities in design elements and style.
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A rising wave of speculation surrounds Veronica Roth's latest book as many assert its cover art closely resembles elements from the hit game Elden Ring. This situation has ignited fierce debates about originality and the influence of AI in graphic design.

Incident Overview

Roth, famous for her Divergent series, recently announced a new work billed as an "epic romantic dystopian fantasy." Though the narrative bears no connection to Elden Ring, the cover has drawn skepticism from fans.

Commenters noted, "Itโ€™s literally Marika at the Gates of Divinity, with the backdrop of Renellaโ€™s Remembrance (phase 2) boss arena," questioning the originality of the design. Another commenter mentioned that the design has caused confusion, stating, "Thatโ€™s on the publisher. Authors rarely, if ever, get any say on how the book covers are done unless they are self-published."

The Bigger Picture: Publisher Accountability

The backlash has raised significant concerns regarding the balance of power between authors and publishers. One comment reflected a common sentiment:

"Publishers are defaulting to AI-generated images for book covers so they donโ€™t have to pay artists."

Many have expressed frustrations about the ongoing trend of AI-generated designs in the industry, fearing it undermines the hard work of artists. They believe that such practices often occur without the authors' knowledge.

Key Themes Emergent from Public Commentary

  1. Cover Design Control: Many users emphasize that authors typically have limited influence on their book covers.

  2. AI in Publishing: The shift towards AI-generated art is drawing ire, with whispers of ethical implications in creative industries amplifying.

  3. Public Perception: Roth's choice of imagery has sparked not only curiosity but also a light-hearted tone among fans, with some jokingly hoping she might have "ripped off the story too."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Fans note Roth's cover art mirrors critical elements from Elden Ring.

  • ๐Ÿ“š Many assert that authors hold little sway over cover design.

  • ๐Ÿค– A growing chorus questions the role of AI in the industry.

This ongoing debate surrounding Roth's cover highlights a significant tension in the literary world, wherein authors, their publishers, and the art community need clarity and accountability. With discussions around originality gaining steam, industry stakeholders may need to rethink their strategies.

What Lies Ahead for Roth and Industry Practices?

As attention on Roth's design choices intensifies, there may be increasing pressure on her publisher to clarify the design process. There's a sense that a public statement from Roth could help assuage concerns among her readers. Additionally, growing conversations about AI in creative sectors suggest that changes in publishing practices are on the horizon, pushing toward more collaborative, artist-led approaches.

Reflections on Art and Originality

In the long tradition of artistic disputes, Roth's situation recalls moments where questions of originality reshaped industry standards. Discussions about art ownership and interpretation continuously influence how we perceive creativity in modern contexts, with recent events serving as a testament to the continuing evolution of the publishing landscape.