Alta

Because of the nation of Tia's superiority with dragons and their riders
(called Jousters), Alta has been slowly losing land -- and human lives
-- for decades. If nothing is done soon, Alta will surely be defeated
and all its people enslaved. When Vetch (his real name is Kiron) arrives
in the capital of Alta City with his scarlet dragon, Avatre, his
knowledge is welcomed. Alsmost immediately he begins training a new unit
of young Jousters and hatchling dragons. But the more time he spends in
Alta, the more he begins to realize that the real enemy of the Altan
people may not be the Tian Jousters but an elite group of Altan Magi who
are secretly sucking the life essence out of the people to supposedly
protect the city. When Kiron discovers the sinister truth behind the
Magi's actions, he and his wing-mates must do something before it's too
late. But can nine young adults and their juvenile dragons stop an
uncontrollable religious order and end a decades-long war?