God's World

Having been summoned by angelic apparitions to a starship that will take them to ``God's World,'' a star named 82 Eridani, 22 light years from Earth, 15 scientists are about to land on the mysterious planet when they are intercepted by a group of its enemies. Six of the crew escape and learn how the natives of Eridani live partly in this universe, partly in ``Heaven.'' Earth is but the latest object of the natives' recruiting efforts, and once these six Earthlings convert, their fellow humans are expected to follow suit. The escapees wonder if they are really among angels or if the interception in space was an attempt to save them from another, more diabolical trap. British writer Watson ( Chekhov's Journey ) mingles physics and metaphysics, turning both on their heads in this first U.S. publication of his 1979 supernatural thriller. The concept is original, the plot well thought-out and presented in compelling prose. (May)