ABANDONED. Book about memory trained story teller and magician whose city is attacked by soldiers in magic air balloons

[Lfer003]

Book about a boy who goes to a college to be trained in memory for story telling. He meets a female student magician
They have to defend the city against soldiers who attack from magic air balloons.
Eventually they become dragon riders

[Kris]

Lfer003, around what year did you read this book?

Is this book for young adults (teens)? Not steampunk?

What kind of stories does he memorize? What are the girl's magic powers? (Spoilers are okay - just give us a clear warning before revealing a spoiler.)

Tips for posting a book request: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lfer003, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Kris]

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

Lfer003 (OP) was last active on the site in July 2018.