Older Sci-Fi novel where MC becomes one of the first humans who can travel through FTL (faster than light, hyperspace)

[Jamie]

I read this novel somewhere in the late 90's early 2000 from my local library who doesn't seem to have the book for a record for it anymore.

The cover art was a retro-style almost organic golden ship. The main character of the series becomes one of the first humans capable of travelling through their unique form of Hyperspace or FTL. When travelling through the FTL flight his eyes turn black.

I'm sorry I'm a little vague on the details. I read this book at foot 15-20 years ago. I do remember that travel between the worlds is rare since people capable of navigating between worlds are also rare.

[Kris]

Hyperspace or FTL = faster than light
Adding to header. We try to avoid acronyms that will be unfamiliar to many.

[Jamie]

Ah, apologies for that.
I've also remembered the book is actually set on what appears to be an alien world colonised by humans, but the society lives in isolated cities, which I think are underground.
Trying my best to remember any more details