Songbirds — Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Prince Tadeo has his heart set on a Songbird for the coronation. He sends Reynaldo, the best magic hunter in the business, after it. Once upon a time, Songbirds served the king.

Now Reynaldo must convince one Songbird to return. Just one. Or he will use devastating magic to make sure she never sings from her heart again.

“A joy of clarity and lyricism. [Rusch] is a new breed of writer: a Renaissance woman.”
-- Charles de Lint