The Ragged World: A Novel of the Hefn on Earth

In eight complicated, interlocking tales (four of which have been previously published; two are Nebula nominees), Moffett ( Pennterra ) has created a convincing near-future world in which earth has been ``invaded'' by the Hefn, a race of gnomish beings whose main demand is that humankind cease destroying the planet's ecosystem. To this end, the Hefn impose stringent guidelines, backed by the threat of harsh punishment. But are the aliens a ``deus ex machina, bringing humanity's last, best hope for averting self-destruction'' or are they exhibiting a blatant disregard for human rights? Each of the stories involves a human who has been affected by an encounter with the Hefn--and whose life is gradually revealed to be connected with all of the others. Moffett, winner of the 1988 John W. Campbell Award for best new SF writer, focuses on characters and emotions in presenting a provocative possible reality. (Feb.)