When a pioneering producer, a visionary director, a dynamic cast, and a talented crew come together to make a movie, the result is sure to be epic. Such was the case with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Inspired by one of the most popular video game franchises of all time, the filmmakers set out to tell the story of Prince Dastan, a young man who is falsely accused of killing his father. Finding himself on the run with a kidnapped princess, Dastan discovers that he is in possession of a mystical dagger that could give him the power to travel back in time and prevent his father’s death. But there are others who covet the dagger for more sinister reasons, and if the dagger falls into the wrong hands, it could unleash a potentially disastrous sandstorm.

A story of this scope could only be brought to the screen by the most enterprising and creative of filmmakers, and so it was that producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Mike Newell teamed up to weave this tale of courage, honor, love, and adventure. Joining them in their quest was a star-studded cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal, Sir Ben Kingsley, Alfred Molina, and Gemma Arterton, as well as a world-class crew, including stunt experts, costume designers, sword makers, and camel trainers. Together, the company embarked on a quest that would take them halfway around the world, from Moroccan deserts to London soundstages.

We Make Our Own Destiny: Behind the Scenes of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time immerses readers in the filmmaking process, recounting the saga that began with Jordan Mechner’s video game and culminated in a production of monumental proportions. Every grain of sand in the hourglass is examined—from horsemanship training to set construction to ostrich racing to the art of parkour. Detailed cast biographies reveal the personalities underneath the charismatic characters, and fascinating sidebars divulge insider information about crucial props and weapons, feathered and furry co-stars, and the lethal Hassansins, each of whom specializes in a different brand of death-dealing. Abundantly distributed throughout the narrative is gorgeous photography shot on location that showcases the awe-inspiring landscapes and meticulously constructed sets that coalesced to create the world of ancient Persia.

Also featured within are several spreads of photography by Jerry Bruckheimer, whose unique perspective provides a window into the realm behind the camera. A Foreword written by Bruckheimer and an Afterword written by Jake Gyllenhaal provide ideal book-ends for the spellbinding tale, and quotes from the entire cast and crew are liberally woven into every chapter.

With We Make Our Own Destiny: Behind the Scenes of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time as a magic carpet, every fan of the film will be instantly transported to ancient kasbahs, Persian palaces, and Moroccan dunes. But readers, beware: be sure to bring sunscreen, avoid black-cloaked villains, and don’t provoke any camels!