I really enjoy sci-fi that starts grounded in reality — that eases you in with a slow build, a sense of normalcy, before the shift. I love when the story begins in the everyday, then opens into something strange and vast. Think the beginning of The Matrix or Old Man’s War, perhaps? That kind of vibe. Any recommendations?
The Wandering Inn has some moments like this at the beginning. The reader slowly realizes how vast the universe is and it just keeps going.
The Perfect Run is very good as well. The universe and the MC are really fun to read.
“starts grounded in reality” oh woops! NVM. Feel free to ignore then!