I really adore this philosophical and psychological series, although this second part isn't as solid as the first one. The White Carrot continues where the first part ended quite straightforwardly. Bridgebelle makes art out of cha, these thokchas that are almost like magical talismans and we learn the truth behind the black sun. Sadly so I wish it hadn't been so anticlimactic. The journey of different rabbits were highlighted as well as the legend of the white carrot - the legend being the most interesting part surely. I wish Pascoe had used more pages to tell the mystery of the black sun, since it's at the center of it all and the reason the foxes are on the hunt. I'm not saying this part isn't good, but I feel like the emphasis is wrongly aimed. The story in itself is amazing still and the thoughtfulness of it all. How this still isn't about rabbits and foxes actually.

The art is beautiful once again and the colors are perfect with deep and rich hues. The animals look realistic and magical at the same time, which makes this oddly cute and sad at the same time. An adult's fairy tale like no other. I cannot wait for the last part of the trilogy, since I need to know what happens and if Pascoe can give this the grand final it deserves. I think he can.

Numerous individuals and groups are after the thokchas that Bridgebelle and Croquet have made to use for various purposes. Some want them gone because they fear them. Croquet himself has been twisted by his experiences. Bridgebelle has been having recurring dreams of her home and a story her father told her about a white carrot. And times are turbulent as the carrot shortage and mysterious illness grow more severe.

This book is really hard to summarize because there are a lot of characters each with their own little quests, issues, etc. The book is also definitely a middle book, setting up various things to be right on the cusp of the apex of the plot lines which will come in the final book. I love the background art and the way this series is set in the Yosemite area. It was good there was a little recap (done in a clever way) and a character guide at the beginning of this or I’d have been lost without re-reading the first book. There are some interesting developments in this book, but a lot of big answers are waiting for that last book to be revealed. I was a little worried when one character was asked to make a blood sacrifice to get the answers he wanted, but <spoiler>thankfully he realized how awful that was before acting on it</spoiler>. Recommended to graphic novel fans, those who like animal fantasies and plots that revolve around the worth of art.

Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. There’s some animal on animal violence but no fatalities and nothing bloody. Some of the characters want to use the thokchas for dark magic, but that is painted as a bad thing.

<i>I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I really loved the first book in the trilogy and I loved this one as well. There is some violence in this book, so I'd recommend it for a middle grade audience. You should really read the first book but they do give a really good overview of it in the beginning of this book. I like that despite many characters and a lot of interwoven storylines, they keep the chapters short so you can grasp everything more easily. The art is really nice as well. I look forward to reading the conclusion!