Reviews

This page contains a selection of reviews for some of my books. Please feel free to add your own on the guest page.

Fiction:

Horseman of the Veldt:

'Horseman of the Veldt' is one of a series that follows the pattern set by C. S. Forester, but fortunately does a very good job of it.Not many of this type of book seies has that re-readability that is the mark of excellence, in this 'Horseman' succeeds. - Tom Cundiff

 

Pryde and the Infernal Device:

'Archibald's blend of nineteenth century science, history and adventure proves to be an extremely palatable concotion that is sure to entertain historical fiction lovers' - Booklist 

'I would recommend this book. It is a real edge-of-the-seat read, with a whiff of villainy and a strong dose of romance. Matthew is an unassuming yet valiant hero, and Kate makes a marvellous heroine: outspoken and brave, but with an interesting vulnerability and her own demons to fight. I would look forward to their future adventures.' - Mary Seely, The Historical Novel Society

Pryde's Rock:

This novel is quite simply a rivetting good read - Historical Novels Review

The likeable everyman hero wil appeal to readers as historian Archibald enriches the plot with interesting details pertaining to England's remote coastal life - Booklist

Soldier of the Queen

The Boer War, a defining period in our history, was eclipsed by the Great War and subsequently neglected by writers. With this entertaining and diligently researched novel, Malcolm Archibald helps to restore the balance - Michael J. Hunt

 

Whales for the Wizard:

A rip-roaring adventure mystery with terrific detail of place, period and shipping lore - Ian Rankin

Archibald breathes the spirit of Scott and Stevenson into thie hit-the-deck-running mystery - The SCotsman

NON FICTION

 

Whalehunters:

The author's style is objective, informative and entertaining...this remarkably competent book is not a dry industrial or economic history...its contribution to maritime history will be welcomed by those who are fascinated by the search for whales - Michael Clark, The Northern Mariner

Sixpence for the Wind

A definite one to have close to hand for those rare spare moments - Hannah Statton, RNLI

 

 

An amazingly eccentric collection or anthology of the sea and seafaring, this book introduces a fascinating repository of sealore, legend and history. Delightfully illustrated it roams widely all over the world and practically throughout history. It never fails to educate, entertain and edify the reader. A fascinating little book whose author and publisher deserve considerable praise for producing it. A delight!

Baird Online

 ACROSS THE POND

Another delightful and eccentric compendium of sealore from Scotland’s dynamic duo, author Malcolm Archibald and publisher Whittles.

Covering the history of Atlantic seafaring from 750BC until 1999, the book describes activity in every kind of craft coracles to yachts and from submarines to dreadnoughts, in both war and peace.

Excitingly written and usefully illustrated, the book describes just about every imaginable nautical activity that has taken place in the Atlantic Ocean. It describes those activities very well.

A great summary of one endlessly fascinating subject

Baird Online