The Crow: Clash by Night

The Crow Novels #5

by Chet Williamson

In the third novel in the series, the immortal Crow joins a peace-loving woman on a search-and-destroy mission deep in the woods to break up a crazed militia that tries to bomb a day-care center. Original.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Chet Williamson has written horror, science fiction, and suspense since 1981. Among his novels are Second Chance, Hunters, Defenders of the Faith, Ash Wednesday, Reign, Dreamthorp, and the forthcoming Psycho Sanitarium, an authorized sequel to Robert Bloch's classic Psycho. Over a hundred of his short stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Playboy, Esquire, The Magazine of F&SF, and many other magazines and anthologies.

He has won the International Horror Guild Award, and has been shortlisted twice for the World Fantasy Award, six times for the HWA Stoker, and once for the MWA's Edgar. Nearly all of his works are available in ebook format.

A stage and film actor, he has recorded over 40 unabridged audiobooks, both of his own work and that of many other writers, available at www.audible.com. Follow him on Twitter (@chetwill) or at www.chetwilliamson.com.

Reviews

[A.L. Bellettiere · Rating 1 out of 5]

“The Crow: Clash By Night” by Chet Williamson had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. While the premise of Amy Carlisle’s story—seeking justice for the children she cared for—is compelling, the execution left much to be desired.

The portrayal of the antagonists, the Sons of America, felt too familiar, echoing modern extremist behaviors. This could have been an opportunity for a nuanced exploration, but instead, it comes across as shallow and gratuitous.

Amy’s death scene, while pivotal, lacks the emotional depth and resonance that could have made her sacrifice more impactful. The narrative choices often feel like they’re trying to shock rather than genuinely engage. As a transgender woman, I also found it difficult to connect with a story so steeped in masculine perspectives, especially given the lack of female or diverse voices in this series overall.

Ultimately, while Clash By Night had some interesting moments, it didn’t live up to the depth or emotional complexity of other entries in The Crow universe.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me. When I first started reading I didn't think I was going to like it. I really got it to it and it had an intresting story. If you have seen any of The Crow movies then you know the basics. This would've made an intresting movie or animated movie.

[T.J. Tranchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most gut-wrenching, heart-breaking book in this series. It also reads like it could have been written in 2020 instead of 1997/98.

[Ayla Cashubec · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as my ISU novel in grade 9 because I had a huge obsession with the crow. When reading this there were many good points and I liked that she came back to avenge the children she deeply cared for, though I wish it was executed differently because there were many scenarios that could have been worded differently/better that would have made more sense when reading.

[Samantha Knapp]

For those who have seen The Crow movies, this would be an interesting book. It takes the basic idea behind the movies and inserts a female crow. The story line is the same, as much as they are all the same, but it just different enough to make it worth the read. For those who may be easily offended, do not read this book. The villans are as racist as they get and are very good at being villans. Otherwise, it is a good read.

[Sasha Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little wordy with a predictable ending, but not disappointing at all! If you are a fan of the Crow this book is one I recommend. It would also be a good starting novel for someone who doesn’t know the Crow story very well. Overall I enjoyed this read.

[A. E. S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like this installment of The Crow series - I've definitely read better. Going to read The Crow: Temple of Night next!

[Larry H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read this after a very long time. Great addition to the Crow genre. Engaging, though certain elements of the story dates it back into the 90s.